---
name: "Victor Garber"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/victor-garber"
fi1m_id: "victor-garber"
imdb_id: "nm0001255"
tmdb_id: 8536
wikidata_id: "Q270664"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "16 March 1949"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 12
average_fi1m_score: 75
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 11
updated: "2026-10-05T12:01:06.727596+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."
---

# Victor Garber

## Identity

Victor Garber

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/victor-garber
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** victor-garber
- **IMDb ID:** nm0001255
- **TMDB ID:** 8536
- **Wikidata ID:** Q270664
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Garber, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q270664, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001255/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/8536

Actor. Born 16 March 1949 in London, Ontario, Canada.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 16 March 1949, London, Ontario, Canada
- **Active:** 1992–present
- **Also known as:** Victor Joseph Garber, Victor Jay Garber
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 12: 11 acting, 1 other
- **Frequently works with:** [Josh Brolin](https://film.one/person/josh-brolin.md)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 75, as actor, over 11 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1990s 79 (3), 2000s 76 (4), 2010s 80 (3), 2020s 63 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 76 to 72 across 10 titles
- **Score spread:** 4 at 80+, 6 at 60–79, 1 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 8 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 7, Comedy 5, Romance 3, Thriller 2, Action 1, Action & Adventure 1
- **Screen time:** 16 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $3,279m across 8 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Garber, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q270664, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001255/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/8536

## Streaming the US now

- **HBO Max:** [*Sicario*](https://film.one/film/sicario.md) (80), [*Legally Blonde*](https://film.one/film/legally-blonde.md) (78)
- **Disney+:** [*Alias*](https://film.one/tv/alias.md) (74), [*Wish*](https://film.one/film/wish.md) (49)
- **Paramount+:** [*Titanic*](https://film.one/film/titanic.md) (84)
- **Apple TV:** [*Argo*](https://film.one/film/argo.md) (79)
- **Netflix:** [*Sleepless in Seattle*](https://film.one/film/sleepless-in-seattle.md) (78)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Victor Garber

> Victor Garber gives authority figures precise speech and feeling held in check. We rate his restrained supporting work, especially in *Titanic*, though a familiar, reassuring presence can become an excuse for giving an actor too little to do.

In *Titanic* (1997), Victor Garber's Thomas Andrews has the quiet authority of a man who knows his job. As the ship's designer, he could have been there merely to explain the machinery; Garber's restraint gives him a life beyond that function. We found him moving because the performance makes Andrews's responsibilities felt without asking us to admire the actor's effort. James Cameron's film makes its romance matter alongside its disaster, and this is supporting work that fits that balance. Garber contributes without competing for the centre of the picture.

That precision has a musical-theatre beginning: *Godspell* (1973), in which he played Jesus, was his film debut after the Toronto stage production. Broadway work followed, then a growing run of supporting film parts in the 1990s, with *Titanic* bringing wider recognition. The stage experience remains useful in the clarity of his speech and his timing. It also helps explain his effectiveness in comedy as Professor Callahan in *Legally Blonde* (2001), without needing to abandon the air of authority.

Television gave that authority more room in *Alias* (2001–06), created by J.J. Abrams, with Garber as Jack Bristow opposite Jennifer Garner. Emotional restraint and moral ambiguity suit him, and his precise delivery leaves room for uncertainty about the person speaking. His contribution to Ben Affleck's *Argo* (2012), as Ken Taylor, returns him to the large ensemble, where he can add depth without dominating. The risk is that a film casts him and neglects to write him a character.

In *Wish* (2023), he voices Sabino, Asha's grandfather, who is approaching his hundredth birthday and still waiting for his wish. Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn's film has an appealing reason for Asha to help him, but its habit of nodding to earlier Disney pictures leaves too little story of its own. We would not mistake the sympathy built into that role for a substantial use of Garber. The film is handsome and brief; neither quality makes it a good introduction to his work. Start with *Titanic*, where he has room to make a supporting character matter.

## Biography

Victor Garber is a Canadian actor and singer. Born in London, Ontario, he began acting as a child and trained at the University of Toronto’s Hart House Theatre. He made his film debut as Jesus Christ in the 1973 musical *Godspell*.

Garber originated roles in several Broadway productions, including *Sweeney Todd* and *Arcadia*, and received four Tony Award nominations for *Deathtrap*, *Little Me*, *Lend Me a Tenor* and *Damn Yankees*. On screen he is known for roles in *Titanic* (1997) as Thomas Andrews, *Argo* (2012) as Ken Taylor, *Legally Blonde* (2001) and *Sicario* (2015). He played Jack Bristow in the series *Alias* (2001–2006) and Martin Stein in *The Flash* (2014–).

Garber has received multiple Emmy and Gemini Award nominations. He shared a Screen Actors Guild Award for *Argo* and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2022.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com, themoviedb.org.*

## On Fi1m (12)

### Performed in (11) — the average rests on these

- *Wish* (2023), Fi1m 49, as Sabino (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/wish.md)
- *Schitt's Creek* (2015), Fi1m 82, as Clifton Sparks — [page](https://film.one/tv/schitts-creek.md)
- *Sicario* (2015), Fi1m 80, as Dave Jennings — [page](https://film.one/film/sicario.md)
- *Argo* (2012), Fi1m 79, as Ken Taylor — [page](https://film.one/film/argo.md)
- *Glee* (2009), Fi1m 68, as Mr. Schuester — [page](https://film.one/tv/glee.md)
- *Milk* (2008), Fi1m 83, as Mayor Moscone — [page](https://film.one/film/milk.md)
- *Alias* (2001), Fi1m 74, as Jack Bristow — [page](https://film.one/tv/alias.md)
- *Legally Blonde* (2001), Fi1m 78, as Professor Callahan — [page](https://film.one/film/legally-blonde.md)
- *Titanic* (1997), Fi1m 84, as Thomas Andrews — [page](https://film.one/film/titanic.md)
- *Sleepless in Seattle* (1993), Fi1m 78, as Greg — [page](https://film.one/film/sleepless-in-seattle.md)
- *Singles* (1992), Fi1m 74, as Kid's Dad — [page](https://film.one/film/singles.md)

### Also credited (1) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited

- *You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution...* (2026), Fi1m 77, as Self / Jesus — [page](https://film.one/film/you-had-to-be-there-how-the-toronto-godspell-ignited-the-comedy-revolution.md)

## Complete filmography (151)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Not Suitable for Work* (2026), series, as Wes Dryden
- *The Gettysburg Address* (2025), as William Saunders (voice)
- *Relay* (2025), as McVie
- *Heritage Minutes: Bora Laskin* (2025), as Bora Laskin
- *Fly Me to the Moon* (2024), as Senator Hedges (uncredited)
- *Wish* (2023), as Sabino (voice) — Fi1m 49, [page](https://film.one/film/wish.md)
- *The Last Thing He Told Me* (2023), series, as Professor Tobias Cookman
- *And Just Like That…* (2021), series, as Mark Kasabian
- *Beebo Saves Christmas* (2021), as Narrator
- *Family Law* (2021), series, as Harry Svensson
- *American Horror Stories* (2021), series, as David Woodrow Randolph
- *Heritage Minutes: The Discovery of Insulin* (2021), as Narrator (voice)
- *Funny Face* (2021), as Developer's Father
- *Laura Ingalls Wilder: Prairie to Page* (2020), as Narrator
- *Happiest Season* (2020), as Ted
- *Power Book II: Ghost* (2020), series, as Simon Stern
- *Dark Waters* (2019), as Phil Donnelly
- *Tales of the City* (2019), series, as Samuel Garland
- *The Woman Who Loves Giraffes* (2018), as Alex Matthew (voice)
- *They Shall Not Perish* (2017), as Narrator
- *Rebel in the Rye* (2017), as Sol Salinger
- *The Orville* (2017), series, as Admiral Halsey
- *Vixen: The Movie* (2017), as Dr. Martin Stein / Firestorm (voice)
- *DC's Legends of Tomorrow* (2016), series, as Dr. Martin Stein / Firestorm
- *Bob's Broken Sleigh* (2015), as Fluffy (voice)
- *Supergirl* (2015), series, as Dr. Martin Stein
- *Sicario* (2015), as Dave Jennings — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/sicario.md)
- *Difficult People* (2015), series, as John Passias
- *Self/less* (2015), as Martin
- *Consumed* (2015), as Dan Conway
- *The Slap* (2015), series, as Narrator (voice)
- *Schitt's Creek* (2015), series, as Clifton Sparks — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/schitts-creek.md)
- *The Flash* (2014), series, as Digsy's Husband, Prof. Martin Stein (voice), Dr. Martin Stein
- *Big Game* (2014), as Vice President
- *Power* (2014), series, as Simon Stern
- *The Hunters* (2013), as Mason Fuller
- *Sleepy Hollow* (2013), series, as Mr. Crane
- *I'll Follow You Down* (2013), as Sal
- *Motive* (2013), series, as Neville Montgomery
- *Deception* (2013), series, as Robert Bowers
- *Argo* (2012), as Ken Taylor — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/film/argo.md)
- *Arrow* (2012), series, as Martin Stein
- *Moving Day* (2012), as Wilf
- *William & Catherine: A Royal Romance* (2012), as HRH Prince Charles
- *The Firm* (2012), series, as Judge Dominic
- *Charlie's Angels* (2011), series, as Charles Townsend (voice)
- *The Entitled* (2011), as Bob Vincent
- *Web Therapy* (2011), series, as Kip Wallice
- *Suits* (2011), series, as Philip
- *Rebuilding Titanic* (2011), as Narrator (voice)
- *Kung Fu Panda 2* (2011), as Master Thundering Rhino (voice)
- *Take Me Home* (2011), as Arnold Colvin
- *Ice Quake* (2010), as Colonel Bill Hughes
- *Law & Order: LA* (2010), series, as Walter Calvin
- *You Again* (2010), as Mark
- *The Town* (2010), as Assistant Bank Manager (uncredited) — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/the-town.md)
- *Republic of Doyle* (2010), series, as Garrison Steele
- *Everything She Ever Wanted* (2009), series, as Walter Allanson
- *Stargate Universe* (2009), series, as Ambassador Ovirda
- *Modern Family* (2009), series, as Chef Dumont — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/modern-family.md)
- *The Good Wife* (2009), series, as Judge Loudon Spencer — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-good-wife.md)
- *Green Lantern: First Flight* (2009), as Sinestro (voice)
- *Nurse Jackie* (2009), series, as Neil Nutterman — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/nurse-jackie.md)
- *Glee* (2009), series, as Mr. Schuester — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/glee.md)
- *Waking the Baby Mammoth* (2009), as Narrator
- *The Last Templar* (2009), series, as Monsignor De Angelis
- *Augustus Saint-Gaudens: Master of American Sculpture* (2009), as Narrator
- *Milk* (2008), as Mayor Moscone — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/milk.md)
- *Web Therapy* (2008), series, as Kip Wallice
- *Eli Stone* (2008), series, as Jordan Wethersby
- *Murdoch Mysteries* (2008), series, as Retired Detective Malcolm Lamb
- *Damages* (2007), series, as Bennett Herreshoff — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/damages.md)
- *30 Rock* (2006), series, as Eugene Gremby — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/30-rock.md)
- *Ugly Betty* (2006), series, as Professor Barrett
- *Justice* (2006), series, as Ron Trott
- *The Best of The Tony Awards: The Plays* (2006), as Max (segment "Lend Me a Tenor")
- *ReGenesis* (2004), series, as Olivier Roth
- *Working Shakespeare* (2003), series, Actor
- *The Music Man* (2003), as Mayor Shinn
- *Tuck Everlasting* (2002), as Robert Foster
- *Home Room* (2002), as Det. martin Van Zandt
- *Torso: The Evelyn Dick Story* (2002), as J.J. Robinette
- *Call Me Claus* (2001), as Taylor
- *Alias* (2001), series, as Jack Bristow — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/alias.md)
- *Legally Blonde* (2001), as Professor Callahan — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/legally-blonde.md)
- *Laughter on the 23rd Floor* (2001), as Kenny
- *Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows* (2001), series, as Sid Luft
- *The Wandering Soul Murders* (2001), as Insp. Philip Millard
- *A Colder Kind of Death* (2001), as Insp. Philip Millard
- *Deadly Appearances* (2000), as Inspector Philip Millard
- *Love and Murder* (2000), as Inspector Philip Millard
- *Boys Briefs* (1999), as Father Carson (segment "The Absolution of Anthony")
- *Annie* (1999), as Oliver Warbucks
- *Invisible Child* (1999), as Tim Beeman
- *Summer's End* (1999), as Narrator (voice)
- *Will & Grace* (1998), series, as Peter Bovington
- *Beyond Titanic* (1998), as Narrator
- *How Stella Got Her Groove Back* (1998), as Isaac (uncredited)
- *Titanic* (1997), as Thomas Andrews — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/titanic.md)
- *Liberty!* (1997), series, as John Dickinson
- *Cinderella* (1997), as King Maximillian
- *Let Me Call You Sweetheart* (1997), as Geoff Dorso
- *The Wonderful World of Disney* (1997), series, Actor
- *The Absolution of Anthony* (1997), as Father Carson
- *The First Wives Club* (1996), as Bill Atchison
- *FX: The Series* (1996), series, as Andrew Price
- *Hostile Advances: The Kerry Ellison Story* (1996), as Jack Gilcrest
- *Almost Perfect* (1995), series, Actor
- *Jeffrey* (1995), as Tim
- *The Outer Limits* (1995), series, as Dr. Ben McCormick, Dr. Edward Normandy
- *Kleptomania* (1995), as Morgan Allen
- *Mixed Nuts* (1994), as Irate Neighbor (voice)
- *Exotica* (1994), as Harold
- *Dieppe* (1993), as Lord Louis Mountbatten
- *Frasier* (1993), series, as Ferguson — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/frasier.md)
- *Sleepless in Seattle* (1993), as Greg — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/sleepless-in-seattle.md)
- *Life with Mikey* (1993), as Brian Spiro
- *Woman on Trial: The Lawrencia Bembenek Story* (1993), as Frank Marrocco
- *I'll Never Get to Heaven* (1993), as Eric Hoskins
- *Kung Fu: The Legend Continues* (1993), series, as Blackwell
- *Singles* (1992), as Kid's Dad — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/singles.md)
- *Light Sleeper* (1992), as Tis Brooke
- *Walking the Dog* (1992), Actor
- *The First Circle* (1992), as Lew Rubin
- *Grand Larceny* (1991), as Judge Keeler
- *Heritage Minutes* (1991), series, as Bora Laskin
- *Assassins* (1990), as John Wilkes Booth
- *Law & Order* (1990), series, as Paul Sandig — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/law-and-order.md)
- *The Simpsons* (1989), series, as Michael de Graaf (voice) — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-simpsons.md)
- *Liberace: Behind the Music* (1988), as Liberace
- *The Legendary Life of Ernest Hemingway* (1988), as Ernest Hemingway
- *The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd* (1987), series, as Dennis Widmer
- *Roanoak* (1986), series, as John White
- *The Twilight Zone* (1985), series, as Dr. Kevin Carlson (segment "A Day in Beaumont")
- *I Had Three Wives* (1985), series, as Jackson Beaudine
- *Private Sessions* (1985), as Jerry Sharma
- *Tales from the Darkside* (1984), series, as Ambrose Cavender
- *Charley's Aunt* (1983), as Jack Chesney
- *American Playhouse* (1982), series, as John White, Jack Chesney
- *Tartuffe* (1978), as Valere
- *Ah, Wilderness!* (1976), as Arthur
- *Valley Forge* (1975), as Gen. Fafayette
- *Monkeys in the Attic* (1974), as Eric
- *Cyrano* (1974), as Christian de Neuvillette (voice)
- *Godspell* (1973), as Jesus
- *Great Performances* (1971), series, as Arthur
- *Hallmark Hall of Fame* (1951), series, as General Lafayette
- *Trust the Man*, Actor
- *Eloise*, Actor
- *Kill the Poet*, Actor
- *Let It Kill You*, as Pastor John

## Gallery

- ![HVFFNYNJ2018Firestorm-ALS-29](https://film.one/media/person/15344/gallery-ede86b1ed9f8.jpg) HVFFNYNJ2018Firestorm-ALS-29 — Heroes & Villains, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/76/HVFFNYNJ2018Firestorm-ALS-29_%2844173280485%29.jpg/1280px-HVFFNYNJ2018Firestorm-ALS-29_%2844173280485%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![HVFFNYNJ2018Firestorm-ALS-13](https://film.one/media/person/15344/gallery-6f4e4cbbbd1b.jpg) HVFFNYNJ2018Firestorm-ALS-13 — Heroes & Villains, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/HVFFNYNJ2018Firestorm-ALS-13_%2845084719121%29.jpg/1280px-HVFFNYNJ2018Firestorm-ALS-13_%2845084719121%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![HVFFNYNJ2018Firestorm-ALS-44](https://film.one/media/person/15344/gallery-5d7d6c159df0.jpg) HVFFNYNJ2018Firestorm-ALS-44 — Heroes & Villains, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/HVFFNYNJ2018Firestorm-ALS-44_%2844173111445%29.jpg/1280px-HVFFNYNJ2018Firestorm-ALS-44_%2844173111445%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Victor Garber at the premiere of Argo, Toronto Film Festival 2012. With some Tate Donovan in the background.](https://film.one/media/person/15344/gallery-2c3e9fdd07b4.jpg) Victor Garber at the premiere of Argo, Toronto Film Festival 2012. With some Tate Donovan in the background. — GabboT, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9f/Argo_11_%288010523978%29.jpg/1280px-Argo_11_%288010523978%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Victor Garber](https://film.one/media/person/15344/gallery-f5bc3d66a28d.jpg) Victor Garber — Image via TMDB
- ![Victor Garber](https://film.one/media/person/15344/gallery-21bb4fedec30.jpg) Victor Garber — Image via TMDB
- ![Victor Garber](https://film.one/media/person/15344/gallery-4a7bbab40148.jpg) Victor Garber — Image via TMDB
- ![Victor Garber at the premiere of Argo, Toronto Film Festival 2012](https://film.one/media/person/15344/gallery-92c9618aa071.jpg) Victor Garber at the premiere of Argo, Toronto Film Festival 2012 — GabboT, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/71/Argo_10.jpg/1280px-Argo_10.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![MOMENT OF ANGUISH—From left, Victor Garber portrays Christian, Joan van Ark, Roxane, Kurt Kasznar, Ragueneu, and Richard Chamberlain, Cyrano, in "Cyrano de Berg (1973)](https://film.one/media/person/15344/gallery-7481efa08710.jpg) MOMENT OF ANGUISH—From left, Victor Garber portrays Christian, Joan van Ark, Roxane, Kurt Kasznar, Ragueneu, and Richard Chamberlain, Cyrano, in "Cyrano de Berg (1973) — Larry Bessel, Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f4/Cyrano_de_Bergerac_at_the_Ahmanson%2C_1973.jpg/1280px-Cyrano_de_Bergerac_at_the_Ahmanson%2C_1973.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Victor Garber](https://film.one/media/person/15344/gallery-4fed63a7b527.jpg) Victor Garber — Image via TMDB
- ![Victor Garber](https://film.one/media/person/15344/gallery-55cc7d9d5f96.jpg) Victor Garber — Image via TMDB
- ![Victor Garber](https://film.one/media/person/15344/gallery-8ca72452b68d.jpg) Victor Garber — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Other awards — 2 won, 4 nominated

- Canada's Walk of Fame 2013: Canada's Walk of Fame (won)
- Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical 1994: Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical (nominated)
- Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play 1989: Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play (nominated)
- Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical 1982: Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical (nominated)
- Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play 1978: Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play (nominated)
- Theatre World Award 1973: Theatre World Award (won)

*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/victor-garber