
Joe Turkel
ActingAbout Joe Turkel
Joseph Turkel was a prolific American character actor. He was noted for his craggy Bronx looks and distinctive, penetrating voice. Turkel worked steadily from 1949 - 1998 in both films and television. He retired in 1998. He still made the occasional appearance at fan conventions even at the age of 90+.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Joe Turkel 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: Drama
The majority of Joe Turkel'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 28% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Joe Turkel remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Six Hundred and Sixty-Six, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Joe Turkel Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Joe Turkel's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Joe Turkel.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | On the Edge of 'Blade Runner' | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | The Dark Side of the Moon | Paxton Warner | Flop | Similar → |
| 1982 | Blade Runner | Tyrell | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | The Shining | Lloyd | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | Which Way Is Up? | Harry Boatwright | Average | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Hindenburg | Detective Moore | Average | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Prisoner of Second Avenue | Man Upstairs (voice) (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Savage Abduction | Harry | Average | Similar → |
| 1972 | Six Hundred and Sixty-Six | Col. Ferguson | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | Scream Free! | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Devil's Eight | Sam | Flop | Similar → |
| 1967 | The St. Valentine's Day Massacre | Jake 'Greasy Thumb' Guzik | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | The Sand Pebbles | Bronson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | King Rat | Dino | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | Johnny Cool | Hoodlum | Flop | Similar → |
| 1961 | Famous Ghost Stories | Nick (segment 'Tormented') | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | Tormented | Nick | Flop | Similar → |
| 1960 | The Boy and the Pirates | Abu the Genie | Average | Similar → |
| 1959 | The Purple Gang | Eddie Olsen | Average | Similar → |
| 1959 | Warlock | Chet Haggin (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Verboten! | Infantryman | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | The Case Against Brooklyn | Henchman Monte | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | Paths of Glory | Pvt. Pierre Arnaud | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | House of Numbers | Bradville - Convict | Flop | Similar → |
| 1957 | Jeanne Eagels | Eddie, Reporter (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | The Midnight Story | Lothario at Dance (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | The Shadow on the Window | Lounger (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | Friendly Persuasion | Poor Loser (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Killing | Tiny | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Inside Detroit | Pete Link (as Joseph Turkel) | Average | Similar → |
| 1955 | The Naked Street | Shimmy | Average | Similar → |
| 1955 | Mad at the World | Pete Johnson (as Joseph Turkel) | Average | Similar → |
| 1955 | Cell 2455 Death Row | Curly | Flop | Similar → |
| 1954 | The Bamboo Prison | P.O.W. | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Gypsy Colt | Chuck | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Duffy of San Quentin | Frank Roberts | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | Man Crazy | Ray | Average | Similar → |
| 1953 | The Glass Wall | Freddie Zakoyla (as Joseph Turkel) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1953 | Down Among the Sheltering Palms | Pvt. Harris | Flop | Similar → |
| 1951 | Starlift | Litter Case (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | Fixed Bayonets! | Soldier (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Halls of Montezuma | Marine | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Southside 1-1000 | Frankie | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Triple Trouble | Benny the Blood (as Joseph Turkel) | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Federal Man | Jack 'Sneeze' Norton | Flop | Similar → |
| 1950 | Lucky Losers | Johnny Angelo | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | Angels in Disguise | Henchman Johnny Martin | Flop | Similar → |
| 1949 | Sword in the Desert | Haganah Soldier (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | City Across the River | Shimmy Stockton | Average | Similar → |
Joe Turkel - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Joe Turkel?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Joe Turkel is "Six Hundred and Sixty-Six" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Joe Turkel acted in?
Joe Turkel has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Joe Turkel?
Other notable films include "Paths of Glory", "The Shining", and "Blade Runner".




