Michael Ontkean - Actor Profile

Michael Ontkean

Acting
Updated: May 09, 2026
42Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jan 24, 1946
Birth Place: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

About Michael Ontkean

Michael Leonard Ontkean (born January 24, 1946) is a Canadian retired actor. Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Ontkean relocated to the United States to attend the University of New Hampshire on a hockey scholarship before pursuing a career in acting in the early 1970s. He initially came to prominence portraying Officer Willie Gillis on the crime drama series The Rookies from 1972 to 1974, followed by lead roles in the hockey sports comedy film Slap Shot (1977) and the romantic comedy Willie & Phil (1980). In 1982, he had a starring role opposite Harry Hamlin and Kate Jackson in the drama Making Love, in which he portrayed a married man who comes to terms with his homosexuality. Ontkean continued to appear in films, such as Clara's Heart (1988) and Postcards from the Edge (1990) before being cast as Sheriff Harry S. Truman on David Lynch's Twin Peaks (1990–1991), the role for which he is best known.

Michael Ontkean Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Michael Ontkean reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 42 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Michael Ontkean's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 31% of Michael Ontkean'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 Kids Don't Tell, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Michael Ontkean Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Michael Ontkean's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Michael Ontkean has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2014 Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces Sheriff Harry S. Truman Hit Similar →
2011 The Descendants Cousin Milo Hit Similar →
2003 Mrs. Ashboro's Cat Wes Merritt Average Similar →
2002 A Killing Spring Tom Keaton Hit Similar →
2000 Bear with Me Greg Bradley Average Similar →
2000 Green Sails John Scott Flop Similar →
1999 Just a Little Harmless Sex Jeff Average Similar →
1998 A Chance of Snow Matthew 'Matt' Parker Average Similar →
1998 Summer of the Monkeys John Lee Average Similar →
1998 Nico the Unicorn Tom Gentry Average Similar →
1997 Swann Stephen Flop Similar →
1996 The Stepford Husbands Mick Davidson Hit Similar →
1996 The Man Next Door Eli Cooley Average Similar →
1993 Vendetta II: The New Mafia Hank Parnell Average Similar →
1993 Whose Child Is This? The War for Baby Jessica Jan DeBoer Flop Similar →
1993 Rapture Jeff Lisker Flop Similar →
1992 Legacy of Lies - Super Hit Similar →
1990 In Defense of a Married Man Robert Flop Similar →
1990 Postcards from the Edge Robert Munch Hit Similar →
1989 Twin Peaks Sheriff Harry S. Truman Super Hit Similar →
1989 Cold Front Derek McKenzie Flop Similar →
1989 Bye Bye Blues Teddy Cooper Flop Similar →
1988 Clara's Heart Bill Hart Average Similar →
1987 Maid to Order Nick McGuire Flop Similar →
1987 The Allnighter Mickey Leroi Flop Similar →
1987 Street Justice Curt Flynn Hit Similar →
1986 The Right of the People Christopher Wells Average Similar →
1985 Kids Don't Tell John Ryan Super Hit Similar →
1984 Just the Way You Are Peter Nichols Average Similar →
1984 The Blood of Others Jean Flop Similar →
1983 The Witching Frank Brandon Flop Similar →
1982 Making Love Zach Hit Similar →
1980 Willie & Phil Willie Kaufman Flop Similar →
1979 Voices Drew Rothman Flop Similar →
1977 US Against the World Self Flop Similar →
1977 Slap Shot Ned Braden Hit Similar →
1972 Necromancy Frank Brandon Flop Similar →
1972 Hot Summer Week Will Flop Similar →
1972 Pickup on 101 Chuck Flop Similar →
1972 The Rookies Willie Gillis Hit Similar →
1971 The Peace Killers Jeff Flop Similar →
1971 The Boy from Dead Man's Bayou - Super Hit Similar →

Michael Ontkean - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Michael Ontkean?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Michael Ontkean is "Kids Don't Tell" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Michael Ontkean acted in?

Michael Ontkean has been featured in at least 42 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Michael Ontkean?

Other notable films include "The Boy from Dead Man's Bayou", "Twin Peaks", and "Legacy of Lies".

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