As I delve into the lives of these prolific actors, it’s truly fascinating to see the diverse paths their careers have taken. From the seasoned veterans like Danny Trejo, who paints cinematic houses with his tireless work ethic, to the ever-busy Eric Roberts, who seems to embody the spirit of a Hollywood chameleon, these artists have left an indelible mark on our collective pop culture consciousness.
It should be easy to name the single actor with the most movie roles, but it’s a surprisingly difficult task. The vast number of sources that the internet draws upon is the problem: information about actors’ credits often draws together film and television roles, appearances in short films, voice-over work, video games, and so on, which is why someone like Eric Roberts is occasionally listed with more than 800 credits. The current titleholders for most movie roles appear to be the South Asian actors Brahmanandam and Aachi Manorama, who both allegedly starred in more than 1,000 Bollywood films. But again: these stats are not confirmed, and may actually be significantly lower — or higher.
In this article, the actors mentioned are ranked based on their roles in full-length films (defined as movies longer than 40 minutes by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences). It is important to note that these rankings do not claim to be exhaustive or definitive; they merely provide a diverse snapshot of actors who have appeared in over 100 films.
Susan Sarandon (104)
Among all the actors on this list, Susan Sarandon stands out as equally sought-after today, even after over a century of movies, as she was during her initial career high in the early ’80s. Sarandon transitioned from ingenue roles in the ’70s, such as her portrayal of the unfortunate Janet in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” to playing more intricate characters in films like “Atlantic City,” which landed her her first of six Oscar nominations. In the ’90s, she rose to A-list fame with movies like “Thelma and Louise” and “Dead Man Walking,” for which Sarandon won a best actress Oscar.
Currently, Sarandon navigates through a variety of film projects, ranging from intense studio dramas like “The Company You Keep,” independent films such as the Duplass Brothers’ “Jeff, Who Lives at Home,” to crowd-pleasing movies like “A Bad Moms Christmas” and “Blue Beetle.” If there seems to be a plan behind her career endurance, Sarandon is swift to debunk it. According to AnOther magazine in 2017, she stated, “This business doesn’t lend itself to a systematic approach or corporate strategies. You can witness the downfall of blockbusters and then the rise of films like ‘Moonlight’ – ultimately, people are drawn to compelling narratives.
Nicolas Cage/ Vincent Price (110)
Is there any similarity between Nicolas Cage, an Oscar-winning actor, and Vincent Price, a legend from Hollywood’s Golden Age? While they both have been part of horror films and are famous for their eccentric roles, the fact that links them most directly is that they have both starred in around 110 movies. Interestingly, Cage continues to act, although he has hinted at retiring after four decades in the film industry. However, with recent box office successes like “Longlegs” and acclaimed films such as “Pig,” it remains to be seen if his retirement talk is just speculation.
Prior to appearing in films, Vincent Price first showcased his talent on Broadway. His initial breakthrough came in the 1938 comedy “Service de Luxe.” Initially, he was often cast as romantic leads or smooth but menacing characters. However, it was in horror, fantasy, and science fiction movies that he truly found lasting fame. This second wave of popularity started in the late 1950s with “The Fly” and continued until his role in “Edward Scissorhands,” which was his final film before he passed away at the age of 82 on October 25, 1993.
Danny Glover (128)
In the ’80s and ’90s, Danny Glover transitioned from playing supporting characters in movies such as “Witness”, to leading roles, becoming especially renowned for his performances in the “Lethal Weapon” series and a variety of projects that included prestigious titles like “The Color Purple” and comedic ones like the poorly received “Gone Fishin'”. By the new millennium, he moved back to character acting in films such as “The Royal Tenenbaums” and “Dreamgirls”, amassing around 128 roles in feature films by 2024.
Currently, Glover maintains a consistent workload in both leading and ancillary roles across numerous films. His 2018 portfolio encompassed critically acclaimed independent productions such as Boots Riley’s thought-provoking “Sorry to Bother You,” alongside less successful direct-to-video releases like “Death Race: Beyond Anarchy.” Furthermore, he is an advocate for various political and social issues, earning him the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony.
In an interview with Success magazine in 2020, Glover attributed his long-lasting acting career to his activism. He explained, “I believe part of my success comes from maintaining a balance between who I am as a father, a grandfather, and as a concerned citizen – someone who is genuine, cares about the world, and wants to make a positive impact on it.
Michael Caine (138)
Following over six decades of acting and more than 138 films, Sir Michael Caine, now 91 years old, has announced his retirement from the screen. In a recent interview on BBC Radio 4’s “Today” (as reported by The Hollywood Reporter), Caine confirmed that his upcoming 2023 film, “The Great Escaper,” will be his final project. Regarding this movie, which garnered positive reviews from critics, Caine remarked, “I figured, ‘Why not end on a high note? I’ve got fantastic feedback. What more could I possibly achieve?’
Reflecting on my illustrious career, it’s remarkable to see how “The Great Escaper” serves as the finale, spanning decades and gracing the box office with hits almost every decade of the last fifty years. My breakthrough role in “Alfie” back in 1966 paved the way for my subsequent portrayals of roguish heroes in films like “Get Carter” (1971) and “The Man Who Would Be King” (1975). I was fortunate enough to receive Oscars for my performances in “Hannah and Her Sisters” in 1985 and “The Cider House Rules” in 1999. Notably, I’ve been honored to be a part of Christopher Nolan’s regular acting troupe in films such as “Batman Begins,” “The Prestige,” “The Dark Knight,” “Inception,” and “Interstellar.
Samuel L. Jackson (144)
In a 2024 interview with People, Samuel L. Jackson expressed that he’s had quite a bit of good luck. However, ‘lucky’ might not do justice to his accomplishments: As of 2024, Jackson’s feature films total around 144, and these movies have raked in an impressive $27 billion globally, making him the highest-grossing actor in cinema history. His role as S.H.I.E.L.D. director Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe certainly played a significant part in this astounding sum, but Jackson’s contributions extend far beyond that. He was also a key player in the “Star Wars” prequel trilogy, “Jurassic Park,” “The Incredibles” and its 2018 sequel, “Pulp Fiction,” and “Kong: Skull Island,” among several other box-office hits.
He shared with People that he enjoys a variety of films. However, when it comes to roles he wants to play or projects he was drawn to during his youth or acting days, he becomes quite selective. So if something catches his eye that resonates with him personally, he thinks, “This is something I want to be part of.” Over the years, he’s made some wise decisions and has been lucky enough to benefit from them. Notably, these choices have earned him Oscar, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild Award nominations, as well as an honorary Oscar in 2021.
Jackie Chan (146)
Jackie Chan’s rise to international fame was largely due to his remarkable series of movies produced for Golden Harvest studio during the 1980s. However, his acting journey began much earlier, when at the age of eight, he made his screen debut in the 1962 film “Big and Little Wong Tin Bar.” Throughout his career, which spans over two decades, Chan has taken on numerous roles as an extra, stunt coordinator, and bit player. For instance, he played a henchman who was defeated by Bruce Lee in “Enter the Dragon.” While some sources suggest that Chan has starred in over 400 films, a more accurate count reveals around 146 movies where he appeared as an actor – a number that remains impressive.
At 62 years old, Chan continues to be a dedicated worker across Asia and America. He’s set to reprise his role as Mr. Han in “Karate Kid: Legends” in 2025, and he has numerous other projects in the pipeline with no signs of slowing down. In an interview with The Paper (through ThorstenBoose.de) in 2023, he expressed, “As long as they ask me to make movies, I’ll put my life on the line.
Michael Ironside (151)
Canadian actor Michael Ironside is one of the few performers who started out in low-budget horror films and worked his way up to larger productions, including Hollywood movies. With over 150 film appearances throughout his career, it’s no wonder he gained recognition – a significant part of this came from his breakout role as the villain in David Cronenberg’s “Scanners.” He then moved on to American projects, landing prominent roles in “Top Gun” and “Starship Troopers,” eventually becoming a highly sought-after character actor for films like “The Machinist,” “X-Men: First Class,” and “The Perfect Storm.
In his seventh decade, Ironside continues to make an impact in both film and television, bringing his distinctive weight to productions like “Nobody” and “Late Night with the Devil,” which he also narrated. Since ‘Top Gun’, he has been averaging 5 to 7 films per year, according to a 2014 interview with Y! Entertainment. He expressed his passion for acting, saying, “I receive numerous offers, and if the scripts intrigue me or present a role that pushes my boundaries or is something new, I’ll accept it.
Mickey Rooney (160)
Mickey Rooney, a legendary figure in Hollywood, embarked on his movie career at just six years old and continued to excel in films throughout his life. By the time he played Santa Claus in “Wreck the Halls” in 2008, Rooney had accumulated over 160 (and possibly more) feature film roles, received four Oscar nominations, and was honored with two honorary Oscars in 1938 and 1983. His diverse and acclaimed body of work spans from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in 1935 and “Babes in Arms” in 1939, through to “Requiem for a Heavyweight” (1962), “The Black Stallion” (1979), and “Night at the Museum” in 2006.
Rooney’s life was filled with upheaval, frequent changes in marriages, mental health struggles, and financial instability that often led him to accept roles for monetary reasons, such as in “Silent Night, Deadly Night 5: The Toy Maker.” Despite being well-respected in Hollywood, Rooney never seemed to find lasting contentment in his personal life. His later years were marred by accusations of elder abuse, and the once prosperous star passed away with a modest $18,000 in assets.
Christopher Lee (203)
Similar to Vincent Price, Sir Christopher Lee maintained a long-lasting fame, predominantly recognized for his powerful roles in various horror films, starting with “The Curse of Frankenstein” in 1956 and extending to numerous portrayals of Dracula, breaking records in the process. Just like Price, Lee also ventured into diverse genres, appearing in comedies such as Steven Spielberg’s “1941” and historical dramas like the 1998 Pakistani film “Jinnah”. Over the years, he accumulated more than 200 feature credits. However, unlike many who embrace their genre label, Lee himself was modest about his horror roles, stating in a 1990 NPR interview that he only appeared in approximately fifteen films that could be classified as horror movies.
Additionally, Lee acknowledged that his evaluation was questionable, but he ultimately moved past his troubled past due to a spectacular career revival in the early 2000s. He portrayed Saruman the White for Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” series, as well as Count Dooku in George Lucas’ “Attack of the Clones” and “Revenge of the Sith.” This new set of roles introduced Lee to a multitude of fresh admirers. Until his passing at the age of 93 on June 7, 2015, he continued to work in films such as Martin Scorsese’s “Hugo” and Tim Burton’s “Corpse Bride.
Richard Riehle (204)
Though his name may not be immediately familiar to you, there’s a very good chance you’ve seen one or more of character actor Richard Riehle’s 204 films appearances. Adept at both comic and dramatic roles, Riehle knows how to make the most of a supporting or even minor part: he was the ill-fated product manager Tom Smykowski, who invented the “Jump to Conclusions” mat in “Office Space,” the unfortunately named Bill Cozbi in “Bridesmaids,” and the banker whom Joe Pesci holds hostage in “Casino,” among many other roles. Riehle and Pesci also appeared in two other films together — “Lethal Weapon 4” and “The Public Eye” — and he’s shared the screen with everyone from Denzel Washington (“Glory”) and Harrison Ford (“The Fugitive”) to Pauly Shore (“Jury Duty”) and Pee-wee Herman (“Pee-wee’s Big Holiday”).
Due to his roles frequently appearing in only a handful of scenes, Riehle often finds himself working on multiple films each year. In fact, he managed to complete five feature films, such as Rob Zombie’s “3 from Hell,” two short films, and various television guest appearances, all in the year 2019 alone. During a 2011 interview for the University of Notre Dame alumni magazine, he shared that he is always seeking opportunities to work and potentially contribute to industry change. He stated, “I feel fantastic when I’m working, and I don’t want that feeling to ever stop.
John Carradine (216)
Legendary actor John Carradine is primarily recognized today as the patriarch of an illustrious acting family. His sons, David, Keith, and Robert Carradine, along with their half-brother Michael Bowen from “Breaking Bad,” have all had notable careers in acting. Additionally, his grandchildren such as Martha Plimpton, Ever Carradine, and Sorel Johannah Carradine have also thrived in the industry. Interestingly, while they are celebrated for their recent achievements, John himself started his film career in 1930 and accumulated an impressive 216 feature credits before passing away at the age of 82 on November 27, 1988.
A significant portion of Carradine’s acting career was dedicated to horror films: he portrayed Dracula on several occasions, added humor in Joe Dante’s “The Howling” (1981), but the bulk of his horror film roles were in less-than-impressive movies like “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula”. Throughout his career, he made numerous low-budget films, driven partly by five marriages and custody disputes. However, it’s often overlooked that he was also a part of some of Hollywood’s finest productions.
As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but marvel at the illustrious career of John Carradine. In 1939, he graced the screen as Hatfield, the gambler, in John Ford’s timeless classic, “Stagecoach”. He then joined forces with Ford once more for “The Grapes of Wrath” (1940), and later for “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance”, among eight other extraordinary collaborations.
Ward Bond (236)
A significant actor within John Ford’s troupe of performers had a lengthy and fruitful career that spanned from the advent of talking movies to the late 1950s. Notably, Ward Bond and John Wayne were teammates on the University of Southern California football squad when Ford recruited them for his 1929 production titled “Salute.” This opportunity not only fostered enduring friendships between Bond, Ford, and Wayne, but also marked the beginning of Bond’s acting journey, culminating in a total of 236 films.
25 of those movies were produced for Ford, and among them were some of his long-lasting hits like “The Searchers,” “Fort Apache,” and “Mister Roberts.” Interestingly, one of these films, nominated for a Best Picture Oscar, featured Bond. He also appeared in 13 other films that were up for this prestigious award. Besides these, he was part of classics like “Gone with the Wind,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and “The Maltese Falcon,” usually in supporting roles. However, he took on the lead role in one of his most successful projects: the TV series “Wagon Train,” which was inspired by his 1950 film “Wagon Master.” Tragically, Bond passed away from a heart attack during the show’s fourth season on November 5, 1960.
Danny Trejo (267)
In an interview with The Talks, actor Danny Trejo compared his extensive acting career, boasting 267 feature film credits, to the work of house painters. He stated, “Whether it’s a small home or a large mansion, I’ll paint them all equally.” This versatile attitude has enabled Trejo to feature in major studio productions such as “Con Air,” “Heat” directed by Michael Mann, and various films from Robert Rodriguez including the “Spy Kids” and “Machete” series. Additionally, he has appeared in numerous low-budget movies like “Vampfather,” “Cartel 2045,” and “Mostly Ghostly: One Night in Doom House,” making Trejo a familiar face on streaming services.
Through relentless dedication and staying in the public eye, Trejo has maintained enduring popularity in pop culture and branched into another successful venture as a restaurateur with restaurants in Los Angeles, Detroit, and London. He’s also an accomplished author, having published his memoir, which became a New York Times best-seller in 2021.
Eric Roberts (422)
Having acted in over 400 films is truly remarkable, but when a person’s resume stretches beyond 900 roles, it’s worth pondering: what’s the secret? Eric Roberts, who currently boasts around 422 credits (and counting), offered an explanation in a 2022 interview with The Hollywood Reporter. In his own words, he enjoys it. “I consider myself among the fortunate ones in Hollywood,” he stated. “It’s just such a blast to receive so many offers and portray such a diverse array of characters.
Roberts’ filmography encompasses an extensive array of movies, ranging from his initial Golden Globe-nominated role in “King of the Gypsies” in 1978, to more recent productions that are often low-budget or niche in nature. These include films like “Top Gunner” and “The Terror of Hallow’s Eve,” produced by The Asylum, as well as less conventional titles such as “Rice Girl: My Redneck Neighbor II.” Despite this diverse body of work, Roberts continues to be involved in high-profile studio films and significant independent productions like “The Dark Knight,” “Babylon,” and “Inherent Vice.
If the demanding work schedule with frequent changes in budgets, locations, and genres is challenging for Roberts, he manages to keep it hidden. As he put it, “I might receive an offer on a Friday to start working on Saturday.” This requires quick memorization of lines. Interestingly enough, each time it’s exciting.
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2024-12-21 20:31