Ken Jenkins - Actor Profile

Ken Jenkins

Acting
Freshness: Jan 22, 2026
39Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Aug 28, 1940
Birth Place: Dayton, Ohio, USA

About Ken Jenkins

Ken Jenkins (born August 28, 1940) is an American actor, best known for his role as Dr. Bob Kelso, the curmudgeonly Chief of Medicine on the American comedy Scrubs. In 1969, he co-founded the Actors Theatre of Louisville and served as the Associate Artistic Director for three years. This institution has produced playwrights such as Beth Henley and Marsha Norman. Jenkins previously appeared on the series Adult Math, as well as episodes of Homefront, The X-Files (episode "Medusa", season 8), Babylon 5 and "Evolution", the Season three premiere episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation "Sliders" (2 episodes, 1999–2000) Dust (2000) TV episode .... Professor Jack Bigelow - Revelations (1999) TV episode .... Robert Clark. He has appeared in the movies Executive Decision, The Abyss, Air America, Last Man Standing, Fled, Gone in 60 Seconds, I Am Sam, The Sum of All Fears, Matewan, Courage Under Fire and the 1998 remake of Psycho. He appeared as the father of Fran Goldsmith in Stephen King's TV miniseries, The Stand. Jenkins also had a role in Clockstoppers. Jenkins can sing and play the acoustic guitar, and is seen doing so on the Scrubs episodes "My Tuscaloosa Heart" and "My Musical". Jenkins also has a recurring role on Cougar Town since October 27, 2010 as Jules' (played by Courteney Cox) father. Description above from the Wikipedia article Ken Jenkins, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia. ​

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Ken Jenkins reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 39 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Ken Jenkins'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 31% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Ken Jenkins remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Outside Woman, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Ken Jenkins Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Ken Jenkins's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Ken Jenkins.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2019 Girls Weekend Tom Flop Similar →
2016 All the Way Howard W. Smith Hit Similar →
2007 Welcome to Paradise Reverend McNamara Hit Similar →
2002 The Sum of All Fears Admiral Pollack Average Similar →
2002 Home Room Police Captain Hit Similar →
2002 Clockstoppers NSA Agent Moore Flop Similar →
2001 I Am Sam Judge Philip McNeily Super Hit Similar →
2001 The Tailor of Panama Morecombe Average Similar →
2000 Lucky Numbers Dan Schuff Flop Similar →
1998 Thirst Lou Wolford Flop Similar →
1996 Last Man Standing Captain Tom Pickett Average Similar →
1996 Fled Warden Nichols Average Similar →
1996 Courage Under Fire Joel Walden Hit Similar →
1996 Executive Decision General Wood Average Similar →
1995 Past the Bleachers Hilton Burberry Flop Similar →
1994 White Mile Jerry Taggart Average Similar →
1994 A Time to Heal Don Super Hit Similar →
1994 In the Best of Families: Marriage, Pride & Madness Bob Newsom Hit Similar →
1993 And the Band Played On Dr. Dennis Donohue Average Similar →
1992 A House of Secrets and Lies Ed Norwood Flop Similar →
1992 Crossing the Bridge Lou Morgan Average Similar →
1991 In Broad Daylight Bob Webb Average Similar →
1991 Edge of Honor Bo Dubs Flop Similar →
1990 Descending Angel Sam Murray Flop Similar →
1990 Dark Avenger - Flop Similar →
1990 Air America Major Donald Lemond Average Similar →
1990 By Dawn's Early Light Sam Hit Similar →
1990 Shattered Dreams Hal Witt Average Similar →
1989 In Country Jim Holly Average Similar →
1989 Breaking Point Col. Lowe Flop Similar →
1989 The Abyss Gerard Kirkhill Hit Similar →
1989 Roe vs. Wade - Average Similar →
1989 The Outside Woman Junior Miller Super Hit Similar →
1989 Unconquered Dr. Smith Super Hit Similar →
1988 Disaster at Silo 7 Clarence Average Similar →
1987 Matewan Sephus Purcell Hit Similar →
1985 What Comes Around Larry Flop Similar →
1983 Heart of Steel Priest Average Similar →
1974 In Fashion Aubin Flop Similar →

Ken Jenkins - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Ken Jenkins?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ken Jenkins is "The Outside Woman" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Ken Jenkins acted in?

Ken Jenkins has been featured in at least 39 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Ken Jenkins?

Other notable films include "Unconquered", "A Time to Heal", and "I Am Sam".