Jay O. Sanders: Movies & Box Office
- films
- 63
- on screen
- 1979–2024
- box office
- $378M
- average score
- 63
- Born
- April 16, 1953 (age 73)
- Birthplace
- Austin, Texas, U.S.
- Full name
- Jay Olcutt Sanders
- Citizenship
- U.S.
- Occupations
- Actor, Playwright
- Years active
- 1979-present
- Spouses
- Maryann Plunkett
- Children
- 1
The Best Jay O. Sanders Movies
The films of Jay O. Sanders that made the most at the worldwide box office, biggest first: Daylight (1996) leads with $159M. The full ranking adds the most awarded films and the newest releases.
-
Worldwide box office: $159M Daylight 1996 · Action -
Worldwide box office: $50.2M Angels in the Outfield 1994 · Sport -
Worldwide box office: $35.6M Starting Over 1979 · Comedy -
Worldwide box office: $27M Glory 1989 · History -
Worldwide box office: $18.9M The Odd Couple II 1998 · Adventure -
Worldwide box office: $15.4M Mr. Destiny 1990 · Fantasy
Jay O. Sanders's Career in Numbers
Jay O. Sanders's films in numbers — as an actor, not counting appearances as themselves: when they were made, the genres Jay O. Sanders works in most and the milestones along the way. The filmography runs from Starting Over (1979) to Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch (2024), and the 1990s were the busiest decade.
Jay O. Sanders Movies by Decade
- 1970s 2
- 1980s 9
- 1990s 18
- 2000s 13
- 2010s 15
- 2020s 4
The 1990s were Jay O. Sanders's busiest decade, with 18 films.
Jay O. Sanders Movies by Genre
- Drama 12
- Tv movie 10
- Documentary 8
- Comedy 6
- History 4
- Thriller 3
- Mystery 3
- Romance 3
- Action 3
- Crime 2
Drama is the genre Jay O. Sanders has worked in most, with 12 films, ahead of tv movie (10).
Jay O. Sanders Career Milestones
- First film
- Starting Over 1979
- Biggest box office hit
- Daylight $159M worldwide
- Best-rated film
- His Three Daughters Movie Echo Score 81
- Newest film
- Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch 2024
Jay O. Sanders Filmography: Every Movie
Every film Jay O. Sanders is credited on, newest first, with the role, the box office and the Movie Echo Score. Rated films average a score of 63. Re-order the list to see the best-rated films or the biggest hits first.
Jay O. Sanders Movies as an Actor
61- 2024
His Three Daughters as Vincent · Drama Movie Echo Score: 81 - 2024
Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch as Ol' Cap'n Cotchipee · Tv movie - 2023
Outrage as Frank Brand · Thriller - 2023
When You Finish Saving the World as Roger · Drama Worldwide box office: $197K Movie Echo Score: 44 - 2019
NOVA: Decoding da Vinci as Narrator (voice) · History - 2019
DC Noir as Sgt. Peters · Crime - 2018
NOVA: Prediction by the Numbers as Narrator (voice) · Documentary - 2018
NOVA: First Face of America as Narrator (voice) · Documentary - 2016
NOVA: Iceman Reborn as Narrator (voice) · Documentary - 2016
NOVA: Life’s Rocky Start as Narrator (voice) · Documentary - 2015
Inside Einstein’s Mind: The Enigma of Space and Time as Narrator (voice) · Documentary - 2015
Dawn of Humanity as Narrator (voice) · Tv movie - 2015
NOVA: The Great Math Mystery as Narrator (voice) · Mystery - 2013
NOVA: Cold Case JFK as Narrator (voice) · History - 2013
NOVA: Who Killed Lindbergh’s Baby? as Narrator (voice) · Documentary - 2012
NOVA: Secrets of the Viking Sword as Narrator (voice) · History - 2011
I’m Coming Over as Walter · Comedy - 2011
The Jewel as Mr. Rothman · Drama Worldwide box office: $1.37M - 2010
Riddles of the Sphinx as Narrator (voice) · Documentary - 2009
The Undying as Dr. Russell Lassiter · Thriller - 2007
NOVA: Judgement Day - Intelligent Design on Trial as Narrator (voice) · Documentary - 2007
Greetings from the Shore as Commodore Callaghan · Comedy Worldwide box office: $96.3K - 2007
The Valley of Light as Howard · Romance - 2006
Wedding Daze as Sheriff · Romance Worldwide box office: $11.7M - 2003
Abby Singer as Kevin's Father · Comedy - 2003
D.C. Sniper: 23 Days of Fear as Douglas Duncan · Tv movie - 2002
Salem Witch Trials as Thomas Putnam · Tv movie - 2002
Widows as Detective John Maynard - 2001
The Last Brickmaker in America as Mike Potter · Tv movie - 2001
Boss of Bosses as Joseph O'Brien · Drama - 2001
My Husband’s Double Life as Patrick Hennessy Welsh · Drama - 2000
Picnic as Howard Bevens · Drama - 1999
The Secret Life of Girls Drama - 1999
The Jack Bull as Atty. Gen. Metcalfe · Western - 1999
Earthly Possessions as Zack Emery · Tv movie - 1998 The Odd Couple II as Leroy · Adventure Worldwide box office: $18.9M
- 1997
The Matchmaker as Senator John McGlory · Comedy Worldwide box office: $3.39M - 1996 Daylight Action Worldwide box office: $159M
- 1995
Silver Strand as Lucas Hughes · Tv movie - 1995
Three Wishes as Coach Schramka · Family Worldwide box office: $7.03M - 1995
Down Came a Blackbird as Jan Talbeck · Family - 1995
Kiss of Death as Federal Agent · Thriller Worldwide box office: $14.9M - 1994 Angels in the Outfield Sport Worldwide box office: $50.2M
- 1994
State of Emergency as Dr. Jeffrey Forrest · Tv movie - 1993
My Boyfriend’s Back as Sheriff McCloud · Romance Worldwide box office: $3.34M - 1992
Hostages as Terry Anderson · Tv movie - 1991
Meeting Venus as Stephen Taylor · Drama Worldwide box office: $1M - 1991
Defenseless as Bull Dozer · Mystery Worldwide box office: $6.41M - 1991
V.I. Warshawski as Murray Ryerson · Crime Worldwide box office: $11.1M - 1990 Mr. Destiny Fantasy Worldwide box office: $15.4M
- 1989 Glory as Gen. George Crockett Strong · History Worldwide box office: $27M
- 1989
Cold Sassy Tree as Clayton McAllister · Drama - 1988
The Prince of Pennsylvania as Trooper Joe · Comedy Worldwide box office: $5.42K - 1987
The Misfit Brigade as Tiny · Action - 1983
Cross Creek as Charles Rawlings · Drama - 1983
Eddie Macon’s Run as Rudy Potts · Action Worldwide box office: $1.26M - 1983
Living Proof: The Hank Williams Jr. Story as Dick Willey · Tv movie - 1982
Hanky Panky as Katz · Mystery Worldwide box office: $9.82M - 1980
The Day Christ Died as Peter · Drama - 1979 Starting Over Comedy Worldwide box office: $35.6M
- 1979
The Scarlet Letter as Robert Salter · Drama
Jay O. Sanders in Documentaries & Specials
2
Who Is Jay O. Sanders?
Jay O. Sanders was born in Austin, Texas, U.S. in 1953 and is 73 years old. Credited on films since 1979, as an actor. The background, training and the roles that shaped the career.
Jay O. Sanders, born Jay Olcutt Sanders on April 16, 1953, is a renowned American actor, recognized for his work in film, theatre, and television, as well as being an accomplished playwright. He has a rich history of appearing in off-Broadway productions at The Public Theatre, earning him the prestigious Drama Desk Award and a New York Drama Critics' Circle Award. His notable stage performances include productions like Henry V, Sam Shepard's Buried Child, and Loose Ends. He has graced the Broadway stage in productions including Purlie Victorious, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, and Saint Joan amongst others.
Jay made his screen debut with the comedy, Starting Over, in 1979. Since then, he has given memorable performances in films like Cross Creek, Tucker: The Man and His Dream, and Revolutionary Road. Jay's TV work is no less impressive, having recurrent roles in notable series like Law & Order: Criminal Intent, The Good Wife, and Person of Interest. In addition to his live performances and screen appearances, Sanders has also served as a narrator for programs such as Wide Angle, Nova, and Secrets of the Dead. His remarkable work in film and television is well complemented by his strong stage presence, marking him as an all-rounded performer who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry for over four decades.
Who Jay O. Sanders Makes Movies With
The actors and directors Jay O. Sanders shares the most films with. Mark Margolis comes first, with 3 films together, followed by Charles Durning (2).
Jay O. Sanders: Questions & Answers
How many movies Jay O. Sanders has made, the biggest hit, the best-rated film, the award record and more, answered from the filmography above.
How many movies has Jay O. Sanders been in?
Jay O. Sanders is credited on 63 films, from 1979 to 2024. The filmography on this page lists every one of them, newest first, with the role and the Movie Echo Score.
What is Jay O. Sanders's highest-grossing movie?
Daylight (1996) is Jay O. Sanders's biggest box office hit, with $159M worldwide, ahead of Angels in the Outfield (1994) ($50.2M). Across every film with box office figures, Jay O. Sanders's movies have made $378M.
Jay O. Sanders's biggest hits What is the best Jay O. Sanders movie?
By the Movie Echo Score, which blends critic reviews, audience ratings and lasting impact, Jay O. Sanders's best-rated film is His Three Daughters (2024) with a score of 81, followed by When You Finish Saving the World (2023) (44).
Best Jay O. Sanders movies, ranked How old is Jay O. Sanders?
Jay O. Sanders is 73 years old, born on April 16, 1953 in Austin, Texas, U.S..
What is Jay O. Sanders's newest movie?
The most recent film on Jay O. Sanders's filmography is His Three Daughters (2024), in the role of Vincent.
Who does Jay O. Sanders work with most often?
Jay O. Sanders shares the most films with Mark Margolis (3 films), Charles Durning (2 films) and Gretchen Mol (2 films).
The Best Jay O. Sanders Movies, Ranked
Top rated, most awarded and biggest box office hits from 63 credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
