Dan Butler - Actor Profile

Dan Butler

Acting
Freshness: Jan 16, 2026
28Total Films
8.3 Highest Rated
Born: Dec 2, 1954
Birth Place: Huntington, Indiana, USA

About Dan Butler

Daniel Eugene Butler (born December 2, 1954) is an American playwright and actor known for his role as Bob "Bulldog" Briscoe on the TV series Frasier. Butler was born in Huntington, Indiana and raised in Fort Wayne; the son of Shirley, a homemaker, and Andrew Butler, a pharmacist. Openly gay, he starred in Terrence McNally's 1989 play The Lisbon Traviata and wrote an Off Broadway play about his life, The Only Thing Worse You Could Have Told Me..., which derives its title from a comment Butler's father allegedly made when Dan came out to him. Though Butler never hid his homosexuality, he disclosed it publicly on Entertainment Tonight in 1994 during his run as a swaggering heterosexual on Frasier. His partner is acting teacher and director, Richard Waterhouse.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Dan Butler reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 28 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Dan Butler'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 39% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Dan Butler remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Silence of the Lambs, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Dan Butler Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Dan Butler's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Dan Butler.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2024 All Boys Father Frank Flop Similar →
2022 Blonde I.E. Shinn Average Similar →
2020 All My Life Dr. Alan Mendelson Super Hit Similar →
2018 Hey Arnold! The Jungle Movie Mr. Simmons (voice) Super Hit Similar →
2011 Crazy, Stupid, Love. Cal's Boss Hit Similar →
2009 Prayers for Bobby Reverend Whitsell Super Hit Similar →
2008 Chronic Town Blow Job Average Similar →
2007 Karl Rove, I Love You - Hit Similar →
2002 Sniper 2 Eckles Average Similar →
2002 Fixing Frank Dr. Arthur Apsey Flop Similar →
2002 The First $20 Million Is Always the Hardest Lloyd Acheson Average Similar →
1999 The Sissy Duckling Drake (voice) Flop Similar →
1998 Enemy of the State Shaffer Hit Similar →
1997 The Silver Screen: Color Me Lavender Host / Narrator Flop Similar →
1996 The Fan Garrity Average Similar →
1996 The Assassination File Harvey Young Flop Similar →
1995 Live to Tell: The First Gay and Lesbian Prom in America Self - Actor, "Frasier" Flop Similar →
1994 I Love Trouble Wilson Chess Average Similar →
1993 Rising Sun Ken Shubik Average Similar →
1993 Dave Reporter Hit Similar →
1992 From the Files of Joseph Wambaugh: A Jury of One Asst. DA Mendelson Flop Similar →
1992 Captain Ron Zachery Average Similar →
1991 The Rape of Doctor Willis Styvesant Flop Similar →
1991 The Silence of the Lambs Roden Super Hit Similar →
1990 The Long Walk Home Charlie Super Hit Similar →
1989 Longtime Companion Walter Hit Similar →
1986 Manhunter Jimmy Price Hit Similar →
N/A Silver Fox - Flop Similar →

Dan Butler - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Dan Butler?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Dan Butler is "The Silence of the Lambs" with a rating of 8.3/10.

How many movies has Dan Butler acted in?

Dan Butler has been featured in at least 28 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Dan Butler?

Other notable films include "Prayers for Bobby", "All My Life", and "The Long Walk Home".