Credit Roll Champions
Some actors work constantly, others selectively. Then there's a special breed who seem to live permanently on movie sets. These performers built careers through pure persistence.
22. Susan Sarandon: 172
Thelma & Louise wasn't just a cultural phenomenon. It was another notch in Susan Sarandon's relentless march through Hollywood. Born Susan Abigail Tomalin, she's been consistently working since Joe (1970s), building a reputation as a highly fearless actress who never shies away from controversial roles.
Thelma and Louise - Original Trailer | MGM by Amazon MGM Studios Amazon MGM Studios
22. Susan Sarandon (Cont.)
Her Oscar win for Dead Man Walking came after four nominations. As of 2025, she stars in the Netflix comedy Nonnas alongside Vince Vaughn and Joe Manganiello. She is also part of The Fabulous Four, a 2024 show featuring Sarandon, Bette Midler, and others as lifelong friends.
DEAD MAN WALKING (1995) | Official Trailer | MGM by Amazon MGM Studios Amazon MGM Studios
21. Ray Milland: 175
The jump from Alfred Reginald Jones to Ray Milland began in the British army, but his real battle was conquering the cinematic Golden Age with a work ethic that bordered on obsession. His screen career stretched an impressive 56 years, from 1929 to 1985.
Whitey Schafer, Wikimedia Commons
21. Ray Milland (Cont.)
Milland's Oscar-winning performance in The Lost Weekend showcased his dramatic range. Still, his 175 credits reveal a workaholic who seamlessly transitioned between Hitchcock thrillers, such as Dial M for Murder, and Disney family films, like Escape to Witch Mountain.
film trailer screenshot (Warner Bros.), Wikimedia Commons
20. Michael Caine: 177
After surviving the Korean War, Maurice Joseph Micklewhite returned home and chose the path to acting, adopting the stage name "Caine" from the film The Caine Mutiny (1954). His cockney accent and charm made him an instant favorite. It all began with Alfie in 1966.
Alfie (5/9) Movie CLIP - Live For Yourself (1966) HD by Movieclips
20. Michael Caine (Cont.)
The remarkable feat? Caine has earned Academy Award nominations in five consecutive decades. He achieved his breakthrough with Zulu (1964), followed by iconic roles in The Ipcress File, The Italian Job, and Battle of Britain. He is also known for comedic and family roles.
Michael Caine's First Major Movie Scene | Zulu (1964) | HD by ZULU
19. James Earl Jones: 190
That unforgettable voice didn't just happen overnight. James Earl Jones overcame a severe childhood stutter to become one of America's most commanding screen presences. His deep, resonant tones have narrated CNN promos and even been the voice of Darth Vader.
19. James Earl Jones (Cont.)
Beyond the legendary "No, I am your father" moment, Jones has displayed masterful stage work that translated beautifully to film and television. He was a celebrated stage actor who went on to bag Tony Awards for The Great White Hope and Fences.
18. Donald Sutherland: 200
Standing at 6'4", Sutherland literally towers over most of his co-stars. The Canadian actor peaked as a last-minute replacement in The Dirty Dozen, launching a future that would see him work with virtually every major director, including Robert Altman and Francis Ford Coppola.
The Dirty Dozen (1967) - Pinkley Plays General Scene (3/10) | Movieclips by Movieclips
18. Donald Sutherland (Cont.)
He’s appeared in classics like M*A*S*H, Klute, and Ordinary People while also introducing himself to new generations through The Hunger Games franchise. His Honorary Oscar in 2018 recognized not only his prolific output but also his consistent ability to enhance every project he undertakes.
Ordinary People (1980) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers by Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers
17. Danny Glover: 205
Broadway success with Master Harold…and the Boys brought to the world an absolute icon. His ability to add gravitas to every role, whether as Roger Murtaugh's family man in Lethal Weapon or the conflicted father in The Color Purple, made him an unbeatable hero.
17. Danny Glover (Cont.)
Glover has consistently chosen films that address social issues, such as Steven Spielberg's historical dramas, as well as some independent films that tackle racism and inequality. Beyond acting, he is a prominent activist, involved with organizations like the TransAfrica Forum.
16. Vincent Price: 210
Horror wasn't Vincent Price's original destination. The St Louis native began with sophisticated dramas like Laura and Leave Her to Heaven before accidentally discovering his calling in the macabre. His theatrical background and classical training gave him the right tools to enhance B-movie material.
Leave Her to Heaven (The Criterion Collection) screenshot, Wikimedia Commons
16. Vincent Price (Cont.)
Price had begun his acting journey on stage, notably in London’s production of Chicago and as Prince Albert in Victoria Regina (1935), which he later reprised on Broadway. His collaborations with Edgar Allan Poe adaptations furthermore created a subgenre unto themselves.
John Springer Collection, Getty Images
15. Louis Gossett Jr: 211
Breaking barriers was more than a career move for Louis Gossett Jr. When he bagged the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in An Officer and a Gentleman, he became the first African-American male to claim that honor, opening doors that had been firmly closed for generations.
An Officer and a Gentleman (1/6) Movie CLIP - Steers and Queers (1982) HD by Movieclips
15. Louis Gossett Jr (Cont.)
His filmography includes Enemy Mine (1985), Iron Eagle (1986), The Josephine Baker Story (1991), and The Color Purple (2023). Today, Gossett is remembered as a pioneering actor who broke racial barriers, delivered mighty performances across genres, and inspired generations of artists.
14. Samuel L Jackson: 215
Pulp Fiction may have made Samuel Jackson a household name, but his credits tell the story of a man who was already a seasoned professional when Tarantino came calling. He began as a struggling stage actor, with his famous roles emerging after the age of 40.
Wake Up, Brooklyn! | Do The Right Thing (1989) | Screen Bites by Screen Bites Screen Bites
14. Samuel L Jackson (Cont.)
This star’s early career included stage work and minor film roles, but his beloved works came in the late 1980s and early 1990s with Spike Lee’s films such as Do the Right Thing (1989). Since 1980, Jackson has been married to actress LaTanya Richardson.
Fallout boy~commonswiki, Wikimedia Commons
13. Robert Loggia: 234
Loggia began acting after studying at the Actors Studio under the guidance of Stella Adler. He played Frankie Peppo in a brief, uncredited part in Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956), his first motion picture debut. Robert Wise directed the movie.
13. Robert Loggia (Cont.)
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Loggia was a staple on American television, showing up in numerous popular series such as The Wild Wild West, Kojak, Mannix, The Rockford Files, and Wonder Woman. He also starred in the NBC action series T.H.E. Cat (1966–67).
12. Ward Bond: 278
John Ford discovered something special in Bond that would define both their careers—a collaboration of more than 20 films. His imposing physical presence and natural authority made him Ford's go-to actor for lawmen, military officers, and moral anchors in classics like The Searchers.
The Searchers (1956) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD] by Unseen Trailers
12. Ward Bond (Cont.)
Television audiences knew Bond best as wagon master Seth Adams in Wagon Train. The hero soon became known for his reliability and ability to fit seamlessly into almost any film, regularly appearing in 10 to 20 films per year, with a record 31 films in 1935.
ABC Television, Wikimedia Commons
11. Michael Ironside: 285
That gritty voice and intense stare made him horror and science fiction’s most dependable villain. The Canadian actor's best performance in David Cronenberg's Scanners established Ironside as someone who could make exposition sound menacing. This skill served him well in Total Recall.
Michael Ironside Always Losing Body Parts by Major Grin
11. Michael Ironside (Cont.)
His work ethic remains legendary even as he approaches his eighties. In 2023 alone, the individual appeared in six different projects. Whether playing military commanders or psychotic killers, Ironside brings an intelligence and professionalism that converts even the smallest parts into memorable moments.
Scanners Official Trailer #1 - Michael Ironside Movie (1981) HD by Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers
10. Christopher Lee: 288
Hammer Horror Studios found their perfect monster in Christopher Lee. His portrayal of Dracula in multiple movies created a template for gothic horror that influenced many others. Late-career roles in The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars prequels introduced Lee to entirely new audiences.
10. Christopher Lee (Cont.)
Born in London to an Italian countess and a British army officer, Lee worked as a flight lieutenant in the Royal Air Force during WWII before pursuing a career in acting. Even after his death in 2015, unreleased projects continue to display his dedication to his craft.
LOTR: Why Christopher Lee was PERFECT as Saruman by Middle-Earth Updates Middle-Earth Updates
9. Mickey Rooney: 344
Mickey Rooney was one of the most enduring and versatile performers in American entertainment history. He used to perform in his parents' vaudeville act as a toddler and ultimately made his film debut at age six in the silent short movie Not to Be Trusted (1926).
20th Century Fox, Getty Images
9. Mickey Rooney (Cont.)
Rooney became famous as the lead in the Mickey McGuire series of 78 short films. The series, based on the Toonerville Folks comic strip, was instrumental in launching Rooney’s profession and led to his adopting the stage name "Mickey"—first legally as Mickey McGuire.
MICKEY'S CIRCUS (1927) - Mickey "McGuire" Rooney by Dave Glass
8. Gertrude Astor: 350
Working for major studios including Keystone, Universal, and MGM, Astor helped establish the supporting player system. Her remarkable achievement of appearing in the most National Film Registry movies speaks to both her prolific output and the lasting quality of the films she chose.
James W. Horne, Wikimedia Commons
8. Gertrude Astor (Cont.)
Astor’s career from the 1910s through the 1960s represents one of the longest tenures in cinema history. In 1915, she became the first actress to sign a contract with Universal Studios. Due to her height, she was often cast as an aristocrat and a gold digger.
Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research, Wikimedia Commons
7. John Carradine: 354
Shakespeare and horror films might seem like strange bedfellows, but Carradine brought classical theater training to every monster movie he graced. His gaunt frame and resonant voice made him equally convincing as a Shakespearean villain on Broadway and a mad scientist in Universal's horror classics.
Universal Studios; Realart re-release, Wikimedia Commons
7. John Carradine (Cont.)
Carradine's credits include collaborations with John Ford in prestigious movies like Stagecoach and The Grapes of Wrath, proving his dramatic range extended far beyond the horror genre that made him famous. The Carradine acting dynasty he founded continues today through his sons David, Keith, and Robert.
A Darryl F. Zanuck Production, Wikimedia Commons
6. Richard Riehle: 435
Character actors often go unrecognized despite appearing in everyone's favorite films. Well, this actor right here personifies the phenomenon. That trademark mustache made him the appropriate "guy you know from somewhere," appearing in Scorsese's Casino as well as the cult classic Office Space.
Office Space Trailer (02/19/1999) by TVJ41262
6. Richard Riehle (Cont.)
Theater training at the Academy of Dramatic Art prepared Riehle for a career built on reliability rather than stardom. His scene-stealing cameo in Glory introduced years of steady work that continues to this day. Some of his other eminent films include Of Mice and Men (1992).
Of Mice and Men (4/10) Movie CLIP - Candy's Old Dog (1992) HD by Movieclips
5. James Hong: 463
Engineering school at the University of Minnesota seemed like this actor’s destiny until acting discovered him. Born in 1929, Hong witnessed and participated in the complete change of how Asian actors were portrayed on screen, evolving from stereotypical roles to complex characters.
5. James Hong (Cont.)
He is remembered for his brilliant roles in Chinatown, Big Trouble in Little China, and recently, the Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once. Besides, Hong's work in television series like Hawaii Five-O and Bonanza during the 1960s helped establish Asian-American actors as legitimate parts of mainstream entertainment.
From Chinatown to "Chinatown" by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine
4. Danny Trejo: 468
Looking for an amazing redemption story? Here you go. Trejo’s introduction to filmmaking came through a sudden encounter on the set of Runaway Train, where his real-life experience helped another recovering addict land him his first role. Apart from acting, he is an established entrepreneur.
4. Danny Trejo (Cont.)
Trejo's distinctive appearance featuring tattoos, scars, and a weathered face typecast him as criminals and villains. However, he accepted other roles as opportunities to show the consequences of poor choices. His collaboration with Robert Rodriguez pushed him towards becoming an action star.
Gregory Bojorquez, Getty Images
3. Harry Strang: 520
Western films laid the foundation for Hollywood's early success, and Harry Strang helped build every brick with his depictions of sheriffs, lawmen, and authority figures throughout the genre's golden age. He was a regular presence in two-reel comedies for RKO Radio Pictures.
3. Harry Strang (Cont.)
Strang's career coincided with a productive period, when studios cranked out hundreds of films annually and needed reliable character actors who could appear in multiple productions simultaneously. He has also been a part of TV with roles in Maverick and One Step Beyond.
Harry Strang's Retirement Celebration by Glen Bull
2. Eric Roberts: 851
Family talent runs deep in the Roberts clan. His relentless work ethic has produced an average of nearly 20 films per year since his 1978 beginning in King of the Gypsies, a pace that shows no signs of slowing as he approaches his seventh decade.
Rammstein - Sonne | Eric Roberts (King of the Gypsies) by milNsi
2. Eric Roberts (Cont.)
Roberts' strategy differs from that of typical leading men. His approach has earned him consideration for a Guinness World Record for the most on-screen deaths. Possessing a black belt in taekwondo, he even showcased his skills in Best of the Best (1989) and its sequel.
Best of the Best (1989)-Alex Fights part 1 by Arum09
1. Bess Flowers: 1045
Now comes Hollywood's "Queen of Extras," who earned her crown through sheer ubiquity. Flowers was best known for her work as an extra, often playing elegant party guests, socialites, or background figures in pivotal scenes. Note that most of her roles were initially uncredited.
Trailer screenshot (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer), Wikimedia Commons
1. Bess Flowers (Cont.)
Flowers collaborated with Alfred Hitchcock, John Ford, and Frank Capra, and even appeared in fan-favorites including It’s a Wonderful Life, Rear Window, and Singin’ in the Rain. In 1945, she helped found the Screen Extras Guild and served as one of its first vice-presidents.
The Extra Roles of Bess Flowers by smurvin
