---
name: "Jonathan Banks"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/jonathan-banks"
fi1m_id: "jonathan-banks"
imdb_id: "nm0052186"
tmdb_id: 783
wikidata_id: "Q198638"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "31 January 1947"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 16
average_fi1m_score: 76
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 16
updated: "2026-10-05T14:48:38.194440+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."
---

# Jonathan Banks

## Identity

Jonathan Banks

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/jonathan-banks
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** jonathan-banks
- **IMDb ID:** nm0052186
- **TMDB ID:** 783
- **Wikidata ID:** Q198638
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Banks, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q198638, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0052186/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/783

Actor. Born 31 January 1947 in Washington, D.C., USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 31 January 1947, Washington, D.C., USA
- **Active:** 1978–present
- **Also known as:** Jonathan Ray Banks, 조나단 뱅스
- **Frequently works with:** [Adam Bernstein](https://film.one/person/adam-bernstein.md), [Bronwen Hughes](https://film.one/person/bronwen-hughes.md), [Colin Bucksey](https://film.one/person/colin-bucksey.md), [Diane Mercer](https://film.one/person/diane-mercer.md), [Eddie Murphy](https://film.one/person/eddie-murphy.md), [Gennifer Hutchison](https://film.one/person/gennifer-hutchison.md), [Jim McKay](https://film.one/person/jim-mckay.md), [John Shiban](https://film.one/person/john-shiban.md)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 76, as actor, over 16 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1970s 76 (1), 1980s 75 (6), 2000s 81 (4), 2010s 75 (4), 2020s 67 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 76 to 70 across 13 titles
- **Score spread:** 7 at 80+, 8 at 60–79, 1 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 1 of 9 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 7, Crime 7, Drama 7, Action 4, Mystery 4, Adventure 1
- **Screen time:** 14 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $2,129m across 8 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Banks, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q198638, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0052186/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/783

## Streaming the US now

- **Netflix:** [*Breaking Bad*](https://film.one/tv/breaking-bad.md) (91), [*Better Call Saul*](https://film.one/tv/better-call-saul.md) (84), [*The Beast in Me*](https://film.one/tv/the-beast-in-me.md) (67)
- **Hulu:** [*Airplane!*](https://film.one/film/airplane.md) (89), [*Community*](https://film.one/tv/community.md) (83)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*48 Hrs.*](https://film.one/film/48-hrs.md) (78), [*Stir Crazy*](https://film.one/film/stir-crazy.md) (60)
- **Disney+:** [*The Commuter*](https://film.one/film/the-commuter.md) (71)
- **Pluto TV:** [*Beverly Hills Cop*](https://film.one/film/beverly-hills-cop.md) (55)

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

## Fi1m on Jonathan Banks

> Jonathan Banks makes tough men convincing by letting us see how calmly they work. We rate him most highly when he lets some hurt show through, as he does in his work as Mike Ehrmantraut.

In *Breaking Bad* (2008), Jonathan Banks makes Mike Ehrmantraut's quiet competence a reason to worry. The gravelly voice helps, but so does the sense that this man would rather get on with the job than explain himself. We found him unsettling because his restraint makes the threat credible without asking us to enjoy a display of toughness. Banks is particularly good at letting vulnerability into these hard men without suddenly making them harmless. That gives a supporting character something to do beyond supplying the next obstacle.

The earlier parts show how readily that manner could find employment: Zack in *Beverly Hills Cop* (1984), then FBI agent Frank McPike in *Wiseguy* (1987–1990). McPike brought him recognition, but a long stretch of guest appearances and supporting parts followed. Casting as Mike in 2009 gave those familiar qualities a more sustained use. The danger is repetition: tough, taciturn men can become much the same man if the writing asks nothing further of them.

*Breaking Bad* does ask more, and it is our strongest recommendation among the work we have reviewed. Bryan Cranston makes Walter White's excuses frightening and funny; Banks's restraint gives that performance a useful contrast. With Mike, we can believe in the man's competence without having to confuse it with goodness. Creator and showrunner Vince Gilligan and director Michelle MacLaren are among Banks's collaborators, and his work rewards allowing space for understatement. There is a risk that such reserve becomes a mannerism, but the vulnerability in Mike keeps it from being merely an impressive voice.

*Better Call Saul* (2015) subsequently gave Mike a lead role, extending a part Banks had already made worth following. Banks's presence is not, however, a guarantee that a programme will keep finding things worth doing. He plays Martin Jarvis in *The Beast in Me* (2025), where Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys supply considerable tension but the eight-part thriller keeps its central pair circling for too long. We found enough there for the interested, rather than an unqualified recommendation. For Banks at his most persuasive, start with *Breaking Bad*.

## Biography

Jonathan Banks is an American character actor born on 31 January 1947 in Washington, D.C. He has worked extensively in film and television since the 1970s.

Banks is best known for playing Mike Ehrmantraut in the series *Breaking Bad* (2008–2013) and its spin-off *Better Call Saul* (2015–2022). Other notable film roles include appearances in *Airplane!* (1980), *Beverly Hills Cop* (1984) and *Gremlins* (1984). He received an Emmy nomination for his performance as Frank McPike in the series *Wiseguy* (1987–1990).

More recent credits include voice work in *Incredibles 2* (2018) and *Invincible* (2021–), and the role of Martin Jarvis in the 2025 Netflix series *The Beast in Me*.

*Sources: imdb.com, variety.com.*

## On Fi1m (16)

- *The Beast in Me* (2025), Fi1m 67, as Martin Jarvis — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-beast-in-me.md)
- *Incredibles 2* (2018), Fi1m 80, as Rick Dicker (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/incredibles-2.md)
- *The Commuter* (2018), Fi1m 71, as Walt — [page](https://film.one/film/the-commuter.md)
- *Better Call Saul* (2015), Fi1m 84, as Mike Ehrmantraut — [page](https://film.one/tv/better-call-saul.md)
- *The Expanse* (2015), Fi1m 64, as Executive Officer — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-expanse.md)
- *Community* (2009), Fi1m 83, as Professor Buzz Hickey — [page](https://film.one/tv/community.md)
- *Modern Family* (2009), Fi1m 77, as Donnie Pritchett — [page](https://film.one/tv/modern-family.md)
- *Breaking Bad* (2008), Fi1m 91, as Mike Ehrmantraut — [page](https://film.one/tv/breaking-bad.md)
- *Dexter* (2006), Fi1m 74, as Max Adams — [page](https://film.one/tv/dexter.md)
- *Beverly Hills Cop* (1984), Fi1m 55, as Zack — [page](https://film.one/film/beverly-hills-cop.md)
- *Gremlins* (1984), Fi1m 80, as Deputy Brent — [page](https://film.one/film/gremlins.md)
- *48 Hrs.* (1982), Fi1m 78, as Algren — [page](https://film.one/film/48-hrs.md)
- *Hill Street Blues* (1981), Fi1m 86, Actor — [page](https://film.one/tv/hill-street-blues.md)
- *Airplane!* (1980), Fi1m 89, as Gunderson — [page](https://film.one/film/airplane.md)
- *Stir Crazy* (1980), Fi1m 60, as Jack Graham — [page](https://film.one/film/stir-crazy.md)
- *Coming Home* (1978), Fi1m 76, as Marine At Party — [page](https://film.one/film/coming-home.md)

## Complete filmography (159)

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

- *The Beast in Me* (2025), series, as Martin Jarvis — Fi1m 67, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-beast-in-me.md)
- *Kite Man: Hell Yeah!* (2024), series, as Noonan (voice)
- *Constellation* (2024), series, as Henry Caldera / Bud Caldera
- *Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur* (2023), series, as Silvermane (voice)
- *Catwoman: Hunted* (2022), as Roman Sionis / Black Mask (voice)
- *A Tale Dark & Grimm* (2021), series, as Johannes (voice)
- *INVINCIBLE* (2021), series, as Brit (voice) — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/invincible-2021.md)
- *The Comey Rule* (2020), series, as James Clapper
- *El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie* (2019), as Mike
- *The Wolf: True Alpha* (2018), as The Fixer
- *Redbad* (2018), as Pepijn
- *Incredibles 2* (2018), as Rick Dicker (voice) — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/incredibles-2.md)
- *The Commuter* (2018), as Walt — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/film/the-commuter.md)
- *Mudbound* (2017), as Pappy McAllan
- *Better Call Saul Employee Training* (2017), series, as Mike Ehrmantraut
- *Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure* (2017), series, as Quirin (voice)
- *Shut Eye* (2016), series, as Linda's Father
- *Skylanders Academy* (2016), series, as Eruptor (voice)
- *Term Life* (2016), as Harper
- *The Expanse* (2015), series, as Executive Officer — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-expanse.md)
- *The Robot Chicken DC Comics Special III: Magical Friendship* (2015), as Composite Superman (voice)
- *Dr. Ken* (2015), series, as Dr. Erwin
- *I'm Brave!* (2015), as Fire Engine
- *Major Lazer* (2015), series, as The Law (voice)
- *Better Call Saul* (2015), series, as Mike Ehrmantraut — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/better-call-saul.md)
- *Horrible Bosses 2* (2014), as Detective Hatcher
- *Advanced Television Production - 5 Days, 2 Scripts, No Sleep* (2014), Thanks
- *Authors Anonymous* (2014), as David Kelleher
- *Bullet* (2014), as Carlito Kane
- *Identity Thief* (2013), as Paul
- *Watercolor Postcards* (2013), as Ledball
- *Gravity Falls* (2012), series, as Filbrick Pines (voice) — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/gravity-falls.md)
- *Ringer* (2011), series, as Remy Osterman
- *Modern Family* (2009), series, as Donnie Pritchett — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/modern-family.md)
- *Community* (2009), series, as Professor Buzz Hickey — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/tv/community.md)
- *Parks and Recreation* (2009), series, as Steve Wyatt — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/tv/parks-and-recreation.md)
- *Castle* (2009), series, as Bruce Kirby — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/tv/castle.md)
- *Lie to Me* (2009), series, as Agent Richard Squire
- *Proud American* (2008), as Mr. Moretti
- *Eli Stone* (2008), series, as Agent Jonathan Maine
- *Breaking Bad* (2008), series, as Mike Ehrmantraut — Fi1m 91, [page](https://film.one/tv/breaking-bad.md)
- *Life* (2007), series, as Nathan Gray
- *Phineas and Ferb* (2007), series, as Driving Instructor (voice) — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/phineas-and-ferb.md)
- *Reign Over Me* (2007), as Stelter
- *Murder 101: College Can be Murder* (2007), as Det. Frank Chambers
- *Day Break* (2006), series, as Shadow Man, Conrad Detweiler
- *Dexter* (2006), series, as Max Adams — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/dexter.md)
- *Shark* (2006), series, as Jason Normandy — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/tv/shark.md)
- *Puff, Puff, Pass* (2006), as Lance
- *Circadian Rhythm* (2005), as Trejo
- *Ghost Whisperer* (2005), series, as Lyle Chase
- *E-Ring* (2005), series, Actor
- *Cold Case* (2003), series, as John 'Shameless' Clark (2009)
- *Joan of Arcadia* (2003), series, as Sheriff Mike Rakowski
- *Two and a Half Men* (2003), series, as Sid — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/tv/two-and-a-half-men.md)
- *Dark Blue* (2002), as James Barcomb
- *Without a Trace* (2002), series, as Sal Marcello
- *CSI: Miami* (2002), series, as Oscar Duarte
- *R.S.V.P.* (2002), as Walter Franklin
- *Alias* (2001), series, as Frederick Brandon — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/alias.md)
- *Proximity* (2001), as Price
- *Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles* (2001), as Milos Drubnik
- *Downward Angel* (2001), as Herod
- *The District* (2000), series, as Monya Pastov
- *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* (2000), series, as Bobby Jensen
- *Strong Medicine* (2000), series, as Frank Hardwhyck
- *Millennium Man* (1999), as Dr. Eisenberg
- *Harvey* (1999), series, as C.J. Lofgren, Cab Driver
- *Trash* (1999), as Judge Callum
- *Foolish* (1999), as Numbers
- *Outlaw Justice* (1999), as Sheriff Conklin
- *Let the Devil Wear Black* (1999), as Satch
- *Dollar for the Dead* (1998), as Col. Skinner
- *A Thousand Men and a Baby* (1997), as Father O'Riley
- *Fired Up* (1997), series, as Guy Mann
- *Dark Breed* (1997), as Joseph Shay
- *Harvey* (1996), as C.J. Lofgren
- *Flipper* (1996), as Dirk Moran
- *Wiseguy* (1996), as Frank McPike
- *Last Man Standing* (1995), as Doc
- *Under Siege 2: Dark Territory* (1995), as Scotty
- *Women of the House* (1995), series, as Jim Sugarbaker
- *Due South* (1994), series, as Garret
- *ER* (1994), series, as Robert Truman — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/er.md)
- *Walker Texas Ranger 3: Deadly Reunion* (1994), as Shelby Valentine
- *Shadow of Obsession* (1994), as Trevor Keegan
- *Body Shot* (1994), as Simon Devereaux / Blake Donner
- *Diagnosis: Murder* (1993), series, as Bruce Locatelli, Max Jupe
- *seaQuest DSV* (1993), series, as Maximillian Scully
- *Marilyn & Bobby: Her Final Affair* (1993), as Joe Scoman
- *Walker, Texas Ranger* (1993), series, as Shelby Valentine
- *Boiling Point* (1993), as Max Waxman
- *Perry Mason: The Case of the Skin-Deep Scandal* (1993), as Dr. William Shell
- *Blind Side* (1993), as Aaron
- *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine* (1993), series, as Shel-la — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/tv/star-trek-deep-space-nine.md)
- *There Goes the Neighborhood* (1992), as Handsome Harry
- *Highlander: The Series* (1992), series, as Mako
- *Freejack* (1992), as Mark Michelette
- *Don't Touch My Daughter* (1991), as Charles Ryter
- *For Better or for Worse* (1989), as Pitt
- *Tales from the Crypt* (1989), series, as William
- *Pin* (1988), as PIN (voice)
- *Cold Steel* (1987), as Iceman
- *Wiseguy* (1987), series, as Frank McPike
- *Wiseguy: Pilot* (1987), as Frank McPike
- *Perry Mason: The Case of the Lost Love* (1987), as Luke Dickson
- *Downpayment on Murder* (1987), as Det. McKenzie
- *Who Is Julia?* (1986), as Jack Bodine
- *Designing Women* (1986), series, Actor
- *Armed and Dangerous* (1986), as Clyde Klepper
- *Assassin* (1986), as Earl Dickman
- *Matlock* (1986), series, as Jack Starling
- *The Fifth Missile* (1986), as Ray Olson
- *Hollywood Beat* (1985), series, Actor
- *Otherworld* (1985), series, as Kroll
- *Crazy like a Fox* (1984), series, as Vice Squad Captain Hawkins
- *Beverly Hills Cop* (1984), as Zack — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/film/beverly-hills-cop.md)
- *Hunter* (1984), series, as Det. Gary Krewson
- *The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension* (1984), as Lizardo Hospital Guard
- *Nadia* (1984), as Gheorge Comaneci
- *Gremlins* (1984), as Deputy Brent — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/gremlins.md)
- *Hardcastle and McCormick* (1983), series, Actor
- *Murder Me, Murder You* (1983), as Janos Saracen
- *The Invisible Woman* (1983), as Darren
- *48 Hrs.* (1982), as Algren — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/48-hrs.md)
- *Frances* (1982), as Hitchhiker
- *Matt Houston* (1982), series, Actor
- *Cagney & Lacey* (1982), series, Actor — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/cagney-and-lacey.md)
- *T. J. Hooker* (1982), series, as Freddy Baker
- *Falcon Crest* (1981), series, as Frank Kolinski
- *Simon & Simon* (1981), series, Actor
- *Best of the West* (1981), series, Actor
- *Gangster Wars* (1981), as Dutch Schultz
- *The Gangster Chronicles* (1981), series, as Dutch Schultz
- *Hill Street Blues* (1981), series, Actor — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/hill-street-blues.md)
- *Stir Crazy* (1980), as Jack Graham — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/stir-crazy.md)
- *Desperate Voyage* (1980), as Louis
- *Rage!* (1980), as Resident #2
- *Airplane!* (1980), as Gunderson — Fi1m 89, [page](https://film.one/film/airplane.md)
- *Sanford* (1980), series, Actor
- *She's Dressed to Kill* (1979), as Rudy Striker
- *The Rose* (1979), as Television Promoter
- *Ike* (1979), series, as Sergeant
- *Ike* (1979), as 1st Sergeant
- *The Ordeal of Patty Hearst* (1979), as Pato
- *The Word* (1978), series, as Young LeBrun
- *Who'll Stop the Rain* (1978), as Marine
- *The Cheap Detective* (1978), as Cabbie
- *Coming Home* (1978), as Marine At Party — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/film/coming-home.md)
- *The Night They Took Miss Beautiful* (1977), as Buck
- *Lou Grant* (1977), series, as Cyrus
- *The Girl in the Empty Grave* (1977), as Courtland Gates
- *Carter Country* (1977), series, Actor
- *Alexander: The Other Side of Dawn* (1977), as Michael
- *The Macahans* (1976), as Woodward
- *Little House on the Prairie* (1974), series, as Jed
- *Linda's Film on Menstruation* (1974), as Johnny Stanton
- *The Waltons* (1972), series, Actor
- *Words from the Oven*, Actor

## Gallery

- ![Jonathan Banks as Mike Ehrmantraut in Better Call Saul (2015)](https://film.one/media/title/3913/still-f8ff12ea2558.jpg) Jonathan Banks as Mike Ehrmantraut in *Better Call Saul* (2015) — Image via TMDB
- ![Jonathan Banks](https://film.one/media/person/23572/gallery-0915118ed7a7.jpg) Jonathan Banks — Gage Skidmore, derivative editing by Poke2001, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/Jonathan_Banks_2012_2.jpg/1280px-Jonathan_Banks_2012_2.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Jonathan Banks speaking at the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if used elsewhere.](https://film.one/media/person/23572/gallery-b4405b19fd79.jpg) Jonathan Banks speaking at the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if used elsewhere. — Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7e/Jonathan_Banks_%287598825338%29.jpg/1280px-Jonathan_Banks_%287598825338%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Jonathan Banks speaking at the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if used elsewhere.](https://film.one/media/person/23572/gallery-6c6282f15172.jpg) Jonathan Banks speaking at the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if used elsewhere. — Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Jonathan_Banks_%287598836596%29.jpg/1280px-Jonathan_Banks_%287598836596%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Jonathan Banks speaking at the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if used elsewhere.](https://film.one/media/person/23572/gallery-2396a14d39ec.jpg) Jonathan Banks speaking at the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if used elsewhere. — Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Jonathan_Banks_%287598836596%29_%28cropped%29.jpg/1280px-Jonathan_Banks_%287598836596%29_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Jonathan Banks](https://film.one/media/person/23572/gallery-e53efe03c0b4.jpg) Jonathan Banks — Image via TMDB
- ![Jonathan Banks](https://film.one/media/person/23572/gallery-25a776012b83.jpg) Jonathan Banks — Image via TMDB
- ![Jonathan Banks auf dem Breaking Bad Panel auf der Comic-Con International 2012](https://film.one/media/person/23572/gallery-f49dccda7e30.jpg) Jonathan Banks auf dem Breaking Bad Panel auf der Comic-Con International 2012 — titi64, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/93/Jonathan_Banks_Breaking_Bad_panel_at_2012_Comic-Con.jpg/1280px-Jonathan_Banks_Breaking_Bad_panel_at_2012_Comic-Con.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)

---
© 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/jonathan-banks