
John Aylward
ActingAbout 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.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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".




