
Kathleen Quinlan
ActingAbout Kathleen Quinlan
Kathleen Denise Quinlan Abbott (born November 19, 1954) is an American film and television actress. She is best known for her Golden Globe-nominated performance in the 1977 film of the novel I Never Promised You a Rose Garden, and her Golden Globe and Academy Award-nominated role in the 1995 film Apollo 13, along with many roles in other feature films, television movies and series, in a career spanning almost five decades. She made her feature film debut in Mel Stuart's One Is a Lonely Number (1972) follwed by George Lucas' American Graffiti (1973) and made her definite breakthrough in I Never Promised You a Rose Garden (1977) as Deborah Blake.
Kathleen Quinlan Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Kathleen Quinlan 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 Kathleen Quinlan's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 56% of Kathleen Quinlan'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 Man Outside, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Kathleen Quinlan Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Kathleen Quinlan's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Kathleen Quinlan has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2 | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2021 | Walking with Herb | Sheila Amable-Amo | Average | Similar → |
| 2019 | Saving My Baby | Virginia | Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | Parallel | Marissa | Average | Similar → |
| 2017 | ADDicted | Kate Dawson | Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Horns | Lydia Perrish | Average | Similar → |
| 2011 | Cinema Verite | Mary Every | Average | Similar → |
| 2010 | 2Everything2Terrible2: Tokyo Drift | (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2009 | Prison Break: The Final Break | Christina Rose Scofield | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | Made of Honor | Joan | Average | Similar → |
| 2007 | Breach | Bonnie Hanssen | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Humble Pie | Agnes Orbison | Average | Similar → |
| 2006 | The Hills Have Eyes | Ethel | Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | El padrino: The Latin Godfather | Judge Scorsi | Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | Perfect Romance | Tess Kelley | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Blessings | Meredith Blessing | Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | Hollywood's Magical Island: Catalina | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | The Battle of Shaker Heights | Eve | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | A Civil Action | Anne Anderson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | The Making of 'American Graffiti' | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Lawn Dogs | Clare Stockard | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Event Horizon | Peters | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | The Doors: The Road of Excess | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Breakdown | Amy Taylor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Lost Moon: The Triumph of Apollo 13 | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Apollo 13 | Marilyn Lovell | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Last Light | Kathy Rubicek | Average | Similar → |
| 1992 | An American Story | Hope Tyler | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Strays | Lindsey Jarrett | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | The Doors | Patricia Kennealy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Trapped | Mary Ann Marshall | Average | Similar → |
| 1988 | Sunset | Nancy Shoemaker | Average | Similar → |
| 1987 | The Man Outside | Grace Freemont | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Wild Thing | Jane | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | Children of the Night | Lois Lee | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | Warning Sign | Joanie Morse | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | When She Says No | Rose Michaels | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Twilight Zone: The Movie | Helen Foley | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Independence Day | Mary Ann Taylor | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | Sunday Lovers | Laurie (segment "Skippy") | Average | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Runner Stumbles | Sister Rita | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Promise | Nancy McAllister / Marie Adamson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | I Never Promised You a Rose Garden | Deborah Blake | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | Lifeguard | Wendy | Average | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Turning Point of Jim Malloy | Edith Evans | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Abduction of Saint Anne | Anne Benedict | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Missing Are Deadly | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Where Have All the People Gone | Deborah Anders | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | Lucas Tanner | Joyce Howell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | American Graffiti | Peg | Hit | Similar → |
Kathleen Quinlan - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Kathleen Quinlan?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Kathleen Quinlan is "The Man Outside" with a rating of 9.0/10.
How many movies has Kathleen Quinlan acted in?
Kathleen Quinlan has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Kathleen Quinlan?
Other notable films include "The Doors: The Road of Excess", "The Turning Point of Jim Malloy", and "Hollywood's Magical Island: Catalina".



