David McCullough - Actor Profile

David McCullough

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
30Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jul 7, 1933

About David McCullough

David Gaub McCullough (July 7, 1933 – August 7, 2022) was an American popular historian. He was a two-time winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. In 2006, he was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States' highest civilian award. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, McCullough earned a degree in English literature from Yale University. His first book was The Johnstown Flood (1968), and he wrote nine more on such topics as Harry S. Truman, John Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Panama Canal, and the Wright brothers. McCullough also narrated numerous documentaries, such as The Civil War by Ken Burns, as well as the 2003 film Seabiscuit, and he hosted the PBS television documentary series American Experience for twelve years. McCullough's two Pulitzer Prize–winning books—Truman and John Adams.—were adapted by HBO into a TV film and a miniseries, respectively.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of David McCullough reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 30 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Documentary

The majority of David McCullough'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 47% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), David McCullough remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in George Washington: The Man Who Wouldn't Be King, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best David McCullough Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from David McCullough's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of David McCullough.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2017 California Typewriter Self Hit Similar →
2017 The Words That Built America Self - Narrator (voice) Average Similar →
2017 Burden of Genius Self – Author, Historian Flop Similar →
2010 The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Featuring Natalie Cole Self Flop Similar →
2008 David McCullough: Painting with Words Self Average Similar →
2003 Seabiscuit: Racing Through History Self Flop Similar →
2003 Winners' Circle: The Heroes Behind the Legend Self Flop Similar →
2003 Seabiscuit Narrator Hit Similar →
2003 'Seabiscuit': The Making of a Legend Self Flop Similar →
2000 Napoleon Narrator Hit Similar →
1997 Truman Self Flop Similar →
1997 New York Underground Self - Host Flop Similar →
1996 The Wright Stuff Self - Host Flop Similar →
1996 The Battle Over Citizen Kane Self - Host of The American Experience Hit Similar →
1995 Chicago 1968 Self - Host Flop Similar →
1994 Midnight Ramble Introduction Hit Similar →
1994 FDR Narrator Hit Similar →
1994 D-Day Remembered Self - Narrator Flop Similar →
1993 The Hurricane of '38 Narrator (voice) Flop Similar →
1993 Ike Narrator (voice) Flop Similar →
1992 George Washington: The Man Who Wouldn't Be King Host Super Hit Similar →
1992 The Donner Party Narrator (voice) Hit Similar →
1991 LBJ Narrator Super Hit Similar →
1989 The Congress Self - Writer / Narrator Super Hit Similar →
1989 The World That Moses Built Narrator Flop Similar →
1986 The Wyeths: A Father and His Family Self Flop Similar →
1985 The Statue of Liberty Self - Historian / Narrator Hit Similar →
1985 Huey Long Narrator (voice) Hit Similar →
1984 The Shakers: Hands to Work, Hearts to God Narrator (voice) Hit Similar →
1981 Brooklyn Bridge Self - Narrator (voice) Super Hit Similar →

David McCullough - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of David McCullough?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring David McCullough is "George Washington: The Man Who Wouldn't Be King" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has David McCullough acted in?

David McCullough has been featured in at least 30 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by David McCullough?

Other notable films include "LBJ", "The Congress", and "Brooklyn Bridge".