Jack Webb was an American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter who is best known for his role as Sergeant Joe Friday in the 1950s television series Dragnet. He also played the role of Officer Frank Smith in the 1954 film version of Dragnet, and he reprised the role of Joe Friday in the 1987 film version. Webb also starred in other films such as Pete Kelly's Blues (1955) and The D.I. (1957).