Kent Smith Biography: Age, Wives, Children, Net Worth, Movies, Death, Height, Education

Frank Kent Smith, professionally known as Kent Smith, was an American actor known for his dependable supporting and leading roles in classic Hollywood films, theater, and television over a career spanning nearly five decades.

He gained early recognition for his performance as Oliver Reed in the influential 1942 horror film Cat People and appeared in notable productions such as The Spiral Staircase, The Fountainhead, and the television series Peyton Place.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Frank Kent Smith
• Stage Name: Kent Smith
• Born: March 19, 1907
• Died: April 23, 1985
• Age: 78 years old
• Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: White
• Occupation: Actor
• Height: 1.85 m
• Religion: Unknown
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. James E. Smith
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Betty Gillette (m. 1937–1954), Edith Atwater (m. 1962–1985)
• Children: Stacey
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life and Education

Frank Kent Smith was born on March 19, 1907, in New York City, New York. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. James E. Smith, with his father working as a hotelier. Siblings are unknown.

He attended Lincoln School, Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, and later Harvard University, where he was involved in founding the Harvard University Players in 1925. His ethnicity was White, and his religion is Christianity.

Career

Kent Smith began his acting career in the theater during the late 1920s while at Harvard. He made his Broadway debut in 1932 and appeared in numerous stage productions, including Saint Joan and Antony and Cleopatra.

He transitioned to film in the mid-1930s, with early roles in movies like The Garden Murder Case (1936), but achieved wider notice with his performance in the cult horror classic Cat People (1942).

He continued with key roles in films such as The Spiral Staircase (1946), The Fountainhead (1949), Nora Prentiss, and This Earth Is Mine, while also working extensively in television during the 1950s–1970s, including a recurring role on Peyton Place alongside his wife Edith Atwater.

Smith’s long career, which included over 135 credits, left a legacy as a reliable and versatile actor in drama, horror, and melodrama, respected for his professionalism across stage, screen, and television.

Social Media

Kent Smith does not appear to have a social media account.

Personal Life

Kent Smith, who stood 6′ 1″ tall, was married first to Betty Gillette from 1937 until their divorce in 1954; they had one daughter, Stacey.

He later married actress Edith Atwater on March 10, 1962, and remained with her until his death from congestive heart failure on April 23, 1985, in Woodland Hills, California.

He had no other publicly known children or romantic partners detailed in records.

Net Worth

Kent Smith, as a historical figure who passed away in 1985, does not have a modern net worth estimate.

His income during his career derived primarily from decades of work in theater, film acting, and television roles.

Filmography

• Cat People (1942)
• The Spiral Staircase (1946)
• The Fountainhead (1949)
• Nora Prentiss (1947)
• This Earth Is Mine (1959)
• The Trouble with Angels (1966)