In 1952 deWilde acted in the film "Shane" as Joey Starrett and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance, becoming the youngest nominee for the time in a competitive category. He had the lead role in his own television series, "Jamie" which aired in 1953 and 1954. Although the series was popular, it was canceled due to a contract dispute. In 1956 he was featured with Walter Brennan, Phil Harris, and Sidney Poitier in the coming-of-age Batjac movie production of "Good-bye, My Lady", adapted from James Street's book. This film showcased the then-rare dog breed Basenji, the African barkless dog, to American audiences.