David Strathairn
ActingAbout David Strathairn
David Russell Strathairn (born January 26, 1949) is an American actor, best known for his portrayal of journalist Edward R. Murrow in the feature film Good Night, and Good Luck (2005), for which he was nominated for an Academy Award. He also starred in L.A. Confidential (1997), Godzilla (2014), and the Bourne franchise (2007–2012). Strathairn appeared in supporting roles in many notable films such as A League of Their Own (1992), Sneakers (1992), The Firm (1993), The River Wild (1995), Lincoln (2012), Nomadland (2020), and Nightmare Alley (2021). He is a frequent collaborator with director John Sayles, who is a fellow graduate of Williams College. On television, Strathairn is known for his recurring roles in The Sopranos (2004), Alphas (2011–2012), The Blacklist (2015–2016), Billions (2017–2019), and The Expanse (2018–2019). He received a Primetime Emmy Award win and a Golden Globe Award nomination for his performance in the HBO television film Temple Grandin (2010).
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of David Strathairn reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of David Strathairn'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 100% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), David Strathairn remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Oedipus Project, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best David Strathairn Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from David Strathairn's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of David Strathairn.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Zootopia 2 | Milton Lynxley (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2022 | Where the Crawdads Sing | Tom Milton | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2021 | Nightmare Alley | Pete | Hit | Similar → |
| 2021 | Nomadland | Dave | Hit | Similar → |
| 2020 | The Oedipus Project | Messenger 1 | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | Godzilla: King of the Monsters | Admiral William Stenz | Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | UFO | Franklin Ahls | Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | An Interview with God | God | Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | Darkest Hour | President Roosevelt (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | He Does Not Want Peace | Richard Englebright | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Lincoln@Gettysburg | Narrator (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Love, Marilyn | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Lincoln | William Seward | Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | The Whistleblower | Peter Ward | Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | Area 51 Declassified | Himself - Narrator | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | Temple Grandin | Professor Carlock | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | The People Speak | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | Whatever You Desire: Making 'L.A. Confidential' | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | The Spiderwick Chronicles | Arthur Spiderwick | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Trumbo | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Matters of Life and Death | Mr. Jennings | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | The Bourne Ultimatum | Noah Vosen | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Fracture | Joe Lobruto | Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | We Are Marshall | President Dedmon | Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | The Sensation of Sight | Finn | Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | Heavens Fall | Judge James Horton | Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | The Human Behavior Experiments | Narrator | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2005 | Good Night, and Good Luck. | Edward R. Murrow | Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | Los Angeles Plays Itself | Pierce Patchett in L.A. Confidential (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | The Miracle Worker | Captain Keller | Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Harrison's Flowers | Harrison Lloyd | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Simon Birch | Rev. Russell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | The Climb | Earl Himes | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | L.A. Confidential | Pierce Patchett | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Mother Night | Bernard B. O'Hare | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Dolores Claiborne | Joe St. George | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Losing Isaiah | Charles Lewin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | The Firm | Ray McDeere | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Passion Fish | Rennie | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Sneakers | Whistler | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Bob Roberts | Mack Laflin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | A League of Their Own | Ira Lowenstein | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | City of Hope | Asteroid | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Memphis Belle | Craig Harriman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Eight Men Out | Eddie Cicotte | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Dominick and Eugene | Martin Chernak | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Matewan | Police Chief Sid Hatfield | Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | At Close Range | Tony Pine | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | The Brother from Another Planet | Man In Black | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Silkwood | Wesley | Hit | Similar → |
David Strathairn - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of David Strathairn?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring David Strathairn is "The Oedipus Project" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has David Strathairn acted in?
David Strathairn has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by David Strathairn?
Other notable films include "Matters of Life and Death", "Area 51 Declassified", and "He Does Not Want Peace".