Michael Uppendahl - Actor Profile

Michael Uppendahl

Directing
Freshness: Feb 03, 2026
2Total Films
8.0 Highest Rated

About Michael Uppendahl

Michael Uppendahl is an American television and film director. He is well known for his work on the AMC period drama Mad Men; FX's horror anthology series American Horror Story, and Marvel's Legion; and the Fox musical/dramedy Glee. His first television credit came from directing 4 episodes of the CBS sitcom Becker, from 2003-2004. He wrote, directed and produced the 2009 short film A Hundred & Forty-Six Questions, starring Jamie Anne Allman. Since 2008, Uppendahl has directed 7 hours of the AMC drama Mad Men, for which he has received critical acclaim. In 2011 and 2012, Uppendahl joined the crews of Fox's Glee and FX's American Horror Story, directing 2 episodes of the former and 3 of the latter. In 2013, Uppendahl made his feature film directorial debut with Grounded (formerly under the working title, Quad), a drama about a salesman that becomes a quadriplegic. It was co-written by Michael Burke, Mike Young, Robin Veith, and Brett Johnson. Jeff Daniels, Lena Olin, Aaron Paul, and Tom Berenger star. Uppendahl serves as co-executive producer and director on Marvel's Legion; which airs on FX. The series centers on David Haller, possibly the most powerful mutant on the planet.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Michael Uppendahl reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 2 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Documentary

The majority of Michael Uppendahl's filmography leans towards the Documentary 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 50% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Michael Uppendahl remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Lion's Mouth Opens, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Michael Uppendahl Movies Ranked

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

Complete Filmography & Success Status

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

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2014 The Lion's Mouth Opens - Super Hit Similar →
2013 Are You Here Officier Norbey Flop Similar →

Michael Uppendahl - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Michael Uppendahl?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Michael Uppendahl is "The Lion's Mouth Opens" with a rating of 8.0/10.

How many movies has Michael Uppendahl acted in?

Michael Uppendahl has been featured in at least 2 major films throughout their career.