Ward Bond

Ward Bond Profile Photo

Characters played by Ward Bond

Major Seth Adams — Wagon Train (1957)

Commanding officer leading a westbound wagon train across the American frontier.

Rev. Capt. Samuel Johnston Clayton — The Searchers (1956)

A reverend and Texas Ranger captain who organizes the initial rescue expedition. He advocates for stealthy tactics to protect the hostages and later leads a direct military assault on the Comanche camp to eliminate Scar and recover Debbie.

Pat Wheeler — Rio Bravo (1959)

A friend of Chance who attempts to deliver a wagon train of supplies and dynamite to town. He tries to recruit townspeople for the defense but is killed by Burdette's men, prompting further escalation.

Det. Tom Polhaus — The Maltese Falcon (1941)

A police detective who grills Spade at his apartment following the murder of Miles Archer. He works alongside Lt. Dundy to investigate the double homicide and initially suspects Spade's involvement.

Buffalo Baker — Hondo (1953)

A fellow scout encountered by Hondo at the Army fort. Plays a minor role as a background character during Hondo's military debriefing.

Gendarme at Gate (uncredited) — Son of Frankenstein (1939)

Border guard encountered by Baron Wolf in Son of Frankenstein.

John Fraser — Unconquered (1947)

A friend of Holden who brings him evidence obtained from an Indian who tried to kill him. This discovery helps alert Holden to the danger surrounding the frontier and contributes to his growing suspicion of Garth. John Fraser is therefore a supporting ally connected to Holden's investigation and efforts to prevent further violence.

John "Pop" Perry — Operation Pacific (1951)

Commander John "Pop" Perry commands the USS Thunderfish during its early missions. He leads the submarine while it rescues nuns and children, survives attacks by Japanese forces, and confronts the deceptive Q-ship. Mortally wounded during that engagement, he orders the submarine to crash dive, knowing the maneuver will kill him. He is Bob Perry's older brother.

Elder Wiggs — Wagon Master (1950)

Elder Wiggs leads the determined Mormon wagon train toward the San Juan country, seeking land where they can plant a crop before the winter rains. He hires Travis and Sandy as guides, disciplines the Clegg offender with a public horsewhipping, and becomes the gang's intended victim before the two wagon masters save him.

Perley 'Buck' Sweet — 3 Godfathers (1948)

Sheriff of Welcome, Arizona. He greets the three men before they rob the bank, then leads the pursuit and shoots a hole in their water bag. When the posse later finds the abandoned wagon of his wife's niece, he believes the fugitives killed her and pursues them for revenge. He catches up with Bob in New Jerusalem, jails him in Welcome, and eventually takes temporary custody of the rescued baby.

John Palmer Cass — Young Mr. Lincoln (1939)

John Palmer Cass is the key witness against the accused brothers and a friend of the dead man. He claims to have seen the killing from about 100 yards away in bright moonlight, but Abraham Lincoln uses an almanac to prove that the moon had already set, driving Cass to confess that he committed the stabbing.

Party Guest (uncredited) — After the Thin Man (1936)

Attendee at aristocratic dinner parties.

Career Overview

Ward Bond has 269 screen credits in a career dating back to 1928. Their work spans 11 cinematic universes — most prominently Mr. Moto Collection with 2 titles. Signature works include It's a Wonderful Life, The Searchers, Rio Bravo. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
male
Known Credits
269
Birth Date
1903-04-09
Birth Place
Benkelman, Nebraska, USA

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 11 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q1280760), public domain (CC0).