Bruce Dern

Bruce Dern Profile Photo

Characters played by Bruce Dern

Cody — The Fugitive (1963)

Young civilian or minor character appearing in episodic scenes.

General Sandy Smithers — The Hateful Eight (2015)

Confederate general seeking refuge at Minnie's Haberdashery. Killed by Major Warren.

George Spahn — Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019)

George Spahn is the nearly blind owner of Spahn Ranch, a former Western film location now occupied by hippies. Cliff Booth visits him because he is concerned that the residents may be exploiting him, making George the elderly ranch owner whose welfare prompts Cliff’s intervention.

Thomas — Monster (2003)

Aileen's only friend who shares her biker bar visits. He alerts her to undercover cops targeting her and offers a getaway, but Aileen refuses, fearing she will endanger those she cares about.

Lt. Mark Rumsfield — The 'Burbs (1989)

Lt. Mark Rumsfield is a Vietnam War veteran and Ray's neighbor, whose military-minded suspicion strongly shapes the investigation. He helps search the garbage truck, enters Walter's house, joins the efforts against the Klopeks, and acts as lookout while Ray and Art search their backyard.

Link Static (voice) — Small Soldiers (1998)

Communications and tech expert for the Commando Elite.

Alvin Begleiter — The Glass House (2001)

The family estate lawyer who investigates Ruby's concerns, alerts authorities about the guardianship, and is later killed by loan sharks.

Sailor — Marnie (1964)

Sailor is a client of Bernice Edgar who tried to calm young Marnie during a frightening thunderstorm. Bernice misunderstood his contact with the child as an attempted assault and attacked him. During the struggle, Marnie fatally struck him with a fireplace poker, creating the traumatic memories that shape her adult fears.

Rear Admiral Yancy Graham — Down Periscope (1996)

A high-ranking naval officer who actively opposes Dodge's promotion. He sabotages the war game by assigning a dysfunctional crew and illegally shrinking the containment zone.

Mr. Dudley — The Haunting (1999)

Mr. Dudley is one of the eccentric caretakers of Hill House, working alongside Mrs. Dudley. He encounters Nell, Theo, Luke, and Dr. Marrow at the manor and is present at the gate the following morning, when he and Mrs. Dudley silently meet the surviving visitors as they leave.

Freeman Lowell — Silent Running (1972)

The protagonist and resident botanist on the Valley Forge. He disobeys orders to destroy the last Earth forests, kills a crewmate, and hijacks the ship with three drones to preserve the final dome. He repairs his own leg, navigates Saturn rings, and ultimately sacrifices himself to save the last surviving forest greenhouse.

Sheriff Ed Galt — Last Man Standing (1996)

The cowardly town sheriff who initially refuses to help Smith. Later, he reveals his combat skills, aids Smith's escape from Doyle's men, provides him with firearms, and quietly supports his final stand against the remaining gangsters.

Career Overview

Bruce Dern has 201 screen credits in a career dating back to 1955. Their work spans 11 cinematic universes — most prominently Butch Cassidy Collection with 2 titles. Signature works include The Hateful Eight, Goliath, Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
male
Known Credits
201
Birth Date
1936-06-04
Birth Place
Chicago, Illinois, USA

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 11 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q357001), public domain (CC0).