Dan Lauria

Dan Lauria Profile Photo

Characters played by Dan Lauria

John 'Jack' Arnold — The Wonder Years (1988)

Kevin's father, who works at the defense contractor NORCOM before purchasing a furniture-manufacturing business. He experiences conflicts with Kevin over his future but eventually reconciles. Jack passes away in 1975, after which Wayne takes over the family business.

Commanding Officer — Independence Day (1996)

Senior military leader directing tactical responses to the extraterrestrial threat.

Janitor — Nine 1/2 Weeks (1986)

A janitor appearing briefly in the film; no further personal details are established.

Crawford — Big Momma's House 2 (2006)

FBI supervisor overseeing field operations.

Tip O'Neill — Reagan (2024)

Tip O'Neill is the Democratic Speaker of the House who develops a friendship with Ronald Reagan after Reagan wins the 1980 presidential election. Their relationship provides a personal connection across party lines during Reagan's presidency and its legislative conflicts.

Dolan — The Spirit (2008)

Commissioner Eustace Dolan and Ellen's father. He provides the Spirit with case details, investigates Sand Saref's past as a jewel thief, survives being shoved through a window, leads a SWAT assault on the Octopus, and ultimately orders Sand's release as a reward for her role in saving the city.

Capt. Phil Coldshank — Another Stakeout (1993)

Police captain involved in the sequel's command structure and stakeout oversight.

John — Potato Dreams of America (2021)

John is an older man from Seattle who responds to Lena’s mail-order bride advertisement and brings Lena and Potato to the United States. They initially welcome the chance to start a new life with him, but discover that he is a right-wing religious fundamentalist and conspiracy theorist. Lena warns Potato that John would send them back to Russia if he learned he was gay.

Det. Phil Coldshank — Stakeout (1987)

Police detective involved in the initial stakeout and investigation.

Todd Marten — Terror in the Family (1996)

Deena and Adam's father, who is emotionally distant and often retreats to making wooden bowls instead of engaging with his family. He attempts to impose rules on Deena but struggles to enforce them, and his conflict with Cynthia exposes their deeper family problems. He later resolves to attend therapy with Adam and Deena and tells them he loves them.

Santa — I'm Not Ready for Christmas (2015)

Santa is the Christmas figure to whom Anna directs her wish after Holly fails to attend the recital. His connection to Anna's wish forms the supernatural basis for the situation that disrupts Holly's life, although the available plot summary does not provide further details about his actions or relationship with Holly.

Sergeant Ed Crang — Prison of Secrets (1997)

Sergeant Ed Crang is a prison guard who participates in the sexual abuse of inmates and tries to keep Lynn from exposing the corruption. He monitors her, blocks visits from Larry, and physically assaults her. He later attempts to stop her from delivering evidence to a visiting senator.

Career Overview

Dan Lauria has 138 screen credits in a career dating back to 1981. Their work spans 8 cinematic universes — most prominently In the Line of Duty (American) Collection with 3 titles. Signature works include The Wonder Years, Big Momma's House 2, The Great Los Angeles Earthquake. 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
138
Birth Date
1947-04-12
Birth Place
Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 8 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q1159104), public domain (CC0).