
Ray Walston
ActingAbout Ray Walston
Ray Walston (December 2, 1914 – January 1, 2001) was an American stage, television and film actor best known as the title character on the 1960s situation comedy My Favorite Martian. In addition, he was also known for his role as high school teacher Mr. Hand in the 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Judge Henry Bone on the drama series Picket Fences.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Ray Walston reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Comedy
The majority of Ray Walston's filmography leans towards the Comedy 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 24% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Ray Walston remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Apartment, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Ray Walston Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Ray Walston's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Ray Walston.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | The Art of 'The Sting' | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | Broadway's Lost Treasures III: The Best of The Tony Awards | Applegate (segment "Damn Yankees") (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Reliving Our Fast Times at Ridgemont High | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Swing Vote | Justice Clore Cawley | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | My Favorite Martian | Armitan | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | Addams Family Reunion | Walter Adams | Flop | Similar → |
| 1997 | The Westing Game | Sandy McSouthers | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | House Arrest | Chief Rocco | Flop | Similar → |
| 1996 | Project: ALF | Motel Manager | Average | Similar → |
| 1992 | Of Mice and Men | Candy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | The Player | Ray Walston | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Ralph S. Mouse | Matt | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Popcorn | Dr. Mnesyne | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Angel of Death | Prison Librarian | Flop | Similar → |
| 1990 | Blood Salvage | Mr. Stone | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Ski Patrol | Pops | Flop | Similar → |
| 1989 | Class Cruise | Cappy Connors | Flop | Similar → |
| 1989 | A Man of Passion | Basilio | Average | Similar → |
| 1988 | Saturday the 14th Strikes Back | Gramps Baxter | Flop | Similar → |
| 1988 | Red River | Groot | Average | Similar → |
| 1988 | Crash Course | Principal Paulson | Flop | Similar → |
| 1987 | O.C. and Stiggs | Grandpa 'Gramps' Ogilvie | Flop | Similar → |
| 1987 | From the Hip | 1st Judge | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | The Mouse and the Motorcycle | Matt | Flop | Similar → |
| 1986 | Ask Max | Harmon | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | Rad | Burton Timmer | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | Amos | Johnny Kent | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Johnny Dangerously | Vendor | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | Private School | Chauncey | Average | Similar → |
| 1982 | Fast Times at Ridgemont High | Mr. Hand | Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | The Kid with the Broken Halo | Michael | Average | Similar → |
| 1981 | Galaxy of Terror | Kore | Flop | Similar → |
| 1980 | Popeye | Poopdeck Pappy | Average | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Fall of the House of Usher | Thaddeus | Flop | Similar → |
| 1979 | Institute for Revenge | Frank Anders | Flop | Similar → |
| 1976 | Silver Streak | Mr. Edgar Whiney | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | The Sting | J.J. Singleton | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | Paint Your Wagon | "Mad Jack" Duncan | Average | Similar → |
| 1967 | Caprice | Stuart Clancy | Average | Similar → |
| 1964 | Kiss Me, Stupid | Orville Jeremiah Spooner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | Who's Minding the Store? | Mr. Quimby | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | Wives and Lovers | Wylie Driberg | Flop | Similar → |
| 1962 | Convicts 4 | Iggy | Flop | Similar → |
| 1960 | Portrait in Black | Cobb | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | The Apartment | Joe Dobisch | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | Tall Story | Professor Leo Sullivan | Flop | Similar → |
| 1959 | Say One for Me | Phil Stanley | Flop | Similar → |
| 1958 | Damn Yankees | Mr. Applegate | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | South Pacific | Luther Billis | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | Kiss Them for Me | Lt. (j.g.) Howard McCann | Average | Similar → |
Ray Walston - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Ray Walston?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ray Walston is "The Apartment" with a rating of 8.2/10.
How many movies has Ray Walston acted in?
Ray Walston has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Ray Walston?
Other notable films include "The Sting", "The Westing Game", and "Of Mice and Men".




