
Willard Van Dyke
DirectingAbout Willard Van Dyke
Willard Van Dyke (December 5, 1906 – January 23, 1986) was an American filmmaker, photographer, arts administrator, teacher, and former director of the film department at the Museum of Modern Art. Van Dyke went to the University of California, dropping out for a time to avoid taking an ROTC course. Van Dyke died in January 23, 1986 of a heart attack on his way to Cambridge, Mass., where he was named Laureate Artist in Residence at Harvard. He was 79 years old. Van Dyke is survived by his second wife, the former Barbara Millikin, of New York; a daughter, Alison Van Dyke, of Ithaca, N.Y.; three sons, Peter of New York City; Murray of Santa Fe and Neil of Stowe, Vt., and six grandchildren. Description above from the Wikipedia article Willard Van Dyke, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Willard Van Dyke reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 2 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Documentary
The majority of Willard Van Dyke's filmography leans towards the Documentary 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 50% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Willard Van Dyke remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in He Stands in a Desert Counting the Seconds of His Life, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Willard Van Dyke Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Willard Van Dyke's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Willard Van Dyke.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Birth of a Nation | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | He Stands in a Desert Counting the Seconds of His Life | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
Willard Van Dyke - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Willard Van Dyke?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Willard Van Dyke is "He Stands in a Desert Counting the Seconds of His Life" with a rating of 8.2/10.
How many movies has Willard Van Dyke acted in?
Willard Van Dyke has been featured in at least 2 major films throughout their career.

