Shirley Knight
ActingAbout Shirley Knight
Shirley Enola Knight (July 5, 1936 – April 22, 2020) was an American stage, screen, and television actress. She has been nominated twice for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, in 1960 for The Dark at the Top of the Stairs and in 1962 for Sweet Bird of Youth.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Shirley Knight reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Shirley Knight'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 30% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Shirley Knight remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Wedding, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Shirley Knight Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Shirley Knight's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Shirley Knight.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | The Missing Girl | Mrs. Colvins | Average | Similar → |
| 2013 | Redwood Highway | Marie | Average | Similar → |
| 2011 | Our Idiot Brother | Ilene Rochlin | Average | Similar → |
| 2010 | Listen to Your Heart | Grandma Sam | Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | The Private Lives of Pippa Lee | Dot Nadeau | Average | Similar → |
| 2009 | Paul Blart: Mall Cop | Mom | Flop | Similar → |
| 2006 | Grandma's Boy | Bea | Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | Sudbury | Aunt Jet | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Fly Cherry | Miss Christina | Average | Similar → |
| 2002 | Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood | Necie Kelleher | Average | Similar → |
| 2002 | The Salton Sea | Nancy Plummer | Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | Angel Eyes | Elanora Davis | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | My Louisiana Sky | Jewel Ramsey | Average | Similar → |
| 2000 | 75 Degrees in July | Jo Beth Anderson | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | A Marriage of Convenience | Harriet Winslow | Average | Similar → |
| 1998 | A Father for Brittany | Donna Minkowitz | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | The Wedding | Gram (Miss Caroline) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | As Good as It Gets | Beverly Connelly | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Convictions | Margaret | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | Little Boy Blue | Doris Knight | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story | Joan Hart | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Mary & Tim | Esther | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | If These Walls Could Talk | Mary Donnelly | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Diabolique | Edie Danziger | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | A Promise to Carolyn | Jolene Maggart | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Indictment: The McMartin Trial | Peggy Buckey | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Dad, the Angel & Me | Betty | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | Color of Night | Edith Niedelmeyer | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | The Yarn Princess | Esther | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | Baby Brokers | Sylvia | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Bump in the Night | Katie Leonard | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | The Sweet Scent of Death | Ann Fairfax Denver | Average | Similar → |
| 1982 | The Sender | Jerolyn | Average | Similar → |
| 1981 | Endless Love | Ann | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | Playing for Time | Frau Lagerführerin Maria Mandel | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | Champions: A Love Story | Barbara Harlich | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | The Defection of Simas Kudirka | Genna Kudirka | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | 21 Hours at Munich | Anneliese Graes | Average | Similar → |
| 1974 | Juggernaut | Barbara Banister | Average | Similar → |
| 1973 | The Lie | Anna | Average | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Rain People | Natalie Ravenna | Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Filmmaker | Self (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Petulia | Polo | Average | Similar → |
| 1968 | Shadow Over Elveron | Joanne Tregaskis | Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | The Outsider | Peggy Leydon | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | The Group | Polly | Average | Similar → |
| 1962 | Sweet Bird of Youth | Heavenly Finley | Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | The Couch | Terry Ames | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | The Dark at the Top of the Stairs | Reenie Flood | Average | Similar → |
| 1960 | Ice Palace | Grace Kennedy | Average | Similar → |
Shirley Knight - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Shirley Knight?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Shirley Knight is "The Wedding" with a rating of 8.3/10.
How many movies has Shirley Knight acted in?
Shirley Knight has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Shirley Knight?
Other notable films include "A Father for Brittany", "As Good as It Gets", and "Listen to Your Heart".