Movies with Robert Prosky

Robert Prosky was a commanding character actor who brought a gruff authority and depth to a wide range of roles over his prolific four-decade career. Though he often played supporting parts, Prosky's rich, resonant voice and imposing presence ensured that he left a lasting impression, whether portraying tough-talking authority figures or world-weary moralists. Prosky broke through to mainstream audiences in the 1980s with memorable turns in acclaimed dramas like Thief, Christine, and Broadcast News, where he demonstrated his versatility in portraying both morally upright mentors and ethically ambiguous operators. But he was equally adept at lending gravity to more offbeat material, as evidenced by his wonderfully cantankerous performance as a corrupt children's TV host in the dark comedy Death to Smoochy. Prosky's distinctive gravitas also made him a natural fit for historical recreations, and he lent his presence to a number of TV movies and specials celebrating American institutions like the Tony Awards and NBC's 75th anniversary. Though Prosky may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of his more celebrated co-stars, his powerfully understated work served as the backbone for countless films and television shows, reminding audiences that the most compelling characters are often found in the margins. His robust, authoritative presence will be sorely missed.