---
name: "Gary Cole"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/gary-cole"
fi1m_id: "gary-cole"
imdb_id: "nm0170550"
tmdb_id: 21163
wikidata_id: "Q315864"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "20 September 1956"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 12
average_fi1m_score: 71
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 12
updated: "2026-10-13T21:57:12.644305+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."
---

# Gary Cole

## Identity

Gary Cole

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/gary-cole
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** gary-cole
- **IMDb ID:** nm0170550
- **TMDB ID:** 21163
- **Wikidata ID:** Q315864
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Cole, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q315864, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0170550/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/21163

Actor. Born 20 September 1956 in Park Ridge, Illinois, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 20 September 1956, Park Ridge, Illinois, USA
- **Active:** 1993–present
- **Also known as:** Gary Michael Cole
- **Frequently works with:** [Adam McKay](https://film.one/person/adam-mckay.md), [Dan Mintz](https://film.one/person/dan-mintz.md), [Will Ferrell](https://film.one/person/will-ferrell.md)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 71, as actor, over 12 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1990s 82 (4), 2000s 70 (2), 2010s 62 (3), 2020s 67 (3)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 71 to 68 across 10 titles
- **Score spread:** 4 at 80+, 6 at 60–79, 2 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 8 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 8, Crime 6, Drama 5, Action & Adventure 3, Animation 2, Mystery 2
- **Screen time:** 9 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $341m across 5 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Cole, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q315864, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0170550/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/21163

## Streaming the US now

- **HBO Max:** [*Veep*](https://film.one/tv/veep.md) (82)
- **Netflix:** [*A Man on the Inside*](https://film.one/tv/a-man-on-the-inside.md) (72)
- **Disney+:** [*The Bob's Burgers Movie*](https://film.one/film/the-bobs-burgers-movie.md) (72)

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

## Fi1m on Gary Cole

> Gary Cole makes a petty boss feel capable of spoiling an entire working day. We rate the calm and precision of his comedy, especially when a film trusts him to be irritating rather than monstrous.

Bill Lumbergh does not need to turn into a monster to make a working day unpleasant. In Mike Judge’s *Office Space* (1999), Gary Cole makes the boss’s petty demands feel quite sufficient. He plays Lumbergh calmly, leaving the pettiness of the demands to supply the joke. We rate that restraint: a broader performance would let us dismiss Lumbergh as somebody else’s problem. Cole makes him seem like someone an employer might actually promote.

The route to that performance was not exclusively comic. His television breakthrough was Jack ‘Nighthawk’ Killian in *Midnight Caller* (1988–1991), followed by film parts including Mike Brady in the 1995 *Brady Bunch* film. The affectionate parody of a sitcom father gave him another kind of authority to play. In Sam Raimi’s *A Simple Plan* (1998), he took the tense supporting role of Baxter. Raimi’s patient crime story gives us good reason to look beyond the comic bosses, though Bill Paxton and Billy Bob Thornton do the work we found most affecting.

*Office Space* gives the clearest account of what Cole contributes to an ensemble. We laughed uneasily at the workplace humiliations, because Cole’s petty boss and Stephen Root’s mistreated Milton make them feel so ordinary. Judge understands how routine authority wears people down, and Cole keeps that idea attached to an aggravating person rather than a general complaint about offices. There is a limit to what this can repair: the plot loses force in the final third, and the workers are more interesting than their story.

His later television work includes Kent Davison in *Veep* (2013–2019) and, from 2021, the lead role of Alden Parker in *NCIS*. Kent’s hyper-analytical manner fits the established habit of playing institutional authority, while Parker places him at the centre of a long-running procedural. These parts should not make the dramatic supporting work disappear from view. Start with *Office Space* for the comedy, then try *A Simple Plan* before deciding that his principal qualification is making employment unpleasant.

## Biography

Gary Cole is an American actor. Born on 20 September 1956 in Park Ridge, Illinois, he began his professional career on stage with Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company in 1985. He studied theatre at Illinois State University.

His early television work included the lead role in the miniseries *Fatal Vision* (1984) and the series *Midnight Caller* (1988–1991). Film appearances include *A Simple Plan* (1998) and the role of Bill Lumbergh in *Office Space* (1999). He has also played Mike Brady in the *Brady Bunch* films and Alden Parker in *NCIS* from 2021.

Cole has appeared in numerous other television series and films, and provided voice work for animated productions including *Family Guy*.

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

## On Fi1m (12)

- *A Man on the Inside* (2024), Fi1m 72, as Brad Vinick — [page](https://film.one/tv/a-man-on-the-inside.md)
- *White House Plumbers* (2023), Fi1m 58, as Mark Felt — [page](https://film.one/tv/white-house-plumbers.md)
- *The Bob's Burgers Movie* (2022), Fi1m 72, as Sgt. Bosco (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/the-bobs-burgers-movie.md)
- *Angie Tribeca* (2016), Fi1m 66, as Professor Everett Lamereau — [page](https://film.one/tv/angie-tribeca.md)
- *Tammy* (2014), Fi1m 38, as Earl — [page](https://film.one/film/tammy.md)
- *Veep* (2012), Fi1m 82, as Kent Davison — [page](https://film.one/tv/veep.md)
- *Chuck* (2007), Fi1m 73, as Jack Burton — [page](https://film.one/tv/chuck.md)
- *NCIS* (2003), Fi1m 66, as Alden Parker — [page](https://film.one/tv/ncis.md)
- *Office Space* (1999), Fi1m 80, as Bill Lumbergh — [page](https://film.one/film/office-space.md)
- *A Simple Plan* (1998), Fi1m 86, as Baxter — [page](https://film.one/film/a-simple-plan.md)
- *King of the Hill* (1997), Fi1m 82, as Vance Gilbert (voice) — [page](https://film.one/tv/king-of-the-hill-1997.md)
- *In the Line of Fire* (1993), Fi1m 78, as Bill Watts — [page](https://film.one/film/in-the-line-of-fire.md)

## Complete filmography (174)

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

- *A Man on the Inside* (2024), series, as Brad Vinick — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/a-man-on-the-inside.md)
- *Krapopolis* (2023), series, as Valley King (voice)
- *White House Plumbers* (2023), series, as Mark Felt — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/tv/white-house-plumbers.md)
- *Waco: The Aftermath* (2023), series, as Gordon Novel
- *Agent Elvis* (2023), series, as President Nixon (voice)
- *Velma* (2023), series, as Lamont (voice), Lamont / General Meeting (voice)
- *Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe* (2022), as Mattison (voice)
- *The Bob's Burgers Movie* (2022), as Sgt. Bosco (voice) — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/the-bobs-burgers-movie.md)
- *Inside Job* (2021), series, as Brett's father (voice), Sitcom Dad / Male Cop (voice)
- *NCIS: Hawaiʻi* (2021), series, as Alden Parker
- *Q-Force* (2021), series, as Dirk Chunley (voice)
- *The Great North* (2021), series, as Elwin Kreb (voice)
- *Trolls: TrollsTopia* (2020), series, as Sky Toronto (voice)
- *DC Showcase - Batman: Death in the Family* (2020), as Two-Face / Commissioner James Gordon / Reporter 4 (voice)
- *Star Trek: Lower Decks* (2020), series, as Leonardo da Vinci (voice)
- *Darkness Falls* (2020), as Mark Witver
- *Marvel Rising: Playing with Fire* (2019), as Invisibilio (voice)
- *Married Young* (2019), as Aaron
- *mixed-ish* (2019), series, as Harrison Johnson
- *The Art of Racing in the Rain* (2019), as Don Kitch
- *Love, Death & Robots* (2019), series, as The Inspector (voice)
- *Under the Eiffel Tower* (2019), as Gerard
- *Fam* (2019), series, as Freddy
- *Seven in Heaven* (2018), as Wallace
- *Unbroken: Path to Redemption* (2018), as Dr. George Bailey
- *Blockers* (2018), as Ron
- *Big Mouth* (2017), series, as Matthew's Father (voice), Andrew's Father (voice), Edward MacDell (voice)
- *Room 104* (2017), series, as Chip Crawford
- *Small Crimes* (2017), as Lieutenant Pleasant
- *The Good Fight* (2017), series, as Kurt McVeigh
- *Scooby-Doo! Shaggy's Showdown* (2017), as Rafe (voice)
- *Justice League Action* (2016), series, as Black Adam (voice)
- *Hot Air* (2016), as Aviator
- *The Bronze* (2016), as Stan Greggory
- *Angie Tribeca* (2016), series, as Professor Everett Lamereau — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/tv/angie-tribeca.md)
- *Mercy Street* (2016), series, as James Green, Sr.
- *F is for Family* (2015), series, as Roger Dunbarton (voice)
- *Christmas Eve* (2015), as Dr. Roberts
- *We Bare Bears* (2015), series, as CEO (voice)
- *Mr. Robinson* (2015), series, as Neville Rex
- *Divine Access* (2015), as Reverend Guy Roy Davis
- *Everyday Miracles* (2015), as Clay Peakes
- *Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero* (2014), series, as Brock (voice)
- *The Town that Dreaded Sundown* (2014), as Chief Deputy Tillman
- *Market Hours* (2014), as Manager
- *Tammy* (2014), as Earl — Fi1m 38, [page](https://film.one/film/tammy.md)
- *The Tom and Jerry Show* (2014), series, as Narrator (voice)
- *Date and Switch* (2014), as Dwayne
- *Rick and Morty* (2013), series, as Alien Doctor (voice) — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/rick-and-morty.md)
- *Vamp U* (2013), as Arthur Levine
- *Chicago Fire* (2012), series, as Chief Grissom
- *An Officer and a Murderer* (2012), as Russell Williams
- *Veep* (2012), series, as Kent Davison — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/veep.md)
- *The Legend of Korra* (2012), series, as Dai Li Sergeant / Rich Man (voice), Dai Li Sergeant (voice)
- *Ricochet* (2011), as Judge Cato Laird
- *The Last Rites of Joe May* (2011), as Lenny
- *Hart of Dixie* (2011), series, as Dr. Ethan Hart
- *Unforgettable* (2011), series, as Clay Tendler
- *Suits* (2011), series, as Cameron Dennis
- *The Chicago 8* (2011), as Bill Kunstler
- *Hop* (2011), as Henry O'Hare
- *Bob's Burgers* (2011), series, as Sergeant Bosco (voice)
- *DC Showcase Original Shorts Collection* (2010), as Jim Corrigan / The Spectre (segment "The Spectre") (voice)
- *Pound Puppies* (2010), series, as Slick (voice)
- *Batman: Under the Red Hood* (2010), as Bobo / Commissioner Gordon / Shot / Guard (voice)
- *Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated* (2010), series, as Mayor Fred Jones Sr. / Black Knight (voice), Mayor Fred Jones Sr. (voice), Mayor Fred Jones Sr. / Foreman (voice), Mayor Fred Jones Sr. / Motorcycle Cop (voice), Mayor Fred Jones Sr. / Paramedic #2 (voice)
- *The Good Guys* (2010), series, as Frank Savage
- *The Joneses* (2010), as Larry Symonds
- *Weird: The Al Yankovic Story* (2010), as Mr. Yankovic
- *DC Showcase: The Spectre* (2010), as Jim Corrigan / The Spectre (voice)
- *NCIS: Los Angeles* (2009), series, as Alden Parker
- *The Good Wife* (2009), series, as Kurt McVeigh — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-good-wife.md)
- *Archer* (2009), series, as Special Agent Hawley (voice)
- *Extract* (2009), as Bar Patron (uncredited)
- *A Good Funeral* (2009), as Stan Talmadge
- *The Penguins of Madagascar* (2008), series, as Commissioner (voice)
- *Forever Strong* (2008), as Coach Larry Gelwix
- *True Blood* (2008), series, as Earl Stackhouse — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/tv/true-blood.md)
- *Pineapple Express* (2008), as Ted
- *Conspiracy* (2008), as Rhodes
- *Good Behavior* (2008), as Dean West
- *Chuck* (2007), series, as Jack Burton — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/tv/chuck.md)
- *Phineas and Ferb* (2007), series, as Principal Lang (voice) — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/phineas-and-ferb.md)
- *American Pastime* (2007), as Billy Burrell
- *The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning* (2007), as Balladeer
- *My Wife Is Retarded* (2007), as Dr. Heichmann
- *Breach* (2007), as Rich Garces
- *30 Rock* (2006), series, as Roger — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/30-rock.md)
- *Shark* (2006), series, as Christian Chambers — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/tv/shark.md)
- *Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby* (2006), as Reese Bobby
- *Psych* (2006), series, as Cameron Luntz
- *Cry_Wolf* (2005), as Mr. Matthews
- *Supernatural* (2005), series, as Brad Redding — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/supernatural.md)
- *Mozart and the Whale* (2005), as Wallace
- *Wanted* (2005), series, as Conrad Rose
- *The Closer* (2005), series, as Major Edward Dorcet
- *Kim Possible Movie: So the Drama* (2005), as Dr. Possible (voice)
- *The Ring Two* (2005), as Martin Savide
- *American Dad!* (2005), series, as Ted Robinson (voice)
- *Numb3rs* (2005), series, as Shepard Crater
- *Desperate Housewives* (2004), series, as Wayne Davis — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/desperate-housewives.md)
- *Pop Rocks* (2004), as Jerry "Dagger" Harden
- *The Venture Bros.* (2004), series, as Professor Von Helping (voice)
- *Entourage* (2004), series, as Andrew Klein — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/tv/entourage.md)
- *DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story* (2004), as Cotton McKnight
- *Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!* (2004), as Henry Futch
- *Kim Possible: A Sitch in Time* (2003), as Dr. Possible (Dad) (voice)
- *Arrested Development* (2003), series, as Richard Shaw — Fi1m 87, [page](https://film.one/tv/arrested-development.md)
- *Karen Sisco* (2003), series, Actor
- *NCIS* (2003), series, as Alden Parker — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/tv/ncis.md)
- *Criminology 101* (2003), as Roy Franks
- *The Brady Bunch in the White House* (2002), as Mike Brady
- *I Spy* (2002), as Carlos
- *Hack* (2002), series, as Johnny Scanlon
- *Family Affair* (2002), series, as Bill Davis
- *One Hour Photo* (2002), as Bill Owens
- *Monk* (2002), series, as Dexter Larson
- *Kim Possible* (2002), series, as Dr. James Possible (voice), Additional Voices (voice), Dr. James Possible / Fashion Show Announcer (voice), Dr. James Possible / Cab Driver (voice)
- *Cadet Kelly* (2002), as Sir
- *Justice League* (2001), series, as J. Allen Carter (voice)
- *Justice League: Secret Origins* (2001), as J. Allen Carter (voice)
- *The Rising Place* (2001), as Avery Hodge
- *Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law* (2000), series, as Harvey Birdman (voice), Judge Hiram Mightor (voice)
- *The Gift* (2000), as David Duncan
- *Curb Your Enthusiasm* (2000), series, as Joe O'Donnell — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/curb-your-enthusiasm.md)
- *American Adventure* (2000), as Chuck
- *The West Wing* (1999), series, as Bob Russell — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-west-wing.md)
- *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (1999), series, as Xander Henry
- *Family Law* (1999), series, as Alan
- *Crusade* (1999), series, as Matthew Gideon
- *Office Space* (1999), as Bill Lumbergh — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/office-space.md)
- *Family Guy* (1999), series, as Bill Lumbergh / Priest (voice), Father O'Leary (voice), NCIS Fan (voice), Billy's Father (voice), Principal Shepherd / Optometrist (voice), Michael Eisner (voice), Jerry Nelson / Various (voice), Chairman (voice), Warren Fredericks (voice), Principal Shepard (voice), Dr. Franklin (voice), Mike Brady — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/tv/family-guy.md)
- *Batman Beyond* (1999), series, as Zeta (voice)
- *A Simple Plan* (1998), as Baxter — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/film/a-simple-plan.md)
- *I'll Be Home for Christmas* (1998), as Jake's Dad
- *Kiss the Sky* (1998), as Marty
- *From the Earth to the Moon* (1998), series, as Ed Mitchell
- *Gang Related* (1997), as Richard Simms
- *Santa Fe* (1997), as Paul Thomas
- *Lies He Told* (1997), as Dave
- *The Practice* (1997), series, as Defense Attorney Solomon Tager, Atty. Brian Seabury
- *King of the Hill* (1997), series, as Vance Gilbert (voice) — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/king-of-the-hill-1997.md)
- *Cyclops, Baby* (1997), as Manks
- *For My Daughter's Honor* (1996), as Pete Nash
- *A Very Brady Sequel* (1996), as Mike Brady
- *American Gothic* (1995), series, as Sheriff Lucas Buck
- *The Outer Limits* (1995), series, as Detective Ray Venable
- *The Brady Bunch Movie* (1995), as Mike Brady
- *Touched by an Angel* (1994), series, as Charlie Radcliff
- *Fall from Grace* (1994), as Maj. Tom O'Neill
- *The Twilight Zone: Rod Serling's Lost Classics* (1994), as James (segment "The Theatre")
- *A Time to Heal* (1994), as Jay Barton
- *Frasier* (1993), series, as Luke Parker — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/frasier.md)
- *In the Line of Fire* (1993), as Bill Watts — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/in-the-line-of-fire.md)
- *When Love Kills: The Seduction of John Hearn* (1993), as John Hearn
- *The Switch* (1993), as Larry McAfee
- *Son of the Morning Star* (1991), series, as George Armstrong Custer
- *The Old Man and the Sea* (1990), as Tom Pruitt
- *Those She Left Behind* (1989), as Scott Grimes
- *Midnight Caller* (1988), series, as Jack 'Nighthawk' Killian
- *Echoes in the Darkness* (1987), as Jack Holtz
- *Echoes in the Darkness* (1987), series, as Jack Holtz
- *Lucas* (1986), as Assistant Coach
- *Vital Signs* (1986), as Dr. Hayward
- *To Live and Die in L.A.* (1985), as Man Chased by Richard (uncredited)
- *The Twilight Zone* (1985), series, as Daniel Gaddis (segment "Her Pilgrim Soul")
- *First Steps* (1985), as Manny
- *Moonlighting* (1985), series, as Alan McClafferty — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/moonlighting.md)
- *A Matter of Principle* (1984), as Man with Christmas Tree
- *Fatal Vision* (1984), series, as Jeffrey MacDonald
- *Miami Vice* (1984), series, as Jackson Crane — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/miami-vice.md)
- *Heart of Steel* (1983), as Lee
- *American Playhouse* (1982), series, as Man with Xmas Tree
- *Company Town*, series, as Martin Amberson

## Gallery

- ![Gary Cole at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival.](https://film.one/media/person/88091/gallery-767cd55f6b43.jpg) Gary Cole at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival. — David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/94/Gary_Cole_2011_Shankbone.JPG/1280px-Gary_Cole_2011_Shankbone.JPG?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Gary Cole at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival.](https://film.one/media/person/88091/gallery-7d372cd42458.jpg) Gary Cole at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival. — David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5f/Gary_Cole_2011_Shankbone_2.JPG/1280px-Gary_Cole_2011_Shankbone_2.JPG?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Gary Cole at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival.](https://film.one/media/person/88091/gallery-e3d5d9a8ec63.jpg) Gary Cole at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival. — David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3d/Gary_Cole_2011_Shankbone_3.JPG/1280px-Gary_Cole_2011_Shankbone_3.JPG?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Gary Cole at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival.](https://film.one/media/person/88091/gallery-cd329df9a025.jpg) Gary Cole at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival. — David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Gary_Cole_2011_Shankbone_4.JPG/1280px-Gary_Cole_2011_Shankbone_4.JPG?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Gary Cole](https://film.one/media/person/88091/gallery-eb8030f91c00.jpg) Gary Cole — Image via TMDB
- ![Gary Cole](https://film.one/media/person/88091/gallery-eccba457cb9c.jpg) Gary Cole — Image via TMDB
- ![Gary Cole](https://film.one/media/person/88091/gallery-f458d8b15d74.jpg) Gary Cole — Image via TMDB
- ![Gary Cole](https://film.one/media/person/88091/gallery-c45d245be5bf.png) Gary Cole — Video: Raav
Crop: Arrow303, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6b/Gary_Cole_at_the_2nd_Annual_Carney_Awards_%282016%29.png?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Gary Cole](https://film.one/media/person/88091/gallery-a07642e0c477.jpg) Gary Cole — Image via TMDB
- ![Gary Cole](https://film.one/media/person/88091/gallery-5502f4ead519.jpg) Gary Cole — Image via TMDB
- ![Gary Cole](https://film.one/media/person/88091/gallery-6135d86fc814.jpg) Gary Cole — 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/gary-cole