Movies with John Pankow

John Pankow: A Versatile Character Actor With Everyman Appeal John Pankow is a veteran character actor whose long and varied career has made him a familiar face to moviegoers, though his unassuming presence often belies the depth and nuance he brings to his roles. With an impressive range that spans comedies, dramas, and thrillers, Pankow has carved out a niche as the kind of reliable supporting player whose work elevates even the most ordinary material. Pankow's breakout came in 1985 with William Friedkin's stylish crime thriller To Live and Die in L.A., in which he played a sleazy counterfeiter opposite William Petersen. This early performance showcased Pankow's talent for imbuing even unsympathetic characters with a hint of humanity. He would go on to hone this ability over decades of work, often disappearing into the fabric of an ensemble, whether playing Ira Buchman on the long-running sitcom Mad About You or the sardonic talent agent Merc Lapidus on the showbiz satire Episodes. Despite his prolific filmography, Pankow has never sought the spotlight, content to let his work do the talking. But his nuanced, lived-in portrayals, whether of an anxious parent in Doubt or a lovelorn suitor in Putzel, invariably leave a lasting impression. With an everyman appeal and a gift for making the ordinary extraordinary, John Pankow is the kind of character actor who elevates every project he's a part of.