--- name: "Earl Boen" canonical: "https://film.one/person/earl-boen" fi1m_id: "earl-boen" imdb_id: "nm0091286" tmdb_id: 2716 wikidata_id: "Q452763" roles: ["Actor"] born: "8 August 1941" died: "5 January 2023" reviewed_on_fi1m: 4 average_fi1m_score: 78 average_as: "actor" average_over: 4 updated: "2026-10-04T23:42:37.961649+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." --- # Earl Boen ## Identity Earl Boen - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/earl-boen - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** earl-boen - **IMDb ID:** nm0091286 - **TMDB ID:** 2716 - **Wikidata ID:** Q452763 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_Boen, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q452763, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0091286/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/2716 Actor. Born 8 August 1941 in New York City, New York, USA. Died 5 January 2023. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 8 August 1941, New York City, New York, USA - **Died:** 5 January 2023 - **Active:** 1980–2003 - **Frequently works with:** [Arnold Schwarzenegger](https://film.one/person/arnold-schwarzenegger.md), [James Cameron](https://film.one/person/james-cameron.md), [Linda Hamilton](https://film.one/person/linda-hamilton.md) - **Average Fi1m score:** 78, as actor, over 4 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 80 (2), 1990s 88 (1), 2000s 61 (1) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 79 to 79 across 3 titles - **Score spread:** 2 at 80+, 2 at 60–79, 0 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 0 of 3 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Action 3, Science Fiction 3, Thriller 3, Comedy 1 - **Screen time:** 8 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $1,134m across 4 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_Boen, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q452763, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0091286/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/2716 ## Streaming the US now - **Hulu:** [*Terminator 2: Judgment Day*](https://film.one/film/terminator-2-judgment-day.md) (88) - **AMC+:** [*The Terminator*](https://film.one/film/the-terminator.md) (88) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Earl Boen > Earl Boen was especially useful as an authority figure whose confidence exceeded his understanding. We like the dry condescension of his Dr Silberman in the first two *Terminator* films, though repeated casting as doctors and officials left him limited room. Earl Boen’s Dr Silberman is a psychologist with little doubt about his own judgement. The scepticism and condescension make him useful: in films that ask us to take an impossible threat seriously, here is a professional inclined to dismiss it. Boen gives that attitude enough weight to be irritating, which is the right choice. We need to recognise the man, not admire him. He had already played Dr Felix Conrad in *The Man with Two Brains* (1983) before playing Silberman for James Cameron in *The Terminator* (1984). That progression makes sense: Boen’s ability to make authority faintly ridiculous could serve a comedy or sit inside something much nastier. We were frightened by *The Terminator*, because Arnold Schwarzenegger makes the pursuit feel so difficult to escape. Boen’s smaller contribution matters within that film, but it is sensible to keep it in proportion: Schwarzenegger supplies the threat, and Linda Hamilton gives us reason to care. Cameron gave Silberman more room in *Terminator 2: Judgment Day* (1991), and Boen remains useful company among the larger performances and precise, inventive set-pieces. The sequel’s middle can grow sentimental, but Silberman’s condescension allows for a drier sort of humour. There is a limit to the device, and Boen was repeatedly cast as doctors, psychologists and other authority figures. The weakness of such casting is that the familiar manner can become the whole job, with little chance for the actor to surprise us. His screen work ended after *Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines* (2003), but he continued working in animation and games with that distinctive baritone. He voiced LeChuck in *Tales of Monkey Island* (2009), one part of a substantial voice career. That work deserves attention rather than being treated as a footnote to his recurring screen role. For an introduction to Boen on screen, though, start with his two films for Cameron; there is pleasure in watching an actor make such good use of a character’s misplaced certainty. ## Biography Earl Boen was an American actor. Born on 8 August 1941 in New York City, he died on 5 January 2023 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He portrayed criminal psychologist Dr. Peter Silberman in *The Terminator* (1984), *Terminator 2: Judgment Day* (1991) and *Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines* (2003). He was the only actor besides Arnold Schwarzenegger to appear in all three films. Boen worked as a voice actor in animated series including *Clifford the Big Red Dog* as Mr. Bleakman and *Kim Possible* as Señor Senior Sr. He retired from on-screen roles in 2003 but continued voice work in radio, animation and video games. *Sources: imdb.com, en.wikipedia.org, hollywoodreporter.com.* ## On Fi1m (4) - *Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines* (2003), Fi1m 61, as Dr. Peter Silberman — [page](https://film.one/film/terminator-3-rise-of-the-machines.md) - *Terminator 2: Judgment Day* (1991), Fi1m 88, as Dr. Silberman — [page](https://film.one/film/terminator-2-judgment-day.md) - *The Terminator* (1984), Fi1m 88, as Silberman — [page](https://film.one/film/the-terminator.md) - *Nine to Five* (1980), Fi1m 73, as Mr. Perkins — [page](https://film.one/film/nine-to-five.md) ## Complete filmography (160) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *The Toy Warrior* (2005), as (voice) - *Clifford's Really Big Movie* (2004), as Mr. Bleakman (voice) - *Evil Con Carne* (2003), series, as Vlad (voice) - *Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines* (2003), as Dr. Peter Silberman — Fi1m 61, [page](https://film.one/film/terminator-3-rise-of-the-machines.md) - *The Wild Thornberrys Movie* (2002), as Gorilla (voice) - *Now You Know* (2002), as Grandpa - *Little Shepherd* (2002), as Grandfather (voice) - *Kim Possible* (2002), series, as Señor Senior Sr. (voice) - *The Majestic* (2001), as Newsreel Announcer (voice) - *A Johnny Bravo Christmas* (2001), as Santa Claus / Jay the Bear / Norman (voice) - *Justice League* (2001), series, as Simon Stagg (voice) - *The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy* (2001), series, Actor - *The Wild Thornberrys: The Origin of Donnie* (2001), as Bearded Pig / Poacher (voice) - *The Jennie Project* (2001), as Reverend Palliser - *Buzz Lightyear of Star Command* (2000), series, as Nick (voice) - *Nutty Professor II: The Klumps* (2000), as Dr. Knoll - *The West Wing* (1999), series, as Paulson — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-west-wing.md) - *Family Law* (1999), series, as Judge Samuel Martin - *The Wild Thornberrys* (1998), series, as Bearded Pig / Poacher (voice) - *The Odd Couple II* (1998), as Fred - *Working* (1997), series, as Barry Bloom - *The New Adventures of Zorro* (1997), series, as Captain Montecero (voice) - *Cow and Chicken* (1997), series, as Ben Franklin / John Hancock / Mr. Ross (voice) - *The New Batman Adventures* (1997), series, as Rhino (voice) - *I Am Weasel* (1997), series, as Ben Franklin / John Hancock / Mr. Ross (voice) - *Living in Peril* (1997), as Fingerprint Technician - *Bruno the Kid: The Animated Movie* (1997), as (voice) (archive footage) - *The Practice* (1997), series, as Dr. David Broadman - *The Prince* (1996), Actor - *Dot & Spot's Magical Christmas Adventure* (1996), as Santa Claus (voice) - *Wing Commander Academy* (1996), series, Actor - *The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest* (1996), series, as Dr. Forbes (voice), Officer (voice) / Stage Coach Guard (voice), Kyle (voice) - *Pinky and the Brain: A Pinky and the Brain Christmas* (1996), as Santa Claus (voice) - *Within the Rock* (1996), as Michael Isaacs - *The Dentist* (1996), as Marvin Goldblum - *Norma Jean & Marilyn* (1996), as Studio Physician - *Dexter's Laboratory* (1996), series, as General (voice), Commander General / Soda Jerk (voice), Commander Chief / Man #2 (voice), Principal / Announcer (voice) - *The Fantastic Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor* (1996), series, Actor - *Pinky and the Brain* (1995), series, as Earth (voice), Santa (voice) - *The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries* (1995), series, as Vice President Obsequious (voice) - *Gordy* (1995), as Minnesota Red (voice) - *Spider-Man* (1994), series, as Red Skull (voice), Beyonder (voice) - *The Companion* (1994), as Marty Bailin - *The 5 Mrs. Buchanans* (1994), series, Actor - *On Our Own* (1994), series, as Principal Bolander - *Blue Skies* (1994), series, as Mr. Schneider - *The Magic Flute* (1994), as Monostatos - *Sioux City* (1994), as Andre - *Ellen* (1994), series, as Hubert Warwell - *Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult* (1994), as Dr. Eisendrath - *Boy Meets World* (1993), series, as Minister - *Animaniacs* (1993), series, as Zeus (voice) - *Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman* (1993), series, as Dr. Heller - *SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron* (1993), series, Actor - *Bonkers* (1993), series, as Kanifky (voice) - *Living Single* (1993), series, Actor - *Darkness Before Dawn* (1993), as Justice of the Peace - *Samantha* (1992), as Support Group Leader - *Hangin' with Mr. Cooper* (1992), series, as Bill Thurman - *The Golden Palace* (1992), series, as Priest - *California Dreams* (1992), series, as Principal Blumford - *Batman: The Animated Series* (1992), series, as Rhino (voice) - *Silk Stalkings* (1991), series, Actor - *Herman's Head* (1991), series, as Bob Randall - *Terminator 2: Judgment Day* (1991), as Dr. Silberman — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/film/terminator-2-judgment-day.md) - *Guilty as Charged* (1991), as Chemical Manufacturer - *The Pirates of Dark Water* (1991), series, as Lugg Brother #1 (voice) - *Menu for Murder* (1990), as Principal Gene Naylor - *Opposites Attract* (1990), as Prof. Sutton - *Marked for Death* (1990), as Dr. Stein - *Get a Life* (1990), series, as Dr. Kramer, Dr. Garrett - *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air* (1990), series, as Ed - *Sydney* (1990), series, Actor - *Perry Mason: The Case of the Poisoned Pen* (1990), as Mr. Tweed - *Family Matters* (1989), series, as Dr. Goodrich - *X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men* (1989), series, as Magneto (voice) - *Seinfeld* (1989), series, as Euologist — Fi1m 90, [page](https://film.one/tv/seinfeld.md) - *Tales from the Crypt* (1989), series, as Mr. Clayton (segment "Dead Right") - *Miracle Mile* (1989), as Drunk Man in Diner - *Baywatch* (1989), series, as Clerk - *Chopper Chicks in Zombietown* (1989), as Butcher - *The Further Adventures of SuperTed* (1989), series, Actor - *My Stepmother Is an Alien* (1988), as Reverend - *Going to the Chapel* (1988), as Mr. Palmer - *Empty Nest* (1988), series, Actor - *The Wonder Years* (1988), series, as Pastor — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-wonder-years.md) - *thirtysomething* (1987), series, Actor - *Star Trek: The Next Generation* (1987), series, as Nagilum (voice) — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/star-trek-the-next-generation.md) - *The Law & Harry McGraw* (1987), series, as Howard Sternhagen - *The Oldest Rookie* (1987), series, Actor - *G.I. Joe: The Movie* (1987), as Taurus (voice) - *Mr. President* (1987), series, as Dave - *Walk Like a Man* (1987), as Jack Mollins - *Gung Ho* (1986), series, Actor - *The Littles: Liberty and the Littles* (1986), as General Massey (voice) - *ALF* (1986), series, as Warren - *L.A. Law* (1986), series, as Judge Walter L. Swanson - *Touch and Go* (1986), as Waiter - *Stewardess School* (1986), as Mr. Adams - *Annihilator* (1986), as Sid - *Matlock* (1986), series, as Patrick Morrison, Judge George Clayton - *Growing Pains* (1985), series, as Dr. Marlen - *The Golden Girls* (1985), series, as Father Salerno, Reverend — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-golden-girls.md) - *Movers & Shakers* (1985), as Marshall - *Street Hawk* (1985), series, as Peter Reiger - *1st & Ten* (1984), series, as Henry - *The Terminator* (1984), as Silberman — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/film/the-terminator.md) - *Murder, She Wrote* (1984), series, as Sgt. Howard Sternhagen - *Who's the Boss?* (1984), series, as Jim Peterson - *Punky Brewster* (1984), series, as Mr. Green - *Getting Physical* (1984), as Byron Waldo - *Night Court* (1984), series, as Arnold Burger - *To Be or Not to Be* (1983), as Dr. Boyarski - *Scarecrow and Mrs. King* (1983), series, as Davis - *Just Our Luck* (1983), series, Actor - *The Man with Two Brains* (1983), as Dr. Felix Conrad - *Mama's Family* (1983), series, as Reverend Lloyd Meechum - *I Take These Men* (1983), as Walter Bromfield - *Antony and Cleopatra* (1983), as Lepidus - *Airplane II: The Sequel* (1982), as Doctor (uncredited) - *St. Elsewhere* (1982), series, as Walter Lankau — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/st-elsewhere.md) - *Gavilan* (1982), series, Actor - *Voyagers!* (1982), series, Actor - *Newhart* (1982), series, as Len Bicksel, Mayor Dodds - *Remington Steele* (1982), series, as Reggie Boynton, Kenneth Fairbanks - *Silver Spoons* (1982), series, as Troy Lippincottleman - *Family Ties* (1982), series, as Ticketing Counter Attendant, Ed Barker - *Madame's Place* (1982), series, as Judge Blake - *Hotel* (1982), series, Actor - *The Children Nobody Wanted* (1981), as Madden - *Soggy Bottom, U.S.A.* (1981), as Owen - *Code Red* (1981), series, as Hotel Clerk - *Hill Street Blues* (1981), series, as Herb Elman — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/hill-street-blues.md) - *Nine to Five* (1980), as Mr. Perkins — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/film/nine-to-five.md) - *It's a Living* (1980), series, as Dennis Hubner - *Battle Beyond the Stars* (1980), as Nestor 1 - *Knots Landing* (1979), series, as Contact - *Buck Rogers in the 25th Century* (1979), series, as Selmar - *The Main Event* (1979), as Nose - Kline - *The Fifth Floor* (1978), as Phil - *Kaz* (1978), series, as Dr. Morgan - *The Paper Chase* (1978), series, Actor - *Last of the Good Guys* (1978), as Ike - *Lou Grant* (1977), series, as Vice-Cop - *Rafferty* (1977), series, Actor - *Three's Company* (1977), series, as Reverend Gilmore - *Mr. Billion* (1977), as Col. Winkle's Aide - *The Taming of the Shrew* (1976), as A Pedant - *What's Happening!!* (1976), series, as Judge Barnes - *Wonder Woman* (1975), series, as Chaka - *Barney Miller* (1975), series, as Warren Gimble - *The Jeffersons* (1975), series, Actor - *Police Woman* (1974), series, as Myron - *Kojak* (1973), series, as D.A. Hepburn — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/kojak.md) - *Barnaby Jones* (1973), series, as Eddie - *The Streets of San Francisco* (1972), series, as Frank Jennings - *M*A*S*H* (1972), series, as Major Hatch — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/tv/m-a-s-h-1972.md) - *Great Performances* (1971), series, as Le Bret - *Hawaii Five-O* (1969), series, as Denisovich - *The Wonderful World of Disney* (1954), series, as Ralston (uncredited) --- © 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/earl-boen