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.
Rip Torn Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Rip Torn reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Rip Torn's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 54% of Rip Torn'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 Fires of Kuwait, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Rip Torn Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Rip Torn's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Rip Torn has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| 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 → |
| 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 → |
| 1984 | When She Says No | Stuart Blankfort | 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 | Hit | 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 | Tom 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".