Bill McKinney - Actor Profile

Bill McKinney

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
50Total Films
8.5 Highest Rated
Born: Sep 12, 1931
Birth Place: Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA

About Bill McKinney

Bill McKinney was an American character actor whose most famous role was the sadistic mountain man who abused and then sodomized Bobby Trippe (Ned Beatty) in the movie Deliverance. McKinney is also recognizable for his performances in seven Clint Eastwood films, most notably as Union cavalry commander Captain "Redlegs" Terrill in The Outlaw Josey Wales. Most of Bill McKinney's colleagues perceived him as big, brutal and dangerous. At first glance. Still, he was only 5' 10" (1,78 m).

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Bill McKinney reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Bill McKinney's filmography leans towards the Drama 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 36% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Bill McKinney remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Green Mile, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Bill McKinney Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Bill McKinney's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Bill McKinney.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2022 Clint Eastwood: The Last Legend Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2010 How Do You Know Maitre d' Flop Similar →
2008 Pride and Glory Crime Scene Cop Average Similar →
2008 Take Benjamin Gregor Flop Similar →
2007 Lucky You Satellite Cashier Average Similar →
2004 Undertow Grandfather Average Similar →
2003 Looney Tunes: Back in Action Acme VP, Nitpicking Average Similar →
2000 Clint Eastwood: Out of the Shadows Self Hit Similar →
1999 The Green Mile Jack Van Hay Super Hit Similar →
1999 The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Scandal of 1920 Mack Flop Similar →
1999 Hell Hath No Fury: The Making of The Outlaw Josey Wales Self Hit Similar →
1996 A Promise to Carolyn Butch Maggart Hit Similar →
1995 Lone Justice 2 Verlon Borges Average Similar →
1994 City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold Matt Flop Similar →
1993 La Classe américaine Frédéric's Agressor #1 (archive footage) (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1990 Back to the Future Part III Engineer Super Hit Similar →
1990 The China Lake Murders Capt. Finney N.H.P. Flop Similar →
1989 Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects Father Burke Flop Similar →
1988 Under the Gun Miller Hit Similar →
1984 Against All Odds Head Coach Average Similar →
1984 Master Ninja Sheriff Kyle Flop Similar →
1983 Heart Like a Wheel "Big Daddy" Don Garlits Average Similar →
1982 First Blood State Police Capt. Dave Kern Super Hit Similar →
1982 Tex Pop McCormick Average Similar →
1982 St. Helens Kilpatrick Average Similar →
1980 Any Which Way You Can Dallas Average Similar →
1980 Bronco Billy Lefty LeBow Average Similar →
1980 Carny Marvin Dill Average Similar →
1979 When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder? Tommy Clark Average Similar →
1978 Every Which Way but Loose Dallas, Treasurer Biker Average Similar →
1977 Christmas Miracle in Caufield, U.S.A. Willie Flop Similar →
1977 The Gauntlet Constable Hit Similar →
1977 Valentino Jail Cop Average Similar →
1976 The Shootist Jay Cobb Hit Similar →
1976 Cannonball Cade Redman Average Similar →
1976 The Outlaw Josey Wales Terrill Hit Similar →
1975 Breakheart Pass Reverend Peabody Hit Similar →
1974 The Strange and Deadly Occurrence Pratt Average Similar →
1974 The Parallax View Parallax Assassin Hit Similar →
1974 Thunderbolt and Lightfoot Crazy Driver Hit Similar →
1974 The Underground Man Willy Coggins Average Similar →
1974 The Execution of Private Slovik Sergeant Hit Similar →
1973 The Outfit Buck Cherney Hit Similar →
1973 Cleopatra Jones Purdy Average Similar →
1972 The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean Fermel Parlee Average Similar →
1972 Deliverance Mountain Man Hit Similar →
1972 Kansas City Bomber Buddy Taylor (uncredited) Average Similar →
1972 Junior Bonner Red Terwiliger Average Similar →
1970 Angel Unchained Shotgun Flop Similar →
1968 Firecreek Bearded Gunfighter (uncredited) Average Similar →

Bill McKinney - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Bill McKinney?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Bill McKinney is "The Green Mile" with a rating of 8.5/10.

How many movies has Bill McKinney acted in?

Bill McKinney has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Bill McKinney?

Other notable films include "La Classe américaine", "First Blood", and "Back to the Future Part III".