
Wilford Brimley
ActingAbout Wilford Brimley
Anthony Wilford Brimley (September 27, 1934 – August 1, 2020) was an American actor and singer. After serving in the Marines and taking on a variety of odd jobs, he became an extra for Western films, and in little more than a decade he had established himself as a character actor in films such as The China Syndrome (1979), The Thing (1982), and The Natural (1984). Brimley was the longtime face of television advertisements for the Quaker Oats Company. He also promoted diabetes education and appeared in related commercials for Liberty Medical.
Wilford Brimley Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Wilford Brimley 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 Wilford Brimley's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 44% of Wilford Brimley'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 Rodeo Girl, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Wilford Brimley Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Wilford Brimley's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Wilford Brimley has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | I Believe | Pastor | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | Timber the Treasure Dog | Hawk Jones | Average | Similar → |
| 2009 | Did You Hear About the Morgans? | Earl Granger | Flop | Similar → |
| 2003 | Pitcher and the Pin-Up | Coach Weaver | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | Brigham City | Stu | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | Crossfire Trail | Joe Gill | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | The Ballad of Lucy Whipple | Deputy Sheriff Ambrose Scraggs | Flop | Similar → |
| 1998 | Summer of the Monkeys | Grandpa Sam Ferrans | Flop | Similar → |
| 1998 | Progeny | Dr. David Wetherly | Flop | Similar → |
| 1998 | A Place to Grow | Jake | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | In & Out | Frank Brackett | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | My Fellow Americans | Joe Hollis | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Last of the Dogmen | Narrator (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | The Good Old Boys | C.C. Tarpley | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | OP Center | Adm. Troy Davis | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | The Firm | William Devasher | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Hard Target | Uncle Douvee | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Where The Red Fern Grows Part 2 | Grandpa Will | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Billy the Kid | Gov. Lew Wallace | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Cocoon: The Return | Ben Luckett | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | End of the Line | Will Haney | Flop | Similar → |
| 1986 | Jackals | Sheriff Mitchell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Act of Vengeance | Tony Boyle | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | Thompson's Last Run | Red Haines | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | Ewoks: The Battle for Endor | Noa Briqualon | Flop | Similar → |
| 1985 | Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins | Harold Smith | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | Cocoon | Benjamin Luckett | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Country | Otis | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | The Natural | Pop Fisher | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | The Stone Boy | George Jansen | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | The Hotel New Hampshire | Iowa Bob | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | Harry & Son | Tom Keach | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | Tough Enough | Bill Long | Flop | Similar → |
| 1983 | High Road to China | Bradley Tozer | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | 10 to Midnight | Clem Malone | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | Tender Mercies | Harry | Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | The Thing | Blair | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Death Valley | The Sheriff | Flop | Similar → |
| 1981 | Absence of Malice | James J. Wells | Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | Joe Dancer: The Big Black Pill | Wally Haskell | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | Borderline | Scooter Jackson | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | Rodeo Girl | Bingo Gibbs | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Roughnecks | Willie Clayton | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | Brubaker | Rogers | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Amber Waves | Pete Alberts | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Electric Horseman | Farmer | Average | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Wild Wild West Revisited | President Grover Cleveland | Flop | Similar → |
| 1979 | The China Syndrome | Ted Spindler | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Lawman | Marc Corman (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | True Grit | Minor Role (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
Wilford Brimley - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Wilford Brimley?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Wilford Brimley is "Rodeo Girl" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Wilford Brimley acted in?
Wilford Brimley has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Wilford Brimley?
Other notable films include "Amber Waves", "The Thing", and "A Place to Grow".




