--- name: "Kurtwood Smith" canonical: "https://film.one/person/kurtwood-smith" fi1m_id: "kurtwood-smith" imdb_id: "nm0001748" tmdb_id: 2115 wikidata_id: "Q317228" roles: ["Actor"] born: "3 July 1943" reviewed_on_fi1m: 9 average_fi1m_score: 63 average_as: "actor" average_over: 9 updated: "2026-10-13T21:28:20.603869+00:00" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Kurtwood Smith ## Identity Kurtwood Smith - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/kurtwood-smith - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** kurtwood-smith - **IMDb ID:** nm0001748 - **TMDB ID:** 2115 - **Wikidata ID:** Q317228 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurtwood_Smith, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q317228, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001748/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/2115 Actor. Born 3 July 1943 in New Lisbon, Wisconsin, USA. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 3 July 1943, New Lisbon, Wisconsin, USA - **Active:** 1983–present - **Average Fi1m score:** 63, as actor, over 9 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 62 (4), 1990s 63 (3), 2010s 66 (2) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 64 to 62 across 8 titles - **Score spread:** 2 at 80+, 3 at 60–79, 4 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 0 of 5 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Thriller 5, Action 4, Drama 4, Adventure 2, Science Fiction 2, Action & Adventure 1 - **Screen time:** 15 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $1,031m across 8 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurtwood_Smith, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q317228, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001748/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/2115 ## Streaming the US now - **Amazon Prime Video:** [*RoboCop*](https://film.one/film/robocop.md) (91), [*Rambo III*](https://film.one/film/rambo-iii.md) (39) - **Hulu:** [*Hitchcock*](https://film.one/film/hitchcock.md) (55) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Kurtwood Smith > Kurtwood Smith makes stern authority convincing and gleeful villainy properly unpleasant. We value the warmth he brings to Red Forman, but *RoboCop* is our first recommendation for an actor too easily reduced to a forbidding presence. Clarence Boddicker seems to be enjoying himself, which makes Kurtwood Smith’s crime boss in *RoboCop* (1987) particularly unpleasant company. We were unnerved by the pleasure Smith gives him in being cruel. Paul Verhoeven’s savage action film allows that gleeful villainy without losing its concern for the person inside Peter Weller’s metal policeman. Smith’s nastiness helps make that contrast work: the threat matters because there is someone worth caring about. It is a forceful performance in a film that knows how to use it. In *Dead Poets Society* (1989), the discomfort comes from Mr. Perry’s authority as a father. Smith’s sternness is well suited to Peter Weir’s school drama, where an adult’s certainty can leave little room for anyone else. There is a limitation here, too: the film’s moral lessons are too tidy, and the severe father risks becoming an easy instruction about whom to resist. We recommend the film for its performances, while wishing it were less eager to settle what we should think. Smith gives that severity weight, but the writing could leave him more room. The move to *That '70s Show* (1998–2006) gave his paternal gruffness a warmer use. As Red Forman, Smith balances the no-nonsense father with underlying affection, a useful correction to the idea that severity is all he offers. The long-running role became a defining part of his later career. He reprised Red in *That '90s Show* (2023–2024), returning to a character who lets him be stern without being merely forbidding. Repeated casting as stern fathers and villains carries a risk: we can start deciding what a Smith character will be before the performance has properly begun. That is a reason for casting directors to think harder, rather than a fault in the actor. We would welcome another part that gives him as much to enjoy as Boddicker without asking him to repeat it. Until then, start with *RoboCop*, provided its savage violence is something we can reasonably ask you to sit through. ## Biography Kurtwood Smith is an American actor. He was born on 3 July 1943 in New Lisbon, Wisconsin, and studied theatre at San José State University, where he earned a BA, and at Stanford University, where he earned an MFA. He taught theatre arts at Cañada College from 1969 to 1975 and won three Drama-Logue Awards for stage performances. Smith is known for his film roles as Clarence Boddicker in *RoboCop* (1987) and Mr. Perry in *Dead Poets Society* (1989), as well as for playing Red Forman in the television series *That '70s Show* (1998–2006) and its sequel *That '90s Show* (2023–2024). He has appeared in numerous science fiction productions, including *Star Trek* films and series, *The X-Files* and the seventh season of *24*. *Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.* ## On Fi1m (9) - *Rick and Morty* (2013), Fi1m 78, as General Nathan (voice) — [page](https://film.one/tv/rick-and-morty.md) - *Hitchcock* (2012), Fi1m 55, as Geoffrey Shurlock — [page](https://film.one/film/hitchcock.md) - *A Time to Kill* (1996), Fi1m 55, as Stump Sisson — [page](https://film.one/film/a-time-to-kill.md) - *Broken Arrow* (1996), Fi1m 60, as Secretary of Defense Baird — [page](https://film.one/film/broken-arrow.md) - *Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country* (1991), Fi1m 74, as Federation President — [page](https://film.one/film/star-trek-vi-the-undiscovered-country.md) - *Dead Poets Society* (1989), Fi1m 80, as Mr. Perry — [page](https://film.one/film/dead-poets-society.md) - *Rambo III* (1988), Fi1m 39, as Griggs — [page](https://film.one/film/rambo-iii.md) - *RoboCop* (1987), Fi1m 91, as Clarence Boddicker — [page](https://film.one/film/robocop.md) - *Staying Alive* (1983), Fi1m 38, as Choreographer — [page](https://film.one/film/staying-alive.md) ## Complete filmography (125) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *Carol & the End of the World* (2023), series, as (voice) - *That '90s Show* (2023), series, as Red Forman · Executive Producer - *Firestarter* (2022), as Dr. Joseph Wanless - *The Dropout* (2022), series, as David Boies — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-dropout.md) - *Ultra City Smiths* (2021), series, as Carpenter K. Smith (voice) - *Monsters at Work* (2021), series, as Alistair Clawbottom (voice) - *Jupiter's Legacy* (2021), series, as Old Man Miller - *Business Ethics* (2020), as Magnus Hardcastle - *Star Trek: Lower Decks* (2020), series, as Clar (voice) - *Perfect Harmony* (2019), series, as Tinsley - *Perpetual Grace LTD* (2019), series, as Uncle Dave - *El Camino Christmas* (2017), as Sheriff Bob Fuller - *Future Man* (2017), series, as Vise - *Amityville: The Awakening* (2017), as Dr. Milton - *The Ranch* (2016), series, as Sam Peterson - *Patriot* (2015), series, as Leslie Claret - *Regular Show: The Movie* (2015), as Gene (voice) - *Pig Goat Banana Cricket* (2015), series, as Angry Old Raisin (voice) - *Marvel's Agent Carter* (2015), series, as Vernon Masters - *Tim and Eric's Bedtime Stories* (2014), series, as Father Krang - *Resurrection* (2014), series, as Henry Langston - *Rick and Morty* (2013), series, as General Nathan (voice) — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/rick-and-morty.md) - *Beware the Batman* (2013), series, as Lieutenant James Gordon (voice) - *Turbo* (2013), as Indy CEO (voice) - *Maron* (2013), series, as Tier 4 - *Hitchcock* (2012), as Geoffrey Shurlock — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/film/hitchcock.md) - *Robot and Monster* (2012), series, as Mr. Wheelie (voice) - *Green Lantern: The Animated Series* (2011), series, as Shyir Rev (voice) - *Suits* (2011), series, as Ted Tucker - *Love Bites* (2011), series, as Ed Strathmore - *CHAOS* (2011), series, as H.J. Higgins - *Cedar Rapids* (2011), as Orin Helgesson - *Regular Show* (2010), series, as Gene / Park Ranger #3 (voice), Gene (voice) - *Neighbors from Hell* (2010), series, as Don Killbride - *Titan Maximum* (2009), series, as Mercury General (voice) - *Green Lantern: First Flight* (2009), as Kanjar Ro (voice) - *Childrens Hospital* (2008), series, as Ben Hayflick - *Worst Week* (2008), series, as Dick Clayton - *Entry Level* (2007), as Nick - *Supreme Courtships* (2007), series, as Justice Henry Greenberg - *Hard Scrambled* (2006), as Benno - *Squirrel Boy* (2006), series, Actor - *Psych* (2006), series, as Brett Connors - *The Trouble with Dee Dee* (2005), as William Rutherford - *Robot Chicken* (2005), series, Actor - *Medium* (2005), series, as Edward Cooper - *House* (2004), series, as Dr. Obyedkov — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/house-2004.md) - *Lonely Place* (2004), Actor - *Trespassing* (2004), as Dr. Theodore Rosen - *Fillmore!* (2002), series, Actor - *ChalkZone* (2002), series, Actor - *Justice League* (2001), series, as Prosecutor (voice) - *24* (2001), series, as Senator Blaine Mayer — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/24.md) - *UC: Undercover* (2001), series, Actor - *Teddy Bears' Picnic* (2001), as Sec. of Transportation William Easter - *The Zeta Project* (2001), series, as Agent Bennet (voice) - *Gary & Mike* (2001), series, as Officer Dick (voice), (voice) - *Malcolm in the Middle* (2000), series, as Principal Block - *Girl, Interrupted* (1999), as Dr. Crumble - *Batman Beyond* (1999), series, as Agent Bennett (voice) - *That '70s Show* (1998), series, as Red Forman - *A Bright Shining Lie* (1998), as General Westmoreland - *Deep Impact* (1998), as Otis Hefter - *Safety Patrol!* (1998), as Principal (uncredited) - *Shelter* (1998), as Tom Cantrell - *The Magnificent Seven* (1998), series, as Col. Emmett Anderson - *Men in Black: The Series* (1997), series, as Forbus (voice) - *Prefontaine* (1997), as Curtis Cunningham - *Citizen Ruth* (1996), as Norm Stoney - *A Time to Kill* (1996), as Stump Sisson — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/film/a-time-to-kill.md) - *Broken Arrow* (1996), as Secretary of Defense Baird — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/broken-arrow.md) - *3rd Rock from the Sun* (1996), series, as Jacob - *To Die For* (1995), as Earl Stone - *Last of the Dogmen* (1995), as Sheriff Deegan - *Under Siege 2: Dark Territory* (1995), as General Stanley Cooper - *Star Trek: Voyager* (1995), series, as Annorax - *While Justice Sleeps* (1994), as Leonard Rosenglass - *Dead on Sight* (1994), as Julian Thompson - *RoboCop: The Future of Law Enforcement* (1994), as Clarence Boddicker - *The X-Files* (1993), series, as Agent Bill Patterson — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-x-files.md) - *Heart and Souls* (1993), as Patterson (uncredited) - *Big Wave Dave's* (1993), series, as Jack Lord - *Doorways* (1993), as Traeger - *The Crush* (1993), as Cliff Forrester - *Boxing Helena* (1993), as Dr. Alan Harrison - *RoboCop 3* (1993), as Clarence Boddicker (archive footage) - *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine* (1993), series, as Thrax — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/tv/star-trek-deep-space-nine.md) - *Fortress* (1992), as Prison Director Poe - *Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country* (1991), as Federation President — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/star-trek-vi-the-undiscovered-country.md) - *Shadows and Fog* (1991), as Vogel's Follower - *Company Business* (1991), as Elliot Jaffe - *Oscar* (1991), as Lt. Toomey, Chicago PD - *Quick Change* (1990), as Russ Crane / Lombino - *12:01 PM* (1990), as Myron Castleman - *The Simpsons* (1989), series, as Hub's Father (voice) — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-simpsons.md) - *The Nightmare Years* (1989), series, as Dr. Josef Goebbels - *Heart of Dixie* (1989), as Professor Flournoy - *Dead Poets Society* (1989), as Mr. Perry — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/dead-poets-society.md) - *True Believer* (1989), as Robert Reynard - *Two Idiots in Hollywood* (1988), as Defense Attorney - *Rambo III* (1988), as Griggs — Fi1m 39, [page](https://film.one/film/rambo-iii.md) - *The New Adventures of Beans Baxter* (1987), series, as Mr. Sue - *RoboCop* (1987), as Clarence Boddicker — Fi1m 91, [page](https://film.one/film/robocop.md) - *21 Jump Street* (1987), series, as Spencer Phillips - *The Christmas Gift* (1986), as Jake Richards - *The Delos Adventure* (1986), as Arthur McNeil - *It's Garry Shandling's Show* (1986), series, as Paul Bosgang - *Power's Play* (1986), Actor - *The Midnight Hour* (1985), as Captain Warren Jensen - *International Airport* (1985), as Gilbert - *Deadly Messages* (1985), as Lieutenant Burton - *Flashpoint* (1984), as Carson - *Blue Thunder* (1984), series, as Bill Spradley - *Going Berserk* (1983), as Clarence - *Staying Alive* (1983), as Choreographer — Fi1m 38, [page](https://film.one/film/staying-alive.md) - *Missing Pieces* (1983), as Sincoff - *The Renegades* (1983), series, as Captain Scanlon - *The A-Team* (1983), series, as Mr. Carson - *Newhart* (1982), series, Actor - *The Renegades* (1982), as Capt. Frank Scanlon - *American Playhouse* (1982), series, as Dad (segment 'Homesick') - *Zoot Suit* (1981), as Sergeant Smith - *Lou Grant* (1977), series, as DeRopp - *Doorways*, series, Actor - *All American Tooles*, as Dr. Vermillion ## Gallery - ![CBS Comedies Premiere Party Sponsored by Flo TV, Area on La Cienega, Los Angeles - Sept. 17, 2008.](https://film.one/media/person/104114/gallery-187fb312f4ab.jpg) CBS Comedies Premiere Party Sponsored by Flo TV, Area on La Cienega, Los Angeles - Sept. 17, 2008. — Kristin Dos Santos from Los Angeles, California, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c0/Kurtwood_Smith%2C_Nancy_Lenehan_%282867376110%29.jpg/1280px-Kurtwood_Smith%2C_Nancy_Lenehan_%282867376110%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![CBS Comedies Premiere Party Sponsored by Flo TV, Area on La Cienega, Los Angeles - Sept. 17, 2008.](https://film.one/media/person/104114/gallery-6efcfb18b4e8.jpg) CBS Comedies Premiere Party Sponsored by Flo TV, Area on La Cienega, Los Angeles - Sept. 17, 2008. — Kristin Dos Santos from Los Angeles, California, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4e/Kurtwood_Smith%2C_Nancy_Lenehan_%282867376110%29_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Actor Kurtwood Smith on the Neighbors from Hell panel at the 2010 San Diego Comic Con in San Diego, California. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if used elsewh](https://film.one/media/person/104114/gallery-c83cea0bf041.jpg) Actor Kurtwood Smith on the Neighbors from Hell panel at the 2010 San Diego Comic Con in San Diego, California. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if used elsewh — Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/52/Kurtwood_Smith_%284842203428%29.jpg/1280px-Kurtwood_Smith_%284842203428%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![By chance I spotted Kurtwood Smith (That's 70s Show) outside the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto during TIFF. (2014)](https://film.one/media/person/104114/gallery-c522fc8d9223.jpg) By chance I spotted Kurtwood Smith (That's 70s Show) outside the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto during TIFF. (2014) — Peter Kudlacz, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/02/Kurtwood_Smith_at_Ritz-Carleton.jpg/1280px-Kurtwood_Smith_at_Ritz-Carleton.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Kurtwood Smith](https://film.one/media/person/104114/gallery-305ec48097cf.jpg) Kurtwood Smith — Image via TMDB - ![Kurtwood Smith](https://film.one/media/person/104114/gallery-86026b1c031f.jpg) Kurtwood Smith — Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a3/Kurtwood_Smith_in_2010_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg/1280px-Kurtwood_Smith_in_2010_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/kurtwood-smith