--- name: "Richard Jenkins" canonical: "https://film.one/person/richard-jenkins" fi1m_id: "richard-jenkins" imdb_id: "nm0420955" tmdb_id: 28633 wikidata_id: "Q313043" roles: ["Actor"] born: "4 May 1947" reviewed_on_fi1m: 19 average_fi1m_score: 71 average_as: "actor" average_over: 19 updated: "2026-10-05T14:17:42.865734+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." --- # Richard Jenkins ## Identity Richard Jenkins - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/richard-jenkins - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** richard-jenkins - **IMDb ID:** nm0420955 - **TMDB ID:** 28633 - **Wikidata ID:** Q313043 - **Same entity:** https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313043, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0420955/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/28633 Actor. Born 4 May 1947 in DeKalb, Illinois, USA. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 4 May 1947, DeKalb, Illinois, USA - **Active:** 1986–present - **Also known as:** Ричард Дженкинс, Richard Dale Jenkins, Ρίτσαρντ Τζένκινς, 李察·傑金斯 - **Frequently works with:** [Frances McDormand](https://film.one/person/frances-mcdormand.md), [Brad Pitt](https://film.one/person/brad-pitt.md), [Ethan Coen](https://film.one/person/ethan-coen.md), [Guillermo del Toro](https://film.one/person/guillermo-del-toro.md), [Jack Nicholson](https://film.one/person/jack-nicholson.md), [James Gandolfini](https://film.one/person/james-gandolfini.md), [J. Miles Dale](https://film.one/person/j-miles-dale.md), [Joel Coen](https://film.one/person/joel-coen.md) - **Primetime Emmy Awards:** 1 Emmy (1 won) - **Average Fi1m score:** 71, as actor, over 19 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 79 (3), 1990s 60 (1), 2000s 72 (4), 2010s 75 (7), 2020s 63 (4) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 72 to 69 across 17 titles - **Score spread:** 6 at 80+, 9 at 60–79, 4 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 2 of 16 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Drama 13, Comedy 8, Crime 6, Fantasy 4, Horror 4, Romance 3 - **Screen time:** 28 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $1,856m across 15 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313043, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0420955/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/28633 ## Streaming the US now - **HBO Max:** [*Six Feet Under*](https://film.one/tv/six-feet-under.md) (86), [*Olive Kitteridge*](https://film.one/tv/olive-kitteridge.md) (84), [*The Shape of Water*](https://film.one/film/the-shape-of-water.md) (83), [*The Cabin in the Woods*](https://film.one/film/the-cabin-in-the-woods.md) (80), [*DTF St. Louis*](https://film.one/tv/dtf-st-louis.md) (78) - **Tubi:** [*The Witches of Eastwick*](https://film.one/film/the-witches-of-eastwick.md) (73), [*Wolf*](https://film.one/film/wolf.md) (60) - **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Killing Them Softly*](https://film.one/film/killing-them-softly.md) (68), [*Fun with Dick and Jane*](https://film.one/film/fun-with-dick-and-jane.md) (50) - **AMC+:** [*Bone Tomahawk*](https://film.one/film/bone-tomahawk.md) (78) - **Netflix:** [*DAHMER - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story*](https://film.one/tv/dahmer-monster-the-jeffrey-dahmer-story.md) (51) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Richard Jenkins > Richard Jenkins makes mild manners interesting, using small gestures to show the strain beneath his characters’ composure. We value his comic timing as much as his restraint; he gives an ensemble someone worth watching without demanding its attention. Richard Jenkins often plays the man who seems least likely to make a fuss. His fathers and officials keep themselves under control, with small gestures suggesting how much effort that takes. As Nathaniel Fisher in *Six Feet Under* (2001), he is part of the sharp ensemble acting that makes an exhausting family worth staying with. We were moved by the Fishers because the comedy never made their grief seem less serious. The programme can brood for too long, but Jenkins’s restrained way of revealing feeling is well suited to it. *The Visitor* (2007) brought that approach to a first major lead after years of supporting work in film and television. His Walter Vale is a lonely professor whose life changes after befriending immigrants, a part well suited to an actor who makes vulnerability seem reluctant. Leading parts did not mean abandoning supporting work. He later played Henry Kitteridge in *Olive Kitteridge* (2014) and took the supporting role of Giles in *The Shape of Water* (2017). That control is useful to comedy, too. Jenkins can play a tightly contained character and let him unravel, and *Step Brothers* (2008) belongs alongside the quieter dramatic work when considering what he does well. The Coen brothers, the Farrelly brothers and Guillermo del Toro have all worked with him repeatedly. His comic timing deserves as much attention as his ability to suggest feeling without making a speech about it. In Steven Conrad’s *DTF St. Louis* (2026), Jenkins plays Donoghue Homer in a suburban murder mystery worth watching with reservations. The awkward friendships are the attraction, and the comedy has enough bite to keep us interested when the pace slackens. The investigation is less compelling. We would go to it for those exchanges, with patience for a case that does not grip as it should. ## Biography Richard Jenkins is an American actor born on 4 May 1947 in DeKalb, Illinois. He began his career in theatre with the Trinity Repertory Company and made his screen debut in 1974. He has appeared in more than 100 film and television productions, primarily in supporting roles. Jenkins gained wider recognition for his portrayal of Nathaniel Fisher in the HBO series *Six Feet Under* (2001–2005). He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for *The Visitor* (2007) and a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for *The Shape of Water* (2017). He won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for *Olive Kitteridge* (2014). In 2026 he played Detective Donoghue Homer in the HBO limited series *DTF St. Louis*, for which he received an Emmy nomination. *Sources: latimes.com, variety.com, en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.* ## On Fi1m (19) - *DTF St. Louis* (2026), Fi1m 78, as Donoghue Homer — [page](https://film.one/tv/dtf-st-louis.md) - *IF* (2024), Fi1m 56, as Art Teacher (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/if.md) - *DAHMER - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story* (2022), Fi1m 51, as Lionel Dahmer — [page](https://film.one/tv/dahmer-monster-the-jeffrey-dahmer-story.md) - *Nightmare Alley* (2021), Fi1m 66, as Ezra Grindle — [page](https://film.one/film/nightmare-alley-2021.md) - *Kong: Skull Island* (2017), Fi1m 71, as Senator Al Willis — [page](https://film.one/film/kong-skull-island.md) - *The Shape of Water* (2017), Fi1m 83, as Giles — [page](https://film.one/film/the-shape-of-water.md) - *Bone Tomahawk* (2015), Fi1m 78, as Chicory — [page](https://film.one/film/bone-tomahawk.md) - *Olive Kitteridge* (2014), Fi1m 84, as Henry Kitteridge — [page](https://film.one/tv/olive-kitteridge.md) - *Killing Them Softly* (2012), Fi1m 68, as Driver — [page](https://film.one/film/killing-them-softly.md) - *The Cabin in the Woods* (2012), Fi1m 80, as Richard Sitterson — [page](https://film.one/film/the-cabin-in-the-woods.md) - *The Rum Diary* (2011), Fi1m 58, as Lotterman — [page](https://film.one/film/the-rum-diary.md) - *Burn After Reading* (2008), Fi1m 72, as Ted — [page](https://film.one/film/burn-after-reading.md) - *Fun with Dick and Jane* (2005), Fi1m 50, as Frank Bascombe — [page](https://film.one/film/fun-with-dick-and-jane.md) - *Six Feet Under* (2001), Fi1m 86, as Nathaniel Fisher — [page](https://film.one/tv/six-feet-under.md) - *The Man Who Wasn't There* (2001), Fi1m 81, as Walter Abundas — [page](https://film.one/film/the-man-who-wasnt-there.md) - *Wolf* (1994), Fi1m 60, as Detective Carl Bridger — [page](https://film.one/film/wolf.md) - *Sea of Love* (1989), Fi1m 75, as Gruber — [page](https://film.one/film/sea-of-love.md) - *The Witches of Eastwick* (1987), Fi1m 73, as Clyde Alden — [page](https://film.one/film/the-witches-of-eastwick.md) - *Hannah and Her Sisters* (1986), Fi1m 88, as Dr. Wilkes — [page](https://film.one/film/hannah-and-her-sisters.md) ## Complete filmography (115) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *DTF St. Louis* (2026), series, as Donoghue Homer — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/dtf-st-louis.md) - *IF* (2024), as Art Teacher (voice) — Fi1m 56, [page](https://film.one/film/if.md) - *DAHMER - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story* (2022), series, as Lionel Dahmer · Producer — Fi1m 51, [page](https://film.one/tv/dahmer-monster-the-jeffrey-dahmer-story.md) - *Nightmare Alley* (2021), as Ezra Grindle — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/film/nightmare-alley-2021.md) - *The Humans* (2021), as Erik - *Kajillionaire* (2020), as Robert - *The Last Shift* (2020), as Stanley - *The Shape of Water* (2017), as Giles — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/the-shape-of-water.md) - *LBJ* (2017), as Sen. Richard Russell - *Kong: Skull Island* (2017), as Senator Al Willis — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/film/kong-skull-island.md) - *Berlin Station* (2016), series, as Steven Frost - *The Hollars* (2016), as Don Hollar - *Spotlight* (2015), as Richard Sipe (voice) (uncredited) — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/film/spotlight.md) - *Bone Tomahawk* (2015), as Chicory — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/bone-tomahawk.md) - *Olive Kitteridge* (2014), series, as Henry Kitteridge — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/olive-kitteridge.md) - *Lullaby* (2014), as Robert - *4 Minute Mile* (2014), as Coleman - *God's Pocket* (2014), as Richard Shelburn - *A.C.O.D.* (2013), as Hugh - *Turbo* (2013), as Bobby (voice) - *White House Down* (2013), as Raphelson - *Jack Reacher* (2012), as D.A. Alex Rodin - *The Company You Keep* (2012), as Jed Lewis - *Liberal Arts* (2012), as Professor Peter Hoberg - *Killing Them Softly* (2012), as Driver — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/film/killing-them-softly.md) - *Darling Companion* (2012), as Russell - *The Cabin in the Woods* (2012), as Richard Sitterson — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/the-cabin-in-the-woods.md) - *The Rum Diary* (2011), as Lotterman — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/the-rum-diary.md) - *Friends with Benefits* (2011), as Mr. Harper - *Happythankyoumoreplease* (2011), as Paul Gertmanian - *Hall Pass* (2011), as Coakley - *Let Me In* (2010), as The Father - *Eat Pray Love* (2010), as Richard, Richard from Texas - *Norman* (2010), as Doug Long - *Waiting for Forever* (2010), as Richard Twist - *Dear John* (2010), as Mr. Tyree - *The Tale of Despereaux* (2008), as Principal (voice) - *The Broken* (2008), as John McVey - *Burn After Reading* (2008), as Ted — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/burn-after-reading.md) - *Step Brothers* (2008), as Dr. Robert Doback - *The Visitor* (2008), as Prof. Walter Vale - *The Kingdom* (2007), as Robert Grace - *Rumor Has It...* (2005), as Earl Huttinger - *Fun with Dick and Jane* (2005), as Frank Bascombe — Fi1m 50, [page](https://film.one/film/fun-with-dick-and-jane.md) - *North Country* (2005), as Hank Aimes - *Shall We Dance?* (2004), as Devine - *I ♥ Huckabees* (2004), as Mr. Hooten (uncredited) - *Cheaper by the Dozen* (2003), as Shake - *Intolerable Cruelty* (2003), as Freddy Bender - *The Core* (2003), as Gen. Thomas Purcell - *The Mudge Boy* (2003), as Edgar Mudge - *Stealing Harvard* (2002), as Honorable Judge Emmett Cook - *Changing Lanes* (2002), as Walter Arnell - *Sins of the Father* (2002), as Bobby Frank Cherry - *The Man Who Wasn't There* (2001), as Walter Abundas — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/the-man-who-wasnt-there.md) - *Six Feet Under* (2001), series, as Nathaniel Fisher — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/six-feet-under.md) - *One Night at McCool's* (2001), as Father Jimmy - *Say It Isn't So* (2001), as Walter Wingfield - *Me, Myself & Irene* (2000), as Agent Boshane - *What Planet Are You From?* (2000), as Don Fisk - *Snow Falling on Cedars* (1999), as Sheriff Art Moran - *Random Hearts* (1999), as Truman Trainor - *Outside Providence* (1999), as Barney - *The Mod Squad* (1999), as Det. Bob Mothershed - *The Confession* (1999), as Cass O'Donnell - *The Impostors* (1998), as Johnny Leguard (Frenchman) - *There's Something About Mary* (1998), as Psychiatrist (uncredited) — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/theres-something-about-mary.md) - *Into Thin Air: Death on Everest* (1997), as Beck Weathers - *Eye of God* (1997), as Willard Sprague - *Ally McBeal* (1997), series, as Mr. Bo — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/tv/ally-mcbeal.md) - *Absolute Power* (1997), as Michael McCarty - *Eddie* (1996), as Carl Zimmer - *Flirting with Disaster* (1996), as Paul Harmon - *A Couch in New York* (1996), as Campton - *The Boys Next Door* (1996), as Bob Klemper - *How to Make an American Quilt* (1995), as Howell - *The Indian in the Cupboard* (1995), as Victor - *Trapped in Paradise* (1994), as Agent Shaddus Peyser - *It Could Happen to You* (1994), as C. Vernon Hale - *Wolf* (1994), as Detective Carl Bridger — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/wolf.md) - *Getting Out* (1994), as Chaplain - *And the Band Played On* (1993), as Dr. Marc Conant - *Undercover Blues* (1993), as Frank - *Alex Haley's Queen* (1993), series, as Mr. Benson - *Afterburn* (1992), as Acton Ryder - *Carolina Skeletons* (1991), as Redy - *Doublecrossed* (1991), Actor - *The Perfect Tribute* (1991), as Blair - *Descending Angel* (1990), as Debaudt - *When You Remember Me* (1990), as Vaughan - *Rising Son* (1990), as Tommy - *Blue Steel* (1990), as Attorney Mel Dawson - *Challenger* (1990), as Gregory B. Jarvis - *Blaze* (1989), as Picayune - *Kojak: Fatal Flaw* (1989), as Joel Litkin - *Sea of Love* (1989), as Gruber — Fi1m 75, [page](https://film.one/film/sea-of-love.md) - *How I Got Into College* (1989), as Bill Browne - *Out on the Edge* (1989), as Paul Evetts - *Rachel River* (1989), as Cordell - *In the Line of Duty: The F.B.I. Murders* (1988), as Detective Hamill - *Stealing Home* (1988), as Hank Chandler - *Little Nikita* (1988), as Richard Grant - *The Witches of Eastwick* (1987), as Clyde Alden — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/film/the-witches-of-eastwick.md) - *Courtship* (1987), as Bobby Pate - *The Manhattan Project* (1986), as Radiation Controls Officer - *On Valentine's Day* (1986), as Bobby Pate - *The Tender Age* (1986), as Roger Davis - *Hannah and Her Sisters* (1986), as Dr. Wilkes — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/film/hannah-and-her-sisters.md) - *Silverado* (1985), as Kelly - *Miami Vice* (1984), series, as DEA Agent Ed Waters, Goodman — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/miami-vice.md) - *Parole* (1982), as 1st Cop - *American Playhouse* (1982), series, as Roger Davis - *Feasting with Panthers* (1974), as Warder - *Great Performances* (1971), series, as Warder, Sheriff - *Criminal*, series, as Ivan ## Gallery - ![Richard Jenkins](https://film.one/media/person/22614/gallery-9b78699bf841.jpg) Richard Jenkins — Image via TMDB - ![Richard Jenkins](https://film.one/media/person/22614/gallery-eb6493e3866d.jpg) Richard Jenkins — Image via TMDB - ![Richard Jenkins](https://film.one/media/person/22614/gallery-b9a59a0cc4e2.jpg) Richard Jenkins — Image via TMDB - ![Richard Jenkins](https://film.one/media/person/22614/gallery-18d662eb0b66.jpg) Richard Jenkins — Image via TMDB - ![Richard Jenkins](https://film.one/media/person/22614/gallery-d53f6a6a70cb.jpg) Richard Jenkins — Image via TMDB - ![Richard Jenkins](https://film.one/media/person/22614/gallery-efd8fec39b7b.jpg) Richard Jenkins — Image via TMDB ## Awards ### Academy Awards — 0 won, 2 nominated - 2018: Best Supporting Actor (nominated), for *The Shape of Water* - 2009: Best Actor (nominated), for *The Visitor* ### Golden Globes — 0 won, 1 nominated - 2023: Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film (nominated), for *Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story* ### Primetime Emmy Awards — 1 won - 2015: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie (won), for *Olive Kitteridge* ### SAG Awards — 0 won, 2 nominated - 2009: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role (nominated), for *The Visitor* - 2002: Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (nominated), for *Six Feet Under* ### Other awards — 1 won, 3 nominated - Independent Spirit Awards 2009: Best Male Lead (nominated), for *The Visitor* - Critics' Choice Awards 2008: Best Actor (nominated), for *The Visitor* - Satellite Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture 2008: Satellite Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture (won), for *The Visitor* - Independent Spirit Awards 1997: Best Supporting Male (nominated), for *Flirting with Disaster* *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/richard-jenkins