TV
Olyphant's best onscreen roles, from a rom-com heartthrob to a modern-day cowboy.
By Alex Buscemi |
Timothy Olyphant boasts a career as varied as it is impressive. He brought us Sheriff Seth Bullock in "Deadwood," all steely-eyed and rugged like he just stepped out of a dusty Western novel. Then there's Marshal Raylan Givens in "Justified," with his quick wit and quicker draw, cementing Olyphant as this archetype of a rough-and-tumble American anti-hero.
But Olyphant isn't just about being the tough guy. He flips the script and nails it in "Santa Clarita Diet," showing off this wicked sense of humor that's as unexpected as it is hilarious.
The real magic of Olyphant is how he slips into each character's skin, mixing that natural charm with a dash of something edgy. His performances are a masterclass in subtlety and strength.
Off-screen, Olyphant has tied the knot with his college love, Alexis Knief, and they're raising three kids together in their Westwood, Los Angeles home. Olyphant keeps a low profile, balancing his acting career with his love for tennis and sports.
Reflecting on his standout roles, there's this understated power he brings to the table. It's all in the way he delivers a line or holds a gaze - a reminder that sometimes the most impactful moments on screen are the ones spoken softly, with eyes that tell a story all their own.
Scroll through for the best Timothy Olyphant performances of all time.
1 of 15
Fritz — 'Catch and Release' (2006)
Columbia Pictures
In "Catch and Release," Timothy Olyphant portrays Fritz, a ne'er-do-well whom the main character (Jennifer Garner) initially dislikes. But as Garner's character grapples with the sudden death of her fiancé, she finds solace and unexpected romance with his friend Fritz. Olyphant's character is revealed to have hidden depths beneath his initial carefree exterior. The film delves into themes of healing and new beginnings, with Olyphant delivering a performance that balances charm with a touch of melancholy.
2 of 15
Nick — 'A Perfect Getaway' (2009)
Relativity Media
In the thriller "A Perfect Getaway," Olyphant plays Nick, a former special ops soldier who encounters a newlywed couple while hiking in Hawaii. The film's suspense builds around mysterious murders, with Nick's military skills and enigmatic past casting him as both potential protector and suspect. Olyphant's portrayal brings an intense, rugged edge to the character, keeping viewers guessing his true intentions. The film is a gripping tale of survival and suspicion, where paradise becomes a backdrop for a deadly game of trust.
3 of 15
Kelly - 'The Girl Next Door' (2004)
20th Century Fox
"The Girl Next Door" features Timothy Olyphant as Kelly, a slick and manipulative adult film producer. The story centers on a high school senior who falls for his new neighbor, only to discover her past involvement in the adult film industry, with Kelly being her ex-producer. Olyphant's character exudes a charismatic yet dangerous charm, perfectly embodying the role of an antagonist who blurs the lines between friend and foe.
4 of 15
Dick - 'High Life' (2009)
Union Pictures
"High Life" is a crime comedy where Timothy Olyphant stars as Dick, a character embroiled in a botched ATM heist. Set in 1983, the film captures the era's vibe and the desperation of characters seeking a quick payday. Olyphant's portrayal of Dick adds depth to this darkly comedic caper, highlighting his character's flawed, yet relatable human nature. His performance is both humorous and heartfelt, anchoring the film's theme of the elusiveness of the so-called "high life."
5 of 15
Sheriff David - 'The Crazies' (2010)
Overture Films
In the horror remake "The Crazies," Timothy Olyphant takes on the role of Sheriff David Dutton, a small-town lawman facing a terrifying biological outbreak. When the townspeople begin exhibiting violent behavior, Sheriff David fights to uncover the truth and protect his community. Olyphant delivers a strong performance, showcasing his character's determination and humanity amidst chaos. The film is a tense, chilling exploration of societal breakdown and the fight for survival against unseen threats.
6 of 15
Thomas Gabriel - 'Live Free Or Die Hard' (2007)
20th Century Fox
"Live Free Or Die Hard" sees Olyphant as the main antagonist, Thomas Gabriel, a disgruntled former government agent turned cyber-terrorist. With a plan to bring the United States to its knees through a systematic shutdown of the country's digital infrastructure, Gabriel is a formidable adversary to Bruce Willis's John McClane. Olyphant's portrayal is of a calculated and cold villain, adding a contemporary twist to the action franchise.
7 of 15
Mickey - 'Scream 2' (1997)
Dimension Films
In the iconic slasher sequel "Scream 2," Olyphant plays Mickey, a film student with a dark side. As the plot unfolds, Mickey's obsession with sequels and movies takes a sinister turn when he is revealed as one of the Ghostface killers. Olyphant's role is pivotal as it challenges the trope of the harmless movie geek, revealing a calculating killer beneath. His performance is a mix of charm and madness, contributing to the film's clever dissection of horror movie conventions.
8 of 15
Cobb Vanth - 'The Star Wars Universe' (2020 - 2022)
Lucasfilm
Olyphant enters the "Star Wars" universe as Cobb Vanth, the Marshal of Mos Pelgo, in "The Mandalorian" and "The Book of Boba Fett." With his lawman expertise, Olyphant brings a Western gunslinger vibe to the galaxy far, far away. His character's commitment to protecting his town and his cool demeanor make him an instant fan favorite.
9 of 15
James Stacy — 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood' (2019)
Columbia Pictures
In Quentin Tarantino's "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood," Olyphant plays James Stacy, a real-life television actor of the '60s. As part of an ensemble cast, Olyphant's portrayal brings authenticity to the role, capturing the spirit of a bygone Hollywood era. His character's interactions with Leonardo DiCaprio's Rick Dalton provide a glimpse into the industry's inner workings and the camaraderie among actors.
10 of 15
Spirit Of The West - 'Rango' (2011)
Paramount Pictures
In the animated hit "Rango," Olyphant voices the Spirit Of The West, an enigmatic and iconic figure that embodies the essence of Western heroes. His character serves as a guide and inspiration to the film's protagonist, a chameleon in search of his identity. Olyphant's portrayal pays homage to Clint Eastwood's classic roles, with his voice lending gravitas and a timeless quality to the character.
11 of 15
Todd Gaines - 'Go' (1999)
Columbia Pictures
In "Go," Timothy Olyphant's character Todd Gaines is a drug dealer whose laid-back demeanor belies his dangerous nature. The film interweaves multiple storylines over a chaotic 24 hours, with Gaines at the center of a drug deal gone awry. Olyphant's performance is intense and magnetic, capturing the film's frenetic energy and edgy humor.
12 of 15
Joel Hammond - 'The Santa Clarita Diet' (2017 - 2019)
Netflix
In the Netflix series "The Santa Clarita Diet," Olyphant plays Joel Hammond, a real estate agent dealing with an extraordinary family crisis—his wife's transformation into a zombie. Olyphant shines as the supportive and bewildered husband, navigating the absurdity with comedic flair. His character's efforts to maintain normalcy bring heart and humor to the show, showcasing Olyphant's range as he balances the comedic with the macabre.
13 of 15
Dick 'Deafy' Wickware - 'Fargo' Season 4 (2020)
FX
In the fourth season of "Fargo," Olyphant portrays U.S. Marshal Dick 'Deafy' Wickware, a Mormon lawman with a strict moral code and a knack for tracking fugitives. His performance embodies the series' blend of dark humor and crime drama, with Wickware's tenacity and peculiar habits contributing to the season's unique flavor.
14 of 15
Seth Bullock - 'Deadwood' (2004-2006; 2019)
HBO
As Seth Bullock in "Deadwood," Olyphant delivers one of his most iconic performances. The series, and its concluding film, "Deadwood: The Movie," released 13 years after the series finale, follow the real-life lawman and his endeavors to bring order to the lawless town. Olyphant's portrayal is gritty and principled, capturing Bullock's relentless pursuit of justice. The character's moral complexity and Olyphant's intense performance resonate throughout the series, contributing to its status as a landmark in television history.
15 of 15
Raylan Givens - 'Justified' (2010 - 2015)
FX
At the pinnacle of Olyphant's career is U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens in "Justified." Based on Elmore Leonard's works, the series centers on Givens' unconventional approach to law enforcement in Kentucky. Olyphant's portrayal is charismatic and cool, yet layered with depth, embodying a modern-day cowboy with a personal code. His nuanced performance drives the show, making Raylan Givens a standout character in television and Olyphant's defining role.
READ MORE:Timothy Olyphant Joins Noah Hawley's Highly-Anticipated 'Alien' Series on FX
You Might Also Like
TV
Before 'Justified' and 'Yellowstone,' There Was 'Deadwood'
TV
Timothy Olyphant Joins Noah Hawley's Highly-Anticipated 'Alien' Series on FX
TV
'Justified' Cast: Where Are the Stars of the Western Crime Drama Today?
