Michael Pennington - Actor Profile

Michael Pennington

Acting
Updated: May 09, 2026
38Total Films
9.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jun 7, 1943
Birth Place: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, UK

About Michael Pennington

Michael Vivian Fyfe Pennington is a British director and actor who, together with director Michael Bogdanov, founded the English Shakespeare Company. Although primarily a stage actor, he is best known to wider audiences for his role as Moff Jerjerrod, commanding officer of the Death Star in the film Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi and as Michael Foot in The Iron Lady, opposite Meryl Streep.

Michael Pennington Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Michael Pennington reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 38 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

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

Success Ratio

Approximately 42% of Michael Pennington'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 Mad Jack, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Michael Pennington Movies Ranked

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

Full Filmography

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

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2021 Manik da: The Mystique of Pather Panchali Narrator (voice) Average Similar →
2015 1945: The Savage Peace Narrator (voice) Super Hit Similar →
2014 Secrets of the Universe: Great Scientists in Their Own Words Narrator (Voice) Hit Similar →
2013 RSC Live: Richard II John of Gaunt Hit Similar →
2011 The Iron Lady Michael Foot Average Similar →
2008 Airborne: The RAF at 90 Narrator - (Voice) Flop Similar →
2008 Florence Nightingale Wen Average Similar →
2005 Fragile Marcus Hit Similar →
2003 Colosseum - Rome's Arena of Death Narrator (UK version) (voice) Hit Similar →
2002 The Dinosaur Hunters William Buckland Hit Similar →
2002 Pyramid Narrator (voice) Hit Similar →
1996 Cracker: White Ghost Commander Gordon Ellison Hit Similar →
1994 The Last Bolshevik Self (voice: English version) Super Hit Similar →
1994 Degas and Pissario Fall Out Degas Super Hit Similar →
1991 Henry V King Henry V Super Hit Similar →
1991 Richard II Richard II Flop Similar →
1991 Henry IV: Part 1 Prince Henry of Wales Flop Similar →
1991 Henry IV: Part 2 Henry Prince of Wales Flop Similar →
1991 Henry VI: House of York Jack Cade Flop Similar →
1991 Henry VI: House of Lancaster Earl of Suffolk Flop Similar →
1991 Richard III Duke of Buckingham Flop Similar →
1987 The Return of Sherlock Holmes Sherlock Holmes Average Similar →
1986 Theban Plays: Oedipus the King Oedipus Rex Flop Similar →
1986 The Marlowe Inquest Thomas Kyd Flop Similar →
1985 Forbidden Passion: The Oscar Wilde Movie - Flop Similar →
1984 The Mayor of Montemilone Narrator Flop Similar →
1983 Cymbeline Posthumus Average Similar →
1983 Return of the Jedi Moff Jerjerrod Super Hit Similar →
1982 Outside Edge Bob Super Hit Similar →
1981 A Last Visitor for Mr. Hugh Peter John Lilburne Flop Similar →
1978 Danton's Death Saint-Just Super Hit Similar →
1978 Mr and Mrs Bureaucrat E1A Flop Similar →
1977 It's Only Rock 'n' Roll Don Harris Flop Similar →
1976 The Witches of Pendle Minister Average Similar →
1970 The Dolly Scene Tom Super Hit Similar →
1970 Mad Jack - Super Hit Similar →
1969 Hamlet Laertes Average Similar →
1968 The Tycoon Peter Bell Flop Similar →

Michael Pennington - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Michael Pennington?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Michael Pennington is "Mad Jack" with a rating of 9.0/10.

How many movies has Michael Pennington acted in?

Michael Pennington has been featured in at least 38 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Michael Pennington?

Other notable films include "Danton's Death", "The Dolly Scene", and "Degas and Pissario Fall Out".

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