Ian McDiarmid - Actor Profile

Ian McDiarmid

Acting
Freshness: Jan 14, 2026
39Total Films
8.0 Highest Rated
Born: Aug 11, 1944
Birth Place: Carnoustie, Tayside, Scotland, UK

About Ian McDiarmid

Ian McDiarmid (born 11 August 1944) is a Scottish actor and director best known for portraying Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars film series. He has received an Olivier Award for Best Actor and a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performances. Wikipedia

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Ian McDiarmid reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 39 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Ian McDiarmid's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 51% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Ian McDiarmid remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Odds, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Ian McDiarmid Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Ian McDiarmid's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Ian McDiarmid.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2022 Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi's Return Self - Emperor Palpatine Hit Similar →
2020 The Skywalker Legacy Self Super Hit Similar →
2019 Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Emperor Palpatine Average Similar →
2017 The Lost City of Z Sir George Goldie Average Similar →
2015 Star Wars: Greatest Moments Self Hit Similar →
2015 Star Wars: Evolution of the Lightsaber Duel Self Average Similar →
2015 Star Wars Rebels: The Siege of Lothal Emperor Palpatine (voice) Super Hit Similar →
2009 The Odds - Super Hit Similar →
2009 Margaret Denis Thatcher Average Similar →
2005 Our Hidden Lives B. Charles Flop Similar →
2005 Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith Chancellor Palpatine / Darth Sidious Super Hit Similar →
2005 Star Wars: A Musical Journey Host Hit Similar →
2004 The Story of Star Wars Palpatine/The Emperor (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2002 Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones Chancellor Palpatine Hit Similar →
2002 Crime and Punishment Porfiry Hit Similar →
2001 The Beginning: Making Episode I Self Hit Similar →
2000 Sleepy Hollow: Behind the Legend Self Hit Similar →
1999 Sleepy Hollow Dr. Lancaster Hit Similar →
1999 All the King's Men Rev. Pierrepoint Edwards Average Similar →
1999 The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Demons of Deception Prof. Levi Average Similar →
1999 Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Senator Palpatine Hit Similar →
1999 Great Expectations Jaggers Average Similar →
1996 Hillsborough Doctor Popper, Coroner Hit Similar →
1995 Restoration Ambrose Average Similar →
1995 Annie: A Royal Adventure Dr. Eli Eon Average Similar →
1993 Heart of Darkness Doctor Average Similar →
1991 Chernobyl: The Final Warning Dr. Vatisenko Average Similar →
1988 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Arthur Hit Similar →
1985 Pity in History Murgatroyd Flop Similar →
1983 Gorky Park Professor Andreev Average Similar →
1983 Return of the Jedi The Emperor Super Hit Similar →
1981 Last Night Another Dissident... Fedka Flop Similar →
1981 Dragonslayer Brother Jacopus Hit Similar →
1980 Richard's Things Burglar Flop Similar →
1980 Sir Henry at Rawlinson End Reg Smeeton Hit Similar →
1980 The Awakening Dr. Richter Average Similar →
1979 Macbeth The Porter / Ross Hit Similar →
1976 The Likely Lads Vicar Average Similar →
1976 Amazing Stories Blade Flop Similar →

Ian McDiarmid - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Ian McDiarmid?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ian McDiarmid is "The Odds" with a rating of 8.0/10.

How many movies has Ian McDiarmid acted in?

Ian McDiarmid has been featured in at least 39 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Ian McDiarmid?

Other notable films include "Star Wars Rebels: The Siege of Lothal", "Return of the Jedi", and "The Skywalker Legacy".