William Sadler
ActingAbout William Sadler
William Thomas Sadler (born April 13, 1950) is an American actor who works in film and television. His television and motion picture roles have included Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller in The Pacific, Luther Sloan in Star Trek Deep Space Nine, Sheriff Jim Valenti in Roswell, and—perhaps most notably—the Grim Reaper in Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, a role for which he was nominated for, and won, the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor, and his role as Colonel Stuart alongside Bruce Willis in Die Hard 2.
William Sadler Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of William Sadler 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 William Sadler's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 54% of William Sadler'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 Unconquered, which stands out as a key performance.
Best William Sadler Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from William Sadler's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie William Sadler has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | The Yeti | Hollis Bannister | Hit | Similar → |
| 2024 | Salem's Lot | Parkins Gillespie | Average | Similar → |
| 2021 | The Unholy | Father Hagan | Hit | Similar → |
| 2020 | Bill & Ted Face the Music | Death | Average | Similar → |
| 2019 | VFW | Walter Reed | Average | Similar → |
| 2019 | The Highwaymen | Henry Barrow | Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | Living Among Us | Samuel | Average | Similar → |
| 2015 | Jesse Stone: Lost in Paradise | Gino Fish | Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | Freeheld | Peter Santucci | Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | That Guy Dick Miller | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Onion News Empire | Ed Musgrove | Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Iron Man 3 | President Ellis | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt | Gino Fish | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Future Weather | Ed | Average | Similar → |
| 2012 | Being Flynn | Ray | Average | Similar → |
| 2012 | Man on a Ledge | Valet | Average | Similar → |
| 2011 | Jesse Stone: Innocents Lost | Gino Fish | Average | Similar → |
| 2010 | The Making of Fallout: New Vegas | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | Jesse Stone: No Remorse | Gino Fish | Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | Beyond All Boundaries | Lt. Colonel Lewis B. 'Chesty' Puller | Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | The Hills Run Red | Wilson Wyler Concannon | Average | Similar → |
| 2009 | Jesse Stone: Thin Ice | Gino Fish | Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | Eagle Eye | Jerry's Dad | Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | When Darkness Came: The Making of 'The Mist' | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | August Rush | Thomas Novacek | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | The Mist | Jim | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Abandoned in the Arctic | Adolphus Greely (voice) | Average | Similar → |
| 2007 | Jesse Stone: Sea Change | Gino Fish | Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | Kinsey | Kenneth Braun | Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Walking the Mile: The Making of The Green Mile | Self - 'Klaus Detterick' | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Witness Protection | Sharp | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | The Green Mile | Klaus Detterick | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Reach the Rock | Quinn | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | Disturbing Behavior | Newberry | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | Bordello of Blood | Mummy | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight | Frank Brayker | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | The Shawshank Redemption | Heywood | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Roadracers | Sarge | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | Freaked | Dick Brian | Average | Similar → |
| 1992 | Trespass | Don | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Rush | Monroe | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey | Grim Reaper | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | The Hot Spot | Frank Sutton | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | The Face of Fear | Anthony Prine | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Die Hard 2 | Stuart | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Hard to Kill | Senator Vernon Trent | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | K-9 | Salesman Don | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Unconquered | Coach Dickey | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Project X | Dr. Carroll (as Bill Sadler) | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | The Great Wallendas | Dieter Schmidt | Average | Similar → |
William Sadler - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of William Sadler?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring William Sadler is "Unconquered" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has William Sadler acted in?
William Sadler has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by William Sadler?
Other notable films include "The Shawshank Redemption", "The Making of Fallout: New Vegas", and "The Green Mile".