Michael Ontkean
ActingAbout Michael Ontkean
Michael Leonard Ontkean (born January 24, 1946) is a Canadian retired actor. Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Ontkean relocated to the United States to attend the University of New Hampshire on a hockey scholarship before pursuing a career in acting in the early 1970s. He initially came to prominence portraying Officer Willie Gillis on the crime drama series The Rookies from 1972 to 1974, followed by lead roles in the hockey sports comedy film Slap Shot (1977) and the romantic comedy Willie & Phil (1980). In 1982, he had a starring role opposite Harry Hamlin and Kate Jackson in the drama Making Love, in which he portrayed a married man who comes to terms with his homosexuality. Ontkean continued to appear in films, such as Clara's Heart (1988) and Postcards from the Edge (1990) before being cast as Sheriff Harry S. Truman on David Lynch's Twin Peaks (1990–1991), the role for which he is best known.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Michael Ontkean reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 42 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Michael Ontkean'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 17% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Michael Ontkean remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Kids Don't Tell, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Michael Ontkean Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Michael Ontkean's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Michael Ontkean.
Michael Ontkean - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Michael Ontkean?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Michael Ontkean is "Kids Don't Tell" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Michael Ontkean acted in?
Michael Ontkean has been featured in at least 42 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Michael Ontkean?
Other notable films include "Twin Peaks", "Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces", and "Slap Shot".