
James N. Harrell
ActingAbout James N. Harrell
James Nelson Harrell was an American actor with a career spanning several decades. He graduated from Baylor University and held a Master's Degree in Drama from Trinity University. Harrell studied acting at the original Baylor Theater with Paul Baker in the 1930s and, in 1940, was invited to join Michael Chekhov's Acting Studio in Ridgefield, Connecticut. He appeared in films such as Michael (1996) and The Green Mile (1999). Harrell's extensive work in theater and film left a lasting impact on the acting community.
James N. Harrell Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of James N. Harrell reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 35 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of James N. Harrell's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 26% of James N. Harrell'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 Paper Moon, which stands out as a key performance.
Best James N. Harrell Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from James N. Harrell's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie James N. Harrell has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | A Slipping Down Life | Doctor | Flop | Similar → |
| 1999 | Varsity Blues | Murray | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | Hope Floats | Harry Calvert | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | Michael | Old Geezer #1 | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | A Family Thing | Earl Pilcher Sr. | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | The Good Old Boys | Pierson Phelps | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Flesh and Bone | Woody | Average | Similar → |
| 1992 | Leap of Faith | Ramsey | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | JFK | Sam Holland | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Another Pair of Aces: Three of a Kind | Hoyle Barker | Flop | Similar → |
| 1990 | The Hot Spot | Elderly Man (as James Harrell) | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Texasville | Odessa Oil Man | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Pair of Aces | Charlie | Flop | Similar → |
| 1989 | Lost Angels | Shelby | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Riverbend | McBride (as Jim Harrell) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1987 | Nadine | Deacon | Flop | Similar → |
| 1986 | The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 | Cut-Rite Manager | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | The Lone Star Kid | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | Noon Wine | Tom Allbright | Flop | Similar → |
| 1984 | Country | Bank Officer, Jim | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | The Dollmaker | Old John Miller | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | Raggedy Man | Ticket Taker | Flop | Similar → |
| 1980 | Resurrection | Doc Lurkin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Urban Cowboy | Minister at Gravesite | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Whole Shootin' Match | Rhonda Lynn's Father | Average | Similar → |
| 1977 | Rolling Thunder | Grandpa | Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | Outlaw Blues | Cop Chauffeur | Flop | Similar → |
| 1975 | Race with the Devil | Gun Shop Owner | Average | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Great Waldo Pepper | Farmer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Don't Hang Up! | Dr. Crawther | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Sugarland Express | Mark Fenno | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Houston, We've Got a Problem | Newsman | Average | Similar → |
| 1973 | Paper Moon | The Minister | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Encounter with the Unknown | Brother Taylor | Flop | Similar → |
| 1970 | A Bullet for Pretty Boy | Sam Floyd | Flop | Similar → |
James N. Harrell - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of James N. Harrell?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring James N. Harrell is "Paper Moon" with a rating of 7.9/10.
How many movies has James N. Harrell acted in?
James N. Harrell has been featured in at least 35 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by James N. Harrell?
Other notable films include "The Dollmaker", "JFK", and "Rolling Thunder".




