David James Elliott - Actor Profile

David James Elliott

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
36Total Films
8.0 Highest Rated
Born: Sep 21, 1960
Birth Place: Milton, Ontario, Canada

About David James Elliott

David James Elliott is a Canadian film and television actor, best known for playing lead character Harmon Rabb Jr. on the television series "JAG". Subsequently moving to Los Angeles, he took the stage name David James Elliott, having found an actor was already named David Smith. He appeared in the film Police Academy 3: Back in Training in 1986, and subsequently in the television series Street Legal, Knots Landing as Bill Nolan, and in 1993's The Untouchables as Agent Paul Robbins. The following year, Elliott landed a recurring role on the hit series Melrose Place, playing Terry Parsons, and a guest appearance in an episode of Seinfeld as "Carl" the antiabortion furniture mover. In 1995, Elliott landed the role he would hold for 10 years, the role of naval aviator-turned JAG lawyer Harmon Rabb, Jr. in the NBC/CBS television drama JAG. His tenure on JAG ended in 2005 with the series finale. In 1996, Elliott starred in the made-for-cable movie Holiday Affair with Cynthia Gibb. This is a remake of the 1949 classic Holiday Affair which starred Robert Mitchum and Janet Leigh. In 2005, Elliott starred in a Canadian television movie The Man Who Lost Himself, which was based on the true story of Terry Evanshen, a Canadian football player who was in a car accident and lost his memory due to severe head injuries. Nanci Chambers also appeared in this movie as a doctor. In October 2006, Elliott joined the cast of legal drama Close to Home (2005–2007) as Chief Deputy Prosecutor James Conlon. During 2008, he had a recurring role in the Canadian series The Guard. He starred in Sci Fi Channel's four-hour miniseries, Knights of Bloodsteel (2009). Elliott was cast as an Internet millionaire in Terror Trap, directed by Dan Garcia. Elliott also starred in Dad's Home (2010), a widowed advertising executive who loses his job and becomes a stay-at-home dad for his two children. On March 19, 2010, Elliott replaced Neal McDonough as the male lead in the television series Scoundrels. In 2010, Elliott was cast as FBI Agent Russ Josephson on CSI: NY, a recurring role as Detective Jo Danville's (Sela Ward) ex-husband, a role which he first portrayed in January 2011. In 2012, Elliott also co-starred as Ripp Cockburn, the husband of Kristin Chenoweth's character Carlene, on ABC's comedy-drama series GCB. In 2014, Elliott appeared in Mad Men (season 7) as Dave Wooster. In 2015, Elliott guest starred in the TV drama Scorpion. In 2015, Elliott played actor John Wayne in the film Trumbo. On March 29, 2019, CBS announced Elliott would be reprising his JAG role of Harmon Rabb, Jr. for a multi-episode arc in the tenth season of NCIS: Los Angeles. Description above from the Wikipedia article David James Elliott, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of David James Elliott reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 36 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of David James Elliott'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 11% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), David James Elliott remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best David James Elliott Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from David James Elliott's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of David James Elliott.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2025 After All Walter Sharpe Flop Similar →
2022 Collide P.I. Flop Similar →
2021 Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas Jack Average Similar →
2021 I Love Us David Dallas Flop Similar →
2021 Heart of Champions Singleton Hit Similar →
2021 Lansky Frank Rivers Average Similar →
2019 The Obituary of Tunde Johnson Alfred O'Connor Flop Similar →
2018 Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey Sgt. Larry Pinkerton Super Hit Similar →
2018 Affairs of State Senator John Boland Baines Flop Similar →
2017 Battle Scars Frank Stephens Flop Similar →
2016 Camera Store Karly Regan Average Similar →
2015 Trumbo John Wayne Hit Similar →
2014 Dawn Patrol Jim Flop Similar →
2013 Exploding Sun Don Wincroft Flop Similar →
2012 Rufus Hugh Wade Average Similar →
2012 Dragon's Rage Sarragoth Super Hit Similar →
2011 Truth be Told Mark Crane Flop Similar →
2010 Terror Trap Don Flop Similar →
2010 Confined Michael Peyton Flop Similar →
2010 Dad's Home Ben Westman Average Similar →
2009 Gooby Jack Dandridge Flop Similar →
2008 The Rainbow Tribe Morgan Roberts Average Similar →
2008 Love Sick: Secrets of a Sex Addict Rick Hudson Flop Similar →
2005 The Man Who Lost Himself Terry Evanshen Flop Similar →
2003 Code 11-14 Det. Kurt Novack Average Similar →
2001 The Shrink Is In Michael Flop Similar →
2001 Dodson's Journey - Flop Similar →
1997 Clockwatchers Mr. MacNamee Average Similar →
1996 Holiday Affair Steve Mason Average Similar →
1995 Big Dreams & Broken Hearts: The Dottie West Story Byron Metcalf Flop Similar →
1991 Her Wicked Ways Andrew Flop Similar →
1989 Termini Station Delaney Flop Similar →
1987 The Big Town Cool Guy Average Similar →
1986 Police Academy 3: Back in Training Cadet Baxter #2 Average Similar →
1986 The Climb Otto Kempter Flop Similar →
N/A Harvest Moon - Flop Similar →

David James Elliott - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of David James Elliott?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring David James Elliott is "Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey" with a rating of 8.0/10.

How many movies has David James Elliott acted in?

David James Elliott has been featured in at least 36 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by David James Elliott?

Other notable films include "Dragon's Rage", "Trumbo", and "Heart of Champions".