--- name: "Terry O'Quinn" canonical: "https://film.one/person/terry-oquinn" fi1m_id: "terry-oquinn" imdb_id: "nm0642368" tmdb_id: 12646 wikidata_id: "Q271637" roles: ["Actor"] born: "15 July 1952" reviewed_on_fi1m: 8 average_fi1m_score: 75 average_as: "actor" average_over: 8 updated: "2026-10-05T01:26:21.785644+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." --- # Terry O'Quinn ## Identity Terry O'Quinn - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/terry-oquinn - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** terry-oquinn - **IMDb ID:** nm0642368 - **TMDB ID:** 12646 - **Wikidata ID:** Q271637 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_O%27Quinn, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q271637, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0642368/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/12646 Actor. Born 15 July 1952 in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, USA. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 15 July 1952, Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, USA - **Active:** 1980–present - **Also known as:** Terence Quinn, Terrance Quinn , Terrance K. O'Quinn , Terrance O'Quinn, Terry O’Quinn, Terrance Kevin Quinn, Терри О’Куинн - **Primetime Emmy Awards:** 1 Emmy (1 won) - **Average Fi1m score:** 75, as actor, over 8 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 80 (3), 1990s 75 (3), 2000s 81 (1), 2020s 55 (1) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 73 to 67 across 6 titles - **Score spread:** 4 at 80+, 3 at 60–79, 1 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 0 of 6 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Drama 7, Mystery 5, Crime 4, Thriller 2, Action & Adventure 1, Comedy 1 - **Screen time:** 10 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $330m across 4 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_O%27Quinn, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q271637, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0642368/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/12646 ## Streaming the US now - **Disney+:** [*Moonlighting*](https://film.one/tv/moonlighting.md) (82), [*Lost*](https://film.one/tv/lost.md) (81) - **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Places in the Heart*](https://film.one/film/places-in-the-heart.md) (80), [*The X-Files*](https://film.one/film/the-x-files-1998.md) (64) - **Apple TV:** [*Primal Fear*](https://film.one/film/primal-fear.md) (71) - **Netflix:** [*PIECES OF HER*](https://film.one/tv/pieces-of-her.md) (55) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Terry O'Quinn > Terry O'Quinn makes determined men worth watching by allowing their vulnerability to show without making them seem harmless. We rate him particularly highly in *Lost*, where John Locke's need for faith makes the mysteries worth caring about. John Locke's faith in *Lost* (2004) is compelling partly because Terry O'Quinn does not make conviction look comfortable. There is vulnerability in this determined man, and enough menace to prevent easy affection. We were moved by Locke's need to believe, because O'Quinn makes it feel difficult and personal rather than merely useful to a mystery plot. This is the work we rate him for: giving a character reasons to matter while the series keeps its answers back. The lead in *The Stepfather* (1987), as a deranged family man, gave that capacity for menace an early outlet. Supporting film work included Howard Hughes in *The Rocketeer* (1991), before television became increasingly important. Continuing roles included Peter Watts in Chris Carter's *Millennium* (1996). His association with J.J. Abrams took him through *Alias* to *Lost*, where Locke became the defining role of his later career. That move gave his ability to sustain an enigmatic character considerably more room to work. We rate *Lost* for making its strangers worth caring about, even when the storytelling wanders. O'Quinn's particular contribution is to make belief feel like something a person needs, with all the uncertainty that brings. Locke can be difficult to understand without losing the vulnerability that makes us want to understand him. The reservation is with the writing: its repeated postponement of answers can become wearing, and even this cast cannot make every delay rewarding. His performance gives us a reason to stay interested during the stretches when the plotting becomes less persuasive. Later television work includes *Patriot* (2015–2018), while supporting and ensemble parts remain central to how we think of him. We would welcome another substantial lead, especially one that lets him be vulnerable without first requiring him to be mysterious. Start with *Lost*, with the warning that its actors sometimes give more generously than its writers. ## Biography Terry O'Quinn is an American actor. Born Terrance Quinn on 15 July 1952 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, he trained at Central Michigan University and the University of Iowa before beginning his career in regional theatre, including several years at Baltimore's Center Stage. He is best known for his Emmy Award-winning performance as John Locke in the television series *Lost* (2004–2010). Other prominent roles include Peter Watts in *Millennium* (1996–1999), Commander Joe White in *Hawaii Five-0* (2011–2018) and Tom Tavner in *Patriot* (2015–2018). His film credits include *The Stepfather* (1987), *Tombstone* (1993) and *Primal Fear* (1996). *Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.* ## On Fi1m (8) - *PIECES OF HER* (2022), Fi1m 55, as Martin Queller — [page](https://film.one/tv/pieces-of-her.md) - *Lost* (2004), Fi1m 81, as John Locke — [page](https://film.one/tv/lost.md) - *The X-Files* (1998), Fi1m 64, as Michaud — [page](https://film.one/film/the-x-files-1998.md) - *Primal Fear* (1996), Fi1m 71, as Yancy — [page](https://film.one/film/primal-fear.md) - *Homicide: Life on the Street* (1993), Fi1m 89, as Bailey Lafeld — [page](https://film.one/tv/homicide-life-on-the-street.md) - *Moonlighting* (1985), Fi1m 82, as Bryant Wilbourne — [page](https://film.one/tv/moonlighting.md) - *Places in the Heart* (1984), Fi1m 80, as Buddy Kelsey — [page](https://film.one/film/places-in-the-heart.md) - *Heaven's Gate* (1980), Fi1m 79, as Captain Minardi — [page](https://film.one/film/heavens-gate.md) ## Complete filmography (120) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *Unsung Hero* (2024), as Grandpa James - *The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live* (2024), series, as Major General Johnathan Beale - *LOST: Circle* (2023), series, as John Locke - *PIECES OF HER* (2022), series, as Martin Queller — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/tv/pieces-of-her.md) - *Christmas Sail* (2021), as Dennis - *Ultra City Smiths* (2021), series, as Captain Krieger (voice) - *Resident Alien* (2021), series, as Peter Bach, Peter Bach (voice) - *FBI: Most Wanted* (2020), series, as Byron LaCroix - *Emergence* (2019), series, as Richard Kindred - *Perpetual Grace LTD* (2019), series, as Wesley Walker - *Castle Rock* (2018), series, as Dale Lacy - *The Blacklist: Redemption* (2017), series, as Howard Hargrave - *New Life* (2016), as Dr. Philip Sumrall - *Patriot* (2015), series, as Tom Tavner - *Secrets and Lies* (2015), series, as John Warner - *Gang Related* (2014), series, as Sam Chapel - *Full Circle* (2013), series, as Jimmy Parerra - *Ring of Fire* (2012), series, as Oliver Booth - *666 Park Avenue* (2012), series, as Gavin Doran - *Taken from Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story* (2011), as Mark Miller - *Hawaii Five-0* (2010), series, as Joe White — Fi1m 65, [page](https://film.one/tv/hawaii-five-0.md) - *Masters of Science Fiction* (2007), series, Actor - *Lost* (2004), series, as John Locke — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/lost.md) - *Phenomenon II* (2003), Actor - *NCIS* (2003), series, as Will Ryan — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/tv/ncis.md) - *Old School* (2003), as Goldberg (uncredited) — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/old-school.md) - *The Locket* (2002), as Casey Keddington - *Town Diary* (2002), Actor - *Hometown Legend* (2002), as Buster Schuler - *First Monday* (2002), series, Actor - *Alias* (2001), series, as Kendall — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/alias.md) - *Law & Order: Criminal Intent* (2001), series, as Gordon Buchanan - *American Outlaws* (2001), as Rollin H. Parker - *WW3* (2001), as Eric Farrell - *Semper Fi* (2001), as Cliff's Father - *Rated X* (2000), as J.R. Mitchell - *Harsh Realm* (1999), series, Actor - *Roswell* (1999), series, as Carl - *The West Wing* (1999), series, as Nicholas Alexander — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-west-wing.md) - *Murder in a Small Town* (1999), as Sidney Lassiter - *The X-Files* (1998), as Michaud — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/the-x-files-1998.md) - *Breast Men* (1997), as Hersch Lawyer - *My Stepson, My Lover* (1997), as Richard Cory - *On the Edge of Innocence* (1997), as David Walker - *Shadow Conspiracy* (1997), as Frank Ridell - *Ghosts of Mississippi* (1996), as Judge Hilburn - *Millennium* (1996), series, as Peter Watts - *Primal Fear* (1996), as Yancy — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/film/primal-fear.md) - *JAG* (1995), series, as Admiral Thomas Boone, Thomas Boone - *The Client* (1995), series, as Bert Halliwell - *Ray Alexander: A Menu for Murder* (1995), as Frank Darnell - *Shadow Warriors* (1995), as Dr. Connors - *Earth 2* (1994), series, as Reilly - *Lipstick Camera* (1994), as Raymond Miller - *A Friend to Die For* (1994), as Ed Saxe - *Justice in a Small Town* (1994), as Harris Wiley - *Don't Talk to Strangers* (1994), as Bonner - *Heart of a Child* (1994), as Gordon Holc - *MacShayne: Winner Takes All* (1994), as Danny Leggett - *Tombstone* (1993), as Mayor Clum - *Diagnosis: Murder* (1993), series, as Ronald Trent - *The X-Files* (1993), series, as Lt. Brian Tillman, Shadow Man — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-x-files.md) - *Amityville: A New Generation* (1993), as Detective Clark - *Visions of Murder* (1993), as Adm. Truman Hager - *Born Too Soon* (1993), as Dr. Friedman - *Homicide: Life on the Street* (1993), series, as Bailey Lafeld — Fi1m 89, [page](https://film.one/tv/homicide-life-on-the-street.md) - *The Good Fight* (1992), as Henry Cragin - *Wild Card* (1992), as Barlow - *My Samurai* (1992), Actor - *Sexual Advances* (1992), as Cliff Ripley - *Trial: The Price of Passion* (1992), as Bob Altschuler - *Deliver Them from Evil: The Taking of Alta View* (1992), as Sergeant Don Bell - *The Cutting Edge* (1992), as Jack Moseley - *Company Business* (1991), as Colonel Pierce Grissom - *The Rocketeer* (1991), as Howard Hughes - *Shoot First: A Cop's Vengeance* (1991), as Sergeant Nicholas - *Son of the Morning Star* (1991), series, as Gen. Alfred Terry - *The Last to Go* (1991), as Daniel - *Kaleidoscope* (1990), as Henry - *Blood Oath* (1990), as Major Beckett - *Perry Mason: The Case of the Desperate Deception* (1990), as Curt Mitchell - *Stepfather 2* (1989), as Dr. Gene Clifford / Jerry Blake - *The Forgotten One* (1989), as Bob Anderson - *Blind Fury* (1989), as Frank Devereaux - *Tales from the Crypt* (1989), series, as Inspector Martin Zeller - *Roe vs. Wade* (1989), as Jay Floyd - *Guts and Glory: The Rise and Fall of Oliver North* (1989), as Aaron Sykes - *Pin* (1988), as Dr. Frank Linden - *Young Guns* (1988), as Alex McSween - *Stranger on My Land* (1988), as Connie Priest - *The Jogger* (1988), as Jerry - *Star Trek: The Next Generation* (1987), series, as Admiral Eric Pressman — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/star-trek-the-next-generation.md) - *Jake and the Fatman* (1987), series, as Vincent Novak - *A Year in the Life* (1987), series, as Keith - *When the Time Comes* (1987), as Wes Travis - *Black Widow* (1987), as Bruce - *The Stepfather* (1987), as Jerry Blake - *At Mother's Request* (1987), series, as Joel Campbell - *Women of Valor* (1986), as Maj. Tom Patterson - *L.A. Law* (1986), series, as Nick Moats - *SpaceCamp* (1986), as Launch Director - *Between Two Women* (1986), as Dr. Wallace - *Matlock* (1986), series, Actor - *Silver Bullet* (1985), as Sheriff Joe Haller - *The Twilight Zone* (1985), series, as Curt Lockridge (segment "Chameleon") - *Right to Kill?* (1985), as Jim Barrett - *An Early Frost* (1985), as Dr. Redding - *Moonlighting* (1985), series, as Bryant Wilbourne — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/moonlighting.md) - *Mischief* (1985), as Claude Harbrough - *Mrs. Soffel* (1984), as Detective Buck McGovern - *Miami Vice* (1984), series, as Richard Cain — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/miami-vice.md) - *Places in the Heart* (1984), as Buddy Kelsey — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/places-in-the-heart.md) - *All the Right Moves* (1983), as Freeman Smith - *Jacobo Timerman: Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number* (1983), as Colonel Thomas Rhodes - *Without a Trace* (1983), as Parent - *Remington Steele* (1982), series, as Chuck McBride - *Heaven's Gate* (1980), as Captain Minardi — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/film/heavens-gate.md) - *F.D.R.: The Last Year* (1980), as James Roosevelt - *Tales of the Unexpected* (1979), series, as Cop - *Hallmark Hall of Fame* (1951), series, as Michael Keddington's Abusive Father ## Gallery - ![Terry O'Quinn](https://film.one/media/person/100801/gallery-aabed1503ad9.jpg) Terry O'Quinn — THMS.nl, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/Terry_O%27Quinn_%282%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![DSC_5536 (2010)](https://film.one/media/person/100801/gallery-9552a5b7bccd.jpg) DSC_5536 (2010) — Genevieve, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cf/DSC_5536_%284394506414%29.jpg/1280px-DSC_5536_%284394506414%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![DSC_5545 (2010)](https://film.one/media/person/100801/gallery-8b1b730c52ef.jpg) DSC_5545 (2010) — Genevieve, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b5/DSC_5545_%284393761291%29.jpg/1280px-DSC_5545_%284393761291%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![DSC_5560 (2010)](https://film.one/media/person/100801/gallery-dc4d55ff886f.jpg) DSC_5560 (2010) — Genevieve, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9a/DSC_5560_%284393772359%29.jpg/1280px-DSC_5560_%284393772359%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Terry O'Quinn](https://film.one/media/person/100801/gallery-31c4efba4c7f.jpg) Terry O'Quinn — Image via TMDB - ![Terry O'Quinn](https://film.one/media/person/100801/gallery-0c030b3e0a05.jpg) Terry O'Quinn — Image via TMDB - ![Terry O'Quinn](https://film.one/media/person/100801/gallery-a9efa148fe03.jpg) Terry O'Quinn — Image via TMDB - ![DSC_5561 (2010)](https://film.one/media/person/100801/gallery-2ec4a09e67a0.jpg) DSC_5561 (2010) — Genevieve, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8b/DSC_5561_%284394540464%29.jpg/1280px-DSC_5561_%284394540464%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![DSC_5582 (2010)](https://film.one/media/person/100801/gallery-52d2f2446265.jpg) DSC_5582 (2010) — Genevieve, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/40/DSC_5582_%284394556974%29.jpg/1280px-DSC_5582_%284394556974%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Terry O'Quinn](https://film.one/media/person/100801/gallery-da03f131f0ac.jpg) Terry O'Quinn — Image via TMDB - ![Terry O'Quinn](https://film.one/media/person/100801/gallery-232d4b31c1cb.jpg) Terry O'Quinn — Image via TMDB - ![Terry O'Quinn](https://film.one/media/person/100801/gallery-7f923ee2817e.jpg) Terry O'Quinn — Image via TMDB ## Awards ### Primetime Emmy Awards — 1 won - 2007: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (won), for *Lost* *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/terry-oquinn