John Carroll Lynch
ActingAbout John Carroll Lynch
John Carroll Lynch (born August 1, 1963) is an American actor, known for his role as Drew Carey's cross-dressing brother on The Drew Carey Show, and for his role as Norm, the unassuming husband of Margie Gunderson (Frances McDormand) in Fargo. In the fall of 2003, he starred in the CBS show The Brotherhood of Poland, New Hampshire, with Randy Quaid, Chris Penn, Mare Winningham, Elizabeth McGovern, and Ann Cusack. The show was cancelled after only a few episodes. He also had a recurring role in the HBO show Carnivàle, playing escaped convict Varlyn Stroud. Lynch appeared as a district attorney in the CBS series Close to Home and as NASA official Bob Gilruth in the HBO mini-series From the Earth to the Moon. Lynch appeared in the 2003 thriller Gothika and the 2007 biopic Zodiac.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of John Carroll Lynch reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of John Carroll Lynch'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 48% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), John Carroll Lynch remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Shutter Island, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best John Carroll Lynch Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from John Carroll Lynch's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of John Carroll Lynch.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | She Rides Shotgun | Houser | Hit | Similar → |
| 2025 | Sorry, Baby | Pete | Hit | Similar → |
| 2024 | Babes | Dr. Morris | Average | Similar → |
| 2020 | The Trial of the Chicago 7 | David Dellinger | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2020 | Kiss Me Kosher! | Ron Shalev | Average | Similar → |
| 2019 | The Highwaymen | Lee Simmons | Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | Private Life | Charlie Grimes | Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | Jackie | Lyndon B. Johnson | Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | The Founder | Mac McDonald | Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | Shangri-La Suite | Colonel Tom Parker | Average | Similar → |
| 2016 | The Invitation | Pruitt | Average | Similar → |
| 2016 | Miracles from Heaven | Pastor Scott | Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | Ted 2 | Tom Jessup | Average | Similar → |
| 2015 | Hot Pursuit | Captain Emmett | Average | Similar → |
| 2014 | Camp X-Ray | Col. Drummond | Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | The Pretty One | Frank | Average | Similar → |
| 2014 | Hoke | Bill Henderson | Average | Similar → |
| 2013 | Highland Park | Rory | Average | Similar → |
| 2011 | Crazy, Stupid, Love. | Bernie | Hit | Similar → |
| 2011 | Paul | Moses Buggs | Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | Sympathy for Delicious | Evangelist Carroll | Average | Similar → |
| 2010 | Shutter Island | Deputy Warden McPherson | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | Hesher | Larry | Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | Love Happens | Walter | Average | Similar → |
| 2008 | Gran Torino | Barber Martin | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Things We Lost in the Fire | Howard Glassman | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Zodiac | Arthur Leigh Allen | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2005 | Mozart and the Whale | Gregory | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Catch That Kid | Mr. Hartman | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Gothika | Sheriff Ryan | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Confidence | Grant Ashby | Average | Similar → |
| 2002 | Live from Baghdad | Josh Holliman | Hit | Similar → |
| 2002 | The Good Girl | Jack Field, Your Store Manager | Average | Similar → |
| 2002 | Bug | Wallace Gregory | Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | Bubble Boy | Mr. Livingston | Average | Similar → |
| 2000 | Gone in Sixty Seconds | Impound Manager | Average | Similar → |
| 2000 | Waking the Dead | Father Mileski | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Tuesdays with Morrie | Walter | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Anywhere but Here | Jack Irwin | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Pushing Tin | Doctor Freeze (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | Mercury Rising | Martin Lynch | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | A Thousand Acres | Ken LaSalle | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | Face/Off | Prison Guard Walton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Volcano | Stan Olber | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | The Fan | Shopkeeper | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | Voice from the Grave | Prosecutor O'Gane | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | Fargo | Norm Gunderson | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Beautiful Girls | Frank Womack | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | The Cure | Skipper #1 | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Grumpy Old Men | Moving Man | Hit | Similar → |
John Carroll Lynch - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of John Carroll Lynch?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring John Carroll Lynch is "Shutter Island" with a rating of 8.2/10.
How many movies has John Carroll Lynch acted in?
John Carroll Lynch has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by John Carroll Lynch?
Other notable films include "Gran Torino", "The Cure", and "Fargo".