Later that year, he made his film debut as Tiger Flaherty opposite Charlton Heston in The Private War of Major Benson.

[2] From 1955 to 1959, Hovey worked steadily in films and television, often playing characters younger than his real age due to his small stature.

While working at U-I, Hovey appeared in the Westerns Slim Carter and Money, Women and Guns, both opposite Jock Mahoney.

Despite receiving an offer to appear in a Broadway play produced and directed by Otto Preminger, Hovey chose to retire from acting.

[5] He is credited as co-writer of "Important Exportin' Man" (with Dave Torbert), on the album The Adventures of Panama Red, by the New Riders of the Purple Sage.