Rip Torn
ActingAbout Rip Torn
Elmore Rual "Rip" Torn Jr. (February 6, 1931 – July 9, 2019) was an American actor whose career spanned more than 60 years. He was best known for his roles as Zed in the Men in Black franchise (1997-2002) and Patches O'Houlihan in Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004). Torn received an Academy Award nomination as Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1983 film Cross Creek. His work includes the role of Artie, the producer, on The Larry Sanders Show, for which he was nominated for six Emmy Awards, winning in 1996. Torn also won an American Comedy Award for Funniest Supporting Male in a Series, and two CableACE Awards for his work on the show, and was nominated for a Satellite Award in 1997 as well.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Rip Torn 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 Rip Torn'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 52% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Rip Torn remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Fires of Kuwait, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Rip Torn Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Rip Torn's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Rip Torn.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Men in Black 3 | Large-Headed Alien at Funeral (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Norman Mailer: The American | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Bee Movie | Lou Lo Duca (voice) | Average | Similar → |
| 2006 | Marie Antoinette | Louis XV | Hit | Similar → |
| 2005 | Yours, Mine & Ours | Commandant Sherman | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Eulogy | Edmund Collins | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story | Patches O'Houlihan | Average | Similar → |
| 2002 | Men in Black II | Zed | Average | Similar → |
| 2000 | Clint Eastwood: Out of the Shadows | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Wonder Boys | Q | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | The Insider | John Scanlon | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Senseless | Randall Tyson | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | Men in Black | Zed | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Hercules | Zeus (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Down Periscope | Admiral Winslow | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | How to Make an American Quilt | Arthur | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Letter to My Killer | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | Where the Rivers Flow North | Noel Lord | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | Beyond the Law | Deputy Prescott | Average | Similar → |
| 1992 | A Mother's Right: The Elizabeth Morgan Story | Bill Morgan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Fires of Kuwait | Narrator (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | My Son Johnny | Brian Stansbury | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Defending Your Life | Bob Diamond | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | By Dawn's Early Light | Colonel Fargo | Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Silence Like Glass | Dr. Markowitz | Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Hit List | Vic Luca | Average | Similar → |
| 1987 | Extreme Prejudice | Sheriff Hank Pearson | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | Summer Rental | Scully | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | The Execution | Wilheim Gehbert | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Flashpoint | Sheriff Wells | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | Misunderstood | Will | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Cross Creek | Marsh Turner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Airplane II: The Sequel | Bud Kruger / President Reagan | Average | Similar → |
| 1982 | The Beastmaster | Maax | Average | Similar → |
| 1979 | Heartland | Clyde Stewart | Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Coma | Dr. George | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Man Who Fell to Earth | Nathan Bryce | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | Crazy Joe | Richie | Average | Similar → |
| 1973 | The President's Plane Is Missing | George Oldenburg | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | Coming Apart | Joe | Average | Similar → |
| 1968 | Sol Madrid | Dano Villanova | Average | Similar → |
| 1967 | Beach Red | Gunnery Sgt. Ben Honeywell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1966 | You're a Big Boy Now | I.H. Chanticleer | Average | Similar → |
| 1965 | The Cincinnati Kid | William Jefferson Slade | Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | Sweet Bird of Youth | Thomas 'Tom' J. Finley, Jr. | Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | King of Kings | Judas | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Pork Chop Hill | Lt. Walter Russell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Time Limit | Lt. George Miller | Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | A Face in the Crowd | Barry Mills (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Baby Doll | The Dentist (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
Rip Torn - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Rip Torn?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Rip Torn is "Fires of Kuwait" with a rating of 7.7/10.
How many movies has Rip Torn acted in?
Rip Torn has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Rip Torn?
Other notable films include "A Face in the Crowd", "Hercules", and "The Insider".