
Sam Anderson
ActingAbout Sam Anderson
Sam Anderson (born April 2, 1947) is an American actor. He is best known for his character roles such as Sam Gorpley on Perfect Strangers, Holland Manners on Angel, dentist Bernard Nadler on Lost, Happy Days-loving Doctor Harad who delivered Phoebe's triplets in Friends' 100th episode, and in film, as the principal in Forrest Gump.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Sam Anderson reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 37 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Sam Anderson'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 19% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Sam Anderson remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Forrest Gump, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Sam Anderson Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Sam Anderson's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Sam Anderson.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | The Lift | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 2022 | Where the Crawdads Sing | Tate (mid-70s) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | Song of Back and Neck | Jarred Foxen | Average | Similar → |
| 2017 | Do You Take This Man | Steven | Flop | Similar → |
| 2017 | Maybe Someday | Douglas Donnelly | Flop | Similar → |
| 2016 | Ouija: Origin of Evil | Mr. Browning | Average | Similar → |
| 2014 | Devil's Due | Father Thomas | Flop | Similar → |
| 2013 | Breaking the Girls | Professor Nolan | Flop | Similar → |
| 2012 | 3, 2, 1... Frankie Go Boom | Chris | Average | Similar → |
| 2011 | Water for Elephants | Mr. Hyde | Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | Dirty Habit | Bishop | Flop | Similar → |
| 2005 | Touched | Dr. Reynolds | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Secret Santa | Mr. Gibson | Flop | Similar → |
| 2002 | Slackers | Charles Patton | Flop | Similar → |
| 2000 | Sonic Impact | Alex Holmes | Flop | Similar → |
| 2000 | The Independent | Ed | Flop | Similar → |
| 2000 | Perfect Game | Steven | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | NetForce | Fox | Flop | Similar → |
| 1998 | Permanent Midnight | Dr. Olson | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | What I Did for Love | Richard | Flop | Similar → |
| 1998 | The Pentagon Wars | Congressman #2 | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | The Sleepwalker Killing | Roth Lane | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | The Last Hand | Jimmy Walsh | Flop | Similar → |
| 1996 | The Man Next Door | Dwight Cooley | Flop | Similar → |
| 1996 | Sex, Censorship and the Silver Screen | Quote Reader | Flop | Similar → |
| 1994 | The Puppet Masters | Culbertson | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | Forrest Gump | Principal Hancock | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | A Place to Be Loved | Judge Thomas S. Kirk | Flop | Similar → |
| 1992 | Memoirs of an Invisible Man | Chairman of the House Committee | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | Dark Angel | Warren | Average | Similar → |
| 1988 | Critters 2 | Mr. Morgan | Average | Similar → |
| 1987 | La Bamba | Mr. Ludwig | Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Movers & Shakers | Ray Berg | Flop | Similar → |
| 1983 | Policewoman Centerfold | Druggist | Flop | Similar → |
| 1983 | Joe Dancer III: The Big Trade | Paul Iberville | Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | The Tragedy of King Lear | Duke of Albany | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Swap | Paul | Flop | Similar → |
Sam Anderson - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Sam Anderson?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Sam Anderson is "Forrest Gump" with a rating of 8.5/10.
How many movies has Sam Anderson acted in?
Sam Anderson has been featured in at least 37 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Sam Anderson?
Other notable films include "The Tragedy of King Lear", "Where the Crawdads Sing", and "La Bamba".




