---
name: "David Duchovny"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/david-duchovny"
fi1m_id: "david-duchovny"
imdb_id: "nm0000141"
tmdb_id: 12640
wikidata_id: "Q484365"
roles: ["Actor","Director"]
born: "7 August 1960"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 11
average_fi1m_score: 68
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 8
updated: "2026-10-07T14:32:39.272159+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."
---

# David Duchovny

## Identity

David Duchovny

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/david-duchovny
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** david-duchovny
- **IMDb ID:** nm0000141
- **TMDB ID:** 12640
- **Wikidata ID:** Q484365
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Duchovny, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q484365, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000141/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/12640

Actor and director. Born 7 August 1960 in New York City, New York, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor, Director
- **Born:** 7 August 1960, New York City, New York, USA
- **Active:** 1988–present
- **Also known as:** David William Duchovny
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 11: 8 acting, 3 directing
- **Frequently works with:** [Daniel Sackheim](https://film.one/person/daniel-sackheim.md), [Bryan Spicer](https://film.one/person/bryan-spicer.md), [Chris Carter](https://film.one/person/chris-carter.md), [Dwight H. Little](https://film.one/person/dwight-h-little.md), [Gillian Anderson](https://film.one/person/gillian-anderson.md), [James Whitmore Jr.](https://film.one/person/james-whitmore-jr.md), [Joe Napolitano](https://film.one/person/joe-napolitano.md), [Kevin Hooks](https://film.one/person/kevin-hooks.md)
- **Golden Globes:** 2 Golden Globes (2 won)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 68, as actor, over 8 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 80 (1), 1990s 70 (4), 2000s 62 (4), 2010s 84 (1), 2020s 72 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 68 to 63 across 8 titles
- **Score spread:** 2 at 80+, 5 at 60–79, 1 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 3 of 5 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 5, Drama 4, Mystery 2, Romance 2, Thriller 2, Family 1
- **Screen time:** 10 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $505m across 6 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Duchovny, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q484365, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000141/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/12640

## Streaming the US now

- **Disney+:** [*The X-Files*](https://film.one/tv/the-x-files.md) (84), [*Bones*](https://film.one/tv/bones.md) (70)
- **Paramount+:** [*Zoolander*](https://film.one/film/zoolander.md) (74)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*The X-Files*](https://film.one/film/the-x-files-1998.md) (64)
- **Hulu:** [*Californication*](https://film.one/tv/californication.md) (63)

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

## Fi1m on David Duchovny

> David Duchovny makes curiosity companionable, with dry wit and little visible strain. We rate him most highly opposite Gillian Anderson: their shared attention makes *The X-Files* inviting even when its mysteries begin to test our patience.

Fox Mulder persists with an enquiry that could easily become a lecture, and David Duchovny keeps it conversational. In *The X-Files* (1993), his ease gives us time to take an interest in the questions without being bullied into finding them important. We grew fond of Mulder because Duchovny makes his curiosity warm rather than forbidding. He allows an investigator absorbed in unexplained events to remain someone worth spending an evening with.

Anderson's Dana Scully is crucial to this. Her replies receive as much attention as his lines, and Duchovny stays engaged while she speaks. The two suggest a continuing interest in each other without insisting that we notice the acting. That helps sustain a series whose secrecy can be wearing, although even their company cannot make every delayed answer satisfying.

Before Mulder, there was the recurring role of Denise Bryson in *Twin Peaks* (1990); later came Hank Moody in *Californication* (2007), another television lead, this time in contemporary dramatic comedy. That move suits an actor whose dry wit is as recognisable as his intellectual curiosity. His consistency across a long series is a substantial strength. We do not need him to make a fresh impression every episode. A short comic part can suit him too, since his dry delivery leaves room for the absurdity of the situation to do its work.

The film work is less reliable. His timing serves the hand-model cameo as J.P. Prewitt in *Zoolander* (2001), where Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson's performances carry a flimsy conspiracy plot. There is less to recommend in Steven Soderbergh's *Full Frontal* (2002), which casts Duchovny as Gus, a producer with a birthday. Here, the ensemble's lengthy accounts of unhappiness give us little reason to care about the people speaking. Start with *The X-Files*, and allow for the possibility that watching the investigators will be more satisfying than getting an answer.

## Biography

David Duchovny is an American actor, writer and director. He is best known for playing Fox Mulder in the television series *The X-Files* (1993–2002, with later appearances) and Hank Moody in *Californication* (2007–2014). Both roles earned him Golden Globe awards.

Born on 7 August 1960 in New York City, Duchovny graduated from Princeton University in 1982 with a B.A. in English literature and received an M.A. from Yale University. He appeared as Gus in the film *Full Frontal* (2002) and has credits including a recurring role as Denise Bryson in *Twin Peaks* (1990–1991, 2017). He has also directed episodes of series such as *The X-Files* and *Bones*.

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

## On Fi1m (11)

### Performed in (8) — the average rests on these

- *The Sympathizer* (2024), Fi1m 72, as Thespian / Ryan Glenn — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-sympathizer.md)
- *Better Things* (2016), Fi1m 84, as David Duchovny / Teak — [page](https://film.one/tv/better-things-2016.md)
- *Full Frontal* (2002), Fi1m 40, as Gus — [page](https://film.one/film/full-frontal.md)
- *Zoolander* (2001), Fi1m 74, as J.P. Prewitt — [page](https://film.one/film/zoolander.md)
- *The X-Files* (1998), Fi1m 64, as Fox Mulder — [page](https://film.one/film/the-x-files-1998.md)
- *Beethoven* (1992), Fi1m 60, as Brad — [page](https://film.one/film/beethoven.md)
- *The Rapture* (1991), Fi1m 72, as Randy — [page](https://film.one/film/the-rapture.md)
- *Working Girl* (1988), Fi1m 80, as Tess's Birthday Party Friend — [page](https://film.one/film/working-girl.md)

### Directed (3)

- *Californication* (2007), Fi1m 63, as Hank Moody — [page](https://film.one/tv/californication.md)
- *Bones* (2005), Fi1m 70, Director — [page](https://film.one/tv/bones.md)
- *The X-Files* (1993), Fi1m 84, as Fox Mulder — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-x-files.md)

## Complete filmography (84)

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

- *The X-Files: I Want to Believe – Vrach Frankenshteyn* (2026), as Fox Mulder
- *Mating Season* (2026), series, as Charles (voice)
- *See You When I See You* (2026), as Robert Whistler
- *Malice* (2025), series, as Jamie Tanner
- *FEEL* (2025), as Sitter 7
- *Reverse the Curse* (2024), as Marty Fullilove · Director, Writer, Producer, Book
- *The Sympathizer* (2024), series, as Thespian / Ryan Glenn — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-sympathizer.md)
- *Adam the First* (2024), as James
- *Veselka: The Rainbow on the Corner at the Center of the World* (2024), as Narrator (voice)
- *What Happens Later* (2023), as Bill · Executive Producer
- *Pet Sematary: Bloodlines* (2023), as Bill Baterman
- *History of the World: Part II* (2023), series, as Howard Cosell Impersonator
- *You People* (2023), as Arnold
- *The Estate* (2022), as Richard
- *The Bubble* (2022), as Dustin Mulray
- *The Chair* (2021), series, as David Duchovny
- *The Craft: Legacy* (2020), as Adam
- *Better Things* (2016), series, as David Duchovny / Teak — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/better-things-2016.md)
- *Aquarius* (2015), series, as Detective Sam Hodiak
- *Louder Than Words* (2013), as John Fareri
- *Phantom* (2013), as Bruni
- *Goats* (2012), as Goat Man
- *The Joneses* (2010), as Steve Jones
- *The X-Files: I Want to Believe* (2008), as Fox Mulder
- *Quantum Hoops* (2007), as Narrator
- *The Secret* (2007), as Dr. Benjamin Marris
- *Things We Lost in the Fire* (2007), as Steven Burke
- *Californication* (2007), series, as Hank Moody · Director, Executive Producer — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/tv/californication.md)
- *The TV Set* (2007), as Mike Klein
- *Queer Duck: The Movie* (2006), as Tiny Jesus (voice)
- *Bones* (2005), series, Director — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/tv/bones.md)
- *Trust the Man* (2005), as Tom
- *House of D* (2004), as Tom Warshaw · Director, Writer
- *Connie and Carla* (2004), as Jeff
- *Life with Bonnie* (2002), series, as Johnny Volcano
- *Red Shoe Diaries: Forbidden Zone* (2002), Actor
- *Full Frontal* (2002), as Gus — Fi1m 40, [page](https://film.one/film/full-frontal.md)
- *Zoolander* (2001), as J.P. Prewitt — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/zoolander.md)
- *Evolution* (2001), as Dr. Ira Kane
- *The Lone Gunmen* (2001), series, as Fox Mulder
- *Return to Me* (2000), as Bob Rueland
- *SNL: The Best of Adam Sandler* (1999), as Pauline (archive footage) (uncredited)
- *Red Shoe Diaries 8: Night of Abandon* (1998), as Jake Winters (archive footage)
- *The X-Files* (1998), as Fox Mulder — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/the-x-files-1998.md)
- *Sex and the City* (1998), series, as Jeremy
- *Akte X Intern - Was Sie schon immer wissen wollten* (1998), as Fox Mulder / Self
- *Skip Chasers* (1998), Actor
- *Playing God* (1997), as Dr. Eugene Sands
- *Millennium* (1996), series, as Bobby Wingood (uncredited)
- *Red Shoe Diaries Movie 10: Some Things Never Change* (1996), as Jake Winters (archive footage)
- *TFI Friday* (1996), series, Actor
- *Red Shoe Diaries 6: How I Met My Husband* (1996), as Jake Winters (archive footage)
- *Space: Above and Beyond* (1995), series, as Handsome Alvin
- *Red Shoe Diaries 5: Weekend Pass* (1995), as Jake Winters (archive footage)
- *Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist* (1995), series, as David (voice), Additional Writing
- *Eco-Challenge* (1995), series, Actor
- *Red Shoe Diaries 4: Auto Erotica* (1994), as Jake Winters (archive footage)
- *Duckman* (1994), series, as Richard (voice)
- *Red Shoe Diaries 3: Another Woman's Lipstick* (1993), as Jake Winters (archive footage)
- *Frasier* (1993), series, as Tom (voice) — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/frasier.md)
- *The X-Files* (1993), series, as Fox Mulder · Director, Writer — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-x-files.md)
- *Kalifornia* (1993), as Brian Kessler
- *Red Shoe Diaries 2: Double Dare* (1993), as Jake Winters (archive footage)
- *Chaplin* (1992), as Rollie Totheroh
- *Eek! The Cat* (1992), series, as Fox Mulder (voice)
- *The Larry Sanders Show* (1992), series, as David Duchovny — Fi1m 91, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-larry-sanders-show.md)
- *Red Shoe Diaries* (1992), series, as Jake Winters
- *Red Shoe Diaries* (1992), as Jake Winters
- *Baby Snatcher* (1992), as David Anderson
- *Venice/Venice* (1992), as Dylan
- *Beethoven* (1992), as Brad — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/beethoven.md)
- *Ruby* (1992), as Officer Tippit
- *The Rapture* (1991), as Randy — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/the-rapture.md)
- *Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead* (1991), as Bruce
- *Julia Has Two Lovers* (1990), as Daniel
- *Twin Peaks* (1990), series, as Denise Bryson — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/twin-peaks.md)
- *Bad Influence* (1990), as Clue Goer with Glasses
- *New Year's Day* (1990), as Billy
- *Denial* (1990), as John
- *The Simpsons* (1989), series, as Fox Mulder (voice) — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-simpsons.md)
- *Working Girl* (1988), as Tess's Birthday Party Friend — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/working-girl.md)
- *The Exiles*, Actor
- *Soapbox*, Writer, Producer
- *Monsanto*, Actor

## Gallery

- ![David Duchovny](https://film.one/media/person/9767/gallery-0d153bc48454.jpg) David Duchovny — Kevin Paul, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cf/David_Duchovny_-_LATFOB_2026-02.jpg/1280px-David_Duchovny_-_LATFOB_2026-02.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Ford and project7ten Sustainable/Green Home opening party David Duchovny (CALIFORNICATION, THE X FILES) (2007)](https://film.one/media/person/9767/gallery-33cc7ad2d658.jpg) Ford and project7ten Sustainable/Green Home opening party David Duchovny (CALIFORNICATION, THE X FILES) (2007) — Ford Motor Company from USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/A_Ford_Escape_Hybrid_%26_David_Duchovny.jpg/1280px-A_Ford_Escape_Hybrid_%26_David_Duchovny.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Rencontre Fnac - Jeudi 12 mai 2016 (2013)](https://film.one/media/person/9767/gallery-13adf6030f33.jpg) Rencontre Fnac - Jeudi 12 mai 2016 (2013) — ActuaLitté, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/David-Duchovny_%2826698207000%29.jpg/1280px-David-Duchovny_%2826698207000%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson at the premiere of "The X-Files: I Wanto To Believe" (2008)](https://film.one/media/person/9767/gallery-9f46ef46a428.jpg) David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson at the premiere of "The X-Files: I Wanto To Believe" (2008) — KellyBeth7, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ae/DavidDuchovny-GillianAnderson2008.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![David Duchovny](https://film.one/media/person/9767/gallery-933e537c07e8.jpg) David Duchovny — Image via TMDB
- ![David Duchovny](https://film.one/media/person/9767/gallery-5e6fc701fd7e.jpg) David Duchovny — Image via TMDB
- ![David Duchovny](https://film.one/media/person/9767/gallery-6be84b986a2f.jpg) David Duchovny — Image via TMDB
- ![Image from 2013](https://film.one/media/person/9767/gallery-2e8aa8f9e813.jpg) Image from 2013 — https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d2/David_Duchovny_%26_Jerry_Shiban.jpg/1280px-David_Duchovny_%26_Jerry_Shiban.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Rencontre à la Fnac de Paris entre Lynette & David Duchovny, une belle rencontre... (2016)](https://film.one/media/person/9767/gallery-67b8b408ef75.jpg) Rencontre à la Fnac de Paris entre Lynette & David Duchovny, une belle rencontre... (2016) — Odub34, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/08/David_Duchovny_%26_Lynette.jpg/1280px-David_Duchovny_%26_Lynette.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![David Duchovny](https://film.one/media/person/9767/gallery-9a1b61c559f8.jpg) David Duchovny — Image via TMDB
- ![David Duchovny](https://film.one/media/person/9767/gallery-a1ff4a7a87a8.jpg) David Duchovny — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Golden Globes — 2 won

- 2008: Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy (won), for *Californication*
- 1997: Best Actor – Television Series Drama (won), for *The X-Files*

### Other awards — 2 won

- CineMerit Award 2026: CineMerit Award (won)
- Satellite Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama 1997: Satellite Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama (won), for *The X-Files*

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© 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/david-duchovny