Allen Garfield - Actor Profile

Allen Garfield

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
50Total Films
8.5 Highest Rated
Born: Nov 22, 1939
Birth Place: Newark, New Jersey, USA

About Allen Garfield

Allen Garfield, born and sometimes credited as Allen Goorwitz (November 22, 1939 - April 7, 2020), was an American film and television actor. Garfield was born in Newark, New Jersey, the son of Alice (née Lavroff) and Philip Goorwitz.A graduate of Weequahic High School, he was a sports reporter and Golden Gloves boxer before becoming an actor. He studied acting at The Actors Studio in New York City, studying with both Lee Strasberg and Elia Kazan, and worked in stage before film. Garfield was a quirky and prolific actor who appeared in over 100 films and television shows. He was known for playing nervous villains, corrupt businessmen and politicians. In addition he appeared in two art films by German director Wim Wenders, Der Stand der Dinge and Bis ans Ende der Welt. Garfield had one sister, Lois. Description above from the Wikipedia article Allen Garfield, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Allen Garfield 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: Drama

The majority of Allen Garfield'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), Allen Garfield remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in You've Got To Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Allen Garfield Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Allen Garfield's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Allen Garfield.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2001 The Majestic Leo Kubelsky Hit Similar →
1999 The Ninth Gate Witkin Hit Similar →
1996 Crime of the Century Lt. James Finn Hit Similar →
1996 Wild Side Dan Rackman Average Similar →
1996 Diabolique Leo Katzman Average Similar →
1995 Destiny Turns on the Radio Vinnie Vidivici Flop Similar →
1995 Stuart Saves His Family Maitre D' Flop Similar →
1994 The Patriots Eagleman Hit Similar →
1992 Miracle Beach Magnus O'Leary Average Similar →
1992 Citizen Cohn Abe Feller Average Similar →
1991 Until the End of the World Bernie, Used Car Dealer Hit Similar →
1990 Dick Tracy Reporter Average Similar →
1989 Let It Ride Greenberg Average Similar →
1987 Beverly Hills Cop II Harold Lutz Hit Similar →
1987 You Ruined My Life Howie Flop Similar →
1986 Killer in the Mirror - Flop Similar →
1986 Desert Bloom Mr. Mosol Average Similar →
1984 The Cotton Club Otto 'Abbadabba' Berman Hit Similar →
1984 Teachers Carl Rosenberg Average Similar →
1984 Irreconcilable Differences Phil Hanner Average Similar →
1983 Get Crazy Max Wolfe Average Similar →
1983 The Black Stallion Returns Kurr Average Similar →
1982 The State of Things Gordon Average Similar →
1982 One from the Heart Restaurant Owner Average Similar →
1981 Continental Divide Howard McDermott Average Similar →
1981 Leave 'Em Laughing Dr. Arthur Abrams Super Hit Similar →
1980 One Trick Pony Cal van Damp Flop Similar →
1980 The Stunt Man Sam Hit Similar →
1978 The Brink's Job Vinnie Costa Average Similar →
1978 Ring of Passion Damon Runyon Hit Similar →
1978 Nowhere to Run Herbie Stolz Hit Similar →
1976 The Million Dollar Rip-Off Lt. Ralph Fogherty Average Similar →
1976 Mother, Jugs & Speed Harry Fishbine Flop Similar →
1975 Nashville Barnett Hit Similar →
1974 The Front Page Kruger Hit Similar →
1974 The Conversation William P. 'Bernie' Moran Super Hit Similar →
1974 Busting Carl Rizzo Average Similar →
1973 The Marcus-Nelson Murders Mario Portello Hit Similar →
1973 Slither Vincent J. Palmer Average Similar →
1972 The Candidate Klein Hit Similar →
1972 Get to Know Your Rabbit Vic Flop Similar →
1972 Top of the Heap Taxi Driver Average Similar →
1971 The Organization Benjy Average Similar →
1971 You've Got To Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat Herby Moss Super Hit Similar →
1971 Bananas Man On Cross Hit Similar →
1971 Taking Off Norman Hit Similar →
1970 The Owl and the Pussycat Dress Shop Proprietor Average Similar →
1970 Hi, Mom! Joe Banner Average Similar →
1969 Putney Swope Elias, Jr. Average Similar →
1968 Greetings Smut Peddler Average Similar →

Allen Garfield - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Allen Garfield?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Allen Garfield is "You've Got To Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat" with a rating of 8.5/10.

How many movies has Allen Garfield acted in?

Allen Garfield has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Allen Garfield?

Other notable films include "Leave 'Em Laughing", "The Conversation", and "The Marcus-Nelson Murders".