Merry Clayton - Actor Profile

Merry Clayton

Acting
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
9Total Films
7.5 Highest Rated
Born: Dec 25, 1948
Birth Place: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

About Merry Clayton

Merry Clayton is an American soul and gospel singer and an actress. She provided a number of backing vocal tracks for major performing artists in the 1960s, most notably in her duet with Mick Jagger on the Rolling Stones song "Gimme Shelter".

Known For: Acting

Merry Clayton Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Merry Clayton reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 9 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Merry Clayton's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 33% of Merry Clayton'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 Blame It on the Night, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Merry Clayton Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Merry Clayton's career based on audience ratings.

★7.5
Blame It on the Night (1984) movie poster
★7.5

Blame It on the Night: When his unmarried mother dies, custody of 13-year-old Job is assumed by his alleged father, Chris, whom he has never se

Blame It on the Night

1984•Comedy
★7.2
20 Feet from Stardom (2013) movie poster
★7.2

20 Feet from Stardom: Backup singers live in a world that lies just beyond the spotlight. Their voices bring harmony to the biggest bands in p

20 Feet from Stardom

2013•Documentary
★6.6
Cagney & Lacey: The Return (1994) movie poster
★6.6

Cagney & Lacey: The Return: 1994. Cagney, now a Lieutenant, re-teams with Lacey, who has left the force, to search for a cache of missing firearms.

Cagney & Lacey: The Return

1994•Crime
★6.2
Get Bruce! (1999) movie poster
★6.2

Get Bruce!: Affectionate tribute to Bruce Vilanch, who writes material for celebrities who make public appearances, from Oscar hosts

Get Bruce!

1999•Comedy
★6.1
Nine 1/2 Weeks (1986) movie poster
★6.1

Nine 1/2 Weeks: An erotic story about a woman, the assistant of an art gallery, who gets involved in an impersonal affair with a man. Sh

Nine 1/2 Weeks

1986•Drama

Full Filmography

Every movie Merry Clayton has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2026 Billy Preston: That's the Way God Planned It Self Flop Similar →
2013 20 Feet from Stardom Self Hit Similar →
2000 A Private Affair Betty Flop Similar →
1999 Get Bruce! Self Average Similar →
1994 Cagney & Lacey: The Return Verna Dee Jordan Hit Similar →
1988 Dirty Dancing Live in Concert Herself Flop Similar →
1987 Maid to Order Audrey James Flop Similar →
1986 Nine 1/2 Weeks Background Vocal at Porno House Average Similar →
1984 Blame It on the Night Merry Clayton Super Hit Similar →

Merry Clayton - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Merry Clayton?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Merry Clayton is "Blame It on the Night" with a rating of 7.5/10.

How many movies has Merry Clayton acted in?

Merry Clayton has been featured in at least 9 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Merry Clayton?

Other notable films include "20 Feet from Stardom", "Cagney & Lacey: The Return", and "Get Bruce!".

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