★ Acting

Ted Hartley

1924 – 2025 · Omaha, Nebraska, USA · Active 1965–2012

Ted Hartley, born in 1924, was an American actor and producer who made his mark in the film industry as the CEO of RKO Pictures. In Matilda (1978), he brought a unique flair to the screen, showcasing his versatility beyond his business acumen. Hartley's career spanned decades, transitioning from a U.S. Navy fighter pilot to an influential figure in Hollywood, leaving a legacy that intertwines with the cult cinema landscape.

▶ Watch on SassyFlix 1 film available

Matilda

1978 ★ 5.5

as Payne Smith

A small-time talent agent discovers an amazing boxing kangaroo and figures to use it as his stepping-stone into the big time.

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Career Highlights Top 6 by popularity · TMDB

Race to Witch Mountain

Filmography

43 credits

2010s 1 credit

2012

A Late Quartet as Winning Bidder

Movie ★ 6.7

2000s 4 credits

2009

Race to Witch Mountain as Four-Star General V. Lewton

Movie ★ 5.8

2006

Laura Smiles as Therapist

Movie ★ 6.2

2004

Tanner on Tanner as Self

TV ★ 10.0

2003

Shade as 'Teddy' The Surgeon

Movie ★ 6.2

1990s 4 credits

1998

Mighty Joe Young as Society Man

Movie ★ 6.3

1996

Milk & Money as Lingerie Salesman

Movie ★ 5.0

1992

The Player as Party Guest (uncredited)

Movie ★ 7.2

1990

False Identity as Inn Keeper

Movie ★ 5.7

1980s 3 credits

1988

Caddyshack II as Club Member

Movie ★ 4.2

1981

Scruples as Herman Lingwood

Movie ★ 10.0

1981

Nero Wolfe

TV ★ 7.5

1970s 13 credits

1979

The Wild Wild West Revisited as Tsar Nicholas of Russia

Movie ★ 5.4

1978

The Ghost of Flight 401 as Rogers

Movie ★ 5.6

1978

Matilda● as Payne Smith

Movie ★ 5.7

1977

The Amazing Howard Hughes as Attorney

Movie ★ 6.4

1974

Chopper One as Captain McKeegan

TV ★ 7.5

1973

High Plains Drifter as Lewis Belding

Movie ★ 7.3

1973

Fire on Kelly Mountain as Jumper Captain

Movie

1972

The Man as Press Secretary

Movie ★ 6.5

1972

The Streets of San Francisco

TV ★ 7.0

1972

TV ★ 7.1

1972

Banyon

TV ★ 8.0

1971

Banyon as Sonny Arnheim

Movie ★ 9.0

1970

McCloud

TV ★ 7.2

1960s 8 credits

1968

Ice Station Zebra as Lt. Jonathan Hansen

Movie ★ 6.3

1967

Barefoot in the Park as Frank

Movie ★ 7.1

1967

Ironside

TV ★ 6.9

1967

Mannix as Don Elliott

TV ★ 6.8

1967

Ironside as Mr. Mather

TV ★ 6.9

1966

Walk Don't Run as Yuri Andreyovitch

Movie ★ 6.5

1966

Murderers' Row as Guard

Movie ★ 5.7

1965

The F.B.I. as Larry Cole

TV ★ 5.6

Crew Credits

2010s 1 credit

2012

A Late Quartet Executive Producer

Movie ★ 6.7

2000s 5 credits

2009

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt Producer

Movie ★ 5.7

2007

Are We Done Yet? Producer

Movie ★ 5.9

2003

The Gin Game Executive Producer

Movie ★ 6.6

2003

Shade Producer

Movie ★ 6.2

2002

Ritual Producer

Movie ★ 4.7

1990s 4 credits

1998

Mighty Joe Young Producer

Movie ★ 6.3

1996

Milk & Money Producer

Movie ★ 5.0

1990

False Identity Executive Producer

Movie ★ 5.7

1990

Women and Men: Stories of Seduction Executive Producer

Movie ★ 4.4