Actor

Christopher McDonald: Movies & Box Office

films: 78
on screen: 1980–2026
box office: $232M
average score: 61

Born: February 15, 1955 (age 71)
Birthplace: New York City, New York, U.S.
Citizenship: American
Occupations: Film actor, Television actor, Theatre actor, Voice actor
Years active: 1978-present
Spouses: Lupe Gidley
Children: 4

Known for

The Best Christopher McDonald Movies

The highest-rated films Christopher McDonald is credited on, by the Movie Echo Score that blends critic reviews, audience ratings and lasting impact. Walking with Herb (2021) scores highest, at 78. The full ranking adds the biggest box office hits and the most awarded films.

Full ranking

Career at a glance

Christopher McDonald's Career in Numbers

Christopher McDonald's films in numbers — as an actor, not counting appearances as themselves: when they were made, the genres Christopher McDonald works in most and the milestones along the way. The filmography runs from The Hearse (1980) to Jimmy (2026), and the 1990s were the busiest decade.

Christopher McDonald Movies by Decade

1980s 11
1990s 29
2000s 11
2010s 11
2020s 9

The 1990s were Christopher McDonald's busiest decade, with 29 films.

Christopher McDonald Movies by Genre

Comedy 21
Drama 20
Action 6
Thriller 6
Horror 4
Tv movie 3
Family 2
Biography 1
Animation 1
Western 1

Comedy is the genre Christopher McDonald has worked in most, with 21 films, ahead of drama (20).

Christopher McDonald Career Milestones

First film: The Hearse 1980
Biggest box office hit: About Last Night $50.4M worldwide
Best-rated film: Walking with Herb Movie Echo Score 78
Newest film: Jimmy 2026

78 credits

Christopher McDonald Filmography: Every Movie

Every film Christopher McDonald is credited on, newest first, with the role, the box office and the Movie Echo Score. Rated films average a score of 61. Re-order the list to see the best-rated films or the biggest hits first.

Christopher McDonald Movies as an Actor

Christopher McDonald in Documentaries & Specials

Biography

Who Is Christopher McDonald?

Christopher McDonald was born in New York City, New York, U.S. in 1955 and is 71 years old. Credited on films since 1980, as an actor. The background, training and the roles that shaped the career.

Christopher McDonald (born February 15, 1955) is an esteemed American actor renowned for his appearances in film, television, theatre and as a voice artist. McDonald is recognized for his role as the villainous professional golfer Shooter McGavin in the 1996 comedy 'Happy Gilmore.' Notable roles also include 'T-Birds' member Goose McKenzie in 'Grease 2', Darryl Dickinson opposite Geena Davis in 'Thelma & Louise', Ward Cleaver in the film adaptation 'Leave It to Beaver', and Tappy Tibbons in 'Requiem for a Dream'. Beyond independent and small-budget films, McDonald has featured in box-office hits such as 'Grumpy Old Men', 'Flubber', 'Rumor Has It', 'The House Bunny' and 'About Last Night'. On television, he was a series regular on network TV shows like 'Walter & Emily', 'Good Advice', 'Family Law', 'Cracking Up' and 'Harry's Law'. McDonald has portrayed real-life individuals including game show host Jack Barry in 'Quiz Show', mountaineer Jon Krakauer in 'Into Thin Air: Death on Everest', sportscaster Mel Allen in '61*', Yankee legend Joe DiMaggio in 'The Bronx Is Burning', U.S. Attorney General Harry M. Daugherty in 'Boardwalk Empire', and Clinton lawyer Robert S. Bennett in 'Impeachment: American Crime Story'. In 2022, McDonald was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as casino CEO Marty Ghilain on the HBO Max show 'Hacks'. McDonald's acting career first began in 1978 when he appeared as a contestant on 'The Dating Game'. Since then, his wealth of films and television roles, often as a supporting actor and frequently portraying villains, has spanned several decades. A versatile actor, he has also provided his voice for various animated series, and replaced Robert De Niro in the 'Midnight Run' film franchise.

Works with

Who Christopher McDonald Makes Movies With

The actors and directors Christopher McDonald shares the most films with. Dan Hedaya comes first, with 3 films together, followed by Louis Mustillo (3).

FAQ

Christopher McDonald: Questions & Answers

How many movies Christopher McDonald has made, the biggest hit, the best-rated film, the award record and more, answered from the filmography above.

How many movies has Christopher McDonald been in?

Christopher McDonald is credited on 78 films, from 1980 to 2026. The filmography on this page lists every one of them, newest first, with the role and the Movie Echo Score.

What is Christopher McDonald's highest-grossing movie?

About Last Night (2014) is Christopher McDonald's biggest box office hit, with $50.4M worldwide, ahead of Breakin' (1984) ($38.7M). Across every film with box office figures, Christopher McDonald's movies have made $232M.

Christopher McDonald's biggest hits

What is the best Christopher McDonald movie?

By the Movie Echo Score, which blends critic reviews, audience ratings and lasting impact, Christopher McDonald's best-rated film is Walking with Herb (2021) with a score of 78, followed by Stallone: Frank, That Is (2021) (78).

Best Christopher McDonald movies, ranked

How old is Christopher McDonald?

Christopher McDonald is 71 years old, born on February 15, 1955 in New York City, New York, U.S..

What is Christopher McDonald's newest movie?

The most recent film on Christopher McDonald's filmography is Jimmy (2026), in the role of Lionel Barrymore.

Who does Christopher McDonald work with most often?

Christopher McDonald shares the most films with Dan Hedaya (3 films), Louis Mustillo (3 films) and Charlie Sheen (3 films).

The Best Christopher McDonald Movies, Ranked

Top rated, most awarded and biggest box office hits from 78 credits.

See the ranking

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