---
name: "David Hyde Pierce"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/david-hyde-pierce"
fi1m_id: "david-hyde-pierce"
imdb_id: "nm0001383"
tmdb_id: 11076
wikidata_id: "Q373976"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "3 April 1959"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 8
average_fi1m_score: 71
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 7
updated: "2026-10-16T04:04:15.181980+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 Hyde Pierce

## Identity

David Hyde Pierce

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/david-hyde-pierce
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** david-hyde-pierce
- **IMDb ID:** nm0001383
- **TMDB ID:** 11076
- **Wikidata ID:** Q373976
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Hyde_Pierce, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q373976, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001383/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/11076

Actor. Born 3 April 1959 in Saratoga Springs, New York, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 3 April 1959, Saratoga Springs, New York, USA
- **Active:** 1991–2003
- **Also known as:** David Hyde-Pierce, David Pierce
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 8: 7 acting, 1 other
- **Primetime Emmy Awards:** 4 Emmys (4 won)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 71, as actor, over 7 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1990s 76 (6), 2000s 56 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 73 to 70 across 6 titles
- **Score spread:** 2 at 80+, 4 at 60–79, 1 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 5 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 6, Drama 3, Family 3, Romance 3, Adventure 1, Animation 1
- **Screen time:** 11 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $816m across 6 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Hyde_Pierce, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q373976, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001383/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/11076

## Streaming the US now

- **Hulu:** [*Frasier*](https://film.one/tv/frasier.md) (88)
- **Disney+:** [*A Bug's Life*](https://film.one/film/a-bugs-life.md) (73)
- **Tubi:** [*Wolf*](https://film.one/film/wolf.md) (60)

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

## Fi1m on David Hyde Pierce

> David Hyde Pierce can make a pause funnier than the line it precedes. We rate his exact timing and generous ensemble playing highly, though *Full Frontal* shows how little an actor this precise can do for a slack film.

In *Frasier* (1993), David Hyde Pierce tightens his mouth and lets Kelsey Grammer finish talking. As Niles Crane, he makes the delay in answering funny: we know he disapproves before he has chosen how to say so. We laughed at that waiting, because Niles has already spotted the foolishness while Frasier is still pleased with himself. Pierce gives Grammer time to make the situation worse, rather than fighting him for the laugh. We value that generosity as much as the precision.

The programme also knows how to show his work. Cinematographers Jerry Workman and Ken Lamkin keep his face readable while leaving room for the posture and small movements that matter just as much. Editors Ron Volk and Janet Ashikaga, among others, let a reaction last long enough to become the joke. Pierce's timing needs that space; a brisker cut would lose the pleasure of watching Niles decide how much disapproval to show.

*Full Frontal* (2002) makes a useful, less happy comparison. In Steven Soderbergh's film, Pierce plays Carl, a magazine writer concealing quite how badly his day is going, opposite Catherine Keener as his wife, Lee. His humiliation is carefully judged, but we cannot recommend a film that lets its unhappy people talk for so long without giving us much reason to care. Keener's exhausted cruelty gets the laughs; Pierce's accuracy cannot give the surrounding conversations a purpose. We would not send anyone to it merely to admire his technique.

After *Frasier* ended in 2004, Pierce worked primarily on stage, returning to Broadway in *Spamalot* (2005) and taking the lead in *Curtains* (2007). Those musical roles make sense for an actor whose delivery depends on both verbal timing and physical control. His screen appearances have been more selective, with a dramatic role as Paul Child in *Julia* (2022). We would still start with *Frasier*, with the warning that some misunderstandings outlast their jokes. Watch him listening to Grammer when there seems to be nothing for him to do.

## Biography

David Hyde Pierce is an American actor. He is best known for portraying Dr Niles Crane in the NBC sitcom *Frasier* (1993–2004).

Pierce appeared in films including *The Fisher King* (1991), *Sleepless in Seattle* (1993), *Addams Family Values* (1993) and *Full Frontal* (2002), in which he played Carl. He has provided voice work for animated features such as *A Bug's Life* (1998) and *Treasure Planet* (2002). On stage, he received a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his role in *Curtains* (2007).

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

## On Fi1m (8)

### Performed in (7) — the average rests on these

- *Full Frontal* (2002), Fi1m 40, as Carl — [page](https://film.one/film/full-frontal.md)
- *A Bug's Life* (1998), Fi1m 73, as Slim (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/a-bugs-life.md)
- *Wolf* (1994), Fi1m 60, as Roy McCallister — [page](https://film.one/film/wolf.md)
- *Addams Family Values* (1993), Fi1m 78, as Delivery Room Doctor — [page](https://film.one/film/addams-family-values.md)
- *Frasier* (1993), Fi1m 88, as Niles Crane — [page](https://film.one/tv/frasier.md)
- *Sleepless in Seattle* (1993), Fi1m 78, as Dennis Reed — [page](https://film.one/film/sleepless-in-seattle.md)
- *The Fisher King* (1991), Fi1m 80, as Lou Rosen — [page](https://film.one/film/the-fisher-king.md)

### Also credited (1) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited

- *Hellboy* (2004), Fi1m 71, as Abe Sapien (voice) (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/hellboy.md)

## Complete filmography (65)

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

- *Mouse* (2026), as Mr. Murdaugh
- *Hold* (2025), Executive Producer
- *Facing the Wind* (2024), Executive Producer
- *Visiting Birdie* (2024), Executive Producer
- *The Exorcism* (2024), as Father Conor
- *Julia* (2022), series, as Paul Child
- *Sky Blossom* (2020), Executive Producer
- *The Lavender Scare* (2019), as Dr. Franklin E. Kameny (voice)
- *Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later* (2017), series, as Henry Neumann
- *Julie's Greenroom* (2017), series, as David Hyde Pierce
- *When We Rise* (2017), series, as Dr. Jones
- *Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp* (2015), series, as Henry Neumann
- *Sharon Isbin: Troubadour* (2014), as David Hyde Pierce Self - interviewee
- *Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike* (2012), as Vanya
- *Sondheim! The Birthday Concert* (2010), Writer
- *The Perfect Host* (2010), as Warwick Wilson
- *The Good Wife* (2009), series, as Frank Prady — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-good-wife.md)
- *Forever Plaid* (2009), as The Narrator
- *Stingray Sam* (2009), as Narrator
- *The Amazing Screw-On Head* (2006), as Emperor Zombie (voice)
- *Frasier: Analyzing the Laughter* (2004), as Niles Crane
- *Hellboy* (2004), as Abe Sapien (voice) (uncredited) — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/film/hellboy.md)
- *Gary the Rat* (2003), series, Actor
- *Down with Love* (2003), as Peter MacMannus
- *The Shakespeare Sessions* (2003), Actor
- *Treasure Planet* (2002), as Doctor Doppler (voice)
- *Full Frontal* (2002), as Carl — Fi1m 40, [page](https://film.one/film/full-frontal.md)
- *Laud Weiner* (2002), as Laud Weiner
- *Osmosis Jones* (2001), as Drix (voice)
- *Wet Hot American Summer* (2001), as Henry
- *On the Edge* (2001), as Barney (segment "Happy Birthday")
- *Chain of Fools* (2001), as Mr. Kerner
- *The Tangerine Bear: Home in Time for Christmas!* (2000), as Bird (voice)
- *Titus* (2000), series, as Jerry October
- *Isn't She Great* (2000), as Michael Hastings
- *The Mating Habits of the Earthbound Human* (1999), as The Narrator
- *Jackie's Back!* (1999), as Perry (The Deaf Rehearsal Pianist)
- *A Bug's Life* (1998), as Slim (voice) — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/film/a-bugs-life.md)
- *Hercules* (1998), series, as Daedalus, Daedalus (voice)
- *Star Trek: 30 Years and Beyond* (1996), as Niles Crane
- *Mighty Ducks: The Animated Series* (1996), series, as Baron Von Lichtenstamp (voice)
- *Nixon* (1995), as John Dean
- *The Adventures of Hyperman* (1995), series, Actor
- *Caroline in the City* (1995), series, as Dr. Niles Crane, Jimmy Callahan
- *The Outer Limits* (1995), series, as Dr. Jack Henson
- *Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child* (1995), series, as Puss (voice)
- *Wolf* (1994), as Roy McCallister — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/wolf.md)
- *Addams Family Values* (1993), as Delivery Room Doctor — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/addams-family-values.md)
- *Frasier* (1993), series, as Niles Crane — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/frasier.md)
- *Sleepless in Seattle* (1993), as Dennis Reed — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/sleepless-in-seattle.md)
- *Storytime* (1992), series, Actor
- *The Powers That Be* (1992), series, as Theodore Van Horne
- *The Fisher King* (1991), as Lou Rosen — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/the-fisher-king.md)
- *Little Man Tate* (1991), as Garth Emmerick
- *Dream On* (1990), series, as Jerry Dorfer
- *The Simpsons* (1989), series, as Cecil Terwilliger (voice), Felix (voice) — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-simpsons.md)
- *Vampire's Kiss* (1989), as Theater Guy
- *Knightwatch* (1988), series, as Gibson
- *The Appointments of Dennis Jennings* (1988), as Businessman
- *Rocket Gibraltar* (1988), as Monsieur Henri
- *Crossing Delancey* (1988), as Mark
- *Bright Lights, Big City* (1988), as Bartender at Fashion Show
- *Spenser: For Hire* (1985), series, as O'Neill
- *Moving Violations* (1985), as Immigration Officer
- *Vivien & the Florist*, as John Gielgud

## Gallery

- ![1994 Emmy Awards NOTE: Permission granted to copy, publish, broadcast or post any of my photos, but please credit "photo by Alan Light" if you can. Thanks. Scan](https://film.one/media/person/9771/gallery-38242ddba739.jpg) 1994 Emmy Awards NOTE: Permission granted to copy, publish, broadcast or post any of my photos, but please credit "photo by Alan Light" if you can. Thanks. Scan — Alan Light, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/David_Hyde_Pierce_%282077281278%29.jpg/1280px-David_Hyde_Pierce_%282077281278%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![1995 Emmy Awards NOTE: Permission granted to copy, publish, broadcast or post any of my photos, but please credit "photo by Alan Light" if you can. Thanks. Scan](https://film.one/media/person/9771/gallery-c7bf58a720df.jpg) 1995 Emmy Awards NOTE: Permission granted to copy, publish, broadcast or post any of my photos, but please credit "photo by Alan Light" if you can. Thanks. Scan — Alan Light, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/32/David_Hyde_Pierce_%282077795381%29.jpg/1280px-David_Hyde_Pierce_%282077795381%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![David Hyde Pierce at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival.](https://film.one/media/person/9771/gallery-7f0b3f40d901.jpg) David Hyde Pierce at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival. — David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c2/David_Hyde_Pierce_Shankbone_2010_NYC.jpg/1280px-David_Hyde_Pierce_Shankbone_2010_NYC.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![David Hyde Pierce](https://film.one/media/person/9771/gallery-59bdeee074b0.jpg) David Hyde Pierce — David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e8/David_Hyde_Pierce_VF_Shankbone_2010.jpg/1280px-David_Hyde_Pierce_VF_Shankbone_2010.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![David Hyde Pierce](https://film.one/media/person/9771/gallery-d0d467106377.jpg) David Hyde Pierce — Image via TMDB
- ![David Hyde Pierce](https://film.one/media/person/9771/gallery-ae5b1272a672.jpg) David Hyde Pierce — Image via TMDB
- ![David Hyde Pierce, Jimmy Johansson and Brian Hargrove (in the background) outside Harold Pinter Theatre (formerly Comedy Theatre). (2010)](https://film.one/media/person/9771/gallery-3dd49bc66e82.jpg) David Hyde Pierce, Jimmy Johansson and Brian Hargrove (in the background) outside Harold Pinter Theatre (formerly Comedy Theatre). (2010) — Laila.Johansson, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/56/David_Hyde_Pierce_and_Jimmy_Johansson_outside_Harold_Pinter_Theatre.jpg/1280px-David_Hyde_Pierce_and_Jimmy_Johansson_outside_Harold_Pinter_Theatre.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)

## Awards

### Primetime Emmy Awards — 4 won

- 2004: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (won), for *Frasier*
- 1999: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (won), for *Frasier*
- 1998: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (won), for *Frasier*
- 1995: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (won), for *Frasier*

### Other awards — 2 won, 1 nominated

- Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play 2013: Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play (nominated)
- Isabelle Stevenson Award 2010: Isabelle Stevenson Award (won)
- Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical 2007: Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical (won)

*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-hyde-pierce