Shirley Knight
ActingAbout Shirley Knight
Shirley Enola Knight (July 5, 1936 – April 22, 2020) was an American stage, screen, and television actress. She has been nominated twice for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, in 1960 for The Dark at the Top of the Stairs and in 1962 for Sweet Bird of Youth.
Shirley Knight Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Shirley Knight reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Shirley Knight's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 28% of Shirley Knight'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 The Wedding, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Shirley Knight Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Shirley Knight's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Shirley Knight has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | The Missing Girl | Mrs. Colvins | Average | Similar → |
| 2013 | Redwood Highway | Marie | Average | Similar → |
| 2011 | Our Idiot Brother | Ilene Rochlin | Average | Similar → |
| 2010 | Listen to Your Heart | Grandma Sam | Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | The Private Lives of Pippa Lee | Dot Nadeau | Average | Similar → |
| 2009 | Paul Blart: Mall Cop | Mom | Flop | Similar → |
| 2006 | Grandma's Boy | Bea | Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | Sudbury | Aunt Jet | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Fly Cherry | Miss Christina | Average | Similar → |
| 2002 | Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood | Necie Kelleher | Average | Similar → |
| 2002 | The Salton Sea | Nancy Plummer | Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | Angel Eyes | Elanora Davis | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | My Louisiana Sky | Jewel Ramsey | Average | Similar → |
| 2000 | 75 Degrees in July | Jo Beth Anderson | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | A Marriage of Convenience | Harriet Winslow | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | A Father for Brittany | Donna Minkowitz | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | The Wedding | Gram (Miss Caroline) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | As Good as It Gets | Beverly Connelly | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Convictions | Margaret | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | Little Boy Blue | Doris Knight | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story | Joan Hart | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | Mary & Tim | Esther | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | If These Walls Could Talk | Mary Donnelly | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Diabolique | Edie Danziger | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | A Promise to Carolyn | Jolene Maggart | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Indictment: The McMartin Trial | Peggy Buckey | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Dad, the Angel & Me | Betty | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | Color of Night | Edith Niedelmeyer | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | The Yarn Princess | Esther | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | Baby Brokers | Sylvia | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Bump in the Night | Katie Leonard | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | The Sweet Scent of Death | Ann Fairfax Denver | Average | Similar → |
| 1982 | The Sender | Jerolyn | Average | Similar → |
| 1981 | Endless Love | Ann | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | Playing for Time | Frau Lagerführerin Maria Mandel | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | Champions: A Love Story | Barbara Harlich | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | The Defection of Simas Kudirka | Genna Kudirka | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | 21 Hours at Munich | Anneliese Graes | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | Juggernaut | Barbara Banister | Average | Similar → |
| 1973 | The Lie | Anna | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Rain People | Natalie Ravenna | Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Filmmaker | Self (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Petulia | Polo | Average | Similar → |
| 1968 | Shadow Over Elveron | Joanne Tregaskis | Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | The Outsider | Peggy Leydon | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | The Group | Polly | Average | Similar → |
| 1962 | Sweet Bird of Youth | Heavenly Finley | Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | The Couch | Terry Ames | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | The Dark at the Top of the Stairs | Reenie Flood | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | Ice Palace | Grace Kennedy | Average | Similar → |
Shirley Knight - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Shirley Knight?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Shirley Knight is "The Wedding" with a rating of 8.3/10.
How many movies has Shirley Knight acted in?
Shirley Knight has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Shirley Knight?
Other notable films include "A Father for Brittany", "As Good as It Gets", and "Listen to Your Heart".