Jessica Harper - Actor Profile

Jessica Harper

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
36Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Oct 3, 1949
Birth Place: Chicago, Illinois, USA

About Jessica Harper

Jessica Randolph Harper (born October 3, 1949) is an American actress and singer. Harper began her feature film career with a starring role in Brian De Palma's Phantom of the Paradise (1974), and subsequently featured in films including Love and Death (1975), Inserts (1975), and My Favorite Year (1982). She is best known for her portrayal of Suzy Bannion, the protagonist of Dario Argento's cult classic Suspiria (1977), and appeared in a supporting role in Luca Guadagnino's 2018 remake. Her other films include Stardust Memories (1980), Shock Treatment (1981) (the followup to The Rocky Horror Picture Show in which she replaced Susan Sarandon as Janet Weiss), Pennies from Heaven (1981), The Blue Iguana (1988), Safe (1995), Minority Report (2002), Bones and All (2022) and Nightbitch (2024). In addition to acting, Harper is also an author of children's music and books. Description above from the Wikipedia article Jessica Harper, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Jessica Harper reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 36 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Jessica Harper'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 44% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Jessica Harper remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Rocky Horror 45: The Movie, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Jessica Harper Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Jessica Harper's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Jessica Harper.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2026 Fantasy Life Toby Flop Similar →
2026 Carousel - Flop Similar →
2024 Nightbitch Norma Average Similar →
2023 Memory Samantha Hit Similar →
2022 Bones and All Barbara Kerns Hit Similar →
2022 The Lady of the Dunes The Narrator Flop Similar →
2021 Rocky Horror 45: The Movie Self Super Hit Similar →
2018 Suspiria Anke Hit Similar →
2009 House Broken DWP Clerk Flop Similar →
2006 Paradise Regained: Brian de Palma's 'Phantom of the Paradise' Herself Average Similar →
2002 Minority Report Anne Lively Hit Similar →
2001 Suspiria 25th Anniversary Self Average Similar →
2001 Dario Argento: An Eye for Horror Self Hit Similar →
1997 On the Edge of Innocence Alice Walker Flop Similar →
1996 Boys Mrs. John Baker Flop Similar →
1995 Safe Joyce Hit Similar →
1993 Mr. Wonderful Funny Face Average Similar →
1989 Big Man on Campus Dr. Fisk Average Similar →
1989 Eat a Bowl of Tea American Prostitute (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1988 The Blue Iguana Cora Flop Similar →
1986 The Imagemaker Cynthia Flop Similar →
1985 When Dreams Come True Annie Average Similar →
1982 My Favorite Year K.C. Downing Hit Similar →
1981 Pennies from Heaven Joan Average Similar →
1981 Shock Treatment Janet Majors Average Similar →
1980 Stardust Memories Daisy Hit Similar →
1980 To Woody Allen from Europe with Love Herself Flop Similar →
1979 The Evictors Ruth Watkins Hit Similar →
1977 Suspiria Suzy Bannion Super Hit Similar →
1975 Love and Death Natasha Super Hit Similar →
1975 Inserts Cathy Cake Average Similar →
1974 ‘Rameau’s Nephew’ by Diderot (Thanx to Dennis Young) by Wilma Schoen - Super Hit Similar →
1974 Phantom of the Paradise Phoenix Super Hit Similar →
1973 The Garden Party Peggy Hit Similar →
1971 Taking Off Jessica Harper (uncredited) Hit Similar →
N/A Kill Me - Flop Similar →

Jessica Harper - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Jessica Harper?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Jessica Harper is "Rocky Horror 45: The Movie" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Jessica Harper acted in?

Jessica Harper has been featured in at least 36 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Jessica Harper?

Other notable films include "‘Rameau’s Nephew’ by Diderot (Thanx to Dennis Young) by Wilma Schoen", "Phantom of the Paradise", and "Love and Death".