--- name: "Tracey Walter" canonical: "https://film.one/person/tracey-walter" fi1m_id: "tracey-walter" imdb_id: "nm0910145" tmdb_id: 3801 wikidata_id: "Q1366460" roles: ["Actor"] born: "25 November 1947" reviewed_on_fi1m: 9 average_fi1m_score: 81 average_as: "actor" average_over: 9 updated: "2026-09-24T21:27:46.876241+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." --- # Tracey Walter ## Identity Tracey Walter - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/tracey-walter - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** tracey-walter - **IMDb ID:** nm0910145 - **TMDB ID:** 3801 - **Wikidata ID:** Q1366460 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracey_Walter, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1366460, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0910145/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/3801 Actor. Born 25 November 1947 in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 25 November 1947, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA - **Active:** 1983–2000 - **Also known as:** Tracey Walters - **Frequently works with:** [Jonathan Demme](https://film.one/person/jonathan-demme.md), [Kenneth Utt](https://film.one/person/kenneth-utt.md) - **Average Fi1m score:** 81, as actor, over 9 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 81 (5), 1990s 81 (3), 2000s 78 (1) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 81 to 75 across 9 titles - **Score spread:** 4 at 80+, 5 at 60–79, 0 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 0 of 6 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Crime 5, Comedy 4, Drama 4, Romance 2, Thriller 2, Action 1 - **Screen time:** 17 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $1,378m across 9 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracey_Walter, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1366460, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0910145/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/3801 ## Streaming the US now - **Amazon Prime Video:** [*The Silence of the Lambs*](https://film.one/film/the-silence-of-the-lambs.md) (91), [*City Slickers*](https://film.one/film/city-slickers.md) (76) - **Apple TV:** [*Something Wild*](https://film.one/film/something-wild.md) (82) - **HBO Max:** [*Batman*](https://film.one/film/batman.md) (77) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Tracey Walter > Tracey Walter is the man a few feet from the star: the mechanic, the henchman, the cowboy sidekick who says one odd thing and makes the scene better for it. He has spent a career in supporting parts and has rarely seemed to need anything larger. He is usually somewhere behind the lead. In *Repo Man* (1984) he is Miller, a mechanic given to philosophy, the sort of man other films would cut to for a laugh and then forget. In *Batman* (1989) he is Bob the Goon, the henchman at Jack Nicholson's shoulder. In *City Slickers* (1991) he is Cookie, a sidekick on a comedy cattle drive. None of these is a large part. Each is the one you find yourself describing to a friend after the plot has gone. The career runs the way character careers do. He began small and often uncredited in the early 1970s, in *Serpico* (1973) and *Annie Hall* (1977), and got noticed in the 1980s, first through Nicholson, with whom he worked from *Goin' South* (1978) across nine films, and then through *Repo Man*. Jonathan Demme used him six times between 1986 and 2004, starting with *Something Wild* (1986), where he is the Country Squire, and including *The Silence of the Lambs* (1991), where he is Lamar. Danny DeVito directed him three times between 1996 and 2003. He kept working in supporting parts on film and television until he stopped, around 2016. We recommended *Repo Man* for its performances, and his is the one we think of first. Miller ought to be the film's crank, and Walter plays him without a wink, as a man who has simply arrived at his conclusions and sees no reason to apologise for them. We laughed at him, and somewhere in the middle of the speech we noticed we had started listening, which is the whole trick and very few actors can do it. Alex Cox gives him room; Walter does not waste an inch of it. The cost of being this kind of actor is that he is easy to leave out. In our reviews of *The Silence of the Lambs*, *Something Wild*, *Batman* and *City Slickers* we did not find space to name him, and that is not a complaint about the performances. It is what a few minutes at the edge of a Demme ensemble or a Nicholson turn amounts to on the page. The one reservation his reputation carries is typecasting, the eccentric and the lowlife again and again, and there is something in it. In *Erin Brockovich* (2000) he arrives late as Charles Embry, and our quarrel was with Susannah Grant's script, which needs him to turn up at exactly the right moment, not with him. We will say no more about him than we did then. He once put it this way: "As humbly as I can put it, I've really been blessed with terrific success in films." Most of that success happened a few feet from someone more famous. Watch *Repo Man* for the man himself, and then watch the others and see how long it takes you to spot him. ## Biography Tracey Walter is an American actor. He was born on 25 November 1947 in Jersey City, New Jersey. He grew up there as the son of a truck driver and attended St Anthony's High School. He developed an interest in acting after seeing the off-Broadway play Scuba Duba and studied at the Totem Pole Playhouse under Jean Stapleton. His screen debut came in the 1971 film Ginger. Walter appeared in more than 170 film and television roles over a career spanning several decades. He is known for collaborations with Jack Nicholson, appearing together in nine films beginning with Goin' South (1978). He worked with director Jonathan Demme on six films, including The Silence of the Lambs (1991) and Philadelphia (1993), and with Danny DeVito on Matilda (1996), Death to Smoochy (2002) and Duplex (2003). His role as Miller in Repo Man (1984) earned him a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor. Other credits include Bob the Goon in Batman (1989), an FBI agent in Matilda (1996), a librarian in Philadelphia (1993), Charles Embry in Erin Brockovich (2000), and Ike Stratman in an episode of Criminal Minds (2005). He also appeared in Annie Hall (1977) and Man on the Moon (1999). *Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.* ## On Fi1m (9) - *Erin Brockovich* (2000), Fi1m 78, as Charles Embry — [page](https://film.one/film/erin-brockovich.md) - *Philadelphia* (1993), Fi1m 76, as Librarian — [page](https://film.one/film/philadelphia.md) - *City Slickers* (1991), Fi1m 76, as Cookie — [page](https://film.one/film/city-slickers.md) - *The Silence of the Lambs* (1991), Fi1m 91, as Lamar — [page](https://film.one/film/the-silence-of-the-lambs.md) - *Batman* (1989), Fi1m 77, as Bob the Goon — [page](https://film.one/film/batman.md) - *Midnight Run* (1988), Fi1m 88, as Diner Counter Man — [page](https://film.one/film/midnight-run.md) - *Something Wild* (1986), Fi1m 82, as The Country Squire — [page](https://film.one/film/something-wild.md) - *Repo Man* (1984), Fi1m 83, as Miller — [page](https://film.one/film/repo-man.md) - *Rumble Fish* (1983), Fi1m 77, as Alley Mugger — [page](https://film.one/film/rumble-fish.md) ## Complete filmography (159) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *Middle Man* (2017), as Father Ricky / Lil J - *31* (2016), as Lucky Leo - *Swelter* (2014), as Henry johnson - *Savannah* (2013), as Mathias - *FRED 3: Camp Fred* (2012), as Scary Gary - *Nest of Vipers* (2011), as Grandfather - *Alyce Kills* (2011), as Landlord - *Midnight Son* (2011), as Janitor - *I Spit on Your Grave* (2010), as Earl - *Pickin' and Grinnin'* (2010), as John Johnson - *The Perfect Game* (2009), as Captain Slater - *Trailer Park of Terror* (2008), as Ancient Trucker - *Just Add Water* (2008), as Clem - *Dark Reel* (2008), as Roy White - *Wasting Away* (2007), as Mr. Whicks - *Nobel Son* (2007), as Simon Ahrens - *Man in the Chair* (2007), as Mr. Klein - *The Year Without a Santa Claus* (2006), Actor - *Relative Strangers* (2006), as Toupee Salesman - *One Last Ride* (2006), as Nicky - *Berkeley* (2005), as Doctor - *Criminal Minds* (2005), series, as Ike Stratman — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/tv/criminal-minds.md) - *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia* (2005), series, as Bum - *Family Plan* (2005), as Lou - *Medium* (2005), series, as Walter Durant - *Veronica Mars* (2004), series, as Manager — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/veronica-mars.md) - *The Manchurian Candidate* (2004), as Night Clerk - *The Trail to Hope Rose* (2004), as Doc - *Monster Makers* (2003), as Morley Todd - *Cold Case* (2003), series, as Cotter Doyle (2009) - *Duplex* (2003), as Pharmacy Customer - *Masked and Anonymous* (2003), as Desk Clerk - *Reno 911!* (2003), series, as Sheriff Walter Chechekevitch - *Teen Titans* (2003), series, as Puppet King (voice) - *Manhood* (2003), as Attorney - *Boomtown* (2002), series, as Dwayne - *Ted Bundy* (2002), as Randy Myers - *Monk* (2002), series, as The Professor - *Death to Smoochy* (2002), as Ben Franks - *How High* (2001), as Prof. Wood - *Impostor* (2001), as Mr. Siegel - *Face Value* (2001), as Leon Gates - *Justice League* (2001), series, as Mophir (voice) - *The Man from Elysian Fields* (2001), as Bartender - *Jack the Dog* (2001), as Mortician - *The Division* (2001), series, as Tom Johnson - *Blast* (2000), as Zeke - *Erin Brockovich* (2000), as Charles Embry — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/erin-brockovich.md) - *Drowning Mona* (2000), as Clarence - *Man on the Moon* (1999), as National Enquirer Editor - *Facade* (1999), as Jake - *Mighty Joe Young* (1998), as Conservacy Guard - *Brimstone* (1998), series, as Knapsack - *Beloved* (1998), as Slave Catcher - *L.A. Doctors* (1998), series, as Drug Store Guy - *Desperate Measures* (1998), as Medical Inmate - *Amazing Stories: The Movie III* (1998), as Ezra - *The Devil's Child* (1997), as Doorman - *Playing God* (1997), as Jim - *Kiss the Girls* (1997), as Clerk in Bookstore (uncredited) - *Drive* (1997), as Hedgehog - *Wild America* (1997), as Leon - *Tell Me No Secrets* (1997), as Sean Ferguson - *The Size of Watermelons* (1997), as The Vagrant - *Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story* (1996), as Joe Bennett - *Matilda* (1996), as FBI Agent - *Larger Than Life* (1996), as Wee St. Francis - *Nash Bridges* (1996), series, as Angel - *Amanda* (1996), as Father Reckinger - *Buffalo Girls* (1995), as Jim Ragg - *Destiny Turns on the Radio* (1995), as Pappy - *Fist of the North Star* (1995), as Paul McCarthy - *In the Line of Duty: Kidnapped* (1995), as Oliver Tracy - *Junior* (1994), as Janitor with Information - *The Companion* (1994), as Leo Mirita - *Mona Must Die* (1994), as TV Repairman - *Ride with the Wind* (1994), as Francis - *Philadelphia* (1993), as Librarian — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/film/philadelphia.md) - *Cyborg 2* (1993), as Wild Card - *Sex, Shock & Censorship in the 90's* (1993), as Leonard Eels - *The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.* (1993), series, as Phil Swill - *Amos & Andrew* (1993), as Bloodhound Bob - *Guncrazy* (1992), as Elton - *Melrose Place* (1992), series, as Man at 'Dreamy Pines' - *On the Air* (1992), series, as 'Blinky' Watts - *Liquid Dreams* (1991), as Cecil - *Pacific Station* (1991), series, as Harley - *City Slickers* (1991), as Cookie — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/film/city-slickers.md) - *The Silence of the Lambs* (1991), as Lamar — Fi1m 91, [page](https://film.one/film/the-silence-of-the-lambs.md) - *Not of This World* (1991), as Henry - *Delusion* (1991), as Bus Ticket Cashier - *Public Enemy #2* (1991), as Elton Spoole - *Amazing Stories: The Movie II* (1990), as Blaze - *Pacific Heights* (1990), as Exterminator - *Get a Life* (1990), series, as Ride Operator - *The Two Jakes* (1990), as Tyrone Otley - *Young Guns II* (1990), as Beever Smith - *Wings* (1990), series, as Tucker - *Nasty Boys* (1990), series, Actor - *Alien Nation* (1989), series, as Tom Mulden - *Homer and Eddie* (1989), as Tommy Dearly - *Batman* (1989), as Bob the Goon — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/batman.md) - *Under the Boardwalk* (1989), as Bum - *The Cowboy and the Frenchman* (1988), as Dusty - *The French as Seen by…* (1988), as (Segment "The Cowboy and the Frenchman") - *Monsters* (1988), series, as Ed, the Janitor - *Empty Nest* (1988), series, Actor - *Married to the Mob* (1988), as Mr. Chicken Lickin' - *Midnight Run* (1988), as Diner Counter Man — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/film/midnight-run.md) - *Out of the Dark* (1988), as Lt. Frank Meyers - *Mortuary Academy* (1988), as Don Dickson - *Star Trek: The Next Generation* (1987), series, as Kayron, Benk — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/star-trek-the-next-generation.md) - *Malone* (1987), as Calvin Bollard - *The Bronx Zoo* (1987), series, Actor - *Timestalkers* (1987), as Sam - *Something Wild* (1986), as The Country Squire — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/something-wild.md) - *Designing Women* (1986), series, Actor - *ALF* (1986), series, as Gravel Gus - *L.A. Law* (1986), series, as John Rosten - *Amazing Stories* (1986), as Ezra - *At Close Range* (1986), as Uncle Patch Whitewood - *Amazing Stories* (1985), series, as Ezra, Blaze - *Moonlighting* (1985), series, as Arnie Steckler — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/moonlighting.md) - *Hunter* (1984), series, as Archie - *Conan the Destroyer* (1984), as Malak - *Repo Man* (1984), as Miller — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/repo-man.md) - *Airwolf* (1984), series, as Alvin - *Bill: On His Own* (1983), as Kenny - *Deal of the Century* (1983), as Luckup Computer Tech (uncredited) - *Rumble Fish* (1983), as Alley Mugger — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/rumble-fish.md) - *The Horse Dealers Daughter* (1983), as Groom - *Honkytonk Man* (1982), as Pooch - *Timerider: The Adventure of Lyle Swann* (1982), as Carl Dorsett - *Filthy Rich* (1982), series, Actor - *Cagney & Lacey* (1982), series, Actor — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/cagney-and-lacey.md) - *Raggedy Man* (1981), as Arnold - *Best of the West* (1981), series, as Frog Rothchild Jr. - *The Hand* (1981), as Cop - *Hill Street Blues* (1981), series, Actor — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/hill-street-blues.md) - *High Noon, Part II: The Return of Will Kane* (1980), as Harlan Tyler - *The Octagon* (1980), as Mr. Beedy (uncredited) - *The Hunter* (1980), as Rocco Mason - *Getting Wasted* (1980), as Space - *Hardcore* (1979), as Male Teller - *The Fifth Floor* (1978), as Mental Patient - *Goin' South* (1978), as Coogan - *Vega$* (1978), series, Actor - *WKRP in Cincinnati* (1978), series, as Don Pesola #2 - *Taxi* (1978), series, as The Bum — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/taxi.md) - *Blue Collar* (1978), as Union Member - *Mad Bull* (1977), as Coley Turner - *Annie Hall* (1977), as Actor in Rob's TV Show — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/film/annie-hall.md) - *Charlie's Angels* (1976), series, as Clint Mason - *Starsky & Hutch* (1975), series, Actor - *Serpico* (1973), as Street Urchin (uncredited) - *The Garden Party* (1973), Actor - *Badge 373* (1973), Actor - *The Hospital* (1971), as Man in Crowd (uncredited) - *Ginger* (1971), as Ginger's Brother ## Gallery - ![Tracey Walter](https://film.one/media/person/9834/gallery-5c356597e7db.jpg) Tracey Walter — David Zaugh, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d5/Traceywalter.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Tracey Walter](https://film.one/media/person/9834/gallery-775f1a58840e.jpg) Tracey Walter — Image via TMDB - ![Tracey Walter](https://film.one/media/person/9834/gallery-6bb106af51cf.jpg) Tracey Walter — Image via TMDB --- © 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/tracey-walter