--- name: "Michael Parks" canonical: "https://film.one/person/michael-parks" fi1m_id: "michael-parks" imdb_id: "nm0662981" tmdb_id: 2536 wikidata_id: "Q525318" roles: ["Actor"] born: "24 April 1940" died: "9 May 2017" reviewed_on_fi1m: 8 average_fi1m_score: 76 average_as: "actor" average_over: 8 updated: "2026-10-10T18:49:40.515057+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 Parks ## Identity Michael Parks - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/michael-parks - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** michael-parks - **IMDb ID:** nm0662981 - **TMDB ID:** 2536 - **Wikidata ID:** Q525318 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Parks, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q525318, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0662981/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/2536 Actor. Born 24 April 1940 in Corona, California, USA. Died 9 May 2017. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 24 April 1940, Corona, California, USA - **Died:** 9 May 2017 - **Active:** 1996–2014 - **Also known as:** Mike Parks, Harry Samuel Parks - **Average Fi1m score:** 76, as actor, over 8 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1990s 75 (1), 2000s 74 (4), 2010s 79 (3) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 76 to 67 across 8 titles - **Score spread:** 1 at 80+, 7 at 60–79, 0 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 1 of 5 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Action 4, Crime 3, Drama 3, Thriller 3, Horror 2, Western 2 - **Screen time:** 17 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $1,064m across 8 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Parks, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q525318, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0662981/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/2536 ## Streaming the US now - **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Kill Bill: Vol. 2*](https://film.one/film/kill-bill-vol-2.md) (77), [*From Dusk Till Dawn*](https://film.one/film/from-dusk-till-dawn.md) (75), [*Kill Bill: Vol. 1*](https://film.one/film/kill-bill-vol-1.md) (72) - **The Roku Channel:** [*The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford*](https://film.one/film/the-assassination-of-jesse-james-by-the-coward-robert-ford.md) (84) - **HBO Max:** [*Tusk*](https://film.one/film/tusk.md) (79) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Michael Parks > Michael Parks makes dialogue sound as though it has only just occurred to him. We value his unforced authority, though *Kill Bill: Vol. 2* gives him more time than the story needs. Earl McGraw surveys a crime scene in *Kill Bill: Vol. 2* (2004) with the air of a sheriff who has seen worse and would rather not say where. Michael Parks gives him a weary, conversational voice, without making a speech of his experience. We warmed to him because that tone suggests a working life beyond the scene. Parks is worth listening to even when his character has little business left to do. His later supporting parts followed an earlier period as a leading man. The television series *Then Came Bronson* (1969–70) gave him a lead, before smaller roles and television work occupied much of the 1970s. His return to prominence included Jean Renault in *Twin Peaks* (1990–91). The smaller parts of his later career suited a performer who could establish a character through the way he spoke. Robert Rodriguez cast him as Texas Ranger Earl McGraw in the opening of *From Dusk Till Dawn* (1996). His naturalism helps establish a credible human presence in a crime-and-horror film much given to excess. We prefer its hostage-taking to its second half, and Parks belongs to that more persuasive early stretch. Tarantino brought McGraw back in *Kill Bill: Vol. 1* (2003). *Kill Bill: Vol. 2* also exposes the limit of giving a good actor extra room. Parks additionally plays Esteban Vihaio, a brothel-keeper under a wig, in a detour that adds five pleasant but unnecessary minutes. The film is already longer than it needs to be, and another enjoyable character does not help it move. We like Parks here without finding any reason the scene has to stay. Kevin Smith made Parks more central, writing the villain Abin Cooper in *Red State* (2011) specifically for him and returning to him for Howard Howe in *Tusk* (2014). Those parts make sense for an actor whose delivery can make familiar dialogue sound unexpected. For a first encounter, though, start with *From Dusk Till Dawn*: it gives him room without keeping him around for the sake of it. ## Biography Michael Parks (born Harry Samuel Parks) was an American actor and singer. Born on 24 April 1940 in Corona, California, he died on 9 May 2017 in Los Angeles. He began his career in the early 1960s with television appearances and films including *The Bible: In the Beginning...* (1966), and starred as the lead in the series *Then Came Bronson* (1969–1970). Parks was known in later decades for character roles in independent films. He appeared as Texas Ranger Earl McGraw in *From Dusk Till Dawn* (1996) and reprised the part in *Kill Bill: Vol. 1* (2003) and *Kill Bill: Vol. 2* (2004), where he also played Esteban Vihaio. He worked repeatedly with directors Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez and Kevin Smith, including in *Grindhouse* (2007), *Red State* (2011) and *Tusk* (2014). His son, James Parks, is also an actor. *Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com, apnews.com, nytimes.com.* ## On Fi1m (8) - *Tusk* (2014), Fi1m 79, as Howard Howe — [page](https://film.one/film/tusk.md) - *Argo* (2012), Fi1m 79, as Jack Kirby — [page](https://film.one/film/argo.md) - *Django Unchained* (2012), Fi1m 78, as The LeQuint Dickey Mining Co. Employee — [page](https://film.one/film/django-unchained.md) - *Death Proof* (2007), Fi1m 64, as Earl McGraw — [page](https://film.one/film/death-proof.md) - *The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford* (2007), Fi1m 84, as Henry Craig — [page](https://film.one/film/the-assassination-of-jesse-james-by-the-coward-robert-ford.md) - *Kill Bill: Vol. 2* (2004), Fi1m 77, as Earl McGraw / Esteban Vihaio — [page](https://film.one/film/kill-bill-vol-2.md) - *Kill Bill: Vol. 1* (2003), Fi1m 72, as Earl McGraw — [page](https://film.one/film/kill-bill-vol-1.md) - *From Dusk Till Dawn* (1996), Fi1m 75, as Texas Ranger Earl McGraw — [page](https://film.one/film/from-dusk-till-dawn.md) ## Complete filmography (131) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *Pines* (2022), as Harrison - *The Queen of Hollywood Blvd* (2018), as Chet Fuller - *Greater* (2016), as Leo - *Blood Father* (2016), as Preacher - *Tusk* (2014), as Howard Howe — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/film/tusk.md) - *We Are What We Are* (2013), as Doc Barrow - *Django Unchained* (2012), as The LeQuint Dickey Mining Co. Employee — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/django-unchained.md) - *Argo* (2012), as Jack Kirby — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/film/argo.md) - *Red State* (2011), as Pastor Abin Cooper - *Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair* (2011), as Earl McGraw / Esteban Vihaio - *Smokin' Aces 2: Assassins' Ball* (2010), as Fritz Tremor - *Noble Things* (2009), as Pete Collins - *Three Priests* (2008), as Jacob - *The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford* (2007), as Henry Craig — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/the-assassination-of-jesse-james-by-the-coward-robert-ford.md) - *Death Proof* (2007), as Earl McGraw — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/death-proof.md) - *Planet Terror* (2007), as Earl McGraw - *Grindhouse* (2007), as Earl McGraw (segments "Death Proof" / "Planet Terror") - *The Dead One* (2007), as Sheriff Ezra Stone - *Fighting Words* (2006), as Benny the Heckler - *One Night with You* (2006), as Hunter Burnell - *The Listening* (2006), as James Wagley - *Miracle at Sage Creek* (2005), as Justice Stanley - *The Librarians* (2004), as William Clark - *Kill Bill: Vol. 2* (2004), as Earl McGraw / Esteban Vihaio — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/kill-bill-vol-2.md) - *Kill Bill: Vol. 1* (2003), as Earl McGraw — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/kill-bill-vol-1.md) - *13 Moons* (2002), as Bartender - *Big Bad Love* (2001), as Mr. Aaron - *Bullfighter* (2000), as Cordobes - *From Dusk Till Dawn 3: The Hangman's Daughter* (2000), as Ambrose Bierce - *Niagara, Niagara* (1998), as Walter - *Wicked* (1998), as Detective Boland - *Julian Po* (1997), as Vern - *Deceiver* (1997), as Dr. Banyard - *From Dusk Till Dawn* (1996), as Texas Ranger Earl McGraw — Fi1m 75, [page](https://film.one/film/from-dusk-till-dawn.md) - *Hart to Hart: Secrets of the Hart* (1995), as Evan Powell - *Sorceress* (1995), as Stan Latarga - *Stranger by Night* (1994), as Detective Larson - *Death Wish V: The Face of Death* (1994), as Tommy O'Shea - *seaQuest DSV* (1993), series, as George Le Chein - *SeaQuest DSV* (1993), as George Le Chein - *Walker, Texas Ranger* (1993), series, as Caleb Hooks - *The Untouchables* (1993), series, Actor - *Out of Control* (1992), as Pearlmutter - *Storyville* (1992), as Michael Trevallian - *The Hitman* (1991), as Ronny 'Del' Delaney - *Shades of L.A.* (1990), series, Actor - *Twin Peaks* (1990), series, as Jean Renault — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/twin-peaks.md) - *Caged Fury* (1990), as Mr. Collins · Associate Producer - *The China Lake Murders* (1990), as Officer Donnelly - *Nightmare Beach* (1989), as Doc Willet - *Prime Suspect* (1989), as Bill Nevins - *War of the Worlds* (1988), series, as Cash McCullough - *Arizona Heat* (1988), as Larry Kapinski - *Stamp of a Killer* (1987), Actor - *The Return of Josey Wales* (1986), as Josey Wales · Director - *Club Life* (1986), as Tank - *French Quarter Undercover* (1986), as Det. Andre Des Moines - *Chase* (1985), as Larry Butler - *Spiker* (1985), as Coach Doames - *The Colbys* (1985), series, as Hoyt Parker / Phillip Colby - *The Equalizer* (1985), series, as Logan, Jonathan Grey - *Murder, She Wrote* (1984), series, as Ben Aaron - *Savannah Smiles* (1982), as Lt. Savage - *Dial M for Murder* (1981), as Max Halliday - *Hard Country* (1981), as Royce - *Turnover Smith* (1980), as Lt. Brophy - *Reward* (1980), as Michael Dolan - *North Sea Hijack* (1980), as Harold Shulman - *Shirley* (1979), series, Actor - *The Evictors* (1979), as Ben Watkins - *Fast Friends* (1979), as David York - *Breakthrough* (1979), as Sergeant Anderson - *Rainbow* (1978), as Roger Edens - *Flying High* (1978), series, Actor - *Hunters of the Reef* (1978), as Jim Spanner - *Night Cries* (1978), as Mitch Haskins - *The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover* (1977), as Robert F. Kennedy - *Escape from Bogen County* (1977), as Jack Kern - *Love and the Midnight Auto Supply* (1977), as Duke - *Big Hawaii* (1977), series, Actor - *The Savage Bees* (1977), as Dr. Jeff DuRand - *Sidewinder 1* (1977), as J.W. Wyatt - *Murder at the World Series* (1977), as Larry Marshall - *Perilous Voyage* (1976), as Antonio DeLeon - *Royce* (1976), as Blair Mabry - *The Last Hard Men* (1976), as Noel Nye - *Distant Early Warning* (1975), Actor - *Ellery Queen* (1975), series, as Terry Purvis - *Armchair Detective: Mystery at Malibu* (1975), as Private Eye - *Bronk* (1975), series, Actor - *The Werewolf of Woodstock* (1975), as Moody - *Baretta* (1975), series, Actor - *Police Woman* (1974), series, as Jack McVey - *The Story of Pretty Boy Floyd* (1974), as Bradley Floyd - *Can Ellen Be Saved?* (1974), as Joseph - *Between Friends* (1973), as Tony - *Police Story* (1973), series, Actor - *The Streets of San Francisco* (1972), series, Actor - *The Rookies* (1972), series, Actor - *McCloud* (1970), series, as Frank - *The Young Lawyers* (1969), as Ron Baron - *Medical Center* (1969), series, Actor - *Then Came Bronson* (1969), series, as Jim Bronson - *Then Came Bronson* (1969), as Jim Bronson - *A Hatful of Rain* (1968), as Johnny Pope - *Stranger on the Run* (1967), as Vince McKay - *The Happening* (1967), as Sureshot - *Ironside* (1967), series, Actor - *The Bible: In the Beginning...* (1966), as Adam - *The Idol* (1966), as Marco - *Wild Seed* (1965), as Bill "Fargo" Warren - *Bus Riley's Back in Town* (1965), as Bus Riley - *Channing* (1963), series, as Benny Dickson - *The Greatest Show on Earth* (1963), series, Actor - *Arrest and Trial* (1963), series, as Gregory Wade - *The Gallant Men* (1962), series, Actor - *Stoney Burke* (1962), series, Actor - *The Alfred Hitchcock Hour* (1962), series, as Skip Baxter, Daniel Dana - *Sam Benedict* (1962), series, Actor - *Straightaway* (1961), series, Actor - *Ben Casey* (1961), series, Actor - *Bus Stop* (1961), series, Actor - *Target: The Corruptors!* (1961), series, Actor - *The Asphalt Jungle* (1961), series, as Ty - *Route 66* (1960), series, Actor - *The Detectives* (1959), series, as Johnny Blaine - *77 Sunset Strip* (1958), series, Actor - *Naked City* (1958), series, Actor - *Perry Mason* (1957), series, as Cal Leonard - *Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre* (1956), series, as Juanito - *Gunsmoke* (1955), series, as Park ## Gallery - ![Michael Parks](https://film.one/media/person/9088/gallery-4850980cd4ff.jpg) Michael Parks — NBC Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/80/Michael_Parks_Then_Came_Bronson_1969.JPG?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Michael Parks in a promotional photograph for the 1977 ABC Television film Murder at the World Series](https://film.one/media/person/9088/gallery-06f6cde2ed14.jpg) Michael Parks in a promotional photograph for the 1977 ABC Television film Murder at the World Series — ABC Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/39/Michael_Parks_in_Murder_at_the_World_Series_1977_ABC_Press_Photograph_%28Black_%26_White%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Theatrical poster for John Huston's films The Bible: In the Beginning (1966), posted by a user on LucyWho.com.](https://film.one/media/person/9088/gallery-d48c0c00cd33.jpg) Theatrical poster for John Huston's films The Bible: In the Beginning (1966), posted by a user on LucyWho.com. — Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/93/The_Bible..._In_the_Beginning_theatrical_poster.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Michael Parks](https://film.one/media/person/9088/gallery-440b17506338.jpg) Michael Parks — Image via TMDB - ![Michael Parks](https://film.one/media/person/9088/gallery-3835de20492a.jpg) Michael Parks — Image via TMDB - ![Michael Parks](https://film.one/media/person/9088/gallery-398972356c8f.jpg) Michael Parks — Image via TMDB - ![Michael Parks](https://film.one/media/person/9088/gallery-77d5a9e9ff0e.jpg) Michael Parks — Image via TMDB - ![Michael Parks](https://film.one/media/person/9088/gallery-a75ce85775ae.jpg) Michael Parks — Image via TMDB ## Awards ### Other awards — 1 won - Sitges Film Festival Best Actor award 2011: Sitges Film Festival Best Actor award (won), for *Red State* *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-parks