If you’ve ever found yourself staying up late to watch a 70s horror classic or caught a random episode of a 90s newsroom drama, you’ve probably seen Art Hindle. He’s that guy. The one with the rugged jawline and the intense eyes who somehow makes every scene feel a little more real. Honestly, Art Hindle is one of those actors who has quietly built a career so massive that most people don’t even realize the sheer volume of Art Hindle movies and TV shows they’ve actually consumed over the last five decades.
He didn't just stumble into this. Hindle started out as a stockbroker—seriously—before realizing that the high-stakes world of finance wasn't nearly as interesting as pretending to be other people. He pivoted to acting in 1968, and by the early 70s, he was already a bona fide star in Canada thanks to the hockey romance Face-Off. But it was his descent into the world of grit and gore that really cemented his legacy.
The Horror Years: Pods, Slashers, and David Cronenberg
Most people know Art Hindle from the "Big Three" of his early horror career. If you’re a fan of the genre, these are basically mandatory viewing.
First, there’s Black Christmas (1974). Before Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees were even a thought, Bob Clark gave us this masterpiece. Hindle played Chris Hayden, the boyfriend of the main character, Jess. It’s a foundational slasher film. People still argue about the ending today, but what’s undeniable is how Hindle’s grounded performance helped ground a movie that was, at the time, shockingly dark.
Then came the big one: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978).
Hindle played Dr. Geoffrey Howell. You know the scene—the one where Brooke Adams realizes her husband isn't quite... her husband anymore? That’s him. It’s a masterclass in subtlety. He has to play a "pod person" who looks exactly like a human but is totally devoid of emotion. It’s creepy as hell. Even alongside giants like Donald Sutherland and Jeff Goldblum, Hindle holds his own.
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And we can’t talk about Art Hindle movies without mentioning The Brood (1979). This was David Cronenberg at his most visceral. Hindle played Frank Carveth, a man caught in the middle of a truly bizarre and terrifying custody battle involving "psychoplasmic" children. It’s a heavy, weird, and deeply unsettling film that proved Hindle could handle the most "out there" concepts a director could throw at him.
Transitioning to the Small Screen: From Dallas to E.N.G.
By the 80s, Hindle was everywhere. If you turned on a TV, there was a good chance he was guest-starring in something. Starsky & Hutch, Barnaby Jones, Murder, She Wrote, MacGyver—he did the circuit.
But his role as Jeff Farraday on Dallas (1981-1982) was a turning point. He wasn't just a guest; he was part of a major arc involving some pretty serious blackmail and the Ewing family’s messy history. It gave him the kind of North American visibility that most Canadian actors only dream of.
The E.N.G. Era
Eventually, Hindle headed back to Canada to lead the newsroom drama E.N.G. (1989-1994). He played Mike Fennell, the tough-but-fair news director.
This show was a massive hit. It wasn't just a "Canadian show"; it was a legitimate drama that swept the Gemini Awards. Hindle actually won a Gemini for Best Actor for this role. It showed that he wasn't just the "horror guy" or the "guest star guy." He was a leading man who could carry a series for five years and make you care about the inner workings of a television news station.
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Later Career and the "King of the Indies"
Even as he got older, Hindle never slowed down. He’s often called the "King of the Indies" because of his willingness to jump into low-budget, high-concept projects.
Take The Void (2016), for example. It’s a love letter to 80s practical effects horror. Seeing Hindle pop up in a modern movie that feels like a throwback to his early days was a treat for fans. Then there’s Robbery (2018), where he played a career criminal struggling with dementia. It’s a heartbreaking performance that won him critical acclaim and reminded everyone that he still has the chops.
Recent Hits and Hallmark
You might also recognize him from more contemporary roles:
- SurrealEstate: Playing Carl Roman in this paranormal real estate drama.
- Holly Hobbie: Taking on the role of Grandpa Hobbie, showing his softer, paternal side.
- Paradise Falls: Where he played Pete Braga and even stepped behind the camera to direct several episodes.
- Hallmark Movies: He’s become a staple in holiday films like Christmas in Montana and Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe.
Honestly, his versatility is wild. He can go from a terrifying pod person to a lovable grandfather in a Christmas movie without skipping a beat.
Why Art Hindle Still Matters
The reason people keep searching for Art Hindle movies and TV shows isn't just nostalgia. It's because he represents a specific era of "working actors" who did it all. He didn't wait for the perfect blockbuster; he worked. He directed. He advocated for other Canadian performers through his work with ACTRA.
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In 2022, he received the ACTRA Toronto Award of Excellence. It was a well-deserved nod to a guy who has over 200 credits to his name. He’s seen the industry change from film reels to digital streaming, and he’s adapted every step of the way.
How to Watch the Best of Art Hindle
If you want to dive into his filmography, don't just stick to the hits.
- The Essentials: Start with Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Black Christmas. They are foundational pieces of cinema.
- The Dramatic Pivot: Watch a few episodes of E.N.G. to see him at the height of his leading-man powers.
- The Modern Grit: Check out Robbery. It’s probably his most nuanced performance in years.
- The Cult Favorites: Don't sleep on The Octagon (with Chuck Norris) or his appearances in Porky's.
The cool thing about Art Hindle is that there’s always something new to discover. You might think you’ve seen it all, and then you’ll spot him in a random episode of Friday the 13th: The Series or as the US President in a TV movie. He’s a survivor in a tough industry, and he’s still out there doing it.
If you’re looking to explore more Canadian film history or want to see how the horror genre evolved through the 70s, tracing Hindle's career is a perfect roadmap. He's lived through the "Golden Age" of tax-shelter filmmaking in Canada and came out the other side as an icon.
Next time you're scrolling through a streaming service, look for his name. You won't be disappointed.
Next Steps:
- Search for The Void (2016) on your favorite streaming platform to see Hindle’s return to his horror roots.
- Check out the ACTRA Toronto website to read more about his 2022 Award of Excellence and his contributions to the Canadian acting community.