Merry Clayton - Actor Profile

Merry Clayton

Acting
Freshness: Jan 29, 2026
8Total Films
7.5 Highest Rated
Born: Dec 25, 1948
Birth Place: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

About Merry Clayton

Merry Clayton is an American soul and gospel singer and an actress. She provided a number of backing vocal tracks for major performing artists in the 1960s, most notably in her duet with Mick Jagger on the Rolling Stones song "Gimme Shelter".

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Merry Clayton reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 8 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Merry Clayton'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 38% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Merry Clayton remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Blame It on the Night, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Merry Clayton Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Merry Clayton's career based on audience ratings.

★7.5
Blame It on the Night (1984) movie poster
★7.5

Blame It on the Night: When his unmarried mother dies, custody of 13-year-old Job is assumed by his alleged father, Chris, whom he has never se

Blame It on the Night

1984•Comedy
★7.2
20 Feet from Stardom (2013) movie poster
★7.2

20 Feet from Stardom: Backup singers live in a world that lies just beyond the spotlight. Their voices bring harmony to the biggest bands in p

20 Feet from Stardom

2013•Documentary
★6.6
Cagney & Lacey: The Return (1994) movie poster
★6.6

Cagney & Lacey: The Return: 1994. Cagney, now a Lieutenant, re-teams with Lacey, who has left the force, to search for a cache of missing firearms.

Cagney & Lacey: The Return

1994•Crime
★6.2
Get Bruce! (1999) movie poster
★6.2

Get Bruce!: Affectionate tribute to Bruce Vilanch, who writes material for celebrities who make public appearances, from Oscar hosts

Get Bruce!

1999•Comedy
★6.1
Nine 1/2 Weeks (1986) movie poster
★6.1

Nine 1/2 Weeks: An erotic story about a woman, the assistant of an art gallery, who gets involved in an impersonal affair with a man. Sh

Nine 1/2 Weeks

1986•Drama

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Merry Clayton.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2013 20 Feet from Stardom Self Hit Similar →
2000 A Private Affair Betty Flop Similar →
1999 Get Bruce! Self Average Similar →
1994 Cagney & Lacey: The Return Verna Dee Jordan Hit Similar →
1988 Dirty Dancing Live in Concert Herself Flop Similar →
1987 Maid to Order Audrey James Flop Similar →
1986 Nine 1/2 Weeks Background Vocal at Porno House Average Similar →
1984 Blame It on the Night Merry Clayton Super Hit Similar →

Merry Clayton - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Merry Clayton?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Merry Clayton is "Blame It on the Night" with a rating of 7.5/10.

How many movies has Merry Clayton acted in?

Merry Clayton has been featured in at least 8 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Merry Clayton?

Other notable films include "20 Feet from Stardom", "Cagney & Lacey: The Return", and "Get Bruce!".