David Paymer

Biography

David Emmanuel Paymer (born August 30, 1954) is an American actor, comedian, and television director.

Career Overview

David Paymer has 143 screen credits in a career dating back to 1974. Their work spans 8 cinematic universes — most prominently Cagney & Lacey Collection with 2 titles. Signature works include Drag Me to Hell, Payback, School of Life. 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

143

Birth Date

1954-08-30 00:00:00

Birth Place

Oceanside, Long Island, New York, USA

Known For

• 

  Drag Me to Hell
• 

  Payback
• 

  School of Life
• 

  Mighty Joe Young
• 

  Quiz Show
• 

  Accident Man

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 8 universes

• Cagney & Lacey Collection (2 titles)
• City Slickers Collection (2 titles)
• Accident Man Series (1 titles)
• Jack Ryan (1 titles)
• Ocean's (1 titles)
• Balto (1 titles)
• Chili Palmer Collection (1 titles)
• Airplane Collection (1 titles)

Frequent Collaborators

• Alison Lohman (1 collaborations)
• Justin Long (1 collaborations)
• Lorna Raver (1 collaborations)
• Dileep Rao (1 collaborations)
• Adriana Barraza (1 collaborations)
• Chelcie Ross (1 collaborations)
• Reggie Lee (1 collaborations)
• Molly Cheek (1 collaborations)
• Bojana Novaković (1 collaborations)
• Kevin Foster (1 collaborations)

Credits

• actors (128 credits)

  • Butterfly in the Typewriter

    Stanley Kauffmann

    actor

    actors
    2026
  • Bad Shabbos

    Richard

    actor

    actors
    2025
  • Good American Family

    - If You Tell a Story Well Enough (2025) ... Dr. Lawrence actor actors

    - Right There in Black and White (2025) ... Dr. Lawrence actor actors

    - Ghosts Everywhere (2025) ... Dr. Lawrence actor actors
    2025
  • All's Fair

    - I Want Revenge (2025) ... Dr. Pollan actor actors
    2025
  • St. Denis Medical

    - Ho-Ho-Hollo (2024) ... Bob actor actors
    2024
  • Bookie

    - Boom, Done, Hello Jesus (2024) ... Nathan actor actors
    2023
  • Mr. Saturday Night

    Stan Yankleman

    actor

    actors
    2022
  • Minx

    - You happened to me (2022) ... Myron actor actors
    2022
  • The Sunlit Night

    Levi

    actor

    actors
    2020
  • Bad Therapy

    Dr. Edward Kingsley

    actor

    actors
    2020
  • Horse Girl

    Doctor

    actor

    actors
    2020
  • DAVE

    - Dream Girl (2023) ... Don actor actors

    - Rebirthday (2023) ... Don actor actors

    - #RIPLilDicky (2023) ... Don actor actors

    - Harrison Ave (2023) ... Don actor actors

    - Dave (2021) ... Don actor actors
    2020
  • Star Trek: Picard

    - Maps and Legends (2020) ... Dr. Moritz Benayoun actor actors
    2020
  • Where'd You Go, Bernadette

    Jay Ross

    actor

    actors
    2019
  • Fanboy

    Angry Ice Cream Customer

    actor

    actors
    2019
  • The Morning Show

    - Ghosts (2021) ... Mr. Shoenfeld actor actors
    2019
  • Accident Man

    Milton

    actor

    actors
    2018
  • The Conners

    - There Won't Be Blood (2018) ... Gary actor actors
    2018
  • Lemon

    Dr. Gold

    actor

    actors
    2017
  • The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

    - The Testi-Roastial (2023) ... Harry Drake actor actors

    - Billy Jones and the Orgy Lamps (2022) ... Harry Drake actor actors

    - Panty Pose (2019) ... Harry Drake actor actors

    - Put That on Your Plate! (2017) ... Harry Drake actor actors
    2017
  • The Pickle Recipe

    Uncle Morty

    actor

    actors
    2016
  • Two-Bit Waltz

    The Lawyer

    actor

    actors
    2014
  • Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

    Dixon Lewis

    actor

    actors
    2014
  • Brooklyn Nine-Nine

    - The Therapist (2019) ... Dr. Frederick Tate actor actors
    2013
  • The Five-Year Engagement

    Pete Solomon

    actor

    actors
    2012
  • Perception

    - Dirty (2014) ... Rueben Bauer actor actors

    - Brotherhood (2014) ... Rueben Bauer actor actors

    - Asylum (2013) ... Rueben Bauer actor actors

    - Ch-Ch-Changes (2013) ... Rueben Bauer actor actors
    2012
  • Twixt

    Sam

    actor

    actors
    2011
  • Bad Teacher

    Doctor Vogel

    actor

    actors
    2011
  • Drag Me to Hell

    Mr. Jacks

    actor

    actors
    2009
  • The Good Wife

    - End (2016) ... Judge Richard Cuesta actor actors

    - Verdict (2016) ... Judge Richard Cuesta actor actors

    - Hail Mary (2015) ... Judge Richard Cuesta actor actors

    - The Trial (2014) ... Judge Richard Cuesta actor actors

    - The Penalty Box (2012) ... Judge Richard Cuesta actor actors
    2009
  • Redbelt

    Richard

    actor

    actors
    2008
  • The Mentalist

    - Blinking Red Light (2011) ... James "Jim" Panzer actor actors
    2008
  • Resurrecting the Champ

    Whitley

    actor

    actors
    2007
  • Ocean's Thirteen

    The V.U.P.

    actor

    actors
    2007
  • Checking Out

    Ted Applebaum

    actor

    actors
    2006
  • Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing & Charm School

    Rafael Horowitz

    actor

    actors
    2006
  • Brothers and Sisters

    - All In the Family (2007) ... Donald Dudley actor actors
    2006
  • Warm Springs

    Louis Howe

    actor

    actors
    2005
  • Candor City Hospital

    actor

    actors
    2005
  • Crazy for Love

    Max Sr.

    actor

    actors
    2005
  • School of Life

    Matt Warner

    actor

    actors
    2005
  • My Name Is Earl

    - Monkeys Take a Bath (2008) ... Clark Clark actor actors
    2005
  • Ghost Whisperer

    - A Grave Matter (2006) ... Adam Godfrey actor actors
    2005
  • In Good Company

    Morty

    actor

    actors
    2004
  • Balto III: Wings of Change

    Mel (voice)

    actor

    actors
    2004
  • Spartan

    TV News Anchor (uncredited)

    actor

    actors
    2004
  • Entourage

    - I Wanna Be Sedated (2006) ... Sammy Kane actor actors
    2004
  • Alex & Emma

    John Shaw

    actor

    actors
    2003
  • The Burial Society

    Morry Zimmer

    actor

    actors
    2002
  • RFK

    Dick Goodwin

    actor

    actors
    2002
  • Joe and Max

    Joe Jacobs

    actor

    actors
    2002
  • Without a Trace

    - Birthday Boy (2002) ... Mr. Freedman actor actors
    2002
  • Focus

    Mr. Finkelstein

    actor

    actors
    2001
  • The Wild Thornberrys: The Origin of Donnie

    Male Rhinoceros Hornbill (voice)

    actor

    actors
    2001
  • Bartleby

    The Boss

    actor

    actors
    2001
  • Justice League

    - War World (2) (2002) ... Chancellor / Nomad (voice) actor actors

    - War World (1) (2002) ... Chancellor / Captain (voice) actor actors
    2001
  • For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story

    Embassy interviewer

    actor

    actors
    2000
  • Bounce

    Prosecuting Attorney Mandel (uncredited)

    actor

    actors
    2000
  • Enemies of Laughter

    Paul

    actor

    actors
    2000
  • Bait

    Agent Wooly

    actor

    actors
    2000
  • State and Main

    Marty Rossen

    actor

    actors
    2000
  • Partners

    Bob

    actor

    actors
    2000
  • From Where I Sit

    Bob

    actor

    actors
    2000
  • Mumford

    Dr. Ernest Delbanco

    actor

    actors
    1999
  • The Hurricane

    Myron Bedlock

    actor

    actors
    1999
  • Chill Factor

    Dr. Richard Long

    actor

    actors
    1999
  • Payback

    Arthur Stegman

    actor

    actors
    1999
  • Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

    - Ace (2010) ... Stephen Elroy actor actors
    1999
  • Mighty Joe Young

    Harry Ruben

    actor

    actors
    1998
  • Outside Ozona

    Alan Defaux

    actor

    actors
    1998
  • The Lesser Evil

    George

    actor

    actors
    1998
  • The Wild Thornberrys

    - The Origin of Donnie (2) (2001) ... Male Rhinoceros Hornbill (voice) actor actors

    - Eliza-cology (1998) ... Finch / Iguana (voice) actor actors
    1998
  • Amistad

    Secretary John Forsyth

    actor

    actors
    1997
  • Gang Related

    Elliot Goff

    actor

    actors
    1997
  • The Long Way Home

    (voice)

    actor

    actors
    1997
  • The 6th Man

    Coach Pederson

    actor

    actors
    1997
  • The View

    - Lauper/Paymer (2003) ... Self actor actors
    1997
  • The New Batman Adventures

    - Torch Song (1998) ... Frank (voice) actor actors
    1997
  • Crime of the Century

    David Wilentz

    actor

    actors
    1996
  • Carpool

    Daniel Miller

    actor

    actors
    1996
  • Unforgettable

    Curtis Avery

    actor

    actors
    1996
  • City Hall

    Abe Goodman

    actor

    actors
    1996
  • Nixon

    Ron Ziegler

    actor

    actors
    1995
  • The American President

    Leon Kodak

    actor

    actors
    1995
  • Get Shorty

    Leo Devoe

    actor

    actors
    1995
  • Cagney & Lacey: Together Again

    Deputy D.A. Feldberg

    actor

    actors
    1995
  • Cagney & Lacey: The Return

    Deputy Dist. Atty. Feldberg

    actor

    actors
    1994
  • In Search of Dr. Seuss

    The Ad Man

    actor

    actors
    1994
  • Quiz Show

    Dan Enright

    actor

    actors
    1994
  • City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold

    Ira Shalowitz

    actor

    actors
    1994
  • Heart and Souls

    Hal the Bus Driver

    actor

    actors
    1993
  • Searching for Bobby Fischer

    Kalev

    actor

    actors
    1993
  • Mr. Saturday Night

    Stan

    actor

    actors
    1992
  • City Slickers

    Ira Shalowitz

    actor

    actors
    1991
  • Crazy People

    George

    actor

    actors
    1990
  • Sky High

    Vic

    actor

    actors
    1990
  • No Holds Barred

    Unger

    actor

    actors
    1989
  • Tales from the Crypt

    - Two for the Show (1993) ... Andy Conway actor actors
    1989
  • The Absent-Minded Professor

    Mr. Oliphant

    actor

    actors
    1988
  • Rock 'N Roll Mom

    Boris

    actor

    actors
    1988
  • Murphy Brown

    - The Bitch's Back (1990) ... Dr. Bishop actor actors
    1988
  • No Way Out

    Technician

    actor

    actors
    1987
  • 21 Jump Street

    - 16 Blown to 35 (1987) ... Mike Ferris actor actors
    1987
  • Night of the Creeps

    Young Scientist

    actor

    actors
    1986
  • Howard the Duck

    Larry, Scientist

    actor

    actors
    1986
  • Pleasures

    Stanley

    actor

    actors
    1986
  • L.A. Law

    - Whatever Happened to Hannah? (1990) ... Joey Paul actor actors
    1986
  • Matlock

    - The Prisoner (2) (1989) ... Lenny Marcus actor actors

    - The Prisoner (1) (1989) ... Lenny Marcus actor actors
    1986
  • Love, Mary

    David Lewis

    actor

    actors
    1985
  • Perfect

    Managing Editor

    actor

    actors
    1985
  • Moonlighting

    - Camille (1986) ... Camille's PR actor actors
    1985
  • Irreconcilable Differences

    Alan Sluiser

    actor

    actors
    1984
  • Best Defense

    Kurly

    actor

    actors
    1984
  • Her Life as a Man

    Ted

    actor

    actors
    1984
  • Grace Kelly

    Jay Kanter

    actor

    actors
    1983
  • Airplane II: The Sequel

    Court Photographer

    actor

    actors
    1982
  • Cheers

    - Strange Bedfellows (3) (1986) ... Phil Schumacher actor actors

    - Strange Bedfellows (1) (1986) ... Phil Schumacher actor actors

    - King of the Hill (1985) ... Phil Schumacher actor actors
    1982
  • Fame

    - The Sell-Out (1982) ... actor actors
    1982
  • This House Possessed

    Pasternak

    actor

    actors
    1981
  • Simon & Simon

    - Ain't Gonna Get It from Me, Jack (1988) ... actor actors
    1981
  • Hill Street Blues

    - The Other Side of Oneness (1984) ... actor actors
    1981
  • The In-Laws

    Cabbie

    actor

    actors
    1979
  • Hart to Hart

    - Hart of Darkness (1981) ... actor actors
    1979
  • Taxi

    - Alex the Gofer (1982) ... Ned actor actors
    1978
  • Lou Grant

    - Nightside (1980) ... actor actors
    1977
  • Barney Miller

    - Guns (1980) ... Felix Morrissey actor actors
    1975
  • Happy Days

    - If You Knew Rosa (1981) ... actor actors
    1974
  • The Oscars

    - The 65th Annual Academy Awards (1993) ... Self actor actors
    1953

• directing (14 credits)

  • Lucifer

    - Favorite Son (2016) ... director directing
    2016
  • Switched at Birth

    - Between Hope and Fear (2015) ... director directing

    - The Player's Choice (2015) ... director directing

    - Ecce Mono (2013) ... director directing

    - Tree of Forgiveness (2012) ... director directing

    - Protect Me From What I Want (2012) ... director directing
    2011
  • Hart of Dixie

    - Bluebell (2015) ... director directing

    - Kablang (2014) ... director directing

    - A Better Man (2014) ... director directing

    - Miracles (2013) ... director directing

    - How Do You Like Me Now? (2013) ... director directing
    2011
  • Hellcats

    - Nobody Loves Me But My Mother (2010) ... director directing
    2010
  • The Mentalist

    - Red and Itchy (2013) ... director directing
    2008
  • 90210

    - The Enchanted Donkey (2011) ... director directing
    2008
  • The Unit

    - Inquisition (2008) ... director directing
    2006
  • Brothers and Sisters

    - Lost & Found (2009) ... director directing

    - Compromises (2008) ... director directing

    - 36 Hours (2007) ... director directing

    - All In the Family (2007) ... director directing
    2006
  • Candor City Hospital

    director

    directing
    2005
  • Medium

    - Allison Rolen Got Married (2010) ... director directing

    - Knowing Her (2006) ... director directing
    2005
  • Grey's Anatomy

    - Break on Through (2006) ... director directing
    2005
  • One Tree Hill

    - All Tomorrow's Parties (2006) ... director directing

    - Let the Reigns Go Loose (2004) ... director directing
    2003
  • Everwood

    - Pro Choice (2005) ... director directing

    - Put On A Happy Face (2005) ... director directing

    - Giving Up the Girl (2005) ... director directing

    - Sick (2004) ... director directing
    2002
  • Gilmore Girls

    - Will You Be My Lorelai Gilmore? (2007) ... director directing
    2000

• writing (1 credits)

  • Switched at Birth

    - Between Hope and Fear (2015) ... writer writing
    2011