---
name: "Michael Jeter"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/michael-jeter"
fi1m_id: "michael-jeter"
imdb_id: "nm0005052"
tmdb_id: 2169
wikidata_id: "Q329716"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "26 August 1952"
died: "30 March 2003"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 9
average_fi1m_score: 66
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 9
updated: "2026-10-05T03:29:42.536492+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."
---

# Michael Jeter

## Identity

Michael Jeter

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/michael-jeter
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** michael-jeter
- **IMDb ID:** nm0005052
- **TMDB ID:** 2169
- **Wikidata ID:** Q329716
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jeter, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q329716, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005052/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/2169

Actor. Born 26 August 1952 in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, USA. Died 30 March 2003.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 26 August 1952, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, USA
- **Died:** 30 March 2003
- **Active:** 1983–2004
- **Also known as:** مایکل جیتر, Michael Edward Jeter
- **Frequently works with:** [David Valdes](https://film.one/person/david-valdes.md), [Kevin Costner](https://film.one/person/kevin-costner.md), [Tom Hanks](https://film.one/person/tom-hanks.md)
- **Primetime Emmy Awards:** 1 Emmy (1 won)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 66, as actor, over 9 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 68 (2), 1990s 69 (5), 2000s 58 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 68 to 64 across 8 titles
- **Score spread:** 3 at 80+, 2 at 60–79, 4 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 5 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 4, Drama 4, Adventure 3, Action 2, Crime 2, Fantasy 2
- **Screen time:** 18 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,554m across 9 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jeter, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q329716, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005052/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/2169

## Streaming the US now

- **Hulu:** [*Waterworld*](https://film.one/film/waterworld.md) (61)
- **AMC+:** [*Jurassic Park III*](https://film.one/film/jurassic-park-iii.md) (58)

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

## Fi1m on Michael Jeter

> Michael Jeter could make a small, eccentric part matter through sheer physical commitment. We value the dignity he gave people written off as weak or ridiculous, though the films too often asked him to repeat himself.

In *The Fisher King* (1991), Michael Jeter plays a homeless cabaret singer with the physical confidence of someone who expects us to watch. The part is small; the performance makes no apology for taking up space. We were moved by the way his exuberance keeps the man from becoming merely an object of pity. Terry Gilliam's film lets that large performance belong, and Jeter rewards the licence. We can forgive some of the wandering plot for performances as committed as this.

There is a recognisable narrowing in his screen career: from Herman Stiles in *Evening Shade* (1990–1994) to a succession of supporting film eccentrics. Old Gregor in *Waterworld* (1995) fits the pattern. His stage work, including Otto Kringelein in *Grand Hotel* (1989), had already made use of his physical flexibility and high energy. Those qualities are useful in a brief appearance, but they can also encourage filmmakers to keep ordering the same performance.

*The Green Mile* (1999) gives him a sympathetic prisoner to play in Eduard Delacroix. Frank Darabont's film can try our patience with its length, and its treatment of Coffey needs more scrutiny than the story gives it. Jeter's contribution is worth separating from those reservations: he makes Delacroix someone to feel for, within a film already working hard to secure our sympathy. His willingness to take a marginal figure seriously is valuable here, though the film's sentiment sometimes needs firmer handling. He is a good reason to watch, without being a reason to overlook the shortcomings.

His later work as Mister Noodle in *Sesame Street* (2000–2003) gave that physical expressiveness another outlet. The repeated casting as weak or eccentric men remains a frustration, because the confidence of his acting suggests he had more to offer than another variation on the anxious outsider. Nor does admiring Jeter require us to praise every film that employed him. Start with *The Fisher King*, accepting that Gilliam sometimes lets the story wander; Jeter needs little time to give the evening something worth remembering.

## Biography

Michael Jeter (1952–2003) was an American character actor who worked in film, stage and television. He studied at Memphis State University and made his Broadway debut in the late 1970s.

Jeter won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his performance in *Grand Hotel* (1989) and a Primetime Emmy Award for his role as Herman Stiles in the sitcom *Evening Shade* (1990–1994). He also appeared as Mister Noodle on the *Elmo's World* segments of *Sesame Street* (2000–2003).

His film roles include the Homeless Cabaret Singer in *The Fisher King* (1991), Skinner in *Tango & Cash* (1989), Adolph in *Miller's Crossing* (1990), Father Ignatius in *Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit* (1993), Old Gregor in *Waterworld* (1995), Rudy in *Patch Adams* (1998), Eduard Delacroix in *The Green Mile* (1999), Udesky in *Jurassic Park III* (2001) and voices in *The Polar Express* (2004).

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

## On Fi1m (9)

- *The Polar Express* (2004), Fi1m 58, as Smokey / Steamer — [page](https://film.one/film/the-polar-express.md)
- *Jurassic Park III* (2001), Fi1m 58, as Udesky — [page](https://film.one/film/jurassic-park-iii.md)
- *The Green Mile* (1999), Fi1m 73, as Eduard Delacroix — [page](https://film.one/film/the-green-mile.md)
- *Patch Adams* (1998), Fi1m 47, as Rudy — [page](https://film.one/film/patch-adams.md)
- *Waterworld* (1995), Fi1m 61, as Old Gregor — [page](https://film.one/film/waterworld.md)
- *The Fisher King* (1991), Fi1m 80, as Homeless Cabaret Singer — [page](https://film.one/film/the-fisher-king.md)
- *Miller's Crossing* (1990), Fi1m 82, as Adolph — [page](https://film.one/film/millers-crossing.md)
- *The Money Pit* (1986), Fi1m 54, as Arnie — [page](https://film.one/film/the-money-pit.md)
- *Zelig* (1983), Fi1m 82, as Freshman #2 — [page](https://film.one/film/zelig.md)

## Complete filmography (69)

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

- *Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days* (2010), as Mr. Noodle's Brother (uncredited) (archive footage)
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's World: What Makes You Happy?* (2007), as Mr. Noodle
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's World: Food, Water & Exercise!* (2005), Actor
- *The Polar Express* (2004), as Smokey / Steamer — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/the-polar-express.md)
- *Broadway's Lost Treasures II* (2004), as Otto Kringelein (segment "Grand Hotel")
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's World: Families, Mail & Bath Time!* (2004), as Mr. Noodle
- *Open Range* (2003), as Percy
- *Taken* (2002), series, as Bill Jeffries (voice) (uncredited), Bill Jeffries
- *Welcome to Collinwood* (2002), as Toto
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's World: Happy Holidays!* (2002), as Mr. Noodle
- *Elmo's World: Family Feature* (2002), as Mr. Noodle's Brother, Mr. Noodle
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's World: Wild Wild West!* (2001), as Mr. Noodle
- *Jurassic Park III* (2001), as Udesky — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/jurassic-park-iii.md)
- *The Gift* (2000), as Gerald Weems
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's World: Singing, Drawing & More!* (2000), as Mr. Noodle
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's World: Flowers, Bananas & More!* (2000), as Mr. Noodle
- *South of Heaven, West of Hell* (2000), as Uncle Jude
- *The Green Mile* (1999), as Eduard Delacroix — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/film/the-green-mile.md)
- *Jakob the Liar* (1999), as Avron
- *True Crime* (1999), as Dale Porthouse
- *Patch Adams* (1998), as Rudy — Fi1m 47, [page](https://film.one/film/patch-adams.md)
- *Zack & Reba* (1998), as Oras
- *Thursday* (1998), as Dr. Jarvis
- *The Wild Thornberrys* (1998), series, as Biederman (voice)
- *The Naked Man* (1998), as Sticks
- *Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas* (1998), as Ron Bumquist
- *Race for Atlantis* (1998), as Pindar
- *The Ransom of Red Chief* (1998), as Bill Driscoll
- *MouseHunt* (1997), as Quincy Thorpe
- *Veronica's Closet* (1997), series, as Edwin
- *Air Bud* (1997), as Norm Snively
- *Mrs. Santa Claus* (1996), as Arvo
- *Suddenly Susan* (1996), series, as Lawrence Rosewood
- *Second Noah* (1996), series, Actor
- *The Boys Next Door* (1996), as Arnold Wiggins
- *Can't Hurry Love* (1995), series, as Mr. Barbour
- *Waterworld* (1995), as Old Gregor — Fi1m 61, [page](https://film.one/film/waterworld.md)
- *Drop Zone* (1994), as Earl Leedy
- *Gypsy* (1994), as Mr. Goldstone
- *Touched by an Angel* (1994), series, as Gus Zimmerman
- *Chicago Hope* (1994), series, as Bob Ryan
- *Duckman* (1994), series, as Dr. William Blay (voice)
- *Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit* (1993), as Father Ignatius
- *Bank Robber* (1993), as Night Clerk 1
- *Tales of the City* (1993), series, as Carson Callas
- *When Love Kills: The Seduction of John Hearn* (1993), as Bob Black
- *Storytime* (1992), series, Actor
- *Picket Fences* (1992), series, as Peter Lebeck
- *The Fisher King* (1991), as Homeless Cabaret Singer — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/the-fisher-king.md)
- *Miller's Crossing* (1990), as Adolph — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/millers-crossing.md)
- *Evening Shade* (1990), series, as Herman Stiles
- *Dream On* (1990), series, as Dr. Enoch
- *Tango & Cash* (1989), as Skinner
- *Just Like in the Movies* (1989), as Vernon
- *Dead Bang* (1989), as Dr. Krantz
- *Murphy Brown* (1988), series, as Vic — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/murphy-brown.md)
- *Hothouse* (1988), series, as Dr. Art Makter
- *Designing Women* (1986), series, as Calvin Klein
- *The Money Pit* (1986), as Arnie — Fi1m 54, [page](https://film.one/film/the-money-pit.md)
- *Night Court* (1984), series, as Confessing Crook in Holding Cell
- *Zelig* (1983), as Freshman #2 — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/zelig.md)
- *Soup for One* (1982), as Mr. Kelp
- *Alice at the Palace* (1982), as Baby / Bill the Lizard / Dormouse
- *Ragtime* (1981), as Special Reporter
- *The Mating Season* (1980), Actor
- *My Old Man* (1979), as George Gardner
- *Hair* (1979), as Sheldon
- *Lou Grant* (1977), series, as Max Galt
- *Hallmark Hall of Fame* (1951), series, as Arnold Wiggins

## Gallery

- ![Michael Jeter](https://film.one/media/person/78574/gallery-b6769bba0570.jpg) Michael Jeter — Photo by Alan Light
derivative work: Bea, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/Michael_Jeter_at_the_44th_Emmy_Awards_cropped.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Photo taken at the 44th Emmy Awards 8/92- (1992)](https://film.one/media/person/78574/gallery-6c12071d1716.jpg) Photo taken at the 44th Emmy Awards 8/92- (1992) — Alan Light, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/Michael_Jeter_at_the_44th_Emmy_Awards.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Three actors who played members of the Noodle family on "Elmo's World". Michael Jeter (left) played Mr. Noodle's brother Mr. Noodle. Kristin Chenoweth (middle)  (2013)](https://film.one/media/person/78574/gallery-e706a28f0183.jpg) Three actors who played members of the Noodle family on "Elmo's World". Michael Jeter (left) played Mr. Noodle's brother Mr. Noodle. Kristin Chenoweth (middle)  (2013) — Quadell (of composite only). Individual photographers listed above., CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/Noodle_actors.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Michael Jeter](https://film.one/media/person/78574/gallery-20af868123d0.jpg) Michael Jeter — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Primetime Emmy Awards — 1 won

- 1992: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (won), for *Evening Shade*

### Other awards — 2 won

- Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical 1990: Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical (won), for *Grand Hotel*
- Theatre World Award 1979: Theatre World Award (won)

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© 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/michael-jeter