Tess Harper - Actor Profile

Tess Harper

Acting
Updated: May 09, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: Aug 15, 1950
Birth Place: Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, USA

About Tess Harper

Tessie Jean "Tess" Harper (née Washam; born August 15, 1950) is an American actress. She was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress for her first film role in 1983's Tender Mercies, and for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the 1986 film Crimes of the Heart. Her other film appearances include Flashpoint (1984), Ishtar (1987), Far North (1988), and No Country for Old Men (2007). She also had a recurring role on the first three seasons of Breaking Bad (2008–2010). From Wikipedia

Tess Harper Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Tess Harper reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

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

Success Ratio

Approximately 48% of Tess Harper'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 Lonely Place, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Tess Harper Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Tess Harper's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Tess Harper has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2023 Good Side of Bad Mary Ellen Flop Similar →
2019 The Road to El Camino: Behind the Scenes of El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie Self Hit Similar →
2019 El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie Mrs. Pinkman Hit Similar →
2018 Burden Hazel Average Similar →
2015 The Perfect Guy Mrs. McCarthy Average Similar →
2014 Frank Frank's Mom Hit Similar →
2013 Sunlight Jr. Kathleen Flop Similar →
2013 Straight A's Mother Flop Similar →
2012 The Christmas Heart Elizabeth Average Similar →
2011 A Christmas Wish Trudy Willis Average Similar →
2007 No Country for Old Men Loretta Bell Super Hit Similar →
2007 Broken Clare Average Similar →
2007 Saving Sarah Cain Miriam Esh Flop Similar →
2007 Kiss the Bride Barbara Davis Flop Similar →
2006 Broken Bridges Dixie Rose Delton Hit Similar →
2006 Jam Ruby Flop Similar →
2006 Karla Molly Czehowicz Flop Similar →
2005 Loggerheads Elizabeth Average Similar →
2004 Angel in the Family Mrs. Nelly Tomkins Flop Similar →
2004 Lonely Place - Super Hit Similar →
2001 The Rising Place Rebecca Hodge Hit Similar →
2000 The In Crowd Dr. Amanda Giles Flop Similar →
1999 Beyond the Prairie: The True Story of Laura Ingalls Wilder Narrator / Older Laura Ingalls Wilder Hit Similar →
1997 The Jackal The First Lady Average Similar →
1997 A Child's Wish Joanna Chandler Average Similar →
1997 The Killing Secret Tina Decapprio Flop Similar →
1996 A Stranger to Love Linda Grant Average Similar →
1995 Death in Small Doses Jerri Sims Hit Similar →
1993 Michael Jackson: Dangerous - The Short Films Self (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1992 Willing to Kill: The Texas Cheerleader Story Verna Heath Hit Similar →
1991 Black or White Mother (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1991 The Man in the Moon Abigail Trant Hit Similar →
1991 My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys Cheryl Average Similar →
1990 Daddy's Dyin'... Who's Got the Will? Sara Lee Average Similar →
1989 Incident at Dark River Betty McFall Hit Similar →
1989 Criminal Law Detective Stillwell Average Similar →
1989 Her Alibi Sally Blackwood Flop Similar →
1989 Unconquered Mrs. Mary Flowers Super Hit Similar →
1988 Far North Rita Hit Similar →
1988 Little Girl Lost Clara Brady Super Hit Similar →
1987 Daddy Ann Burnette Hit Similar →
1986 Crimes of the Heart Chick Boyle Average Similar →
1985 Promises to Keep Gwen Palmer Super Hit Similar →
1985 A Summer to Remember Jeannie Wyler Hit Similar →
1985 Reckless Disregard Meredith Craig Super Hit Similar →
1984 Flashpoint Ellen Average Similar →
1983 Silkwood Linda Dawson Hit Similar →
1983 Tender Mercies Rosa Lee Hit Similar →
1983 Starflight: The Plane That Couldn't Land Janet Briggs Flop Similar →
1983 Kentucky Woman - Hit Similar →

Tess Harper - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Tess Harper?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Tess Harper is "Lonely Place" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Tess Harper acted in?

Tess Harper has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Tess Harper?

Other notable films include "Unconquered", "Michael Jackson: Dangerous - The Short Films", and "No Country for Old Men".

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