Tommy Lee Jones’ Career: From ‘Love Story’ to ‘The Burial’

Tommy Lee Jones has crafted a long and distinguished career in Hollywood, known for his gruff demeanor and commanding screen presence. Getting his start in the early 1970s, he built a reputation as a versatile and reliable actor, capable of playing everything from romantic leads to menacing villains. His distinctive voice and no-nonsense attitude made him a natural fit for authority figures, a type of role he would master over the decades.

With a career spanning more than 50 years, Jones has become one of cinema’s most respected actors, earning numerous awards and accolades for his work. He is known for bringing a deep sense of intelligence and quiet intensity to his characters, whether in large blockbusters or smaller, character-driven dramas. His ability to convey complex emotions with minimal dialogue has made him a powerful and enduring force in American film.

‘Love Story’ (1970)

In his debut film role, Tommy Lee Jones played Hank Simpson, a supporting character in the classic romantic drama. The film centers on the tragic love affair between a wealthy Harvard student, Oliver, and a working-class music student, Jenny. Hank is Oliver’s roommate and friend at Harvard, providing a witness to the early stages of their relationship.

Although a minor role, it marked Jones’s first appearance on the big screen. As Hank, he represents the Ivy League world that Oliver comes from. He is part of the social backdrop against which the central romance unfolds, offering a glimpse of the life Oliver is willing to leave behind for Jenny.

‘Life Study’ (1973)

This independent drama features Tommy Lee Jones in the role of Gus. The film tells the story of a young couple living in New York City who are trying to navigate their relationship and their individual ambitions. It is a character-driven piece that explores themes of love, art, and personal freedom in the early 1970s.

Jones’s role as Gus is part of the circle of friends and artists surrounding the main couple. He contributes to the film’s depiction of a bohemian lifestyle and the search for meaning among a group of young people. The film is a lesser-known entry in his filmography but was an early step in his acting career.

‘Eliza’s Horoscope’ (1975)

In this Canadian film, Tommy Lee Jones plays the title character’s love interest, also named Tommy Lee. The story follows a young woman named Eliza who is determined to find a man born under the sign of Sagittarius to fulfill a prediction from her horoscope. Her search leads her through a series of encounters in Montreal.

Jones’s character is a charming and charismatic figure who becomes the object of Eliza’s quest. The film is a quirky and fantastical look at love and destiny, set against the backdrop of Canadian counterculture. It showcases a younger, more romantic side of the actor early in his career.

‘Jackson County Jail’ (1976)

This thriller stars Tommy Lee Jones as Coley Blake, a career criminal who becomes an unlikely ally to the film’s protagonist. The story is about a woman who, through a series of misfortunes, is wrongfully arrested and thrown into a rural jail. There, she is assaulted by a guard, and the situation escalates into violence.

Coley is her fellow inmate who helps her escape after the deadly incident. The two go on the run together, with Coley’s experience in the criminal world guiding their desperate flight from the law. Jones’s performance brings a rugged charm and a sense of danger to the character.

‘Rolling Thunder’ (1977)

In this action-thriller, Tommy Lee Jones plays Master Sergeant Johnny Vohden. The film centers on a decorated Air Force Major who returns home from the Vietnam War after years as a prisoner of war. When a gang of criminals murders his family and leaves him for dead, he embarks on a violent quest for revenge.

Johnny Vohden is the Major’s friend and fellow soldier who joins him on his mission of vengeance. Jones portrays a loyal and steady companion who understands the trauma his friend has endured. The two men use their military training to hunt down the killers in the film’s brutal and action-packed climax.

‘The Betsy’ (1978)

Based on a novel by Harold Robbins, this drama features Tommy Lee Jones as Angelo Perino, a charismatic and ambitious race car driver. The story revolves around a powerful, aging patriarch of a family-owned automobile company who decides to build a revolutionary new car, “The Betsy.” His plans create conflict within his family and the company.

Angelo is a key figure in the development and testing of the new car. He also becomes romantically involved with the patriarch’s great-granddaughter, adding another layer of intrigue and drama to the family saga. The role allowed Jones to play a confident and daring character in a high-stakes world of business and passion.

‘Eyes of Laura Mars’ (1978)

In this stylish thriller, Tommy Lee Jones stars as Detective John Neville. The film is about a glamorous fashion photographer, Laura Mars, who discovers she has a psychic ability to see through the eyes of a serial killer as the murders are happening. Neville is the police detective assigned to the case.

As Neville investigates the murders, he and Laura develop a romantic relationship. However, his deep involvement in the case and his mysterious nature also make him a prime suspect. Jones’s performance keeps the audience guessing about his character’s true motives until the film’s shocking conclusion.

‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ (1980)

In this acclaimed biographical film about country music legend Loretta Lynn, Tommy Lee Jones plays her husband, Oliver “Doolittle” Lynn, who was also known as “Mooney.” The movie chronicles Loretta’s life from her impoverished childhood in rural Kentucky to her rise as one of country music’s biggest stars. Doolittle is the one who recognizes her talent and pushes her to pursue a music career.

Jones received a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of the complex and often-troubled Doolittle. He captures the character’s ambition, his pride in his wife’s success, and his struggles with alcoholism and infidelity. The performance was a powerful and realistic depiction of a complicated but enduring marriage.

‘Barn Burning’ (1980)

This short film is an adaptation of a William Faulkner story. Tommy Lee Jones stars as Ab Snopes, a poor and destructive tenant farmer in the post-Civil War South. He is a man filled with rage against the wealthy landowners he works for, and he expresses his anger through acts of arson, burning down their barns.

The story is told from the perspective of his young son, who is torn between his loyalty to his father and his own developing sense of morality. Jones delivers a powerful and intimidating performance as a man whose pride and anger lead to a cycle of destruction. The role showcases his ability to portray complex and morally ambiguous characters.

‘Back Roads’ (1981)

In this romantic comedy-drama, Tommy Lee Jones plays Elmore Pratt, a down-on-his-luck ex-boxer and drifter. The story follows Elmore and a streetwise prostitute as they team up and embark on a chaotic road trip from Alabama to California. They face a series of misadventures and legal troubles along the way.

Jones’s character is a charming but aimless man who gets into a number of brawls and schemes as they travel west. The film is a story of two outsiders who find an unlikely connection while trying to escape their dead-end lives. It combines elements of comedy, romance, and action.

‘Nate and Hayes’ (1983)

This swashbuckling adventure film stars Tommy Lee Jones as the real-life pirate Captain “Bully” Hayes. Set in the South Pacific in the late 19th century, the story follows Hayes as he gets involved in a mission to rescue a young couple who have been kidnapped by a rival pirate. The film is a lighthearted and action-packed homage to classic pirate movies.

Jones portrays Hayes as a charismatic and cunning rogue, a dashing anti-hero who is always looking for his next adventure. The role was a departure from his more serious work, allowing him to engage in sword fights, ship battles, and heroic rescues. The film is a fun and fast-paced adventure tale.

‘The River Rat’ (1984)

In this drama, Tommy Lee Jones plays Billy, an ex-convict who is released from prison after serving a sentence for a murder he claims he didn’t commit. He returns to his home on the Mississippi River to reconnect with his thirteen-year-old daughter, whom he barely knows. The two slowly begin to build a relationship while living on his houseboat.

Their newfound life is threatened when the real killer from Billy’s past reappears, looking for hidden money. Billy must protect his daughter and prove his innocence once and for all. Jones delivers a sensitive performance as a man trying to leave his past behind and become a father.

‘The Park Is Mine’ (1985)

In this television movie, Tommy Lee Jones stars as Mitch Garnett, a Vietnam veteran who feels neglected and forgotten by the country he served. Armed with a cache of stolen military weapons, he takes control of New York’s Central Park on Veterans Day. His goal is not to harm anyone but to make a powerful statement about the treatment of veterans.

Jones portrays a man pushed to the edge, a sympathetic anti-hero who uses drastic measures to make his voice heard. He engages in a tense standoff with the police as he holds the park hostage. The film is a tense thriller that also serves as a commentary on a social issue.

‘Black Moon Rising’ (1986)

This action-thriller features Tommy Lee Jones as Sam Quint, a professional thief and former government agent. Quint is hired to steal a computer disk containing incriminating evidence against a corporation. After hiding the disk in a high-tech prototype car, the car is stolen by a sophisticated car theft ring.

Quint must now infiltrate the heavily fortified headquarters of the car thieves to retrieve both the disk and the advanced vehicle. Jones plays a cool and resourceful hero, using his skills to outsmart the criminals. The film is a high-tech action story with car chases and elaborate break-ins.

‘The Big Town’ (1987)

In this drama set in the 1950s, Tommy Lee Jones plays George Cole, a professional gambler and the owner of a private, high-stakes dice game. The story follows a talented young craps shooter from a small town who comes to Chicago to make it big. He gets a job at a strip club and falls for one of the dancers, who is married to the dangerous George Cole.

Jones’s character is a ruthless and possessive man who controls the city’s illegal gambling scene. He becomes the main antagonist for the young protagonist, who challenges him both at the dice table and for the affection of his wife. The film is a stylish noir story about ambition, love, and danger.

‘Stormy Monday’ (1988)

This neo-noir thriller stars Tommy Lee Jones as Cosmo, a corrupt and powerful American businessman. Cosmo comes to the English city of Newcastle with a plan to force a local jazz club owner to sell his property as part of a major redevelopment scheme. The story follows a young man who gets a job at the club and finds himself caught in the middle of this dangerous conflict.

Jones portrays a menacing and sophisticated villain who uses threats and violence to get what he wants. He represents the ruthless force of corporate greed that threatens the small, independent club. The film is an atmospheric and stylish thriller with a strong jazz soundtrack.

‘Gotham’ (1988)

In this made-for-television thriller, Tommy Lee Jones plays Eddie Mallard, a cynical private detective. Mallard is hired by a wealthy man to get him out of a messy situation involving a beautiful and mysterious woman. The man claims the woman, who was his ex-wife, is dead and is now haunting him to get her alimony.

Mallard’s investigation into the woman and her supposed death leads him into a complex and dangerous world of deception and murder. The film is a modern noir with supernatural elements, and Jones’s character is a classic hardboiled detective trying to solve a bizarre and deadly puzzle.

‘The Package’ (1989)

This political thriller features Tommy Lee Jones as Thomas Boyette, a convicted military prisoner and deadly assassin. The story centers on a U.S. Army Green Beret Sergeant who is assigned to escort Boyette from Germany back to the United States. However, Boyette escapes, and the Sergeant discovers he is part of a high-level conspiracy to assassinate a world leader.

Jones plays a cunning and ruthless antagonist who is at the center of the conspiracy. The Sergeant must race against time to stop him, but he finds that he has been framed for the plot himself. The film is a tense and action-packed story of espionage and political intrigue.

‘Fire Birds’ (1990)

In this action film, Tommy Lee Jones plays Captain Brad Little, a seasoned flight instructor for the U.S. Army’s Apache helicopter program. He is tasked with training a cocky young pilot to be part of a special task force sent to Latin America to fight a powerful drug cartel. The cartel has its own ace helicopter pilot, creating a deadly rivalry in the air.

Jones’s character is a tough and demanding mentor who must prepare the young pilot for the dangers of aerial combat. He is a veteran aviator who provides the guidance and expertise needed to take on the enemy. The film is known for its impressive aerial action sequences featuring the Apache attack helicopters.

‘JFK’ (1991)

In Oliver Stone’s controversial and acclaimed historical thriller, Tommy Lee Jones gives an Oscar-nominated performance as Clay Shaw, a prominent New Orleans businessman. The film follows the investigation by New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Garrison’s investigation leads him to believe there was a conspiracy, with Clay Shaw at its center.

Jones portrays Shaw as an elegant, articulate, and mysterious figure who denies any involvement in the conspiracy. His performance captures the ambiguity and sophistication of the man Garrison accused of being a key player in the plot to kill the president. The role earned Jones widespread critical praise for his compelling and nuanced portrayal.

‘Under Siege’ (1992)

This action film stars Tommy Lee Jones as the memorable villain, William Strannix. Strannix is a disgruntled ex-CIA operative who, along with a team of mercenaries, hijacks a U.S. Navy battleship. Their plan is to steal the ship’s nuclear-armed Tomahawk missiles and sell them to terrorists.

Jones delivers a charismatic and unhinged performance as the rock-and-roll-loving terrorist leader. He provides a perfect foil for the film’s hero, the ship’s cook and former Navy SEAL, who must single-handedly stop the takeover. Strannix is one of the most entertaining and iconic action movie villains of the 1990s.

‘House of Cards’ (1993)

In this drama, Tommy Lee Jones plays Jake Beerlander, a specialist in child autism. The story centers on a woman whose young daughter stops speaking after the traumatic death of her father. The mother desperately seeks help for her child, who has retreated into her own world and communicates by building an elaborate house of cards.

Dr. Beerlander is the compassionate and unconventional doctor who tries to understand the girl’s condition. He works with the mother to find a way to break through the girl’s silence and help her deal with her grief. Jones plays a caring and insightful character who offers hope to the struggling family.

‘The Fugitive’ (1993)

Tommy Lee Jones won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his iconic role as U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard. The film is about a respected surgeon who is wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife. He escapes from custody and goes on the run, determined to find the real killer while being relentlessly pursued by Gerard and his team.

Jones’s performance as the determined and whip-smart lawman became a defining moment in his career. Gerard is not a villain but a highly competent professional who is simply doing his job. His famous line, “I don’t care,” in response to the fugitive’s claim of innocence, perfectly encapsulates the character’s single-minded pursuit of his quarry.

‘Heaven & Earth’ (1993)

This is the third film in Oliver Stone’s Vietnam War trilogy, and it features Tommy Lee Jones as Steve Butler. The movie tells the true story of a Vietnamese woman’s life, from her childhood in a rural village during the war to her marriage to an American GI and her difficult transition to life in the United States.

Jones portrays Steve Butler, the troubled and battle-scarred soldier who marries the protagonist and brings her to America. His character struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, and their marriage is volatile and ultimately tragic. The performance is a powerful depiction of the lasting psychological wounds of war.

‘Blown Away’ (1994)

In this action-thriller, Tommy Lee Jones plays Ryan Gaerity, a brilliant and unhinged bomber with a personal vendetta. Gaerity escapes from an Irish prison and travels to Boston to terrorize a member of the city’s bomb squad. The two men have a dark and complicated history from their time in Northern Ireland.

Jones portrays a cunning and theatrical villain who creates a series of elaborate and deadly bombs to torment his former mentor. He is a charismatic but psychotic antagonist who engages the hero in a deadly cat-and-mouse game. The film is a high-stakes thriller filled with tense bomb-disposal sequences.

‘The Client’ (1994)

Based on a John Grisham novel, this legal thriller stars Tommy Lee Jones as Roy “Reverend Roy” Foltrigg. Foltrigg is an ambitious and publicity-hungry federal prosecutor who is trying to bring down a major mob family. His case becomes complicated when a young boy accidentally learns the location of a murdered senator’s body from a mob lawyer just before the lawyer’s suicide.

Foltrigg puts immense pressure on the boy to reveal what he knows, but the boy is terrified of the mob and refuses to talk. Jones plays a powerful and formidable legal adversary who will use any tactic to get the information he needs for his high-profile case.

‘Natural Born Killers’ (1994)

In this satirical crime film directed by Oliver Stone, Tommy Lee Jones has a memorable and over-the-top role as Warden Dwight McClusky. The movie follows a pair of mass murderers who become sensationalized media celebrities. After being captured, they are sent to a maximum-security prison run by the volatile and corrupt McClusky.

Jones delivers a wildly energetic and comical performance as the unhinged warden. His character is a grotesque caricature of authority and is obsessed with fame and control. The role culminates in a massive prison riot, which McClusky inadvertently helps to instigate.

‘Blue Sky’ (1994)

This romantic drama features Tommy Lee Jones as Major Hank Marshall, a brilliant nuclear engineer working for the U.S. Army in the 1960s. He is a dedicated and principled man whose career is often jeopardized by the free-spirited and mentally unstable behavior of his wife. When Hank uncovers a secret, dangerous, and illegal underground nuclear test, he tries to expose it, putting him in conflict with his superiors.

Jones portrays a man torn between his duty to the military, his moral principles, and his complicated love for his wife. The film deals with themes of conformity, cover-ups, and personal freedom during the Cold War era. The role showcases Jones’s ability to play a man of quiet integrity.

‘Cobb’ (1994)

In this biographical film, Tommy Lee Jones delivers a powerful performance as the legendary baseball player Ty Cobb. The movie is set late in Cobb’s life and is based on the memories of a sportswriter who was hired to help him write his autobiography. The writer discovers that the famous ballplayer is a bitter, violent, and racist old man, a stark contrast to his heroic public image.

Jones’s portrayal of Cobb is a raw and unflinching look at a deeply flawed American icon. He captures the character’s rage, his brilliance, and his profound loneliness. The performance was widely praised by critics as one of the best and most challenging of his career.

‘Batman Forever’ (1995)

In this superhero blockbuster, Tommy Lee Jones plays the iconic villain Harvey Dent, also known as Two-Face. Before his transformation, Dent was the district attorney of Gotham City. After a criminal throws acid in his face during a trial, half of his face is horribly scarred, and his personality splits into a good and an evil side, with his actions determined by the flip of a coin.

Jones provides a manic and theatrical performance as the cackling, chaotic villain. He teams up with another of Batman’s enemies, The Riddler, to terrorize Gotham City. The role was a chance for Jones to play a larger-than-life comic book character in a big-budget spectacle.

‘Volcano’ (1997)

This disaster film stars Tommy Lee Jones as Michael Roark, the head of the Los Angeles Office of Emergency Management. When a previously unknown volcano erupts in the middle of the city, spewing ash and sending a river of lava down a major street, Roark is responsible for coordinating the city’s response. He must work with a seismologist to try and divert the lava flow and save the city.

Jones plays a calm and competent leader in the midst of an unprecedented crisis. His character is a dedicated professional who risks his own life to protect the citizens of Los Angeles. The film is a fast-paced and action-packed spectacle filled with large-scale special effects.

‘Men in Black’ (1997)

Tommy Lee Jones stars in one of his most famous roles as Agent K in this science-fiction action-comedy. Agent K is a senior member of the Men in Black, a top-secret organization that monitors and polices alien life on Earth. He is a world-weary and deadpan veteran who recruits a new partner, a former NYPD officer, to help him save the world from an intergalactic terrorist.

Jones’s performance as the stoic and unflappable Agent K became iconic. His perfect comedic timing and his chemistry with his co-star were central to the film’s massive success. The role solidified his status as a major movie star and a master of understated comedy.

‘U.S. Marshals’ (1998)

In this spin-off sequel to ‘The Fugitive,’ Tommy Lee Jones reprises his Oscar-winning role as U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard. This time, Gerard and his team are hunting a new fugitive, a former government operative who is accused of murdering two federal agents. The fugitive is arrested after a plane crash, but he escapes and goes on the run.

As Gerard pursues the fugitive, he begins to suspect that the man may be innocent and that he is caught in the middle of a dangerous government conspiracy. The film once again showcases Gerard’s relentless determination and brilliant investigative skills. It is an action-packed thriller that builds on the world established in the first film.

‘Small Soldiers’ (1998)

In this action-comedy, Tommy Lee Jones provides the voice for Major Chip Hazard, the leader of a group of militaristic action figures. A major toy company creates a new line of toys equipped with advanced military microchips, causing them to come to life. The commando action figures, led by Hazard, are programmed to destroy their enemies, a group of peaceful monster toys.

Jones’s voice performance perfectly captures the gung-ho, aggressive personality of the action figure leader. Major Chip Hazard takes his mission very seriously, turning a quiet suburban neighborhood into a war zone. The film is a satirical look at action movies and consumer culture.

‘Double Jeopardy’ (1999)

This thriller stars Tommy Lee Jones as Travis Lehman, a jaded and cynical parole officer. The story is about a woman who is framed for the murder of her husband. While in prison, she discovers that her husband faked his death and is living a new life with their son. After being paroled, she sets out to find him and get her revenge.

Lehman is the parole officer assigned to her case. He initially believes she is just another delusional ex-convict, but as he pursues her, he begins to realize she is telling the truth. He becomes her reluctant ally in her quest for justice, trying to help her before she breaks the law.

‘Rules of Engagement’ (2000)

In this military legal drama, Tommy Lee Jones plays Colonel Hayes “Hodge” Hodges, a Marine Corps lawyer. He is tasked with defending his long-time friend, a decorated Marine officer who is put on trial after his troops fire on a crowd of demonstrators outside the U.S. embassy in Yemen. The officer claims his men were under fire, but the government wants to make him a scapegoat for a diplomatic crisis.

Hodges is a weary veteran who is about to retire, but he takes the case out of loyalty to his friend, whom he served with in Vietnam. Jones portrays a determined lawyer who must fight a powerful government conspiracy to uncover the truth and clear his friend’s name.

‘Space Cowboys’ (2000)

This adventure-drama features Tommy Lee Jones as William “Hawk” Hawkins. The film is about a group of four former Air Force test pilots from the 1950s who never got their chance to go into space. Forty years later, they are called upon by NASA to go on a mission to repair a failing Soviet-era satellite that uses an outdated guidance system that only they understand.

Hawk Hawkins is the hot-headed and rebellious member of the old team, a former rival of the group’s leader. Jones’s character is a daring pilot who sees this mission as his last chance to achieve his lifelong dream. The film is a charming and heroic story about friendship, aging, and second chances.

‘Men in Black II’ (2002)

Tommy Lee Jones returns as Kevin Brown, the former Agent K, in this sequel to the hit science-fiction comedy. At the end of the first film, K had his memory erased and returned to a normal life, now working as a postmaster in a small town. However, his former partner must bring him back into the Men in Black organization when a new alien threat emerges that only K has the knowledge to defeat.

The film’s plot revolves around restoring K’s memory and getting the old team back together. Jones once again displays his perfect deadpan humor as his character slowly rediscovers his past life as a secret agent. The movie features more imaginative aliens and high-tech gadgets.

‘The Hunted’ (2003)

In this action-thriller, Tommy Lee Jones plays L.T. Bonham, a civilian expert who trains elite military assassins. Bonham has retired to a life of solitude in the wilderness, haunted by the work he used to do. He is called back into service when his most skilled former student goes rogue and begins using his deadly training to hunt and kill civilians in the forests of Oregon.

Bonham is the only one who can track and stop the rogue assassin, as he taught him everything he knows. This sets up a tense and primal cat-and-mouse game between the teacher and his student. Jones plays a man of quiet intensity and deep skill, forced to confront the violent consequences of his past.

‘The Missing’ (2003)

This Western thriller stars Tommy Lee Jones as Samuel Jones, a man who abandoned his family years earlier to live among the Apache people. He returns to his estranged daughter’s homestead just as her eldest daughter is kidnapped by a group of renegade Apache witches. His daughter, a frontier doctor, must reluctantly accept her father’s help to track the kidnappers and rescue her child.

Jones’s character is a man caught between two worlds, having assimilated into Native American culture. He uses his deep knowledge of the land and Apache customs to pursue the captors. The film is a gritty and suspenseful Western that explores themes of family, forgiveness, and the clash of cultures.

‘Man of the House’ (2005)

In this action-comedy, Tommy Lee Jones plays Ranger Lieutenant Roland Sharp, a tough and by-the-book Texas Ranger. After a key informant in a major case is murdered, Sharp is assigned to protect the only witnesses to the crime: a group of five University of Texas cheerleaders. To keep them safe, he must go undercover as their assistant coach and live with them in their sorority house.

The film’s humor comes from the clash between the gruff, no-nonsense lawman and the bubbly, high-energy world of the cheerleaders. Jones plays the straight man in a series of comical situations as he tries to keep the young women out of trouble while hunting for the bad guys.

‘The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada’ (2005)

Tommy Lee Jones directed and starred in this modern Western, for which he won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival. He plays Pete Perkins, a Texas ranch foreman whose best friend and employee, an undocumented Mexican immigrant named Melquiades Estrada, is accidentally killed by a reckless Border Patrol officer. When the local sheriff refuses to investigate, Pete takes matters into his own hands.

Perkins kidnaps the officer and forces him to dig up his friend’s body. He then embarks on a dangerous journey on horseback across the border to fulfill a promise he made to Melquiades: to bury him in his hometown in Mexico. The film is a powerful and moving story about friendship, loyalty, and justice.

‘A Prairie Home Companion’ (2006)

In this ensemble comedy-drama from director Robert Altman, Tommy Lee Jones has a supporting role as Axeman. The film depicts the final broadcast of a long-running, fictional radio variety show. The story takes place in real time backstage during the show, as the various performers prepare to go on stage for the last time.

Axeman is a corporate liquidator, a representative from the Texas company that has bought the radio station and is shutting the show down. He is a pragmatic businessman who is there to oversee the end of an era. Jones’s character represents the cold reality of commerce that is bringing the beloved, nostalgic show to a close.

‘No Country for Old Men’ (2007)

In this Academy Award-winning thriller from the Coen Brothers, Tommy Lee Jones plays Sheriff Ed Tom Bell. The film is about a man who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and takes a suitcase full of money, which puts him in the path of a relentless and psychopathic killer. Sheriff Bell is the aging West Texas lawman who is investigating the trail of violence.

Bell is a man of quiet integrity who is haunted by the changing nature of crime and the brutal, senseless violence he encounters. He represents an older, more moral world that is fading away. Jones’s performance is a weary and thoughtful reflection on good, evil, and the passage of time.

‘In the Valley of Elah’ (2007)

Tommy Lee Jones earned an Academy Award nomination for his role as Hank Deerfield in this powerful mystery drama. Deerfield is a retired military police sergeant and a patriotic veteran whose son, a soldier, has just returned from the war in Iraq. When his son goes missing from his army base and is later found murdered, Hank launches his own investigation.

As he uncovers the truth about his son’s final days, Hank is forced to confront the brutal and dehumanizing realities of the war and its psychological toll on the soldiers. Jones delivers a subtle and deeply moving performance as a father whose world and deeply held beliefs are shattered.

‘In the Electric Mist’ (2009)

In this atmospheric crime drama, Tommy Lee Jones plays Dave Robicheaux, a troubled and alcoholic detective in southern Louisiana. The film is based on a novel by James Lee Burke. Robicheaux is investigating the murder of a young woman, and his investigation leads him to a powerful local mob boss who is co-producing a Civil War film in the area.

Robicheaux’s investigation is complicated by his own personal demons and by hallucinatory encounters with a Confederate general from the past. Jones portrays the world-weary and determined detective, navigating a swampy and corrupt world to find justice.

‘The Company Men’ (2010)

This drama features Tommy Lee Jones as Gene McClary, a senior executive at a large corporation. The film follows three men at different levels of the company who are all affected by a round of corporate downsizing. It explores the personal and emotional impact of losing a job and a sense of identity.

McClary is a high-ranking partner who is forced out of the company he helped build. He is a man of principle who is disgusted by the greed and lack of loyalty shown by the CEO. Jones delivers a powerful performance as a man who has lost his career and is trying to find a new purpose in his life.

‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ (2011)

In this Marvel superhero film set during World War II, Tommy Lee Jones plays Colonel Chester Phillips. Phillips is the tough and skeptical military officer who is in charge of the super-soldier program that transforms a small, determined young man named Steve Rogers into Captain America. He is initially unimpressed by Rogers, but he eventually comes to respect his bravery and leadership.

Jones brings his signature gruff and no-nonsense attitude to the role, providing a source of both authority and comic relief. He is a classic tough-as-nails military commander who is a perfect fit for the 1940s setting. His character is a key figure in the origin story of the iconic hero.

‘Men in Black 3’ (2012)

Tommy Lee Jones reprises his role as Agent K in the third installment of the science-fiction comedy franchise. In this film, a dangerous alien criminal from K’s past escapes from a lunar prison and travels back in time to 1969 to kill the younger Agent K, which would change the course of history. Agent J must also travel back in time to save his partner and the world.

Jones appears as the present-day Agent K at the beginning and end of the film. His character’s history and his past relationship with the villain are central to the plot. The film explores the origins of the stoic agent and the deep friendship between him and his partner.

‘Hope Springs’ (2012)

In this romantic comedy-drama, Tommy Lee Jones stars as Arnold Soames, a man who has been married to his wife for over thirty years. Their marriage has fallen into a comfortable but passionless routine. His wife, desperate to reconnect with him, books them a week of intense marriage counseling with a famous therapist in a small town in Maine.

Arnold is a creature of habit and is deeply resistant to the idea of therapy, finding the whole process awkward and embarrassing. Jones delivers a humorous and touching performance as a grumpy and closed-off man who slowly begins to open up and fight for his marriage.

‘Lincoln’ (2012)

In this historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg, Tommy Lee Jones gives an Oscar-nominated performance as the powerful Radical Republican congressman, Thaddeus Stevens. The film focuses on President Abraham Lincoln’s efforts in the final months of the Civil War to pass the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which would abolish slavery.

Stevens is a passionate and fiery abolitionist and one of Lincoln’s most powerful political adversaries. He must compromise his long-held radical beliefs to help Lincoln secure the votes needed to pass the amendment. Jones’s performance is a powerful and commanding portrayal of a man of fierce conviction and political cunning.

‘Emperor’ (2012)

This historical drama stars Tommy Lee Jones as General Douglas MacArthur. The film is set in the immediate aftermath of Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II. MacArthur is the de facto ruler of the country during the American occupation, and he must make a monumental decision: whether the Japanese Emperor Hirohito should be tried as a war criminal or if he is needed to help rebuild the nation.

The story is told through the eyes of a younger general on MacArthur’s staff who is tasked with investigating the Emperor’s role in the war. Jones provides a commanding and larger-than-life portrayal of the famous American general, a man who held the fate of a nation in his hands.

‘The Family’ (2013)

In this action-comedy, Tommy Lee Jones has a supporting role as FBI Agent Robert Stansfield. The film is about a notorious mob family who is relocated to a small town in Normandy, France, under the witness protection program. However, they have a very difficult time giving up their old habits and fitting into the quiet community.

Stansfield is the weary and long-suffering FBI agent in charge of their case. He is responsible for trying to keep the family in line and protecting them from the assassins who are trying to find them. Jones provides a grounding presence and a source of dry humor in this chaotic fish-out-of-water story.

‘The Homesman’ (2014)

Tommy Lee Jones co-wrote, directed, and starred in this unconventional Western. The story follows a resourceful and independent pioneer woman who takes on the dangerous task of transporting three mentally ill women from Nebraska to Iowa. To help her on the perilous journey, she enlists the help of a low-life drifter, George Briggs, whom she saves from being hanged.

Jones plays Briggs, a claim-jumper and army deserter who is initially selfish and unreliable. However, during the difficult journey, he develops a grudging respect for the woman and a sense of responsibility for their mission. The film is a powerful and bleak look at the hardships of pioneer life.

‘Criminal’ (2016)

This science-fiction action-thriller features Tommy Lee Jones as Dr. Micah Franks. Dr. Franks is a neuroscientist who has developed a radical experimental procedure that can transfer the memories of one person into the brain of another. When a CIA agent is killed in the middle of a critical mission, the agency decides to use this technology to retrieve the information he had.

They transfer the dead agent’s memories into the mind of a dangerous and unpredictable death-row inmate. Dr. Franks is the scientist who must oversee this high-stakes and ethically questionable procedure, hoping that the inmate will be able to access the crucial memories.

‘Jason Bourne’ (2016)

In this installment of the popular spy franchise, Tommy Lee Jones plays CIA Director Robert Dewey. The film sees the return of the rogue operative Jason Bourne, who has been living off the grid. He is drawn back into the world of espionage when he uncovers new secrets about his past and his father’s involvement in the program that created him.

Dewey is the powerful and ruthless head of the CIA who sees Bourne as a threat that must be eliminated. He is a morally compromised leader who will do anything to protect the agency’s secrets and his own position. Jones portrays a formidable and calculating antagonist for the film’s hero.

‘Mechanic: Resurrection’ (2016)

In this action-thriller sequel, Tommy Lee Jones has a supporting role as Max Adams, a charismatic and eccentric arms dealer. The story follows a retired master assassin who is forced back into the business when the woman he loves is kidnapped. He is tasked with completing three impossible assassinations to save her.

Max Adams is the final target on the assassin’s list. He is an ex-Marine who now lives in a lavish, heavily fortified compound in Eastern Europe. Jones’s character is a quirky and philosophical arms dealer who becomes an unlikely ally to the hero in the film’s final act.

‘Shock and Awe’ (2017)

This drama tells the true story of a group of journalists from the Knight Ridder news organization who investigated the Bush administration’s claims about weapons of mass destruction in the lead-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Tommy Lee Jones portrays veteran journalist Joseph L. Galloway.

While other major news outlets were reporting the administration’s official narrative, these reporters were the only ones who were skeptical and questioned the evidence. Galloway is a respected and experienced war correspondent who supports and mentors the younger journalists in their search for the truth.

‘Just Getting Started’ (2017)

In this action-comedy, Tommy Lee Jones stars as Leo McKay, a former high-powered FBI agent. The story is set at a luxury desert resort in Palm Springs. McKay is living a quiet life at the resort when he comes into conflict with the resort’s manager, a former mob lawyer who is in the witness protection program.

McKay is a gruff and mysterious character who immediately clashes with the fun-loving resort manager. The two men become rivals for the affection of the newest resident at the resort. Their rivalry is interrupted when the mob finally tracks down the manager, forcing the two men to team up to survive.

‘Ad Astra’ (2019)

This science-fiction drama features Tommy Lee Jones in a key supporting role as Clifford McBride. The film follows an astronaut who travels to the outer edges of the solar system to find his long-lost father and unravel a mystery that threatens the survival of our planet. His father, Clifford, was a legendary astronaut who disappeared years earlier on a mission to find intelligent life.

McBride is a brilliant but obsessive man who has been alone in deep space for decades, and his failed mission now poses a threat to the solar system. Jones delivers a haunting and powerful performance as a man who has sacrificed everything, including his humanity, for his quest.

‘Wander’ (2020)

In this conspiracy thriller, Tommy Lee Jones plays Jimmy Cleats, a reclusive and eccentric conspiracy theorist. The story centers on a mentally unstable private investigator who is hired to investigate a suspicious death in a small town. He soon becomes convinced that the death is part of the same vast conspiracy that caused the death of his own daughter.

Jimmy Cleats is a podcast host and an old friend of the investigator’s family. He encourages the protagonist’s paranoid theories and helps him delve deeper into the supposed cover-up. Jones plays a quirky and knowledgeable mentor figure in this twisting psychological thriller.

‘The Comeback Trail’ (2020)

This comedy features Tommy Lee Jones as Duke Montana, an aging and suicidal movie star living in a retirement home for actors. The story is about two movie producers who are in debt to the mob. To save themselves, they come up with an insurance scam: they will cast an old actor in a dangerous film, hoping he will die during production so they can collect the insurance money.

They cast Duke Montana, who they believe will be an easy mark. However, the washed-up actor sees the role as a chance to revive his career and proves to be much more resilient than they expected. Jones delivers a comedic performance as the charming but difficult old star.

‘Finestkind’ (2023)

In this crime drama, Tommy Lee Jones plays Ray Eldridge, the estranged father of two half-brothers. The story is set in a commercial fishing community. The brothers, who were raised separately, are reunited as adults and decide to strike a deal with a dangerous Boston crime syndicate, which puts them and their father in serious jeopardy.

Ray is a tough and cantankerous old fisherman who is dying of cancer. He is forced to confront his past and his difficult relationship with his sons when they get into deep trouble. Jones gives a powerful performance as a man facing his own mortality while trying to save his family.

‘The Burial’ (2023)

Based on a true story, this legal drama stars Tommy Lee Jones as Jeremiah O’Keefe. O’Keefe is the owner of a small, family-run funeral home business in Mississippi who finds himself in a contract dispute with a major corporation that is trying to put him out of business. To take on the corporate giant, he hires a flamboyant and slick personal injury lawyer.

Jones portrays the decent, hardworking, and deeply religious small-business owner who is in danger of losing everything. His traditional, old-fashioned character provides a perfect contrast to the flashy and unconventional lawyer he hires. The film is a feel-good story about an unlikely friendship and the fight of the little guy against a corporate behemoth.

From lawman to spaceman, which Tommy Lee Jones character do you feel best represents his remarkable career?