Hollywood Actors Who Have Appeared in the Most Movies

The world of Hollywood is filled with stars who burn bright for a moment and character actors who sustain careers over decades. Some performers possess an incredible work ethic that leads them to accumulate hundreds of acting credits across film and television. These prolific men often move seamlessly between genres and budget levels to maintain a constant presence on screen. Their faces become familiar to audiences even if their names are not always on the marquee. The following list highlights fifty male actors who have dedicated their lives to the craft and appeared in a staggering number of productions.

Eric Roberts

Eric Roberts is widely recognized as one of the most prolific actors in the history of cinema. He has accumulated hundreds of credits ranging from prestige dramas to direct-to-video action films. His early career included critical hits like ‘The Pope of Greenwich Village’ and ‘Runaway Train’ which earned him an Oscar nomination. He later found a niche playing villains in projects such as ‘The Dark Knight’ and ‘The Expendables’. Roberts reportedly rarely turns down a role and continues to add dozens of new projects to his filmography every year.

James Hong

James Hong has maintained a steady presence in Hollywood for over seven decades with more than six hundred acting credits. He became a pop culture icon through his roles in ‘Big Trouble in Little China’ and ‘Blade Runner’. His voice acting career is equally impressive and includes the role of Mr Ping in the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ franchise. Hong co-founded the East West Players to generate more opportunities for Asian American actors in Los Angeles. He finally received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in his nineties to honor his massive body of work.

Danny Trejo

Danny Trejo began his film career as an extra and eventually became one of the most recognizable faces in the industry. He frequently collaborates with director Robert Rodriguez on films like ‘Desperado’ and ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’. Trejo eventually secured leading man status with the action film ‘Machete’ after years of playing henchmen. His rugged appearance and tough demeanor have made him a go-to choice for action movies and crime dramas. He uses his platform to share his redemption story and help others overcome addiction.

Christopher Lee

Christopher Lee was a legendary British actor who appeared in over two hundred films during his illustrious career. He first gained fame as Count Dracula in a series of horror films for Hammer Productions. A new generation of fans embraced him for his roles as Saruman in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and Count Dooku in ‘Star Wars’. Lee possessed a deep and commanding voice that allowed him to play intimidating authority figures with ease. He continued to work in major blockbusters until his death and left behind a massive cinematic legacy.

Mickey Rooney

Mickey Rooney enjoyed a career that spanned nine decades and included acting in the silent film era. He became a massive box office draw in the 1930s alongside Judy Garland in the ‘Andy Hardy’ series. Rooney successfully transitioned from child star to character actor and earned four Academy Award nominations. He appeared in classics such as ‘National Velvet’ and ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ during his long tenure in Hollywood. His relentless energy kept him working in film and television well into his nineties.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson is one of the highest-grossing actors of all time due to his sheer volume of work. He gained widespread acclaim for his role as Jules Winnfield in ‘Pulp Fiction’ and became a regular collaborator with Quentin Tarantino. His participation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Nick Fury connected him to numerous blockbuster hits. Jackson is known for his ability to elevate any material he is in with his intense screen presence. He averages several film appearances per year and shows no signs of slowing down.

Michael Madsen

Michael Madsen has built a vast resume playing tough guys and antiheroes in independent and studio films. He is best known for his disturbing performance as Mr Blonde in ‘Reservoir Dogs’. His career includes significant roles in ‘Thelma & Louise’ and ‘Kill Bill’ alongside many genre films. Madsen works frequently in the action and thriller genres where his gravelly voice fits perfectly. He remains a favorite of director Quentin Tarantino and continues to work steadily.

Richard Riehle

Richard Riehle is a quintessential character actor who has appeared in hundreds of movies and television shows. He is instantly recognizable for his distinctive mustache and often plays authority figures like police officers or judges. Audiences know him best from his role in the cult comedy ‘Office Space’. Riehle moves effortlessly between comedy and drama and often juggles multiple projects at once. His reliability and specific look have kept him employed in Hollywood for decades.

Udo Kier

Udo Kier is a German actor who has crossed over into Hollywood with a prolific career in horror and art-house cinema. He has worked with acclaimed directors like Lars von Trier and Gus Van Sant. Kier is known for his piercing blue eyes and eccentric screen presence in films like ‘Blade’ and ‘Armageddon’. He brings a unique energy to every role whether he is playing a vampire or a scientist. His filmography includes a mix of European masterpieces and American cult classics.

John Carradine

John Carradine was a patriarch of an acting dynasty and appeared in over three hundred films. He was a favorite of director John Ford and had roles in ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ and ‘Stagecoach’. Carradine later became a staple of the horror genre and took on numerous roles in low-budget creature features. He possessed a gaunt look and a booming voice that served him well in villainous roles. He worked until the end of his life and accumulated one of the longest resumes in history.

Donald Sutherland

Donald Sutherland had a career spanning more than fifty years with almost two hundred credits to his name. He broke out in the counterculture war comedy ‘MASH’ and the thriller ‘Klute’. Younger audiences recognize him as President Snow from ‘The Hunger Games’ franchise. Sutherland brought intelligence and gravitas to every character he played regardless of the genre. He received an Honorary Academy Award in 2017 to recognize his extensive contribution to cinema.

Christopher Plummer

Christopher Plummer was a distinguished actor who worked consistently in film for over sixty years. He is most famous for playing Captain von Trapp in the musical classic ‘The Sound of Music’. Plummer won an Academy Award for ‘Beginners’ and became the oldest acting winner ever at that time. He replaced Kevin Spacey in ‘All the Money in the World’ on extremely short notice and earned another Oscar nomination. His dedication to his craft kept him in high demand until his passing.

Frank Welker

Frank Welker is arguably the most successful voice actor in Hollywood history with over eight hundred credits. He is the original voice of Fred Jones in the ‘Scooby-Doo’ franchise and has voiced the character for fifty years. His work includes creating vocal effects for animals and creatures in live-action blockbusters like ‘Aladdin’ and ‘Transformers’. Welker voiced Megatron in the original ‘Transformers’ cartoon and reprised the role in films. His voice is heard in countless childhood favorites even if his face is rarely seen.

Ernest Borgnine

Ernest Borgnine had a robust career playing everyday men and villains across more than two hundred films. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his touching performance in ‘Marty’. Borgnine was also a television icon thanks to his lead role in the sitcom ‘McHale’s Navy’. He remained active in voice acting later in life and played Mermaid Man in ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’. His infectious smile and gap-toothed grin made him a beloved figure in the industry.

Robert Loggia

Robert Loggia was a tough-talking character actor known for playing mobsters and detectives. He received an Academy Award nomination for his role in the thriller ‘Jagged Edge’. One of his most memorable moments was the giant piano scene with Tom Hanks in ‘Big’. Loggia appeared in ‘Scarface’ and ‘Independence Day’ and brought intensity to every performance. He accumulated over two hundred credits during his lengthy career.

Seymour Cassel

Seymour Cassel was a pioneer of independent film and a close collaborator of director John Cassavetes. He received an Academy Award nomination for his role in the drama ‘Faces’. Cassel later became a favorite of director Wes Anderson and appeared in ‘Rushmore’ and ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’. He had a naturalistic acting style that influenced generations of indie performers. His career included over two hundred film and television appearances.

Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan has appeared in more than one hundred and fifty films and is a global action superstar. He began his career as a stuntman in Hong Kong before becoming a leading man known for his comedic timing. Chan performed his own dangerous stunts in hits like ‘Police Story’ and ‘Rumble in the Bronx’. He successfully crossed over to Hollywood with the ‘Rush Hour’ franchise alongside Chris Tucker. His work ethic involves writing and directing many of his own projects.

Anthony Quinn

Anthony Quinn starred in more than one hundred and fifty films and won two Academy Awards. He gave iconic performances in ‘Zorba the Greek’ and ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. Quinn was known for his ability to play characters of various ethnicities with conviction and passion. His career spanned from the Golden Age of Hollywood to the 1990s action era. He brought a raw and earthy energy to the screen that captivated audiences.

Eli Wallach

Eli Wallach was a versatile method actor who worked steadily for over six decades. He is best remembered as Tuco in the spaghetti western classic ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’. Wallach also played the villain Mr Freeze in the 1960s ‘Batman’ television series. He continued to deliver memorable performances late in life in films like ‘The Holiday’. His ability to play both comedic and menacing roles ensured he was always employed.

Christopher Walken

Christopher Walken is famous for his unique speech pattern and intense charisma. He won an Academy Award for his role in the war drama ‘The Deer Hunter’. Walken has appeared in a wide variety of films including ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Catch Me If You Can’. He is not afraid to take on campy roles or appear in music videos. His distinct voice and presence have made him one of the most imitated actors in Hollywood.

Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe is known for his artistic range and willingness to take on challenging roles. He has appeared in over one hundred films including ‘Platoon’ and ‘The Lighthouse’. Mainstream audiences know him as the Green Goblin in the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise. Dafoe frequently moves between big-budget studio projects and small experimental films. He brings a profound intensity and physicality to his characters.

Harvey Keitel

Harvey Keitel has been a major force in American cinema since the 1970s. He collaborated frequently with Martin Scorsese on films like ‘Mean Streets’ and ‘Taxi Driver’. Keitel enjoyed a career resurgence in the 1990s with roles in ‘Reservoir Dogs’ and ‘The Piano’. He is known for playing tough guys with a complex moral center. His filmography includes over one hundred and forty credits.

Malcolm McDowell

Malcolm McDowell shot to stardom as the charismatic sociopath Alex in ‘A Clockwork Orange’. He has since built a massive resume with over two hundred and fifty credits in film and television. McDowell often plays villains due to his intense gaze and commanding voice. He appeared in ‘Star Trek Generations’ and the remake of ‘Halloween’. He continues to be a prolific worker in voice acting and live-action roles.

Lance Henriksen

Lance Henriksen is a science fiction and horror icon with over two hundred and fifty acting credits. He is best known for playing the android Bishop in the film ‘Aliens’. Henriksen has a distinctively deep voice that adds gravity to his performances. He starred in the television series ‘Millennium’ and appeared in ‘The Terminator’. His work ethic has made him a favorite in the genre community.

Martin Sheen

Martin Sheen has been a respected actor for over fifty years with extensive credits in film and television. He starred in the landmark war film ‘Apocalypse Now’ and suffered a heart attack during the grueling production. Sheen later found immense success on television as President Jed Bartlet in ‘The West Wing’. He has worked with top directors like Steven Spielberg and Oliver Stone. His career includes voice work and numerous supporting roles in major films.

Dennis Hopper

Dennis Hopper was a counterculture icon who directed and starred in ‘Easy Rider’. His career had many ups and downs but he accumulated nearly two hundred credits. He gave a chilling performance as Frank Booth in the mystery film ‘Blue Velvet’. Hopper played the villain in the action hit ‘Speed’ and appeared in ‘Apocalypse Now’. He was known for his unpredictable energy and significant influence on independent cinema.

Robert Duvall

Robert Duvall is regarded as one of the greatest American actors with a career spanning seven decades. He played the consigliere Tom Hagen in ‘The Godfather’ and its sequel. Duvall won an Academy Award for his performance as a country singer in ‘Tender Mercies’. He is known for his ability to disappear into his roles completely. His filmography includes classics like ‘Apocalypse Now’ and ‘Lonesome Dove’.

Michael Caine

Michael Caine is a British film icon who has appeared in over one hundred and sixty films. He is one of only two actors nominated for an Academy Award for acting in every decade from the 1960s to the 2000s. Caine starred in classics such as ‘The Italian Job’ and ‘Get Carter’. He became a regular collaborator with Christopher Nolan and appeared in ‘The Dark Knight’ trilogy. He announced his retirement recently after a lifetime of constant work.

Anthony Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins is a Welsh actor who achieved global fame as Hannibal Lecter in ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. He won an Academy Award for the role despite having only about sixteen minutes of screen time. Hopkins has over one hundred and forty credits and continues to deliver powerful performances. He joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Odin in ‘Thor’. He became the oldest Best Actor winner for his role in ‘The Father’.

Burt Reynolds

Burt Reynolds was the top box office star in the world for five consecutive years in the late 1970s. He starred in massive hits like ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ and ‘The Longest Yard’. Reynolds accumulated nearly two hundred credits in film and television during his career. He earned an Oscar nomination for his supporting role in ‘Boogie Nights’. His charm and mustache made him an enduring pop culture figure.

John Wayne

John Wayne remains the ultimate symbol of the American Western with over one hundred and seventy film credits. He starred in genre-defining movies such as ‘The Searchers’ and ‘Stagecoach’. Wayne won his only Academy Award for his role as Rooster Cogburn in ‘True Grit’. He worked almost exclusively as a leading man for decades. His image is synonymous with the Golden Age of Hollywood.

George Kennedy

George Kennedy was a reliable character actor who appeared in nearly two hundred projects. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for ‘Cool Hand Luke’. Kennedy was also a staple of the disaster movie genre with roles in the ‘Airport’ franchise. He showed his comedic side in the ‘Naked Gun’ series alongside Leslie Nielsen. His imposing size often contrasted with his gentle on-screen demeanor.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman possesses one of the most recognizable voices in the world and has over one hundred and forty credits. He won an Academy Award for ‘Million Dollar Baby’ and starred in ‘The Shawshank Redemption’. Freeman is often cast in roles that require wisdom and authority. He played God in ‘Bruce Almighty’ and Lucius Fox in the ‘Dark Knight’ trilogy. He continues to be one of the most in-demand actors in Hollywood.

Danny Glover

Danny Glover has enjoyed a diverse career with roles in blockbusters and independent dramas. He is most famous for playing Roger Murtaugh in the ‘Lethal Weapon’ franchise. Glover starred in ‘The Color Purple’ and the horror sequel ‘Predator 2’. He has over two hundred acting credits and is also known for his humanitarian activism. He remains active in the industry with numerous film appearances each year.

Ben Kingsley

Ben Kingsley is a highly decorated actor who won an Academy Award for his portrayal of the title character in ‘Gandhi’. He has amassed over one hundred and fifty credits in a wide variety of roles. Kingsley played the villain in ‘Sexy Beast’ and the Mandarin in ‘Iron Man 3’. He is known for his intense preparation and ability to adopt different accents. He works constantly in both lead and supporting parts.

Keith David

Keith David has a commanding screen presence and a deep baritone voice that has led to over three hundred credits. He starred in cult classics like ‘The Thing’ and ‘They Live’ for director John Carpenter. David is also a prolific voice actor with roles in ‘Gargoyles’ and ‘The Princess and the Frog’. He moves easily between comedy and drama in both film and television. His voice work makes him ubiquitous in documentaries and commercials as well.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage is known for his eccentric acting style and high volume of film output. He won an Academy Award for ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ and starred in action hits like ‘The Rock’. Cage has developed a cult following for his unhinged performances in horror and thriller films. He often releases multiple movies in a single year ranging from masterpieces to video-on-demand titles. His passion for acting keeps him working constantly.

Bruce Willis

Bruce Willis became an international superstar with his role as John McClane in ‘Die Hard’. He appeared in over one hundred and forty films before retiring due to health issues. His credits include ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘The Sixth Sense’. Willis was known for his wise-cracking persona and ability to play both action heroes and dramatic leads. He was a dominant box office force for three decades.

Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman was a powerhouse actor who retired with over one hundred credits to his name. He won Academy Awards for ‘The French Connection’ and ‘Unforgiven’. Hackman was known for his naturalistic style and ability to play volatile characters. He starred in ‘Superman’ as Lex Luthor and in the comedy ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’. His retirement left a void in the industry that many fans still feel.

Burgess Meredith

Burgess Meredith had a long career that included playing the trainer Mickey Goldmill in the ‘Rocky’ franchise. He also played the Penguin in the 1960s ‘Batman’ television series and film. Meredith appeared in over one hundred and eighty roles during his lifetime. He was known for his gritty voice and ability to play grumpy but lovable characters. He worked in the industry from the 1930s until the 1990s.

Keenan Wynn

Keenan Wynn was a relentless character actor who appeared in nearly two hundred films and shows. He is remembered for his role in ‘Dr. Strangelove’ as Colonel Bat Guano. Wynn appeared in numerous Disney films such as ‘The Absent-Minded Professor’. He was a contract player for MGM and worked constantly during the studio era. His motorcycle enthusiasm also led him to supporting roles in biker movies.

Ward Bond

Ward Bond was a fixture of the Golden Age of Hollywood and appeared in more films on the American Film Institute’s 100 Greatest Movies list than any other actor. He was a close friend of John Wayne and appeared in many of his films including ‘The Searchers’. Bond starred in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and ‘The Maltese Falcon’. He amassed over two hundred credits before his untimely death. His face is part of the fabric of classic American cinema.

Rip Torn

Rip Torn was a formidable actor known for his volatility and comedic timing. He gained a new generation of fans as Zed in ‘Men in Black’ and Patches O’Houlihan in ‘Dodgeball’. Torn received an Oscar nomination for ‘Cross Creek’ and won an Emmy for ‘The Larry Sanders Show’. He appeared in over one hundred and eighty projects during his career. His intense personality made every performance memorable.

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood is a Hollywood legend who has excelled as both an actor and a director. He rose to fame in spaghetti westerns like ‘A Fistful of Dollars’ and the ‘Dirty Harry’ franchise. Eastwood has over seventy acting credits and many more as a producer and director. He won Academy Awards for ‘Unforgiven’ and ‘Million Dollar Baby’. He continues to act and direct well into his nineties.

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones possessed one of the most iconic voices in entertainment history. He voiced Darth Vader in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise and Mufasa in ‘The Lion King’. On screen he appeared in ‘Field of Dreams’ and ‘Coming to America’. Jones accumulated nearly two hundred credits over his long and distinguished career. He received an Honorary Academy Award for his contribution to the arts.

Mel Blanc

Mel Blanc was known as the Man of a Thousand Voices and has over one thousand acting credits. He voiced nearly every major Looney Tunes character including Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. Blanc also voiced Barney Rubble in ‘The Flintstones’ and Mr Spacely in ‘The Jetsons’. His vocal versatility defined the sound of American animation for decades. While primarily a voice actor his impact on the film industry is immeasurable.

Fred Willard

Fred Willard was a comedic genius known for his improvisational skills in mockumentaries. He starred in ‘Best in Show’ and ‘This Is Spinal Tap’. Willard appeared in over three hundred film and television roles usually playing clueless authority figures. He was a frequent guest on late-night talk shows and sitcoms like ‘Modern Family’. His ability to steal scenes made him a beloved character actor.

Harry Dean Stanton

Harry Dean Stanton was a cult favorite who appeared in over two hundred films. He is best known for his leading role in ‘Paris, Texas’ and his supporting part in ‘Alien’. Stanton often played weary drifters and eccentric loners. He was a close friend of Jack Nicholson and appeared in several of his films. Critics praised his natural presence and lack of pretension.

M. Emmet Walsh

M. Emmet Walsh was a prolific character actor with over two hundred and thirty credits. He famously starred in the Coen Brothers’ first film ‘Blood Simple’. Walsh appeared in ‘Blade Runner’ and played the father in ‘The Jerk’. Film critic Roger Ebert once stated that no movie featuring Walsh could be altogether bad. He worked steadily in the industry for over fifty years.

Steve Buscemi

Steve Buscemi is an indie film icon who has transitioned into major studio projects and television. He has over one hundred and sixty credits including roles in ‘Fargo’ and ‘Reservoir Dogs’. Buscemi voiced Randall in ‘Monsters, Inc.’ and starred in the series ‘Boardwalk Empire’. He often plays neurotic or fast-talking characters. His distinct look and talent have made him one of the busiest actors in Hollywood.

If you have a favorite performance from one of these hardworking actors share your thoughts in the comments.