John Terlesky - Actor Profile

John Terlesky

Directing
Freshness: Jan 20, 2026
24Total Films
6.7 Highest Rated
Born: May 30, 1961
Birth Place: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

About John Terlesky

John Todd Terlesky (born May 30, 1961) is an American actor, film director, television director and screenwriter. As an actor, he is known for playing Deathstalker in the 1987 film Deathstalker II, and Mike in Chopping Mall (1986). Terlesky was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 30, 1961. Since the mid-1980s, Terlesky has acted in a number of films and television series. His first notable television role was in the NBC drama Legmen. His other television credits include The Facts of Life, V, Our House, Empty Nest, Walker, Texas Ranger, a recurring role on Guns of Paradise and co-starring in the sitcom The Last Frontier. Some of Terlesky's film acting credits include Secret Admirer (1985), The Naked Cage (1986), Chopping Mall (1986), Valet Girls (1987), The Allnighter (1987), Deathstalker II (1987), Appointment with Death (1988), Damned River (1989) and Crazy People (1990). In 1998, Terlesky made his directorial debut with the film The Pandora Project, co-directing with Jim Wynorski. He directed a number of other independent, direct-to-video and television films before getting involved in episodic television. Since 2006, he has directed episodes of Boston Legal, Grey's Anatomy, Ugly Betty, Drop Dead Diva, Human Target, Army Wives, Body of Proof, Gossip Girl, Castle, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., How To Get Away With Murder, and The Blacklist (TV series).

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of John Terlesky reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 24 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of John Terlesky'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 4% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), John Terlesky remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Secret Admirer, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best John Terlesky Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from John Terlesky's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of John Terlesky.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2005 Cerberus Willis Flop Similar →
2003 Written In Blood Guard #2 Average Similar →
1998 Storm Trooper Shotgun Flop Similar →
1996 Vampirella Astronaut #2 Flop Similar →
1996 Voice from the Grave Bill Perkins Average Similar →
1995 Hard Bounty Carver Flop Similar →
1993 Little Miss Millions Randolph Palmer (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1992 Munchie Dream Award Presenter (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1992 Battling for Baby Phillip Flop Similar →
1990 Bar Girls Gabe Shriver Flop Similar →
1990 Crazy People Adam Burgess Average Similar →
1989 When He's Not a Stranger Ron Cooper Flop Similar →
1989 Nashville Beat Stick Flop Similar →
1989 Damned River Carl Flop Similar →
1988 Appointment with Death Raymond Boynton Average Similar →
1988 Longarm Deputy US Marshal Custis Long Flop Similar →
1987 Deathstalker II: Duel of the Titans Deathstalker Average Similar →
1987 The Allnighter C.J. Flop Similar →
1987 Valet Girls Archie Lee Samples Flop Similar →
1986 Chopping Mall Mike Brennan Average Similar →
1986 The Naked Cage Willy Flop Similar →
1985 Secret Admirer Rick Hit Similar →
1985 Consenting Adult Pete Roberts Average Similar →
1984 Thumbelina Flower Court Average Similar →

John Terlesky - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of John Terlesky?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring John Terlesky is "Secret Admirer" with a rating of 6.7/10.

How many movies has John Terlesky acted in?

John Terlesky has been featured in at least 24 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by John Terlesky?

Other notable films include "Appointment with Death", "Thumbelina", and "Crazy People".