Christopher McDonald
ActingAbout Christopher McDonald
Christopher McDonald (born February 15, 1955) is a European-American actor. He is known for his roles in Happy Gilmore and 61. Other notable starring roles for McDonald in film include "T-Birds" member Goose McKenzie in Grease 2 (1982), Darryl Dickinson opposite his former fiancée Geena Davis in Thelma & Louise (1991), Ward Cleaver in the film adaptation Leave It to Beaver (1997), and Tappy Tibbons in Requiem for a Dream (2000). Along with numerous independent and small-budget film roles, he played supporting characters in box-office hits Grumpy Old Men (1993), Flubber (1997), Rumor Has It (2005), The House Bunny (2008) and About Last Night (2014). On television, McDonald was a series regular on network TV shows Walter & Emily (1991–1992, NBC), Good Advice (1993–1994, CBS), Family Law (1999–2002, CBS), Cracking Up (2004-2006, FOX) and Harry's Law, (2011–2012, NBC). In 2022, McDonald was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as casino CEO Marty Ghilain on the HBO Max show Hacks.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Christopher McDonald reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Comedy
The majority of Christopher McDonald's filmography leans towards the Comedy 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 64% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Christopher McDonald remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in An Eight Is Enough Wedding, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Christopher McDonald Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Christopher McDonald's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Christopher McDonald.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Swiped | Robert | Hit | Similar → |
| 2025 | Happy Gilmore 2 | Shooter McGavin | Hit | Similar → |
| 2025 | The Last Rodeo | Jimmy Mack | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2024 | Abruptio | Police Chief Richter | Average | Similar → |
| 2024 | Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F | Golfer | Hit | Similar → |
| 2022 | Rosaline | Lord Capulet | Hit | Similar → |
| 2021 | Walking with Herb | Wiley | Average | Similar → |
| 2021 | Stallone: Frank, That Is | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2020 | We Can Be Heroes | President Neil Anami | Average | Similar → |
| 2020 | The Stand at Paxton County | Sheriff Roger Bostwick | Average | Similar → |
| 2018 | Pink Elephants | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2016 | The Giant's Dream: The Making of the Iron Giant | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | About Last Night | Casey McNeil | Average | Similar → |
| 2012 | The Collection | Mr. Peters | Average | Similar → |
| 2011 | Lemonade Mouth | Principal Brenigan | Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | Splinterheads | Sargeant Bruce Mancuso | Average | Similar → |
| 2009 | Fanboys | Big Chuck | Average | Similar → |
| 2008 | Mad Money | Bryce Arbogast | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Awake | Dr. Larry Lupin | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning | JD "Boss" Hogg | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | Broken Flowers | Ron | Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | Grind | Mr. Rivers | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Thelma & Louise: The Last Journey | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | The Man Who Wasn't There | Macadam Salesman | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | 61* | Mel Allen | Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Requiem for a Dream | Tappy Tibbons | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | The Perfect Storm | Todd Gross | Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Takedown | Mitch Gibson | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | The Iron Giant | Kent Mansley (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | The Making of 'The Iron Giant' | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | The Faculty | Mr. Frank Connor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | SLC Punk | Dad | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Dirty Work | Travis Cole | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | Lawn Dogs | Morton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Superman: The Last Son of Krypton | Jor-El (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Happy Gilmore | Shooter McGavin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | The Tuskegee Airmen | Major Joy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Quiz Show | Jack Barry | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Midnight Run Around | Jack Walsh | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Another Midnight Run | Jack Walsh | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Grumpy Old Men | Mike | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Dutch | Reed Standish | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Thelma & Louise | Darryl | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Fatal Exposure | Robert Parker | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | An Eight Is Enough Wedding | Jeb | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Chances Are | Louie Jeffries | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Little Girl Lost | Wolff | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Outrageous Fortune | George | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | The Boys Next Door | Detective Mark Woods | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | Breakin' | James | Hit | Similar → |
Christopher McDonald - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Christopher McDonald?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Christopher McDonald is "An Eight Is Enough Wedding" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Christopher McDonald acted in?
Christopher McDonald has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Christopher McDonald?
Other notable films include "The Giant's Dream: The Making of the Iron Giant", "Requiem for a Dream", and "The Iron Giant".