M. Emmet Walsh
ActingAbout M. Emmet Walsh
Michael Emmet Walsh (March 22, 1935 – March 19, 2024) was an American character actor who has appeared in over 200 films and television series, including supporting roles in dozens of major studio features of the 1970s and 1980s. He starred in Blood Simple (1984), the Coen Brothers' first film for which he won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead. He also appeared in The Jerk (1979), Ordinary People (1980), Blade Runner (1982), Wild Wild West (1999), and The Iron Giant (1999). His final films included Knives Out (2019) and Brothers (2024).
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of M. Emmet Walsh reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of M. Emmet Walsh'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 92% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), M. Emmet Walsh remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Woman Who Willed a Miracle, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best M. Emmet Walsh Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from M. Emmet Walsh's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of M. Emmet Walsh.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Green and Gold | Scotty | Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | Knives Out | Mr. Proofroc | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | Faith, Hope & Love | Fr. John | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | Shifting Gears | Hank | Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | Calvary | The Writer | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | The Odd Life of Timothy Green | Uncle Bub | Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | The Assignment | Mr. Beudreaux | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Big Stan | Lew Popper | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Man in the Chair | Mickey Hopkins | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Tracey Ullman in the Trailer Tales | Wally Westland | Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | On the Edge of 'Blade Runner' | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | The Iron Giant | Earl Stutz (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | My Best Friend's Wedding | Joe O'Neal | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Romeo + Juliet | Apothecary | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | A Time to Kill | Willard Tyrell Bass (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Dead Badge | Sergeant Miller Hoskins | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | The Music of Chance | Calvin Murks | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | The Flash | Henry Allen | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Narrow Margin | Sergeant Dominick Benti | Average | Similar → |
| 1988 | The Milagro Beanfield War | Governor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Raising Arizona | Machine Shop Ear-Bender | Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Critters | Harv | Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Fletch | Dr. Joseph Dolan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Blood Simple | Private Detective | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | The Pope of Greenwich Village | Burns | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | Silkwood | Walt Yarborough | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Night Partners | Joe Kirby | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | The Woman Who Willed a Miracle | Joe Lemke | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Blade Runner | Bryant | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | Reds | Speaker at Liberal Club | Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | Hellinger's Law | Mr. Graebner | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Ordinary People | Swim Coach | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Brubaker | C.P. Woodward | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Jerk | Madman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | No Other Love | DeFranco | Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Straight Time | Earl Frank | Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | Slap Shot | Dickie Dunn | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Mikey and Nicky | Bus Driver | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Bound for Glory | Husband | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Invasion of Johnson County | Irvine | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Prisoner of Second Avenue | Doorman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Gambler | Las Vegas Gambler | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Serpico | Gallagher | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Kid Blue | Barber | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | What's Up, Doc? | Arresting Officer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | They Might Be Giants | 1st Sanitation Man | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Escape from the Planet of the Apes | Aide | Average | Similar → |
| 1970 | Little Big Man | Shotgun Guard | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | Midnight Cowboy | Bus Passenger (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
M. Emmet Walsh - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of M. Emmet Walsh?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring M. Emmet Walsh is "The Woman Who Willed a Miracle" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has M. Emmet Walsh acted in?
M. Emmet Walsh has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by M. Emmet Walsh?
Other notable films include "The Iron Giant", "Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner", and "Blade Runner".