James Keane - Actor Profile

James Keane

Acting
Updated: May 09, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Sep 26, 1952
Birth Place: Buffalo, New York, USA

About James Keane

James Keane (born September 26, 1952) is an American film and television actor. He is known for playing the role of Willis Thomas Bell in the American drama television series The Paper Chase.

Known For: ActingIndustry Veteran

James Keane Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of James Keane 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 James Keane's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 54% of James Keane'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 Journey Beneath the Sea, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best James Keane Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from James Keane's career based on audience ratings.

★10.0
Journey Beneath the Sea (1996) movie poster
★10.0

Journey Beneath the Sea: Jack Pumpkinhead, a pal of the Oz Kids, who wants to take a boat ride with all of his friends. During the ride, the boat

Journey Beneath the Sea

1996•Animation
★9.0
Life on the Mississippi (1980) movie poster
★9.0

Life on the Mississippi: Most mid-19th-century Mississippi River boys dreamed of occupying that pinnacle of power and glamour, the pilot house of

Life on the Mississippi

1980•Music
★8.5
Uncle Joe Shannon (1978) movie poster
★8.5

Uncle Joe Shannon: A trumpet player, self-destructive after the death of his wife and child in a fire, befriends a crippled youngster and t

Uncle Joe Shannon

1978•Drama
★8.3
Apocalypse Now (1979) movie poster
★8.3

Apocalypse Now: At the height of the Vietnam war, Captain Benjamin Willard is sent on a dangerous mission that, officially, "does not ex

Apocalypse Now

1979•Drama
★8.0
The Vampire Hunters Club (2001) movie poster
★8.0

The Vampire Hunters Club:

The Vampire Hunters Club

2001•Comedy

Full Filmography

Every movie James Keane has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2024 Megalopolis Laughing Man Flop Similar →
2019 The Rizen: Possession Extra Average Similar →
2016 Rules Don't Apply Tom Average Similar →
2014 Miss Meadows Father Peter Average Similar →
2013 Emit Graydon Wofford Flop Similar →
2011 Love's Christmas Journey Mr. Peters Hit Similar →
2011 Water for Elephants Chaplain Hit Similar →
2009 Crazy Heart Manager Hit Similar →
2008 A Gunfighter's Pledge Preacher Flop Similar →
2005 Silent Partner Senator Banner Flop Similar →
2003 Seabiscuit Car Customer Hit Similar →
2003 Assassination Tango Whitey Flop Similar →
2002 Hey Arnold! The Movie Marty Green / Riot Cop (voice) Hit Similar →
2002 Don't Let Go Wes Hit Similar →
2001 The Vampire Hunters Club Jonathan White Super Hit Similar →
1998 Pleasantville Police Chief Dan Hit Similar →
1998 Todd McFarlane's Spawn 2 Sam Burke Super Hit Similar →
1998 Bulworth American Politics Director Average Similar →
1997 The Fumbleheads Veteran Cop Average Similar →
1996 Journey Beneath the Sea Rick (voice) Super Hit Similar →
1996 Phenomenon Pete the Cop Hit Similar →
1995 Angus Coach Hit Similar →
1995 Here Come the Munsters Maitre d' Flop Similar →
1993 Coneheads Harv Average Similar →
1993 Falling Down Detective Keene Hit Similar →
1991 The Last Boy Scout Garage Patrolman Hit Similar →
1991 Talent for the Game Ray Coffey Hit Similar →
1990 Dick Tracy Pat Patton Average Similar →
1989 New York Stories Jimmy Average Similar →
1986 Let's Get Harry Al King Average Similar →
1984 The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension Duck Hunter Bubba Average Similar →
1983 10 to Midnight Jerry Average Similar →
1982 The Sound of Murder - Flop Similar →
1982 48 Hrs. Vanzant Hit Similar →
1982 Cannery Row Eddie Average Similar →
1982 Pray TV Fats Super Hit Similar →
1982 The Ambush Murders Lambert Super Hit Similar →
1980 Life on the Mississippi - Super Hit Similar →
1980 Brubaker Pinky Hit Similar →
1979 The Rose Dealer Hit Similar →
1979 Apocalypse Now Kilgore's Gunner Super Hit Similar →
1979 Ike Corporal Hit Similar →
1979 Love and Bullets Doctor Average Similar →
1978 Zero to Sixty Girlie Bar Bartender Flop Similar →
1978 Night Cries Charlie Average Similar →
1978 Uncle Joe Shannon Jeels Super Hit Similar →
1977 Close Encounters of the Third Kind Radio Telescope Team Hit Similar →
1977 Sunshine Christmas Hugh Bob Super Hit Similar →
1977 Intimate Strangers Rusty Fenton Flop Similar →
1975 Three Days of the Condor Store Clerk Hit Similar →

James Keane - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of James Keane?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring James Keane is "Journey Beneath the Sea" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has James Keane acted in?

James Keane has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by James Keane?

Other notable films include "Life on the Mississippi", "Uncle Joe Shannon", and "Apocalypse Now".

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