John Smith, a celebrated thespian, originally bore the name Robert Errol Van Orden, and made his mark on the world by commencing his illustrious acting career through his involvement with The Robert Mitchell Boy Choir, an esteemed ensemble that had the distinction of performing in not one, but two cinematic masterpieces featuring the iconic Bing Crosby, the legendary crooner who delighted audiences in the 1944 film Going My Way and the 1945 film The Bells of St. Mary's.
The individual who played a crucial role in shaping the career of John Smith was his agent, Henry Willson, a highly influential figure in the entertainment industry who had previously rebranded other notable stars such as Tab Hunter and Rock Hudson. Willson's expertise in rebranding was instrumental in transforming Van Orden's identity into the more commercially viable persona of John Smith.
John Smith's early film credits are marked by a notable supporting role as "Arnaud", the ship's doctor, in the 1955 cinematic masterpiece We're No Angels, where he made a lasting impression on his co-star Aldo Ray, who humorously described him as "looking like a glass of milk" in his full dress whites, highlighting Smith's striking appearance.
Noted thespian John Smith, whose impressive repertoire extends far beyond the realm of cinematic endeavors, has left an indelible mark on the world of television, as well. His remarkable acting talents were showcased in the esteemed western series Cimarron City, which premiered in 1958, and Laramie, which debuted in 1959, further solidifying his status as a versatile and accomplished performer.
