About
Paul Lawrence Smith, often credited as Paul Smith or Paul L. Smith, was an American actor known for portraying imposing and often villainous characters. With his burly physique and distinctive beard, he was a familiar face in both feature films and television. Smith's notable roles include Hamidou in *Midnight Express*, Bluto in *Popeye*, and Glossu Rabban in *Dune*. His ability to embody memorable antagonists cemented his place in cinematic history.
Career Timeline
Midnight Express breakthrough role
Smith gained attention for his role as Hamidou, a cruel prison guard, in Midnight Express. This role put him on the map.
Plays Bluto in Popeye
Another memorable role as Bluto in Popeye increased his recognition. This solidified his reputation.
Role in Dune miniseries
Appeared in Dune miniseries, continuing to portray imposing characters. This kept his career solid.
Continued character acting roles
Continued to find steady work as a character actor in various films. He was a reliable choice for imposing characters.
Roles in smaller productions
Fewer high-profile roles; mostly smaller productions. His career began to slow down a bit.
Death
Paul L. Smith passed away. His later roles were less impactful.
Legacy as a character actor
Remembered for his imposing roles but largely faded from mainstream recognition. He is fondly remembered by those who knew of his work.
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Last updated: February 21, 2026