The Jean Hersholt papers span the years 1916-1956 (bulk 1920s-1940s) and encompass approximately 7.5 linear feet. The material contains primarily scrapbooks with magazine and newspaper clippings (including reviews, news items, and articles) relating to the actor's film career. Volumes are devoted to the Dr. Christian radio series (Hersholt portrayed the character Dr. Paul Christian in film and radio) and his activities with the Motion Picture Relief Fund (including the establishment of the Motion Picture and Television Fund Country House) and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. One book contains Christmas cards sent and received by the Hersholt family. There are also files and script material on THE COUNTRY DOCTOR (1936).

Jean Hersholt (1886-1956) was a Danish-born actor active in American films from 1915 to 1955. After emigrating to the United States in 1914, he went on to become a leading character actor in the 1920s. He was a life member of the Academy and served on the Board of Governors from October 1929 to October 1932 and from October 1943 to May 1949 (second vice president, 1943-1944; first vice president, 1944-1945; president, 1945-1949). Hersholt received special awards from the Academy in 1939, 1948, and 1949 for his service to the motion picture industry, including his leadership of the Motion Picture Relief Fund. The Academy's Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award is named in his honor.