John Aylward - Actor Profile

John Aylward

Acting
Freshness: Jan 22, 2026
33Total Films
7.2 Highest Rated
Born: Nov 7, 1946
Birth Place: Seattle, Washington, USA

About John Aylward

John Aylward (November 7, 1946 – May 16, 2022) was an American actor. He is perhaps best known for playing the former DNC chairman Barry Goodwin on the NBC television series The West Wing and for playing Dr. Donald Anspaugh on the NBC television series ER. He also supplied his voice for Dr. Arne Magnusson in Half-Life 2: Episode Two. Aylward was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. He attended St. Joseph's Grade school and went on to Prep High School, but graduated from Garfield High School in 1965. He graduated from the Professional Actor's Training Program at the University of Washington in 1970. He was one of the founders, in 1973, of Seattle's Empty Space Theatre, and he worked regularly as a company member of the Seattle Repertory Theatre for 15 years until he became a television and film actor in the 1990s. Carol Flynt, co-producer of ER, first offered him an audition after seeing him in a 1996 production of "Psychopathia Sexualis" at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. Description above from the Wikipedia article John Aylward, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of John Aylward reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 33 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of John Aylward'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 27% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), John Aylward remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in North Country, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best John Aylward Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from John Aylward's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of John Aylward.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2021 The Nowhere Inn Uncle Pete Average Similar →
2020 The Way Back Father Edward Devine Hit Similar →
2016 The Architect Colin's Father Flop Similar →
2014 A Million Ways to Die in the West Pastor Wilson Average Similar →
2013 Gangster Squad Judge Carter Average Similar →
2011 Water for Elephants Mr. Erwin Hit Similar →
2010 Norman Robert Bessent Average Similar →
2010 The Crazies Mayor Hobbs Average Similar →
2009 Crimes of the Past Clay Covington Flop Similar →
2007 The Gray Man Capt. Ayers Average Similar →
2007 Forfeit - Flop Similar →
2006 The Celestine Prophecy Dobson Flop Similar →
2005 Monster-in-Law Priest (uncredited) Average Similar →
2005 North Country Judge Halsted Hit Similar →
2003 Path to War Dean Rusk Hit Similar →
2003 Down with Love E.G. Average Similar →
2002 Bad Company Officer Ferren Average Similar →
2001 Just Visiting Byron Flop Similar →
2000 Thirteen Days Orville Dryfoos Hit Similar →
1999 Instinct Warden Keefer Hit Similar →
1999 Swing Vote Justice Benjamin 'Rip' Ripley Average Similar →
1999 Can't Stop Dancing Dick McGuire Flop Similar →
1998 Finding Graceland Sheriff Haynes Average Similar →
1998 Armageddon Dr. Banks Hit Similar →
1998 Eden Dr. Bryson Flop Similar →
1997 Buddy Joe Bowman Flop Similar →
1993 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III Niles Average Similar →
1990 Child in the Night Dr. Wendt Flop Similar →
1989 Third Degree Burn Lomax Flop Similar →
1989 Three Fugitives Second Cop Hit Similar →
1987 Stamp of a Killer - Flop Similar →
1976 The Secret Life of John Chapman Grady Hit Similar →
N/A Final August The Man Flop Similar →

John Aylward - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of John Aylward?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring John Aylward is "North Country" with a rating of 7.2/10.

How many movies has John Aylward acted in?

John Aylward has been featured in at least 33 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by John Aylward?

Other notable films include "Thirteen Days", "Water for Elephants", and "Armageddon".