---
name: "Kevin Dunn"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/kevin-dunn"
fi1m_id: "kevin-dunn"
imdb_id: "nm0242656"
tmdb_id: 14721
wikidata_id: "Q706117"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "24 August 1956"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 17
average_fi1m_score: 67
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 14
updated: "2026-10-05T11:58:12.947397+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."
---

# Kevin Dunn

## Identity

Kevin Dunn

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/kevin-dunn
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** kevin-dunn
- **IMDb ID:** nm0242656
- **TMDB ID:** 14721
- **Wikidata ID:** Q706117
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Dunn, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q706117, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0242656/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/14721

Actor. Born 24 August 1956 in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 24 August 1956, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- **Active:** 1988–present
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 17: 14 acting, 3 other
- **Average Fi1m score:** 67, as actor, over 14 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 74 (3), 1990s 58 (3), 2000s 54 (4), 2010s 74 (5), 2020s 68 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 65 to 65 across 12 titles
- **Score spread:** 5 at 80+, 5 at 60–79, 4 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 8 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 7, Action 6, Science Fiction 4, Adventure 3, Comedy 3, Crime 3
- **Screen time:** 20 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $3,424m across 9 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Dunn, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q706117, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0242656/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/14721

## Streaming the US now

- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Warrior*](https://film.one/film/warrior.md) (80), [*Vicky Cristina Barcelona*](https://film.one/film/vicky-cristina-barcelona.md) (70), [*Godzilla*](https://film.one/film/godzilla-1998.md) (46)
- **Apple TV:** [*Mississippi Burning*](https://film.one/film/mississippi-burning.md) (72), [*Transformers: Dark of the Moon*](https://film.one/film/transformers-dark-of-the-moon.md) (46)
- **HBO Max:** [*Veep*](https://film.one/tv/veep.md) (82)
- **Paramount+:** [*Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen*](https://film.one/film/transformers-revenge-of-the-fallen.md) (34)

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

## Fi1m on Kevin Dunn

> Kevin Dunn makes fathers and authority figures believable without making a display of the work. We rate his unforced supporting performances, though the familiar casting can leave too little room for surprise.

Kevin Dunn often turns up with a job title: Agent Bird in *Mississippi Burning* (1988), Principal Zito in *Warrior* (2011). He is convincing as someone employed to take charge, and seldom makes a fuss about how he achieves it. We value that naturalism, particularly in an actor asked so often to play authority figures. His early breakthrough came in Alan Parker’s *Mississippi Burning*, a tense thriller whose performances are stronger than its decision to leave the black community so little space to speak or act. Gene Hackman is the actor to see it for; Dunn’s work belongs to the supporting cast around him.

Gavin O’Connor’s *Warrior* gives Dunn another institutional title, though its family drama is what makes the film worth recommending. We were moved by it because Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton and Nick Nolte give the hurt behind the fighting enough weight to overcome the familiar writing. Dunn’s Principal Zito is another example of casting him as someone whose position needs to be understood quickly. We would not pretend that this supporting part explains the film’s success, but it suits his knack for making authority seem ordinary.

His work as Alan Reed in *Dave* (1993) is a useful reminder that comedy was not a late discovery. Ron Witwicky in *Transformers* (2007) gave the paternal casting a conspicuous outing, while Ben Cafferty in *Veep* brought sustained television work from 2012 to 2019. Across drama and comedy, he fits into ensembles without drawing attention to his technique. That consistency is worth appreciating, even when the part gives us little reason to discuss the actor separately from the film.

Our reservation is how readily the casting settles on the father or the man with an official title. Familiarity helps establish a character quickly, but it can also mean another assignment much like the last. We would welcome more opportunities to see Dunn outside those familiar jobs, without asking him to abandon the plainness that makes him persuasive. Choose *Warrior* for an evening; try *Veep* for a longer acquaintance with Dunn.

## Biography

Kevin Dunn is an American actor born on 24 August 1956 in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University and began appearing in supporting roles in film and television in the 1980s.

Dunn is known for his performances as Ron Witwicky in the *Transformers* films (2007–2011), Colonel Hicks in *Godzilla* (1998), and Principal Zito in *Warrior* (2011). His television credits include roles in *Prison Break*, *Suits*, *Lost*, *True Detective* and *Veep*. His sister is actress Nora Dunn.

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

## On Fi1m (17)

### Performed in (14) — the average rests on these

- *Task* (2025), Fi1m 67, as Vince Runyan — [page](https://film.one/tv/task.md)
- *King Richard* (2021), Fi1m 68, as Vic Braden — [page](https://film.one/film/king-richard.md)
- *The Night Of* (2016), Fi1m 81, as Detective Daniel Lang — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-night-of.md)
- *True Detective* (2014), Fi1m 80, as Major Ken Quesada — [page](https://film.one/tv/true-detective.md)
- *Veep* (2012), Fi1m 82, as Ben Cafferty — [page](https://film.one/tv/veep.md)
- *Transformers: Dark of the Moon* (2011), Fi1m 46, as Ron Witwicky — [page](https://film.one/film/transformers-dark-of-the-moon.md)
- *Warrior* (2011), Fi1m 80, as Principal Zito — [page](https://film.one/film/warrior.md)
- *Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen* (2009), Fi1m 34, as Ron Witwicky — [page](https://film.one/film/transformers-revenge-of-the-fallen.md)
- *Vicky Cristina Barcelona* (2008), Fi1m 70, as Mark Nash — [page](https://film.one/film/vicky-cristina-barcelona.md)
- *Transformers* (2007), Fi1m 57, as Ron Witwicky — [page](https://film.one/film/transformers.md)
- *Godzilla* (1998), Fi1m 46, as Colonel Hicks — [page](https://film.one/film/godzilla-1998.md)
- *Hot Shots!* (1991), Fi1m 70, as Lt. Commander Block — [page](https://film.one/film/hot-shots.md)
- *Seinfeld* (1989), Fi1m 90, as Joel Horneck — [page](https://film.one/tv/seinfeld.md)
- *Mississippi Burning* (1988), Fi1m 72, as Agent Bird — [page](https://film.one/film/mississippi-burning.md)

### Also credited (3) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited

- *The Black Dahlia* (2006), Fi1m 56, as Elizabeth Short's Father (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/the-black-dahlia.md)
- *Beethoven's 2nd* (1993), Fi1m 57, as Brillo (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/beethovens-2nd.md)
- *Ghostbusters II* (1989), Fi1m 60, as Milton Angland (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/ghostbusters-ii.md)

## Complete filmography (128)

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

- *72 HOURS* (2026), as Terry
- *Mermaid* (2026), as James Morris
- *Task* (2025), series, as Vince Runyan — Fi1m 67, [page](https://film.one/tv/task.md)
- *Ballard* (2025), series, as Gary Pearlman
- *Amber Alert* (2024), as Sgt. Phil Casey
- *Will Trent* (2023), series, as Vince Korda
- *Pantheon* (2022), series, as Senator Sharff (voice)
- *A League of Their Own* (2022), series, as Morris Baker
- *God's Favorite Idiot* (2022), series, as Gene Thompson
- *Catch the Fair One* (2022), as Willie
- *King Richard* (2021), as Vic Braden — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/film/king-richard.md)
- *The Mosquito Coast* (2021), series, as Margot's Dad
- *Thunder Force* (2021), as Frank
- *Standing Up, Falling Down* (2020), as Gary Rollins
- *Above Suspicion* (2019), as Bob Singer
- *Josiah* (2019), as The Director
- *Captive State* (2019), as Police Chief Igoe
- *Trading Paint* (2019), as Stumpy
- *Miracle Workers* (2019), series, as Uncle Bert
- *The Bachelors* (2017), as Paul Abernac
- *Ghosted* (2017), series, as Merv Minette
- *Keeping Up with the Joneses* (2016), as Carl Pronger
- *The Night Of* (2016), series, as Detective Daniel Lang — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-night-of.md)
- *Code Black* (2015), series, as Dr. Taylor
- *Slow Learners* (2015), as Darren Lowry
- *Ashby* (2015), as Coach Bruton
- *Men of Granite* (2015), as Principal Grisby
- *Draft Day* (2014), as Marvin
- *Cesar Chavez* (2014), as Dr. Arlo
- *True Detective* (2014), series, as Major Ken Quesada — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/true-detective.md)
- *Mom* (2013), series, as Gary
- *Jobs* (2013), as Gil Amelio
- *The Frozen Ground* (2013), as Lt. Bob Jent
- *Prosecuting Casey Anthony* (2013), as George Anthony
- *Fire with Fire* (2012), as Agent Mullens
- *Veep* (2012), series, as Ben Cafferty — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/veep.md)
- *Luck* (2012), series, as Marcus
- *Warrior* (2011), as Principal Zito — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/warrior.md)
- *Transformers: Dark of the Moon* (2011), as Ron Witwicky — Fi1m 46, [page](https://film.one/film/transformers-dark-of-the-moon.md)
- *Suits* (2011), series, as George Richardson
- *You May Not Kiss the Bride* (2011), as Agent Ross
- *Harry's Law* (2011), series, as George Kupcheck
- *Unstoppable* (2010), as Oscar Galvin, VP of Operations
- *Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated* (2010), series, as Garden Manager (voice), Dale Dinkley (voice), Dale Dinkley / Workman #1 (voice)
- *Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen* (2009), as Ron Witwicky — Fi1m 34, [page](https://film.one/film/transformers-revenge-of-the-fallen.md)
- *Vicky Cristina Barcelona* (2008), as Mark Nash — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/vicky-cristina-barcelona.md)
- *WWE: Twist of Fate - The Matt and Jeff Hardy Story* (2008), Director
- *Lions for Lambs* (2007), as ANX Editor
- *Transformers: Beginnings* (2007), as Ron Witwicky
- *Samantha Who?* (2007), series, as Howard
- *Transformers* (2007), as Ron Witwicky — Fi1m 57, [page](https://film.one/film/transformers.md)
- *The Darwin Awards* (2007), as Insurance Exec
- *A Perfect Day* (2006), as Darren
- *The Black Dahlia* (2006), as Elizabeth Short's Father (uncredited) — Fi1m 56, [page](https://film.one/film/the-black-dahlia.md)
- *Gridiron Gang* (2006), as Ted Dexter
- *All the King's Men* (2006), as Alex
- *The Path to 9/11* (2006), series, as Samuel 'Sandy' Berger
- *Live Free or Die* (2006), as Monson
- *Prison Break* (2005), series, as Cooper Green — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/prison-break.md)
- *The Closer* (2005), series, as Mr. Catalina
- *American Dad!* (2005), series, as Councilman (voice)
- *Boston Legal* (2004), series, as Attorney Jonathan Weiner — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/tv/boston-legal.md)
- *Lost* (2004), series, as Gordy — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/lost.md)
- *LAX* (2004), series, as Vic Tilden
- *I ♥ Huckabees* (2004), as Marty
- *NYPD 2069* (2004), as Joe Banning
- *L.A. County 187* (2003), as Lt. Bob Coughlan
- *The Stranger Beside Me* (2003), as Dick Reed
- *Gleason* (2002), as Jack Philbin
- *Boomtown* (2002), series, as Ron Berman
- *Push, Nevada* (2002), series, Actor
- *Law & Order: Criminal Intent* (2001), series, as Carson Laird
- *Boston Public* (2000), series, as Big Ed
- *Bette* (2000), series, as Roy
- *God, the Devil and Bob* (2000), series, Actor
- *The Beach Boys: An American Family* (2000), series, as Murray Wilson
- *Stir of Echoes* (1999), as Frank McCarthy
- *Batman Beyond* (1999), series, as Dr. Hodges (voice)
- *Godzilla: The Series* (1998), series, as Anthony Hicks (voice), Maj.  Anthony Hicks
- *Snake Eyes* (1998), as Lou Logan
- *Small Soldiers* (1998), as Stuart Abernathy
- *Almost Heroes* (1998), as Hidalgo
- *Godzilla* (1998), as Colonel Hicks — Fi1m 46, [page](https://film.one/film/godzilla-1998.md)
- *The Second Civil War* (1997), as Jimmy Cannon
- *Picture Perfect* (1997), as Mr. Mercer
- *On the Edge of Innocence* (1997), as Dr. Darbico
- *The 6th Man* (1997), as Mikulski
- *Arsenio* (1997), series, as Al O'Brien
- *The Practice* (1997), series, as Bill Munce
- *Shadow of a Doubt* (1996), as Mark Evola
- *7th Heaven* (1996), series, as Coach Hardwick
- *Chain Reaction* (1996), as FBI Agent Doyle
- *Unforgivable* (1996), as Milt Stella
- *Jack Reed: A Killer Among Us* (1996), as Phil Brenner
- *Nixon* (1995), as Charles Colson
- *JAG* (1995), series, as Al Brovo
- *The Four Diamonds* (1995), as Charles Millard / Charles the Mysterious
- *Mad Love* (1995), as Clifford Leland
- *Jack Reed: One of Our Own* (1995), Actor
- *Little Big League* (1994), as Arthur Goslin
- *Beethoven's 2nd* (1993), as Brillo (uncredited) — Fi1m 57, [page](https://film.one/film/beethovens-2nd.md)
- *Dave* (1993), as Alan Reed
- *Chaplin* (1992), as J. Edgar Hoover
- *1492: Conquest of Paradise* (1992), as Captain Mendez
- *Double Edge* (1992), as Webber
- *Hot Shots!* (1991), as Lt. Commander Block — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/hot-shots.md)
- *Only the Lonely* (1991), as Patrick Muldoon
- *The Bonfire of the Vanities* (1990), as Tom Killian
- *Marked for Death* (1990), as Lt. Sal Roselli
- *Law & Order* (1990), series, as Arnie MacLaren, Keith Hollins — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/law-and-order.md)
- *Blue Steel* (1990), as Asst. Chief Stanley Hoyt
- *Sydney* (1990), series, Actor
- *Taken Away* (1989), as Lombardi
- *Seinfeld* (1989), series, as Joel Horneck — Fi1m 90, [page](https://film.one/tv/seinfeld.md)
- *Ghostbusters II* (1989), as Milton Angland (uncredited) — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/ghostbusters-ii.md)
- *Mississippi Burning* (1988), as Agent Bird — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/mississippi-burning.md)
- *Roseanne* (1988), series, as Burt — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/roseanne.md)
- *Dear John* (1988), series, as Bob Morris
- *Day by Day* (1988), series, as Mel Schrom
- *Beverly Hills Buntz* (1987), series, as Councilman Rinaldo de Martino
- *21 Jump Street* (1987), series, as Reed Bowman
- *Night of Courage* (1987), as Policeman
- *Jack and Mike* (1986), series, as Anthony Kubecek
- *L.A. Law* (1986), series, as Barry Braunstein
- *Cheers* (1982), series, as Jim McNulty — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/cheers.md)
- *Family Ties* (1982), series, as Bob Dunphy, Glen
- *Cannon* (1971), series, Actor
- *Yale*, as Yale Parker

## Gallery

- ![Kevin Dunn](https://film.one/media/person/104304/gallery-f957fe036e2c.jpg) Kevin Dunn — Dominick D, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/Kevin_Dunn_2014.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Kevin Dunn](https://film.one/media/person/104304/gallery-779694da5fce.jpg) Kevin Dunn — Image via TMDB
- ![Kevin Dunn](https://film.one/media/person/104304/gallery-eb67ad1445c3.jpg) Kevin Dunn — 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/kevin-dunn