Cast & creator
Douglas Spencer
Best known for Bonanza, The Rifleman, The Twilight Zone
Douglas Spencer (born July 4, 1910 – March 5, 1960) was an American actor, best known for his roles in classic science fiction films and film noirs during the 1940s and 1950s. Spencer was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He was drawn to the entertainment industry early on and began his career in theater before transitioning to films. He often played characters with a tough, no-nonsense edge, making him a popular choice for a variety of roles in films of the time. Spencer's big break came when he landed a role in the influential science fiction film *The Thing from Another World* (1951), directed by Christian Nyby and produced by Howard Hawks. In the film, Spencer played the role of a reporter named Ned Scott, who is among the group of scientists and military personnel investigating a mysterious alien threat in the Arctic. *The Thing from Another World* became a classic of the genre and remains one of Spencer’s most memorable roles. In addition to his work in science fiction, Spencer appeared in several other films across a range of genres. He was frequently cast in supporting roles in film noirs, thrillers, and dramas, and his distinctive, gravelly voice and sharp screen presence made him a recognizable face in Hollywood. Other notable films he appeared in include *The Big Clock* (1948), a crime thriller directed by John Farrow, and *The Green Glove* (1952), a suspenseful drama. Douglas Spencer was married to actress *Ann Wedgeworth*, and their marriage lasted for several years. After the height of his film career, Spencer continued working in television and on stage, although he never achieved the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries. Spencer’s career was cut short when he died from cancer at the age of 49, on March 5, 1960. Despite his relatively brief career, he remains fondly remembered by fans of classic sci-fi and noir films. Douglas Spencer's legacy is primarily tied to his memorable performance in *The Thing from Another World*, but his work across various genres helped solidify him as a dependable and versatile character actor in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s. His contributions to the sci-fi and noir genres continue to be appreciated by film enthusiasts today.
Also known as: William Henry Mesenkop
61
film credits
9
television credits
70
1939–1996 · acting roles
6.5
average across scored titles
Signature credits
Known for
Across film & television
Filmography (70)
Showing 70 of 70 credits
Bonanza
Alonzo McFadden
1959
The Rifleman
1958
The Twilight Zone
1st Martian
1959
Cheyenne
1955
Studio 57
1954
The Millionaire
Joe Brock
1955
The Rebel
Joe Shandell
1959Lux Video Theatre
Jonas
1950
Wire Service
Mason
1956
Shane
Axel 'Swede' Shipstead
1953
The Thing from Another World
Ned 'Scotty' Scott
1951
A Place in the Sun
Boatkeeper (uncredited)
1951
Double Indemnity
Lou Schwartz (uncredited)
1944
River of No Return
Sam Benson
1954
The Diary of Anne Frank
Kraler
1959
The Lost Weekend
Hospital Patient Seeing Imaginary Beetles (uncredited)
1945
Father of the Bride
Fritz the Organist (uncredited)
1950
Monkey Business
Dr. Brunner
1952
The Heiress
Minister (uncredited)
1949
The Big Clock
Bert Finch
1948
Man from Del Rio
Sheriff Jack Tillman
1956
The Three Faces of Eve
Mr. Black
1957
The Dark Corner
Deli Customer (uncredited)
1946
Saddle the Wind
Hemp Scribner
1958
Red, Hot and Blue
Actor in Theatre Group (uncredited)
1949
Trouble Along the Way
Father Procurator aka George
1953
Houdini
Simms
1953
This Island Earth
The Monitor of Metaluna
1955
The Kentuckian
Frome Brother (uncredited)
1955
Pardners
Smith
1956
Smoke Signal
Garode
1955
A Man Alone
Henry Slocum
1955
The Raid
Rev. Douglas
1954
Union Station
Stationmaster (uncredited)
1950
Something to Live For
Joey (uncredited)
1952
It Happens Every Spring
Train Conductor (uncredited)
1949
The Redhead and the Cowboy
Perry (Union agent)
1951
Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie
The Monitor of Metaluna (archive footage)
1996
Short Cut to Hell
Train Conductor
1957
Come Fill the Cup
Ike Bashaw
1951
The Unholy Wife
Judge
1957
The Day the Bookies Wept
Auction Spectator (uncredited)
1939
Night Has a Thousand Eyes
Dr. Ramsdell
1948
The Glass Wall
Inspector Bailey
1953
Alias Nick Beal
Henry T. Finch
1949
Allegheny Uprising
Prisoner in Irons
1939
My Friend Irma
Interior Decorator (uncredited)
1949
A Date with the Falcon
Witness at Accident (uncredited)
1942
Incendiary Blonde
New Years Eve Party Patron (uncredited)
1945
The Sins of Rachel Cade
Doctor Bikel
1961
She's Back on Broadway
Lew Ludlow
1953
Christmas in July
Man Listening to Radio (uncredited)
1940
Warpath
Kelso
1951
Million Dollar Baby
1941
Men Against the Sky
Mechanic
1940
Princess O'Rourke
Pilot (uncredited)
1943
Follow Me Quietly
Phony Judge
1949
Omar Khayyam
Pigeon Keeper
1957
Untamed Frontier
Clayton Vance
1952
The Mexican Spitfire's Baby
Hotel Guest
1941
Bride of Vengeance
False Physician
1949
Lucky Partners
Courtroom Spectator (uncredited)
1940
Trapped
Sam Hooker (uncredited)
1949
Kitty
Guest (uncredited)
1945
Lady Scarface
Police Secretary
1941
Little Nellie Kelly
Policeman in Dance Line (uncredited)
1940
Fall In
Military Policeman
1942
The Sainted Sisters
Townsman (uncredited)
1948
Cole Younger, Gunfighter
Marshal Fred Woodruff
1958
Adventure Island
Prisoner sharing cell with Herrick and Lochlin (uncredited)
1947