Ricky Jay - Actor Profile

Ricky Jay

Acting
Updated: Apr 10, 2026
33Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jun 26, 1946
Birth Place: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

About Ricky Jay

Ricky Jay (born Richard Jay Potash) was an actor, magician, cardsharp, and film consultant. Ricky's love and deep study of card tricks and deception gained him worldwide fame and respect, and he was often called in to consult for movies and TV shows where deception was a key element of the story. Ricky was an exceptional close-up magician and playing-card handler, but he also acted in movies such as Boogie Nights, Tomorrow Never Dies, and Magnolia, as well as TV shows like the X-Files, HBO's Deadwood, and David Mamet's The Unit, always playing intense characters who seemed to know everything but only handed out information in riddles and suggestions.

Ricky Jay Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Ricky Jay reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 33 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

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

Success Ratio

Approximately 36% of Ricky Jay'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 Doug Henning's World of Magic, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Ricky Jay Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Ricky Jay's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Ricky Jay has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2017 Dai Vernon: The Spirit of Magic Self Flop Similar →
2016 The Automatic Hate Uncle Josh Average Similar →
2012 Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay Self Hit Similar →
2010 Lost Masterpieces of Pornography Narrator Average Similar →
2008 The Brothers Bloom Narrator (voice) Hit Similar →
2008 Redbelt Marty Brown Average Similar →
2008 The Great Buck Howard Gil Bellamy Average Similar →
2007 David Mamet on House of Games Himself Flop Similar →
2007 Ricky Jay Plays Poker Self Average Similar →
2006 The Prestige Milton Super Hit Similar →
2005 David Mamet on 'House of Games' Himself Flop Similar →
2005 Last Days Detective Average Similar →
2004 Incident at Loch Ness Self - Party Guest Average Similar →
2004 The Making of Last Days Himself Flop Similar →
2001 Heist Don 'Pinky' Pincus Average Similar →
2001 Heartbreakers Dawson's Auctioneer Average Similar →
2000 State and Main Jack Average Similar →
2000 That Moment: Magnolia Diary Self Super Hit Similar →
1999 Magnolia Burt Ramsey / Narrator Super Hit Similar →
1999 Mystery Men Vic Weems Average Similar →
1997 Tomorrow Never Dies Henry Gupta Average Similar →
1997 The Spanish Prisoner George Lang Hit Similar →
1997 Boogie Nights Kurt Longjohn Super Hit Similar →
1997 Sink Or Swim The Hat Flop Similar →
1996 Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants Self Hit Similar →
1996 Hustlers, Hoaxsters, Pranksters, Jokesters and Ricky Jay - Super Hit Similar →
1995 The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky Hawkes Average Similar →
1992 The Water Engine Ratty Inventor Flop Similar →
1991 Homicide Aaron Average Similar →
1990 Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women - Hit Similar →
1988 Things Change Mr. Silver Average Similar →
1987 House of Games George Hit Similar →
1976 Doug Henning's World of Magic - Super Hit Similar →

Ricky Jay - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Ricky Jay?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ricky Jay is "Doug Henning's World of Magic" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Ricky Jay acted in?

Ricky Jay has been featured in at least 33 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Ricky Jay?

Other notable films include "The Prestige", "Hustlers, Hoaxsters, Pranksters, Jokesters and Ricky Jay", and "Magnolia".

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