Barry Dennen - Actor Profile

Barry Dennen

Acting
Freshness: Jan 25, 2026
31Total Films
8.2 Highest Rated
Born: Feb 22, 1938
Birth Place: Chicago, Illinois, USA

About Barry Dennen

​Barry Dennen (February 22, 1938–September 26, 2017) was an American actor, singer, and writer. Dennen was born in Chicago, Illinois. In New York City from 1960 to 1963, he had a relationship with Barbra Streisand, including living together for a year, during which time he helped her develop the nightclub act that began her successful career as a singer and actress. He moved to London for fifteen years and in 1968 landed the starring role of the master of ceremonies in the London version of Cabaret. In 1970, he played Pontius Pilate on the album of Jesus Christ Superstar, and he played the same role in the Broadway production (1971). In the same year, he played Mendel in Norman Jewison's film of Fiddler on the Roof. According to Dennen's website, he suggested to Jewison that he direct a film of Superstar. Jewison did so, and Dennen played Pilate again (1973). He was the voice actor who portrayed the Chamberlain SkekSil in The Dark Crystal. He has also done voice work on such cartoons as DuckTales, Batman: The Animated Series, The Pirates of Dark Water, Animaniacs, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Since that time Dennen has had a variety of small parts on American television shows and films, including: Batman; Superman III; The Kentucky Fried Movie; The Shining; Galtar and the Golden Lance; Tales from the Darkside and Titanic. He played auto dealer Irwin Lapsey in Shock Treatment, the sequel toThe Rocky Horror Picture Show. He has also done voices for many video games, including Fatman in Metal Gear Solid 2, Police Chief Bogen in Grim Fandango, Mimir in the recent video game Too Human, Dean Domino in Fallout: New Vegas expansion "Dead Money", and the Dark One in The Mark of Kri. He wrote the screenplay for an episode of Amazing Stories titled "The Secret Cinema" (1985) and cowrote an episode of The Comic Strip Presents... titled "Demonella" (1993). His autobiographical book, My Life With Barbra: A Love Story (1997), deals with their relationship and with his gradual realization that he was a homosexual. Description above from the Wikipedia article  Barry Dennen, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Barry Dennen reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 31 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Comedy

The majority of Barry Dennen's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 42% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Barry Dennen remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Shining, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Barry Dennen Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Barry Dennen's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Barry Dennen.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2017 Barbra Streisand: Becoming an Icon 1942–1984 Self Hit Similar →
2015 Superstars: The Documentary - Hit Similar →
2015 Justice League: Throne of Atlantis Defense Advisor (voice) Hit Similar →
2014 Heavenly Sword Flying Fox / Prophet Takashi (voice) Average Similar →
2003 Manhood Singing Groom Flop Similar →
1999 Batman Beyond: Tech Wars and Disappearing Inque Captain Hit Similar →
1997 Titanic Praying Man Super Hit Similar →
1995 The Wacky Adventures of Dr. Boris and Nurse Shirley Security Flop Similar →
1994 Twin Sitters Thomas Average Similar →
1994 Clifford Terry the Pterodactyl Flop Similar →
1993 Demonella Adolf Hitler Flop Similar →
1992 She Woke Up Dr. John Landover Flop Similar →
1991 What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? Stage Manager Flop Similar →
1990 The Easter Story Priest (voice) Super Hit Similar →
1988 Killer Instinct Mr. Martin Average Similar →
1984 Not for Publication Senor Wopperico Flop Similar →
1984 Memed My Hawk Hikmet Flop Similar →
1983 Superman III Dr. McClean Average Similar →
1983 Trading Places Demitri Hit Similar →
1982 The Dark Crystal Chamberlain / Podling (voice) Hit Similar →
1981 Ragtime Stage Manager Hit Similar →
1981 Shock Treatment Irwin Lapsey Average Similar →
1980 The Shining Watson Super Hit Similar →
1978 Rabbit Test Mad Bomber Flop Similar →
1978 Ring of Passion Adolf Hitler Hit Similar →
1975 Brannigan Julian Average Similar →
1974 Madhouse Gerry Blount Average Similar →
1973 Jesus Christ Superstar Pontius Pilate Hit Similar →
1971 Fiddler on the Roof Mendel Super Hit Similar →
1970 The Juggler of Notre Dame The Juggler Average Similar →
1967 The Secret Cinema Psychiatrist Flop Similar →

Barry Dennen - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Barry Dennen?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Barry Dennen is "The Shining" with a rating of 8.2/10.

How many movies has Barry Dennen acted in?

Barry Dennen has been featured in at least 31 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Barry Dennen?

Other notable films include "Titanic", "Fiddler on the Roof", and "The Easter Story".