M. Emmet Walsh
ActingAbout M. Emmet Walsh
Michael Emmet Walsh (March 22, 1935 – March 19, 2024) was an American character actor who has appeared in over 200 films and television series, including supporting roles in dozens of major studio features of the 1970s and 1980s. He starred in Blood Simple (1984), the Coen Brothers' first film for which he won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead. He also appeared in The Jerk (1979), Ordinary People (1980), Blade Runner (1982), Wild Wild West (1999), and The Iron Giant (1999). His final films included Knives Out (2019) and Brothers (2024).
M. Emmet Walsh Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of M. Emmet Walsh reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of M. Emmet Walsh's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 100% of M. Emmet Walsh'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 Nightmare in Big Sky Country, which stands out as a key performance.
Best M. Emmet Walsh Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from M. Emmet Walsh's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie M. Emmet Walsh has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Green and Gold | Scotty | Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | Knives Out | Mr. Proofroc | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | Faith, Hope & Love | Fr. John | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | Calvary | The Writer | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | The Odd Life of Timothy Green | Uncle Bub | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Big Stan | Lew Popper | Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | Tracey Ullman in the Trailer Tales | Wally Westland | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | Baggage | Sandy Westphall | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | Eyeball Eddie | Coach Cook | Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | On the Edge of 'Blade Runner' | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | The Iron Giant | Earl Stutz (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Nightmare in Big Sky Country | Marshal Jim Phillips | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Erasable You | Ralph Worth | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | My Best Friend's Wedding | Joe O'Neal | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Romeo + Juliet | Apothecary | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | A Time to Kill | Willard Tyrell Bass (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler | Morris | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Dead Badge | Sergeant Miller Hoskins | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Madness of Method | Rudolph Thorndyke | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | The Flash | Henry Allen | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Raising Arizona | Machine Shop Ear-Bender | Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Fletch | Dr. Joseph Dolan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Blood Simple | Private Detective | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Silkwood | Walt Yarborough | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Night Partners | Joe Kirby | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | The Woman Who Willed a Miracle | Joe Lemke | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Blade Runner | Bryant | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | Reds | Speaker at Liberal Club | Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | Hellinger's Law | Mr. Graebner | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Ordinary People | Swim Coach | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Brubaker | C.P. Woodward | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | The Jerk | Madman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | Dear Detective | Capt. Gorcey | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | No Other Love | DeFranco | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Straight Time | Earl Frank | Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | A Question of Guilt | Inspector McCartney | Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | Slap Shot | Dickie Dunn | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Mikey and Nicky | Bus Driver | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Bound for Glory | Husband | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Invasion of Johnson County | Irvine | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Crime Club | Jack Doyle | Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Prisoner of Second Avenue | Doorman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Gambler | Las Vegas Gambler | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Serpico | Gallagher | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Kid Blue | Barber | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | What's Up, Doc? | Arresting Officer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | They Might Be Giants | 1st Sanitation Man | Hit | Similar → |
| 1970 | Little Big Man | Shotgun Guard | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | Midnight Cowboy | Bus Passenger (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
M. Emmet Walsh - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of M. Emmet Walsh?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring M. Emmet Walsh is "Nightmare in Big Sky Country" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has M. Emmet Walsh acted in?
M. Emmet Walsh has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by M. Emmet Walsh?
Other notable films include "Dear Detective", "The Woman Who Willed a Miracle", and "Hellinger's Law".