You know his face. Seriously, you absolutely do. That guy. The one who pops up in that cop show, or maybe that horror movie, or was he the neighbor in that sitcom? His name is Daniel Roebuck. If you're searching for "Daniel Roebuck movies and TV shows," chances are you just saw him in something and couldn't quite place where else you've spotted that incredibly familiar mug. Or maybe you're a true fan, appreciating a character actor who consistently delivers, scene after scene, year after year. Either way, you landed in the right spot. This isn't just a list; it's a roadmap to understanding the sheer breadth and fascinating career of one of Hollywood's most reliable "Hey, it's that guy!" actors. We're going deep.
Honestly, trying to pin down Daniel Roebuck's entire filmography feels a bit like trying to herd cats. The man has been working steadily since the early 80s, appearing in hundreds of productions. Think about that for a second. Hundreds. From massive blockbusters to tiny indies you've probably never heard of, and a ridiculous amount of TV. He's the definition of a working actor. What makes him special, though? It's not just the volume, it's the versatility. He can play menacing, hilarious, deeply sympathetic, or just plain weird, often shifting gears effortlessly. You believe him, whatever role he's in. That's the magic.
Where You've Definitely Seen Him: The Big Screen Standouts
Let's tackle the movies first. Roebuck's film career is a wild ride through different genres and decades. Forget pigeonholing him. One minute he's a bumbling crook, the next he's a historical figure.
Early Days and Breakthrough Roles
Roebuck didn't burst onto the scene as a leading man type. He arrived as a character actor, immediately recognizable. His early roles set the tone:
| Movie Title (Year) | Role | Why It Matters | Roebuck's Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| River's Edge (1986) | Feck | Cult classic teen drama; dark, gritty, unforgettable. | Truly disturbing intensity. A raw, early showcase of his ability to be unsettling. |
| The Fugitive (1993) | Deputy Marshal Robert Biggs | Massive Oscar-winning blockbuster. | Competent, slightly weary lawman vibe. Shares key scenes with Tommy Lee Jones. |
| U.S. Marshals (1998) | Deputy Marshal Bobby Biggs | Sequel to The Fugitive. | Reprises his dependable Marshal role alongside Jones again. |
| Final Destination (2000) | Agent Weine | Launched a huge horror franchise. | Straight-laced authority figure investigating the bizarre deaths. |
Seeing him pop up in The Fugitive was a real "Ah-ha!" moment for me back in the day. Not the flashiest role, but he held his own against Jones' Oscar-winning intensity. He felt real, like an actual Marshal doing a tough job. That reliability became his trademark.
Beyond the Blockbusters: Genre Hopping and Hidden Gems
Roebuck doesn't just do mainstream. He dives deep into genre films, especially horror and quirky comedies, often collaborating with filmmakers who appreciate his unique presence.
- Horror Favorite: Bubba Ho-Tep (2002) - Played Jack (opposite Bruce Campbell's Elvis!). This movie is pure, bizarre genius. Roebuck is fantastic as the slightly deluded, wheelchair-bound JFK confined to a nursing home, fighting an Egyptian mummy. It's hilarious, touching, and weird – a perfect showcase for his ability to ground even the most absurd premise. He brings this sad dignity to Jack that makes the whole thing work. Honestly, if you haven't seen this, fix that immediately.
- Cult Classic Comedy: Greedy (1994) - Played Frank. A sharp, underrated comedy about a wealthy, manipulative uncle (Kirk Douglas) and his grasping relatives. Roebuck is great as one of the greedy nephews. He nails that mix of frustration and underlying decency (maybe?).
- Quirky Indie: Johnny Apollo (2000) - Played Monk. This crime drama flew under the radar, but Roebuck brings his usual solid presence.
- Voice Acting: He's lent his distinctive voice to films like Rob Zombie's The Haunted World of El Superbeasto (2009) and Charming (2018).
Working with Rob Zombie became a recurring thing. He showed up in Zombie's gritty reboot of Halloween (2007) as Lou Martini, and then again in Halloween II (2009). He also appeared in Zombie's The Lords of Salem (2012). There's something about Roebuck's inherent authenticity that fits well within Zombie's stylized, often grotesque worlds. He doesn't feel like an actor slumming it; he feels like he belongs there.
Conquering the Small Screen: A TV Journeyman
If Daniel Roebuck's movie output is impressive, his TV resume is downright staggering. Seriously, try finding a long-running show where he *hasn't* popped up at least once. It's harder than you think. He's the quintessential guest star, but also anchored several series with memorable recurring or starring roles.
| TV Show | Role | Type | Notes & Roebuck's Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matlock (1986-1995) | Cliff Lewis | Major Recurring Role | Perhaps his most famous TV role. Played Ben Matlock's (Andy Griffith) earnest, loyal, sometimes bumbling investigator for many seasons. Defined him for a generation of viewers. Pure, dependable charm. |
| Lost (2004-2010) | Dr. Leslie Arzt | Memorable Guest Star | One episode appearance that became iconic thanks to his character's explosively memorable demise. Perfect blend of annoying know-it-all and tragic comedy. "Dude, you got some Arzt on you." Classic. |
| The Flash (2014-2023) | Sheriff David Singh | Recurring Role | A constant, grounding presence as the no-nonsense Central City Police Chief. Provided authority and a touch of dry humor amidst the superhero chaos. |
| Star Trek: The Next Generation (1988) | Ensign Kane (in "The Arsenal of Freedom") | Guest Star | Early sci-fi credential! |
| Murder, She Wrote | Various Characters | Multiple Guest Spots | Appeared in several episodes playing different roles – a classic 80s/90s guest star rite of passage. |
| Law & Order (Various) | Various Characters | Multiple Guest Spots | Appeared across the original series, SVU, and Criminal Intent, often as lawyers, cops, or witnesses. The L&O universe practically runs on actors like Roebuck. |
| Glee | Rod Remington | Recurring Role | Played the hilariously dim-witted local news anchor, opposite Riki Lindhome. Pure comedic gold. |
| Agent Elvis (2023) | Voice of Bertrand | Voice Role (Recurring) | Animated series where he voices Elvis's butler/manager. |
Thinking about his TV work, Matlock was huge. You couldn't escape Cliff Lewis back then. But that Lost role… wow. He basically did one day's work that became one of the most talked-about moments in the entire series. That's the power of a great actor making the absolute most of limited screen time. People still yell "Arzt!" at him at conventions, I bet. His work on The Flash was the opposite – a steady, reliable character over many seasons. Sheriff Singh wasn't flashy (pun kinda intended), but he gave the show a crucial anchor point in reality.
And the guest spots? It feels endless. Diagnosis Murder? Check. Nash Bridges? Yep. Reno 911!? Of course. Threat Matrix, Profiler, Modern Family, Grey's Anatomy, CSI (Las Vegas and Miami), NCIS, Bones… the list goes on and on. If a show needed a solid character actor for a cop, a doctor, a lawyer, a crook, or a weird neighbor, Daniel Roebuck was often the call. He consistently elevated material, even in smaller parts.
Beyond Acting: The Man and His Passions
Okay, so we've covered a ton of Daniel Roebuck movies and TV shows, but the guy isn't just a performing machine. He's got layers.
- Writer/Director: Roebuck stepped behind the camera for Getting Grace (2017), a drama he also starred in. He also directed the documentary Abraham Lincoln: A New Birth of Freedom (2010). This shows a deeper creative drive beyond acting.
- Abraham Lincoln Enthusiast: This isn't just a passing interest. Roebuck is a renowned Lincoln presenter and historian. He looks uncannily like Lincoln and has portrayed him numerous times on screen (like in the movie The Man Who Came Back (2008)) and in live presentations. This passion adds a fascinating dimension to his persona.
- Horror Conventions & Fan Connection: Roebuck is a regular and beloved presence on the horror convention circuit. He genuinely seems to enjoy interacting with fans, sharing stories about his work, especially in genre films. He's known for being approachable and enthusiastic.
Seeing him portray Lincoln is honestly a bit eerie because of the resemblance. It’s clear this is more than just a gig for him; it’s a deep historical passion. And encountering him at a con? He’s the real deal – engaging, funny, and seems to appreciate the fans as much as they appreciate him. That human connection matters.
Navigating the Vast Filmography: A Timeline Snapshot
Want a quick glance at the evolution and sheer scope of Roebuck's career? This table hits some major highlights across decades.
| Decade | Notable Movies | Notable TV Shows | Career Phase Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980s | Cave Girl (1985), River's Edge (1986), Dudes (1987) | Matlock (Started 1986), Star Trek: TNG (1988), Midnight Caller | Breakthrough decade. Establishing the character actor credentials. Matlock becomes a defining role. |
| 1990s | The Fugitive (1993), Greedy (1994), U.S. Marshals (1998) | Matlock (Continued), Murder, She Wrote (Multiple), Nash Bridges, Profiler | Mainstream peak with Fugitive/US Marshals. Heavy TV guest star era across countless dramas. |
| 2000s | Final Destination (2000), Bubba Ho-Tep (2002), Halloween (2007), Halloween II (2009) | Lost (2005), CSI franchise, Law & Order franchises, Monk, Bones | Genre deep dive (Horror/Comedy). Iconic guest spot on Lost. Continued prolific TV guest work. |
| 2010s | Getting Grace (2017 - Dir/Star), The Lords of Salem (2012) | The Flash (2014-2023), Glee (Recurring), Hawaii Five-0, Modern Family | Continued genre work. Major recurring role on The Flash. Directorial debut. Lincoln documentary. |
| 2020s | Charming (Voice - 2018), The Honeymoon (2022) | Agent Elvis (2023 - Voice), Wonder Woman Bloodlines (Voice - 2019), The Rookie | Voice work prominence. Continued TV guest spots (The Rookie, SWAT). |
Look at that spread. Five decades and counting. From earnest young actors in the 80s to seasoned sheriffs and voice roles now. It’s a masterclass in longevity and adaptability in a brutal industry. Not many manage that sustained presence without ever being the traditional "star."
Daniel Roebuck Movies and TV Shows: Your Questions Answered (FAQ)
Let's tackle some of the common things people wonder when they search for info on Daniel Roebuck movies and TV shows:
Why Daniel Roebuck Matters: More Than Just "That Guy"
So, why dedicate so much attention to an actor who isn't a household name in the Brad Pitt sense? Because actors like Daniel Roebuck are the bedrock of film and television. They make the worlds feel real. They provide the texture and depth around the leads.
Think about your favorite shows and movies. Who gives them flavor? Often, it's the character actors popping in for a scene or two, leaving a lasting impression. Roebuck has done that hundreds of times. He possesses a rare combination of reliability and versatility. He never feels like he's just cashing a paycheck; he commits to the role, big or small. Whether he's making you laugh (Glee), making you jump (Final Destination), making you think (Bubba Ho-Tep), or just grounding a scene with quiet authority (The Flash), he delivers.
His passion projects outside of acting, like his Lincoln work and directing, show a creative mind constantly engaged. His genuine connection with fans at conventions highlights a down-to-earth quality often missing in Hollywood.
Searching for Daniel Roebuck movies and TV shows means you've recognized that face, that presence, that talent. It means you appreciate the craft that happens slightly off the brightest spotlight. His career is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and the enduring power of a great character actor. Next time you see him pop up – and you absolutely will – you'll know exactly who that fantastically familiar face belongs to, and appreciate the decades of craft he brings to that single scene. That’s the mark of a true professional.
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