William S. Burroughs - Actor Profile

William S. Burroughs

Writing
Freshness: Jan 13, 2026
50Total Films
8.2 Highest Rated
Born: Feb 5, 1914
Birth Place: St. Louis, Missouri, USA

About William S. Burroughs

William Seward Burroughs II (February 5, 1914 – August 2, 1997) was an American writer and visual artist, widely considered a primary figure of the Beat Generation and a major postmodern author who influenced popular culture and literature. Burroughs wrote eighteen novels and novellas, six collections of short stories and four collections of essays, and five books have been published of his interviews and correspondences; he was initially briefly known by the pen name William Lee. He also collaborated on projects and recordings with numerous performers and musicians, made many appearances in films, and created and exhibited thousands of visual artworks, including his celebrated "Shotgun Art". Description above from the Wikipedia article William S. Burroughs, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of William S. Burroughs 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: Documentary

The majority of William S. Burroughs's filmography leans towards the Documentary 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 54% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), William S. Burroughs remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Home of the Brave: A Film by Laurie Anderson, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best William S. Burroughs Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from William S. Burroughs's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of William S. Burroughs.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2018 Take Your Pills Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2017 Uncle Howard Self Hit Similar →
2015 Don't Blink - Robert Frank Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2012 For No Good Reason Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2012 The Beat Hotel Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
2012 The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye - Hit Similar →
2011 Fix: The Ministry Movie Self Hit Similar →
2010 William S. Burroughs: A Man Within Self Hit Similar →
2009 Nova Express Narrator (voice) Flop Similar →
2009 FLicKeR Self Hit Similar →
2008 Obscene: A Portrait of Barney Rosset and Grove Press Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
2006 Wanderlust Tom the Priest Flop Similar →
1999 The Source Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
1998 The Book of Life Preacher on Radio (voice) Average Similar →
1998 Destroy All Rational Thought Self Average Similar →
1994 Ah Pook Is Here. Narrator Average Similar →
1994 Even Cowgirls Get the Blues Self Flop Similar →
1994 Glitterbug Self Average Similar →
1994 Relics: Einstein's Brain Self Hit Similar →
1993 The Junky's Christmas Narrator Hit Similar →
1992 Naked Making Lunch Self Hit Similar →
1991 Wax, or The Discovery of Television Among the Bees James "Hive" Maker Hit Similar →
1991 William S. Burroughs: Commissioner of Sewers Self Hit Similar →
1991 Thanksgiving Prayer A Speaker Average Similar →
1989 Bloodhounds of Broadway Butler Average Similar →
1989 Drugstore Cowboy Tom the Priest Hit Similar →
1989 Heavy Petting Self Flop Similar →
1989 Twister Man in Barn Average Similar →
1989 Gang of Souls: A Generation of Beat Poets Self Flop Similar →
1986 Home of the Brave: A Film by Laurie Anderson Self Super Hit Similar →
1986 Ornette: Made in America Self Average Similar →
1985 It Don't Pay to Be an Honest Citizen Mafioso Super Hit Similar →
1984 The Final Academy Documents - Super Hit Similar →
1984 Decoder Old Man Average Similar →
1984 Burroughs: The Movie Self Hit Similar →
1983 This Song for Jack Self Average Similar →
1983 Pirate Tape - Hit Similar →
1982 Poetry in Motion Self Hit Similar →
1982 Ghost at No. 9 - Super Hit Similar →
1981 Energy and How to Get It - Average Similar →
1981 Shamans of the Blind Country Narrator (voice) Hit Similar →
1981 Chelsea Hotel - Super Hit Similar →
1979 Fried Shoes Cooked Diamonds Self Hit Similar →
1978 Thot-Fal'N Self Flop Similar →
1972 Bill and Tony Self Average Similar →
1968 Witchcraft Through the Ages Narrator Hit Similar →
1966 Chappaqua Opium Jones Average Similar →
1966 The Cut-Ups - Hit Similar →
1963 Towers Open Fire - Hit Similar →
1963 William Buys a Parrot Self Average Similar →

William S. Burroughs - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of William S. Burroughs?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring William S. Burroughs is "Home of the Brave: A Film by Laurie Anderson" with a rating of 8.2/10.

How many movies has William S. Burroughs acted in?

William S. Burroughs has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by William S. Burroughs?

Other notable films include "The Final Academy Documents", "Ghost at No. 9", and "Chelsea Hotel".