--- name: "Marshall Bell" canonical: "https://film.one/person/marshall-bell" fi1m_id: "marshall-bell" imdb_id: "nm0068382" tmdb_id: 3041 wikidata_id: "Q679987" roles: ["Actor"] born: "28 September 1942" reviewed_on_fi1m: 11 average_fi1m_score: 78 average_as: "actor" average_over: 11 updated: "2026-10-04T20:19:56.001857+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." --- # Marshall Bell ## Identity Marshall Bell - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/marshall-bell - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** marshall-bell - **IMDb ID:** nm0068382 - **TMDB ID:** 3041 - **Wikidata ID:** Q679987 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Bell, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q679987, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0068382/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/3041 Actor. Born 28 September 1942 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 28 September 1942, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA - **Active:** 1986–2011 - **Also known as:** Archibald Marshall Bell - **Frequently works with:** [Arnold Schwarzenegger](https://film.one/person/arnold-schwarzenegger.md) - **Average Fi1m score:** 78, as actor, over 11 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 79 (3), 1990s 76 (3), 2000s 84 (4), 2010s 58 (1) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 78 to 73 across 11 titles - **Score spread:** 6 at 80+, 4 at 60–79, 1 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 0 of 6 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Drama 7, Crime 5, Adventure 3, Thriller 3, Action 2, Comedy 2 - **Screen time:** 15 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $843m across 8 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Bell, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q679987, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0068382/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/3041 ## Streaming the US now - **HBO Max:** [*Stand by Me*](https://film.one/film/stand-by-me.md) (88) - **The Roku Channel:** [*Capote*](https://film.one/film/capote.md) (84) - **Hulu:** [*Total Recall*](https://film.one/film/total-recall.md) (84) - **Netflix:** [*Southland*](https://film.one/tv/southland.md) (76) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Marshall Bell > Marshall Bell makes authority look habitual: the stern bearing and penetrating stare do much of the work. We value his dependable supporting performances, with the caveat that too many roles ask for the same severity. Marshall Bell looks as though he expects to be obeyed. The stern bearing and penetrating stare suit the policemen, military officers and intimidating men he is repeatedly asked to play. We rate him as a supporting actor who can establish authority without much fuss. The reservation is straightforward: repeated casting of that sort can make the next character seem familiar before he has had much chance to speak. His early work runs from his debut as Ronsky in *Birdy* (1984) to the grieving Mr. Lachance in Rob Reiner's *Stand by Me* (1986). The latter is a good place to see how that stern presence fits a drama led by younger actors. We were moved by the boys' friendship because the four young leads make their need for one another so persuasive. Reiner sometimes pushes too hard for a response, but the performances are strong enough to withstand it. Wider notice came with *Twins* (1988) and *Total Recall* (1990), bringing comedy and the dual role of George and Kuato into the picture. The comedy matters in a career so often associated with intimidation. Paul Verhoeven subsequently cast him as General Owen in *Starship Troopers* (1997), continuing a collaboration that includes *Total Recall*. There is more variety here than the tough-guy description allows, even if another military rank suggests how readily casting returns him to familiar work. In Bennett Miller's *Capote* (2005), Bell plays Warden Marshall Krutch, another role with authority attached to its title. The film gives Philip Seymour Hoffman's writer the main attention, and Bell's contribution belongs within the dependable supporting work around him. We recommend the film for its acting and its absorbing account of a writer exploiting other people's trust. The screenplay is more interested in his failings than his talent, a limitation that the performances cannot entirely remedy. Start with *Stand by Me*, provided the occasional emotional nudge does not put you off. ## Biography Marshall Bell is an American character actor. Born Archibald Marshall Bell on 28 September 1942 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he began his screen career in his early forties after working as a business communications consultant and serving in the US Army. His film debut came in *Birdy* (1984). He is known for roles including Mr. Lachance in *Stand by Me* (1986), Webster in *Twins* (1988), George/Kuato in *Total Recall* (1990), General Owen in *Starship Troopers* (1997) and Warden Marshall Krutch in *Capote* (2005). Bell is married to costume designer Milena Canonero. *Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.* ## On Fi1m (11) - *The Rum Diary* (2011), Fi1m 58, as Donavon — [page](https://film.one/film/the-rum-diary.md) - *Southland* (2009), Fi1m 76, as Police Chief — [page](https://film.one/tv/southland.md) - *Capote* (2005), Fi1m 84, as Warden Marshall Krutch — [page](https://film.one/film/capote.md) - *Deadwood* (2004), Fi1m 91, as Magistrate Claggett — [page](https://film.one/tv/deadwood.md) - *The Shield* (2002), Fi1m 84, as Bill — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-shield.md) - *Starship Troopers* (1997), Fi1m 79, as General Owen — [page](https://film.one/film/starship-troopers.md) - *Natural Born Killers* (1994), Fi1m 64, as Deputy #1 — [page](https://film.one/film/natural-born-killers.md) - *Total Recall* (1990), Fi1m 84, as George / Kuato — [page](https://film.one/film/total-recall.md) - *Twins* (1988), Fi1m 64, as Webster — [page](https://film.one/film/twins.md) - *Manhunter* (1986), Fi1m 84, as Atlanta Policeman — [page](https://film.one/film/manhunter.md) - *Stand by Me* (1986), Fi1m 88, as Mr. Lachance — [page](https://film.one/film/stand-by-me.md) ## Complete filmography (124) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *Last Train to Fortune* (2026), as Station Master - *Dreams* (2025), as Michael McCarthy - *Blackout* (2023), as Jack Hammond - *Love Is Love Is Love* (2021), as John (segment "Sailing Lesson") - *Mainstream* (2021), as Marty - *Outer Banks* (2020), series, as Doc Marsh — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/outer-banks.md) - *The Last Word* (2017), as Edward - *Rules Don't Apply* (2016), as Colonel Maxwell - *Is That a Gun in Your Pocket?* (2016), as Dwayne - *Thirty Nine* (2016), as Lawyer - *Director's Cut* (2016), as Moving Company Guy - *The Congressman* (2016), as Sherm Hawkins - *Waffle Street* (2015), as Miles Drake III - *90 Minutes in Heaven* (2015), as Dr. Greider - *Legends* (2014), series, as Nicholas Spiller - *Palo Alto* (2014), as Jake - *A Bit of Bad Luck* (2014), as Mr. Creech - *The Bling Ring* (2013), as L.A. Detective #1 - *Home, James* (2013), as Larry - *To the Wonder* (2013), as Bob - *Somebody Up There Likes Me* (2013), as Lyla's Father - *The Newsroom* (2012), series, as Ross Fernholm - *The Rock 'n' Roll Dreams of Duncan Christopher* (2012), as Uncle Virgil - *The American Tetralogy* (2012), as The Bad Handsome Old Man - *The Rum Diary* (2011), as Donavon — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/the-rum-diary.md) - *Puncture* (2011), as Jeffrey Dancort - *Remember Alice Bell?* (2011), as Phillip - *Footsteps* (2010), as Mr. Denenberg - *Hawaii Five-0* (2010), series, as Drake — Fi1m 65, [page](https://film.one/tv/hawaii-five-0.md) - *Southland* (2009), series, as Police Chief — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/tv/southland.md) - *Heidi 4 Paws* (2008), as Mr. Sesehund (voice) - *The Xtacles* (2008), series, Actor - *In Sickness and in Health* (2008), as Carlos' Uncle Bob - *Fear Itself* (2008), series, as Carlos' Uncle Bob - *Hamlet 2* (2008), as Principal Rocker - *Rescue Dawn* (2007), as Admiral - *Nancy Drew* (2007), as John Leshing - *Sex and Death 101* (2007), as Victor Rose III - *The Attackmen* (2007), as Headmaster Wheatley - *The Astronaut Farmer* (2007), as Judge Miller - *Room 6* (2006), as Amy's Dad - *Frisky Dingo* (2006), series, as Jack Taggart (voice) - *Art School Confidential* (2006), as Lonny - *Capote* (2005), as Warden Marshall Krutch — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/capote.md) - *E-Ring* (2005), series, Actor - *House* (2004), series, as Warden — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/house-2004.md) - *Hawaii* (2004), series, Actor - *Stargate Atlantis* (2004), series, as Terrence Kramer - *If Love Hadn't Left Me Lonely* (2004), as Mike - *Deadwood* (2004), series, as Magistrate Claggett — Fi1m 91, [page](https://film.one/tv/deadwood.md) - *Dandelion* (2004), as Uncle Bobby - *Northfork* (2003), as Mr. Stalling - *Identity* (2003), as District Attorney - *MDs* (2002), series, as Bill 'Wise Guy' Weisman - *Comic Book Villains* (2002), as Gun Store Order - *Serving Sara* (2002), as Warren Cebron - *Beneath Clouds* (2002), as Boy at Service Station - *The Shield* (2002), series, as Bill — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-shield.md) - *Sand* (2000), as Gus - *The District* (2000), series, as Captain Bennington - *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* (2000), series, as Peter Hutchins Sr. - *Mercy* (2000), as Gil Reynolds - *Face the Music* (2000), as Tommy the Bartender - *Black & White* (1999), as Toast - *Tales from the Crypt: The Robert Zemeckis Collection* (1999), as Joseph - *G vs E* (1999), series, Actor - *Late Last Night* (1999), as Bartender - *A Slipping Down Life* (1999), as Mr. Casey - *Virus* (1999), as J.W. Woods Jr. - *One of Our Own* (1998), as Col. Dale Cameron - *Starship Troopers* (1997), as General Owen — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/film/starship-troopers.md) - *The End of Violence* (1997), as Call - *The Brave* (1997), as Larry - *Truth or Consequences, N.M.* (1997), as Police Lieutenant - *Millennium* (1996), series, as The Judge - *The Pretender* (1996), series, as Warden Michaels - *Crazy Horse* (1996), as Senator William B. Allison - *Too Fast Too Young* (1996), as Detective Quentin Thompson - *Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead* (1995), as Lt. Atwater - *W.E.I.R.D. World* (1995), as Kendall - *The Single Guy* (1995), series, as Mr. Gottlieb - *Runway One* (1995), as Hanson - *Operation Dumbo Drop* (1995), as Colonel Pederson - *Sliders* (1995), series, as Vortak - *Payback* (1995), as Tom "Gully" Gullerman - *Just Looking* (1995), as Dave - *Love Is a Gun* (1994), as Jean's Husband - *Probable Cause* (1994), as Instructor - *The Puppet Masters* (1994), as General Morgan - *Natural Born Killers* (1994), as Deputy #1 — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/natural-born-killers.md) - *Airheads* (1994), as Carl Mace - *The Silence of the Hams* (1994), as Cross Dressing Agent - *The Chase* (1994), as Ari Josephson - *Heaven & Earth* (1993), as Dinner Guest #3 - *The X-Files* (1993), series, as Colonel Calvin Henderson — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-x-files.md) - *Undercover Blues* (1993), as Sikes - *Innocent Blood* (1992), as Marsh - *The Larry Sanders Show* (1992), series, as Sound Guy — Fi1m 91, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-larry-sanders-show.md) - *Diggstown* (1992), as Warden Bates - *Leather Jackets* (1992), as Stranger - *The Vagrant* (1992), as The Vagrant - *Palace Guard* (1991), series, Actor - *The Heroes of Desert Storm* (1991), as Walter Wojdakowski - *Oscar* (1991), as Reporter #1 - *Hull High* (1990), series, as Mr. Fancher - *Air America* (1990), as O.V. - *Dick Tracy* (1990), as Lips' Cop - *Total Recall* (1990), as George / Kuato — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/total-recall.md) - *Tales from the Crypt* (1989), series, as Rock (segment "Forever Ambergris"), Husband (segment "And All Through the House") - *Twins* (1988), as Webster — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/twins.md) - *Wildfire* (1988), as Lewis - *Tucker: The Man and His Dream* (1988), as Frank - *Johnny Be Good* (1988), as Chief Elkans - *Cherry 2000* (1987), as Bill - *Tour of Duty* (1987), series, as Sgt. Ralph Carlton - *Wiseguy* (1987), series, Actor - *The Oldest Rookie* (1987), series, as Gordon Lane - *No Way Out* (1987), as Assassin - *Manhunter* (1986), as Atlanta Policeman — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/manhunter.md) - *Stand by Me* (1986), as Mr. Lachance — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/film/stand-by-me.md) - *Seven Minutes in Heaven* (1986), as Jeff's Stepfather - *A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge* (1985), as Coach Schneider - *Birdy* (1984), as Ronsky - *Hill Street Blues* (1981), series, Actor — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/hill-street-blues.md) ## Gallery - ![Marshall Bell (Tulsa (Oklahoma), 28 september 1942) is een Amerikaanse acteur die in diverse films en televisieseries heeft gespeeld. -- Signeersessie tijdens d](https://film.one/media/person/77434/gallery-e21188d63016.jpg) Marshall Bell (Tulsa (Oklahoma), 28 september 1942) is een Amerikaanse acteur die in diverse films en televisieseries heeft gespeeld. -- Signeersessie tijdens d — I Oord, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/88/Marshall-bell.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Marshall Bell](https://film.one/media/person/77434/gallery-5961f86868cb.jpg) Marshall Bell — Image via TMDB - ![Marshall Bell](https://film.one/media/person/77434/gallery-4c4d5bf7e9a3.jpg) Marshall Bell — Image via TMDB - ![Marshall Bell](https://film.one/media/person/77434/gallery-a8dcf22c0788.jpg) Marshall Bell — Image via TMDB - ![Marshall Bell](https://film.one/media/person/77434/gallery-593af13cf949.jpg) Marshall Bell — 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/marshall-bell