---
name: "Dan Hedaya"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/dan-hedaya"
fi1m_id: "dan-hedaya"
imdb_id: "nm0000445"
tmdb_id: 6486
wikidata_id: "Q724804"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "24 July 1940"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 12
average_fi1m_score: 70
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 12
updated: "2026-10-05T03:54:40.605088+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Dan Hedaya

## Identity

Dan Hedaya

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/dan-hedaya
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** dan-hedaya
- **IMDb ID:** nm0000445
- **TMDB ID:** 6486
- **Wikidata ID:** Q724804
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Hedaya, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q724804, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000445/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/6486

Actor. Born 24 July 1940 in Brooklyn, New York, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 24 July 1940, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- **Active:** 1984–2016
- **Also known as:** Daniel Hedaya, دن هدایا
- **Frequently works with:** [Scott Rudin](https://film.one/person/scott-rudin.md)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 70, as actor, over 12 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 70 (2), 1990s 70 (7), 2000s 77 (2), 2010s 61 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 71 to 64 across 10 titles
- **Score spread:** 3 at 80+, 8 at 60–79, 1 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 9 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Thriller 6, Action 5, Adventure 4, Comedy 4, Drama 3, Crime 2
- **Screen time:** 23 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $2,283m across 12 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Hedaya, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q724804, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000445/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/6486

## Streaming the US now

- **Apple TV:** [*Clueless*](https://film.one/film/clueless.md) (84), [*The Addams Family*](https://film.one/film/the-addams-family.md) (77)
- **HBO Max:** [*The Usual Suspects*](https://film.one/film/the-usual-suspects.md) (82)
- **Tubi:** [*Commando*](https://film.one/film/commando.md) (74)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Maverick*](https://film.one/film/maverick.md) (64)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Dan Hedaya

> Dan Hedaya can make a protective father almost as alarming as a villain. We value the conviction he brings to both, and the humour he finds without making his characters seem harmless.

Dan Hedaya makes paternal concern sound like a warning. As Mel Horowitz in *Clueless* (1995), he gives the protective father enough force to suggest that a teenager’s social life might reasonably need policing. He is funny because the worry is serious, even when it becomes overbearing. We laughed at his protectiveness because he plays it without apologising for how unreasonable it can look. Amy Heckerling gets warmth out of that gruffness without asking him to become sweet.

The threat was more direct in *Blood Simple* (1984), the debut of Joel and Ethan Coen, where his jealous bar owner Julian Marty gave him a breakthrough leading role. Television also made use of the rough edges through Nick Tortelli in *Cheers* (1982–1993). By *The Addams Family* (1991), in which he played scheming lawyer Tully Alford, supporting parts were becoming the familiar business. That earlier lead matters when considering an actor so often remembered for his contributions to an ensemble.

In Bryan Singer’s *The Usual Suspects* (1995), Hedaya plays the doubting detective Jeff Rabin, a smaller contribution to a film whose chief pleasure is Christopher McQuarrie’s plotting. Rabin gives that doubt a human presence: somebody has to be unconvinced while the mystery keeps us busy. The film is tightly controlled and darkly funny, though its people can feel thin beside the mystery. It is not the clearest place to discover what Hedaya can do, but his blunt authority is useful in an ensemble that needs distinct personalities quickly.

The recurring danger is that we recognise the gruff father, the cop or the villain too quickly and stop looking. His usefulness to these films can encourage us to take him for granted, and not every supporting role offers much room to surprise us. His unsettling contribution as Vincenzo Castigliane in *Mulholland Drive* (2001) is a reason to keep paying attention: familiarity with the actor does little to reassure us about the character. Start with *Clueless*, where Heckerling gives that severity somebody to care about.

## Biography

Dan Hedaya is an American actor. Born on 24 July 1940 in Brooklyn, New York, he attended Tufts University, where he began performing at the campus theatre. He worked as a junior high school teacher for several years before pursuing acting full time and studied at HB Studio in New York City.

Hedaya is known for his supporting roles in films including Tully Alford in *The Addams Family* (1991) and Sergeant Jeff Rabin in *The Usual Suspects* (1995). Other film credits include Julian Marty in *Blood Simple* (1984) and Mel Horowitz in *Clueless* (1995). On television, he played Nick Tortelli on the sitcom *Cheers*.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (12)

- *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them* (2016), Fi1m 61, as Red — [page](https://film.one/film/fantastic-beasts-and-where-to-find-them.md)
- *Robots* (2005), Fi1m 62, as Mr. Gunk (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/robots-2005.md)
- *Mulholland Drive* (2001), Fi1m 92, as Vincenzo Castigliane — [page](https://film.one/film/mulholland-drive.md)
- *Alien Resurrection* (1997), Fi1m 60, as General Perez — [page](https://film.one/film/alien-resurrection.md)
- *Daylight* (1996), Fi1m 54, as Frank Kraft — [page](https://film.one/film/daylight.md)
- *Ransom* (1996), Fi1m 70, as Jackie Brown — [page](https://film.one/film/ransom.md)
- *Clueless* (1995), Fi1m 84, as Mel Horowitz — [page](https://film.one/film/clueless.md)
- *The Usual Suspects* (1995), Fi1m 82, as Jeff Rabin — [page](https://film.one/film/the-usual-suspects.md)
- *Maverick* (1994), Fi1m 64, as Twitchy, Riverboat Poker Player — [page](https://film.one/film/maverick.md)
- *The Addams Family* (1991), Fi1m 77, as Tully Alford — [page](https://film.one/film/the-addams-family.md)
- *Commando* (1985), Fi1m 74, as Arius — [page](https://film.one/film/commando.md)
- *Tightrope* (1984), Fi1m 66, as Det. Molinari — [page](https://film.one/film/tightrope.md)

## Complete filmography (122)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Influenced* (2026), Actor
- *Slapface* (2022), as Sheriff John Thurston
- *The God Committee* (2021), as Emmett Granger
- *Funny Face* (2021), as Benj
- *The Big Take* (2018), as Frank Maniscalpo
- *Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them* (2016), as Red — Fi1m 61, [page](https://film.one/film/fantastic-beasts-and-where-to-find-them.md)
- *Black Dog, Red Dog* (2015), as Norman
- *The Humbling* (2014), as Asa
- *Gotham* (2014), series, as Detective Dix
- *Clutter* (2013), as Walter Bickford
- *Golden Boy* (2013), series, as Francis Diaco
- *The Normals* (2012), as Ragnar
- *The Mindy Project* (2012), series, as Alan Castellano — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-mindy-project.md)
- *Too Big to Fail* (2011), as Congressman Barney Frank
- *Person of Interest* (2011), series, as Bernie Sullivan — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/person-of-interest.md)
- *The Extra Man* (2010), as Aresh
- *Lipstick Jungle* (2008), series, as Dimitri Pappademos
- *The Warrior Class* (2007), as Rand
- *Strangers with Candy* (2006), as Guy Blank
- *The Book of Daniel* (2006), series, Actor
- *The Good Student* (2006), as Gabe
- *Pizza My Heart* (2005), as Vinnie Montebello
- *Robots* (2005), as Mr. Gunk (voice) — Fi1m 62, [page](https://film.one/film/robots-2005.md)
- *American Cousins* (2003), as Settimo
- *New Suit* (2003), as Muster Hansau
- *Lucky* (2003), series, Actor
- *Swimfan* (2002), as Coach Simkins
- *Monk* (2002), series, as Jack Monk
- *Quicksand* (2002), as General Stewart
- *Down* (2001), as Lt. McBain
- *Mulholland Drive* (2001), as Vincenzo Castigliane — Fi1m 92, [page](https://film.one/film/mulholland-drive.md)
- *The $treet* (2000), series, as Randy Hoder
- *The Crew* (2000), as Mike 'The Brick' Donatelli
- *Shaft* (2000), as Jack Roselli
- *The Extreme Adventures of Super Dave* (2000), as Gil Ruston
- *Judging Amy* (1999), series, as Detective Tarnower
- *The Hurricane* (1999), as Della Pesca
- *Dick* (1999), as President Richard M. Nixon
- *Locked in Silence* (1999), as Dr. Rosenstock
- *A Civil Action* (1998), as John Riley
- *A Night at the Roxbury* (1998), as Kamehl Butabi
- *The Second Civil War* (1997), as Mel Burgess
- *Alien Resurrection* (1997), as General Perez — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/alien-resurrection.md)
- *A Life Less Ordinary* (1997), as Gabriel
- *In & Out* (1997), as Military Attorney
- *The Garden of Redemption* (1997), as Capt. Zito
- *Marvin's Room* (1996), as Robert "Bob" Carter
- *Daylight* (1996), as Frank Kraft — Fi1m 54, [page](https://film.one/film/daylight.md)
- *Ransom* (1996), as Jackie Brown — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/ransom.md)
- *The First Wives Club* (1996), as Morton Cushman
- *Freeway* (1996), as Detective Wallace
- *Nixon* (1995), as Trini Cardoza
- *Red Wind* (1995), as Detective Copernik
- *Fair Game* (1995), as Walter Hollenbach (uncredited)
- *Picture Windows* (1995), series, as Carl
- *The Home Court* (1995), series, as Judge Walter Ragsdale
- *To Die For* (1995), as Joe Maretto
- *The Usual Suspects* (1995), as Jeff Rabin — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/the-usual-suspects.md)
- *Clueless* (1995), as Mel Horowitz — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/clueless.md)
- *Search and Destroy* (1995), as Tailor
- *Because Mommy Works* (1994), as Judge (uncredited)
- *ER* (1994), series, as Herb Spivak — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/er.md)
- *Midnight Run for Your Life* (1994), as Eddie Moscone
- *Maverick* (1994), as Twitchy, Riverboat Poker Player — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/maverick.md)
- *Midnight Run Around* (1994), as Eddie Moscone
- *Another Midnight Run* (1994), as Eddie Moscone
- *Mr. Wonderful* (1993), as Harvey
- *For Love or Money* (1993), as Gene Salvatore
- *Based on an Untrue Story* (1993), as Caprawolski
- *Sex, Shock & Censorship in the 90's* (1993), as Private Investigator
- *Searching for Bobby Fischer* (1993), as Tournament Director
- *Fallen Angels* (1993), series, as Lt. Calender, Johnny Ralls, Detective Copernik, Auger — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/fallen-angels-1993.md)
- *Rookie of the Year* (1993), as Larry 'Fish' Fisher
- *Benny & Joon* (1993), as Thomas
- *Boiling Point* (1993), as Brady
- *Homicide: Life on the Street* (1993), series, as Leslie Drake — Fi1m 89, [page](https://film.one/tv/homicide-life-on-the-street.md)
- *Four Eyes and Six-Guns* (1992), as Lester Doom
- *The Addams Family* (1991), as Tully Alford — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/the-addams-family.md)
- *Veronica Clare* (1991), series, Actor
- *The Whereabouts of Jenny* (1991), as Vinnie
- *Tune in Tomorrow...* (1990), as Robert Quince
- *Pacific Heights* (1990), as Loan Officer
- *Law & Order* (1990), series, as Detective Brian Torelli, Leslie Drake — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/law-and-order.md)
- *Joe Versus the Volcano* (1990), as Frank Waturi
- *Double Your Pleasure* (1989), as John
- *One of the Boys* (1989), series, Actor
- *The Tortellis* (1987), series, as Nick Tortelli
- *A Smoky Mountain Christmas* (1986), as Harry
- *That Secret Sunday* (1986), Actor
- *Courage* (1986), as John Fosh
- *L.A. Law* (1986), series, as Michael Roitman
- *Slow Burn* (1986), as Simon Fleischer
- *Running Scared* (1986), as Captain Logan
- *Wise Guys* (1986), as Anthony Castelo
- *Commando* (1985), as Arius — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/commando.md)
- *The Twilight Zone* (1985), series, as Nick (segment "Dealer's Choice")
- *The Equalizer* (1985), series, as Frank Donahue
- *Blood Simple* (1985), as Julian Marty
- *Hot Pursuit* (1984), series, as Jake Harper
- *Miami Vice* (1984), series, as Ben Schroeder, Reuben Reydolfo — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/miami-vice.md)
- *Tightrope* (1984), as Det. Molinari — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/film/tightrope.md)
- *The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension* (1984), as John Gomez
- *The Dollmaker* (1984), as Skyros
- *Reckless* (1984), as Peter Daniels
- *The Hunger* (1983), as Lieutenant Allegrezza
- *St. Elsewhere* (1982), series, as Joseph Keuhnelian — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/st-elsewhere.md)
- *Cheers* (1982), series, as Nick Tortelli — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/cheers.md)
- *Family Ties* (1982), series, as Joe Moore
- *Endangered Species* (1982), as Peck
- *I'm Dancing as Fast as I Can* (1982), as Dr. Klein
- *Cassie & Co.* (1982), series, as Sylvan Blunt
- *True Confessions* (1981), as Howard Terkel
- *Hill Street Blues* (1981), series, as Ralph Macafee, A Bum — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/hill-street-blues.md)
- *Night of the Juggler* (1980), as Sgt. Otis Barnes
- *Death Penalty* (1980), as Detective Ralph Corso
- *Paris* (1979), series, Actor
- *The Seduction of Joe Tynan* (1979), as Alex Heller
- *The Last Tenant* (1978), as Gabe
- *CHiPs* (1977), series, Actor
- *The Prince of Central Park* (1977), as Hot Dog Vendor
- *The Passover Plot* (1976), as Yaacov
- *Kojak* (1973), series, as Dan Hudson — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/kojak.md)

## Gallery

- ![Shooting the new film "The Passover Plot" produced by Menahem Golan.](https://film.one/media/person/79699/gallery-2a713fa2e3db.jpg) Shooting the new film "The Passover Plot" produced by Menahem Golan. — IPPA photographer, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/Shooting_the_new_film_The_Passover_Plot_produced_by_Menahem_Golan_%28FL62514641%29.jpg/1280px-Shooting_the_new_film_The_Passover_Plot_produced_by_Menahem_Golan_%28FL62514641%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Shooting the new film "The Passover Plot" produced by Menahem Golan.](https://film.one/media/person/79699/gallery-3e25d674bebe.jpg) Shooting the new film "The Passover Plot" produced by Menahem Golan. — IPPA photographer, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fb/Shooting_the_new_film_The_Passover_Plot_produced_by_Menahem_Golan_%28FL62514659%29.jpg/1280px-Shooting_the_new_film_The_Passover_Plot_produced_by_Menahem_Golan_%28FL62514659%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Shooting the new film "The Passover Plot" produced by Menahem Golan.](https://film.one/media/person/79699/gallery-11c8147af2da.jpg) Shooting the new film "The Passover Plot" produced by Menahem Golan. — IPPA photographer, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/Shooting_the_new_film_The_Passover_Plot_produced_by_Menahem_Golan_%28FL62514681%29.jpg/1280px-Shooting_the_new_film_The_Passover_Plot_produced_by_Menahem_Golan_%28FL62514681%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Dan Hedaya](https://film.one/media/person/79699/gallery-156dc594854c.jpg) Dan Hedaya — Image via TMDB
- ![Dan Hedaya](https://film.one/media/person/79699/gallery-cfc25a5217c1.jpg) Dan Hedaya — Image via TMDB
- ![Dan Hedaya](https://film.one/media/person/79699/gallery-13e046142e3f.jpg) Dan Hedaya — Image via TMDB
- ![Dan Hedaya](https://film.one/media/person/79699/gallery-fbf06a758454.jpg) Dan Hedaya — Image via TMDB

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/dan-hedaya