Bill McKinney
ActingAbout Bill McKinney
Bill McKinney was an American character actor whose most famous role was the sadistic mountain man who abused and then sodomized Bobby Trippe (Ned Beatty) in the movie Deliverance. McKinney is also recognizable for his performances in seven Clint Eastwood films, most notably as Union cavalry commander Captain "Redlegs" Terrill in The Outlaw Josey Wales. Most of Bill McKinney's colleagues perceived him as big, brutal and dangerous. At first glance. Still, he was only 5' 10" (1,78 m).
Bill McKinney Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Bill McKinney 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 Bill McKinney's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 44% of Bill McKinney'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 This Is the West That Was, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Bill McKinney Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Bill McKinney's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Bill McKinney has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Clint Eastwood: The Last Legend | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | Pride and Glory | Crime Scene Cop | Average | Similar → |
| 2008 | Take | Benjamin Gregor | Flop | Similar → |
| 2007 | Lucky You | Satellite Cashier | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Undertow | Grandfather | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Looney Tunes: Back in Action | Acme VP, Nitpicking | Average | Similar → |
| 2000 | Clint Eastwood: Out of the Shadows | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | The Green Mile | Jack Van Hay | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Scandal of 1920 | Mack | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Hell Hath No Fury: The Making of The Outlaw Josey Wales | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | A Promise to Carolyn | Butch Maggart | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Lone Justice 2 | Verlon Borges | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | La Classe américaine | Frédéric's Agressor #1 (archive footage) (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Back to the Future Part III | Engineer | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | The China Lake Murders | Capt. Finney N.H.P. | Flop | Similar → |
| 1989 | Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects | Father Burke | Flop | Similar → |
| 1988 | Under the Gun | Miller | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Against All Odds | Head Coach | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | Heart Like a Wheel | "Big Daddy" Don Garlits | Average | Similar → |
| 1982 | First Blood | State Police Capt. Dave Kern | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Tex | Pop McCormick | Average | Similar → |
| 1982 | St. Helens | Kilpatrick | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | Any Which Way You Can | Dallas | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | Bronco Billy | Lefty LeBow | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | Carny | Marvin Dill | Average | Similar → |
| 1979 | When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder? | Tommy Clark | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | Every Which Way but Loose | Dallas, Treasurer Biker | Average | Similar → |
| 1977 | Christmas Miracle in Caufield, U.S.A. | Willie | Average | Similar → |
| 1977 | The Gauntlet | Constable | Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | Valentino | Jail Cop | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Shootist | Jay Cobb | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Cannonball | Cade Redman | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Outlaw Josey Wales | Terrill | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Breakheart Pass | Reverend Peabody | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | This Is the West That Was | Drago Wellman | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Godchild | Cpl. Crawley | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Strange and Deadly Occurrence | Pratt | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Parallax View | Parallax Assassin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Thunderbolt and Lightfoot | Crazy Driver | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Healers | Mr. Brown | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Underground Man | Willy Coggins | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Execution of Private Slovik | Sergeant | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | The Outfit | Buck Cherney | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Cleopatra Jones | Purdy | Average | Similar → |
| 1972 | The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean | Fermel Parlee | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Deliverance | Mountain Man | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Kansas City Bomber | Buddy Taylor (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1972 | Junior Bonner | Red Terwiliger | Average | Similar → |
| 1968 | Firecreek | Bearded Gunfighter (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1962 | Secret File: Hollywood | - | Average | Similar → |
Bill McKinney - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Bill McKinney?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Bill McKinney is "This Is the West That Was" with a rating of 9.0/10.
How many movies has Bill McKinney acted in?
Bill McKinney has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Bill McKinney?
Other notable films include "The Healers", "The Green Mile", and "Lone Justice 2".