Brion James - Actor Profile

Brion James

Acting
Updated: Apr 13, 2026
50Total Films
9.5 Highest Rated
Born: Feb 20, 1945
Birth Place: Redlands, California, USA

About Brion James

Brion Howard James (February 20, 1945 – August 7, 1999) was an American character actor. Known for playing the character of Leon Kowalski in the movie Blade Runner, James portrayed a variety of colorful roles in well-known American films such as 48 Hrs., Another 48 Hours, Tango & Cash, Silverado, Red Heat, The Player and The Fifth Element. James' commanding screen presence and formidable physique at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) tall usually resulted in his casting as a heavy, appearing more frequently in lower budget horror and action films throughout the 1980s and 1990s. James appeared in more than 100 films before he died of a heart attack aged 54. Description above from the Wikipedia article Brion James, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Brion James Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Brion James reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Brion James's work falls within the Action genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 42% of Brion James's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Desperado: The Outlaw Wars, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Brion James Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Brion James's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Brion James has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2000 The King Is Alive Ashley Average Similar →
1999 Malevolence Warden Walker Average Similar →
1998 Deadly Ransom Bobby Rico Super Hit Similar →
1998 Jekyll Island Lawton Goodyear Super Hit Similar →
1997 The Fifth Element General Munro Super Hit Similar →
1996 American Strays Oris Average Similar →
1996 Billy Lone Bear - Average Similar →
1995 Nature of the Beast Sheriff Gordon Average Similar →
1995 Sketch Artist II: Hands That See Larry Walker Average Similar →
1994 Radioland Murders Bernie King Average Similar →
1994 Scanner Cop Dr. Hampton Average Similar →
1993 Precious Victims Agent Jimmy Bivens Hit Similar →
1993 Striking Distance Eddie Eiler Average Similar →
1993 Showdown Vice Principal Kowalski Average Similar →
1992 Nemesis Maritz Flop Similar →
1992 The Player Joel Levison Hit Similar →
1990 Another 48 Hrs. Ben Kehoe Average Similar →
1989 Tango & Cash Requin Hit Similar →
1989 Desperado: The Outlaw Wars Roy Grimes Super Hit Similar →
1989 Circles in a Forest Mr. Patterson Average Similar →
1988 Red Scorpion Krasnov Average Similar →
1988 Red Heat Streak Average Similar →
1988 The Wrong Guys Glen Grunski Average Similar →
1988 D.O.A. Detective Ulmer Average Similar →
1987 Cherry 2000 Stacy Average Similar →
1987 Love Among Thieves Andre Average Similar →
1986 Armed and Dangerous Anthony Lazarus Average Similar →
1986 Amazing Stories Willie Joe Average Similar →
1985 Enemy Mine Stubbs Hit Similar →
1985 Flesh + Blood Karsthans Hit Similar →
1985 Silverado Hobart Hit Similar →
1985 Crimewave Arthur Coddish Average Similar →
1984 A Breed Apart Peyton Average Similar →
1983 The Gambler: The Adventure Continues Reece Hit Similar →
1983 The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez Captain Rogers Hit Similar →
1982 48 Hrs. Ben Kehoe Hit Similar →
1982 Blade Runner Leon Super Hit Similar →
1981 Killing at Hell's Gate Turkey Jones Average Similar →
1981 Southern Comfort Trapper Hit Similar →
1981 The Postman Always Rings Twice Crapshooter Hit Similar →
1980 Conquest of the Earth Willy Hit Similar →
1980 The Jazz Singer Man in Bar Average Similar →
1978 Corvette Summer Wayne's Car Wash Henchman Flop Similar →
1977 Blue Sunshine Tony Average Similar →
1976 Nickelodeon Bailiff Average Similar →
1976 Bound for Glory Pick Up Truck Driver at the Border Hit Similar →
1976 The Invasion of Johnson County Ben Jones Hit Similar →
1976 Treasure of Matecumbe Roustabout Hit Similar →
1976 Harry and Walter Go to New York Hayseed Average Similar →
1975 Hard Times Man (uncredited) Hit Similar →

Brion James - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Brion James?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Brion James is "Desperado: The Outlaw Wars" with a rating of 9.5/10.

How many movies has Brion James acted in?

Brion James has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Brion James?

Other notable films include "Jekyll Island", "Deadly Ransom", and "Blade Runner".

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