Joe Turkel
ActingAbout Joe Turkel
Joseph Turkel (July 15, 1927 – June 27, 2022) was an American actor. A career character actor, he was noted for his craggy Bronx looks and distinctive, penetrating voice. Turkel worked steadily from 1949 to 1998 in both films and television, including in the Stanley Kubrick films The Killing (1956), Paths of Glory (1957), and The Shining (1980). He still made the occasional appearance at fan conventions into his 90s.
Joe Turkel Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Joe Turkel 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 Joe Turkel's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 66% of Joe Turkel'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 The Yellow Canary, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Joe Turkel Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Joe Turkel's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Joe Turkel has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Staircases to Nowhere: Making Stanley Kubrick's The Shining | Himself - interviewee (2026 special edition) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | On the Edge of 'Blade Runner' | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Blade Runner | Tyrell | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | The Shining | Lloyd | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | Which Way Is Up? | Harry Boatwright | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Commitment | Jules | Super Hit | 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 → |
| 1972 | Wild in the Sky | Corazza | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | Scream Free! | - | Hit | 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 | The Yellow Canary | Policeman | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | Famous Ghost Stories | Nick (segment 'Tormented') | Average | Similar → |
| 1961 | Portrait of a Mobster | Joe Noe | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | The Purple Gang | Eddie Olsen | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Here Come the Jets | Henley | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Warlock | Chet Haggin (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1959 | Verboten! | Infantryman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | The Case Against Brooklyn | Henchman Monte | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | The Beast of Budapest | Martin | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1957 | Paths of Glory | Pvt. Pierre Arnaud | Super Hit | 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 → |
| 1955 | Inside Detroit | Pete Link (as Joseph Turkel) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | The Naked Street | Shimmy | Average | Similar → |
| 1955 | Mad at the World | Pete Johnson (as Joseph Turkel) | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Return from the Sea | Sailor | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | The Bamboo Prison | P.O.W. | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Gypsy Colt | Chuck | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | Duffy of San Quentin | Frank Roberts | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Man Crazy | Ray | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Down Among the Sheltering Palms | Pvt. Harris | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Starlift | Litter Case (uncredited) | Hit | 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) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Federal Man | Jack 'Sneeze' Norton | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Lucky Losers | Johnny Angelo | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Angels in Disguise | Henchman Johnny Martin | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | Sword in the Desert | Haganah Soldier (uncredited) | Super 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 "The Yellow Canary" 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 "The Commitment", "Portrait of a Mobster", and "Six Hundred and Sixty-Six".