--- name: "Richard Portnow" canonical: "https://film.one/person/richard-portnow" fi1m_id: "richard-portnow" imdb_id: "nm0692466" tmdb_id: 4255 wikidata_id: "Q3361195" roles: ["Actor"] born: "26 January 1947" reviewed_on_fi1m: 11 average_fi1m_score: 70 average_as: "actor" average_over: 10 updated: "2026-10-04T22:05:43.478051+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 Portnow ## Identity Richard Portnow - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/richard-portnow - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** richard-portnow - **IMDb ID:** nm0692466 - **TMDB ID:** 4255 - **Wikidata ID:** Q3361195 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Portnow, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3361195, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0692466/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/4255 Actor. Born 26 January 1947 in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 26 January 1947, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA - **Active:** 1987–2015 - **Titles on Fi1m:** 11: 10 acting, 1 other - **Average Fi1m score:** 70, as actor, over 10 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 71 (3), 1990s 72 (6), 2010s 56 (2) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 70 to 63 across 9 titles - **Score spread:** 3 at 80+, 5 at 60–79, 2 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 0 of 6 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Comedy 7, Drama 6, Romance 2, Crime 1, Music 1, Thriller 1 - **Screen time:** 18 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $974m across 10 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Portnow, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3361195, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0692466/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/4255 ## Streaming the US now - **The Criterion Channel:** [*Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai*](https://film.one/film/ghost-dog-the-way-of-the-samurai.md) (80) - **Disney+:** [*Sister Act*](https://film.one/film/sister-act.md) (78) - **Apple TV:** [*Kindergarten Cop*](https://film.one/film/kindergarten-cop.md) (65) - **Hulu:** [*Hitchcock*](https://film.one/film/hitchcock.md) (55) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Biography Richard Portnow is an American actor. Born on 26 January 1947 in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York, he graduated from Brooklyn College with a degree in speech and theatre. He began his career on stage, appearing in off-Broadway and Broadway productions including *The House of Blue Leaves* and *A Month of Sundays*. Portnow has worked in film and television since 1980, with roles including Detective Mastrionotti in *Barton Fink* (1991) and Handsome Frank in *Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai* (1999). Other credits include *Se7en* (1995) as Dr Beardsley, *Sister Act* (1992) as Willy, *Private Parts* (1997) as Ben Stern, and the recurring role of attorney Harold 'Mel' Melvoin in *The Sopranos* (1999–2007). *Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.* ## On Fi1m (11) ### Performed in (10) — the average rests on these - *Trumbo* (2015), Fi1m 58, as Louis B. Mayer — [page](https://film.one/film/trumbo.md) - *Hitchcock* (2012), Fi1m 55, as Barney Balaban — [page](https://film.one/film/hitchcock.md) - *Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai* (1999), Fi1m 80, as Handsome Frank — [page](https://film.one/film/ghost-dog-the-way-of-the-samurai.md) - *Sister Act* (1992), Fi1m 78, as Willy — [page](https://film.one/film/sister-act.md) - *Barton Fink* (1991), Fi1m 83, as Detective Mastrionotti — [page](https://film.one/film/barton-fink.md) - *Father of the Bride* (1991), Fi1m 65, as Al - the Tux Salesman — [page](https://film.one/film/father-of-the-bride-1991.md) - *Kindergarten Cop* (1990), Fi1m 65, as Captain Salazar — [page](https://film.one/film/kindergarten-cop.md) - *Say Anything...* (1989), Fi1m 81, as Agent Stewart — [page](https://film.one/film/say-anything.md) - *Twins* (1988), Fi1m 64, as Chop Shop Owner — [page](https://film.one/film/twins.md) - *Good Morning, Vietnam* (1987), Fi1m 68, as Dan 'The Man' Levitan — [page](https://film.one/film/good-morning-vietnam.md) ### Also credited (1) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited - *Beethoven* (1992), Fi1m 60, as Ammunition Company Representative (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/beethoven.md) ## Complete filmography (161) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *The Drop: A Snowfall Saga* (2026), series, Actor — Fi1m 65, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-drop-a-snowfall-saga.md) - *Dog Patrol: Operation Santa Paws* (2025), as Oscar Golden - *Sinatra! Eternity* (2025), as Walter Winchell - *Matlock* (2024), series, as Judge Colton P. Davidson - *Roe v. Wade* (2021), as Justice William Douglas - *Stakeout* (2019), as Pat Reed - *Holly Day* (2018), as Benny - *Frank and Ava* (2018), as Walter Winchell - *Higher Power* (2018), as Charles Margrey - *Andover* (2018), as Shamus Trout - *The Gliksmans* (2017), as Tim Neuman - *Timeless* (2016), series, as Mayor William Hale Thompson - *Café Society* (2016), as Walt - *Trumbo* (2015), as Louis B. Mayer — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/trumbo.md) - *Parallel* (2015), as Stewart - *Nanny Cam* (2014), as Detective Jones - *This Last Lonely Place* (2014), as Jason Pure - *Oldboy* (2013), as Bernie Sharkey - *Underdogs* (2013), as John Handon II - *Duke* (2013), as Carroll Green - *In the Dark* (2013), as Detective Archer - *Hitchcock* (2012), as Barney Balaban — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/film/hitchcock.md) - *Elementary* (2012), series, as Eddie Eichorn - *A Night of Nightmares* (2012), as Cliff Tanner - *2 Jacks* (2012), as Lorenzo - *Imaginary Friend* (2012), as Dan - *The Christmas Pageant* (2011), as Leo Brenner - *Grimm* (2011), series, as Daniel Troyer — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/tv/grimm.md) - *Suits* (2011), series, as Pete Kreeling - *Franklin & Bash* (2011), series, as Richard Kohl - *Shameless* (2011), series, as Johnny Boxcars — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/tv/shameless-2011.md) - *Hawaii Five-0* (2010), series, as Creed's Attorney — Fi1m 65, [page](https://film.one/tv/hawaii-five-0.md) - *Outlaw* (2010), series, as Sen. Sidney Vidalin - *The Wish List* (2010), as Lenny - *How to Make It in America* (2010), series, Actor - *Killer by Nature* (2010), as Walter - *Law Abiding Citizen* (2009), as Bill Reynolds - *The Good Wife* (2009), series, as Judge Ben Margovski — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-good-wife.md) - *Life Is Hot in Cracktown* (2009), as Guy from 4 K - *Parks and Recreation* (2009), series, as Mitch Savner — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/tv/parks-and-recreation.md) - *The Minis* (2009), as Jack - *Castle* (2009), series, as Milt Boyle — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/tv/castle.md) - *Under New Management* (2009), as Carmello Conforte - *The Spirit* (2008), as Donenfeld - *Good Time Max* (2008), as Head Administrator - *The Mentalist* (2008), series, as Phil — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-mentalist.md) - *Tinker Bell* (2008), as Minister of Autumn (voice) - *Chasing Robert* (2007), as Ed Thorton - *Perfect Stranger* (2007), as Narron - *Dirt* (2007), series, as Teddy Jick - *The Indian* (2007), as Elliot - *National Lampoon's TV: The Movie* (2006), as Sergeant - *Hannah Montana* (2006), series, as Marty Kline - *Find Me Guilty* (2006), as Max Novardis - *Meet the Mobsters* (2005), as Jerry Kaminski - *Trump Unauthorized* (2005), as Mayor Ed Koch - *Grey's Anatomy* (2005), series, as Saul Schmitt — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/greys-anatomy.md) - *Under the City* (2005), as Minks - *Boston Legal* (2004), series, as Judge Peter Harding — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/tv/boston-legal.md) - *Tony n' Tina's Wedding* (2004), as Vinnie Black - *Cold Case* (2003), series, as Oscar Anderson (2008) - *Las Vegas* (2003), series, as Lester Colette - *Nip/Tuck* (2003), series, as Manny Caldarelo, Manny Caldarello — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/tv/nip-tuck.md) - *Poolhall Junkies* (2002), as Toupee Jay - *The Shield* (2002), series, as Jim Wright — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-shield.md) - *Double Bang* (2001), as Lieutenant Shatkin - *Zigs* (2001), as Arnold Zigman - *Laughter on the 23rd Floor* (2001), as Harry - *The Unscarred* (2000), as Tommy Matolla - *The Ghost of Spoon River* (2000), as Agent Cicarelli - *Happy Accidents* (2000), as Trip - *Fallen Arches* (2000), as Nicky Kaplan - *Witness Protection* (1999), as Niko - *Ryan Caulfield: Year One* (1999), series, Actor - *Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai* (1999), as Handsome Frank — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/ghost-dog-the-way-of-the-samurai.md) - *Judging Amy* (1999), series, as AAG Charles Novotny - *The Substitute 3: Winner Takes All* (1999), as Vincent Lo Russo - *Ballad of the Nightingale* (1999), as Arnie D'Angelo - *Road Kill* (1999), as Charboneau - *The Sopranos* (1999), series, as Attorney Melvoin, Harold 'Mel' Melvoin — Fi1m 94, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-sopranos.md) - *Lured Innocence* (1998), as Jack Shelby - *Postal Worker* (1998), as Dr. Nicolas Brink - *Milo* (1998), as Lieutenant Parker - *Desert Thunder* (1998), as Adm. Le Clair - *Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas* (1998), as Wine Colored Tuxedo - *My Giant* (1998), as Producer - *Shadow of Doubt* (1998), as Marvin Helm - *Guy* (1997), as Al - *Bella Mafia* (1997), as Anthony Moreno - *Mad City* (1997), as Brackett's Agent - *Private Parts* (1997), as Ben Stern - *EZ Streets* (1996), series, as Frank Collero - *Spin City* (1996), series, as Mr. Paterno - *Bogus* (1996), as M. Clay Thrasher - *Donor Unknown* (1995), as Hal Cooney - *JAG* (1995), series, as Sibby Lonegro - *Se7en* (1995), as Dr. Beardsley — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/film/se7en.md) - *Ed McBain's 87th Precinct: Lightning* (1995), as Monaghan - *Man of the House* (1995), as Joey Renda - *S.F.W.* (1995), as Gerald Parsley - *Across the Moon* (1994), as Roy - *Lipstick Camera* (1994), as Detective Vorkopich - *Trial by Jury* (1994), as Leo Greco - *Dragstrip Girl* (1994), as Det. Dryden - *Ray Alexander: A Taste For Justice* (1994), Actor - *The Incredible Life and Times of Robert Ripley Believe It or Not!* (1993), as Robert L. Ripley - *The Nanny* (1993), series, as Phillipe - *Boy Meets World* (1993), series, as Stan - *Dave's World* (1993), series, as Leon - *Based on an Untrue Story* (1993), as Disturbing Caller - *Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman* (1993), series, as Barry Barker - *Night Eyes 3* (1993), as Kaplan - *Heart and Souls* (1993), as Max Marco - *Fallen Angels* (1993), series, as Jack Malkov — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/fallen-angels-1993.md) - *Walker, Texas Ranger* (1993), series, as Irving Rothbart - LaRue's Attorney - *Home Free* (1993), series, as Vic - *There Goes the Neighborhood* (1992), as Marty Rollins - *Mad About You* (1992), series, as Arthur - *Sister Act* (1992), as Willy — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/sister-act.md) - *Beethoven* (1992), as Ammunition Company Representative (uncredited) — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/beethoven.md) - *Father of the Bride* (1991), as Al - the Tux Salesman — Fi1m 65, [page](https://film.one/film/father-of-the-bride-1991.md) - *For the Boys* (1991), as Milt, Recording Studio - *The Commish* (1991), series, as Benny - *The New WKRP in Cincinnati* (1991), series, Actor - *Barton Fink* (1991), as Detective Mastrionotti — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/barton-fink.md) - *Dinosaurs* (1991), series, as Mel Luster (voice) - *Perry Mason: The Case of the Maligned Mobster* (1991), as Dave Barrett - *Kindergarten Cop* (1990), as Captain Salazar — Fi1m 65, [page](https://film.one/film/kindergarten-cop.md) - *Havana* (1990), as Mike MacClaney - *Tune in Tomorrow...* (1990), as Uncle Luke - *Dream On* (1990), series, as Roy - *Chattahoochee* (1990), as Dr. Debner - *Meet the Hollowheads* (1989), as Mr. Crabneck - *Seinfeld* (1989), series, as Ray — Fi1m 90, [page](https://film.one/tv/seinfeld.md) - *Peter Gunn* (1989), as Spiros - *A Deadly Silence* (1989), as D.A. Ed Jablonski - *Say Anything...* (1989), as Agent Stewart — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/say-anything.md) - *Original Sin* (1989), as Vincent - *Twins* (1988), as Chop Shop Owner — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/twins.md) - *Something Is Out There* (1988), series, Actor - *Dear John* (1988), series, as Harry - *In Dangerous Company* (1988), as Kellog - *Good Morning, Vietnam* (1987), as Dan 'The Man' Levitan — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/film/good-morning-vietnam.md) - *Hiding Out* (1987), as Mr. Lessig - *Perry Mason: The Case of the Murdered Madam* (1987), as Harry Long - *Beauty and the Beast* (1987), series, as Naj - *Wiseguy* (1987), series, Actor - *The Oldest Rookie* (1987), series, Actor - *The Squeeze* (1987), as Ruben - *The House of Blue Leaves* (1987), as Billy Einhorn - *Almost Partners* (1987), as Nicky - *Tin Men* (1987), as Carly - *Radio Days* (1987), as Sy - *Wanted: Dead or Alive* (1987), as Agent - *Courage* (1986), as Frankie Ce De Baca - *The Equalizer* (1985), series, as Police Lieutenant, Detective - *Desperately Seeking Susan* (1985), as Party Guest - *Murder, She Wrote* (1984), series, as Walter Pell, Lt. Walt Murphy - *Tales from the Darkside* (1984), series, as Curtis - *Trackdown: Finding the Goodbar Killer* (1983), as Bartender - *American Playhouse* (1982), series, as Billy Einhorn --- © 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-portnow