Michael Pennington - Actor Profile

Michael Pennington

Acting
Freshness: Jan 25, 2026
38Total Films
7.9 Highest Rated
Born: Jun 7, 1943
Birth Place: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, UK

About Michael Pennington

Michael Vivian Fyfe Pennington is a British director and actor who, together with director Michael Bogdanov, founded the English Shakespeare Company. Although primarily a stage actor, he is best known to wider audiences for his role as Moff Jerjerrod, commanding officer of the Death Star in the film Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi and as Michael Foot in The Iron Lady, opposite Meryl Streep.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Michael Pennington reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 38 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Michael Pennington'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 21% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Michael Pennington remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Return of the Jedi, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Michael Pennington Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Michael Pennington's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Michael Pennington.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2021 Manik da: The Mystique of Pather Panchali Narrator (voice) Average Similar →
2015 1945: The Savage Peace Narrator (voice) Super Hit Similar →
2014 Secrets of the Universe: Great Scientists in Their Own Words Narrator (Voice) Hit Similar →
2013 RSC Live: Richard II John of Gaunt Super Hit Similar →
2011 The Iron Lady Michael Foot Average Similar →
2008 Airborne: The RAF at 90 Narrator - (Voice) Flop Similar →
2008 Florence Nightingale Wen Average Similar →
2005 Fragile Marcus Hit Similar →
2003 Colosseum - Rome's Arena of Death Narrator (UK version) (voice) Hit Similar →
2002 The Dinosaur Hunters William Buckland Flop Similar →
2002 Pyramid Narrator (voice) Average Similar →
1996 Cracker: White Ghost Commander Gordon Ellison Hit Similar →
1994 The Last Bolshevik Self (voice: English version) Hit Similar →
1994 Degas and Pissario Fall Out Degas Flop Similar →
1991 Richard II Richard II Flop Similar →
1991 Henry IV: Part 1 Prince Henry of Wales Flop Similar →
1991 Henry IV: Part 2 Henry Prince of Wales Flop Similar →
1991 Henry V King Henry V Flop Similar →
1991 Henry VI: House of York Jack Cade Flop Similar →
1991 Henry VI: House of Lancaster Earl of Suffolk Flop Similar →
1991 Richard III Duke of Buckingham Flop Similar →
1987 The Return of Sherlock Holmes Sherlock Holmes Flop Similar →
1986 Theban Plays: Oedipus the King Oedipus Rex Flop Similar →
1986 The Marlowe Inquest Thomas Kyd Flop Similar →
1985 Forbidden Passion: The Oscar Wilde Movie - Flop Similar →
1984 The Mayor of Montemilone Narrator Flop Similar →
1983 Cymbeline Posthumus Average Similar →
1983 Return of the Jedi Moff Jerjerrod Super Hit Similar →
1982 Outside Edge Bob Average Similar →
1981 A Last Visitor for Mr. Hugh Peter John Lilburne Flop Similar →
1978 Danton's Death Saint-Just Flop Similar →
1978 Mr and Mrs Bureaucrat E1A Flop Similar →
1977 It's Only Rock 'n' Roll Don Harris Flop Similar →
1976 The Witches of Pendle Minister Flop Similar →
1970 The Dolly Scene Tom Flop Similar →
1970 Mad Jack - Flop Similar →
1969 Hamlet Laertes Average Similar →
1968 The Tycoon Peter Bell Flop Similar →

Michael Pennington - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Michael Pennington?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Michael Pennington is "Return of the Jedi" with a rating of 7.9/10.

How many movies has Michael Pennington acted in?

Michael Pennington has been featured in at least 38 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Michael Pennington?

Other notable films include "1945: The Savage Peace", "RSC Live: Richard II", and "The Last Bolshevik".