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Jack Donner

Jack Donner

Actor · Died September 21, 2019, aged 90 · Los Angeles, California, USA

Widely known and admired as Romulan Subcommander Tal in the original Star Trek (1966), Jack Donner has worked steadily in TV, film and theater since the 1950s. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he did his first professional theater and TV work there before heading for New York during the glory days of TV, appearing in many prestigious early shows like Studio One (1948), and soap operas such as As the World Turns (1956) and Guiding Light (1952). He also did seven seasons of New York regional and stock theater. Returning to L.A., he worked his way up to guest star and co-star status in shows like The Streets of San Francisco (1972), Mannix (1967), Kojak (1973), The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964), the aforementioned Star Trek (1966) episode "The Enterprise Incident", and eleven episodes (the most by any guest star in any series) of Mission: Impossible (1966). He also founded, with fellow actor Lee Delano, his own theater and drama school. His students included Barry Levinson, Craig T. Nelson, Barbara Parkins, and Don Johnson. Recent TV credits include Baywatch (1989), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997), Frasier (1993), Charmed (1998), General Hospital (1963), Chicken Soup for the Soul (1999), Good vs Evil (1999), Malcolm in the Middle (2000) and Roswell (1999), and as a regular in The Privateers (2000). Donner has assayed a wide variety of roles in recent feature films such as Gideon (1998) (with Christopher Lambert and Charlton Heston), and Family Tree (1999) (with Robert Forster). With his deep, resonant voice, silver-white hair and patrician profile, he has recently been compared with Vincent Price for his roles in a run of classy horror flicks, as Afzel the sorcerer in Retro Puppet Master (1999), the mysterious Father Almeida in Stigmata (1999), the manipulative Dr. Bassett in Demon Under Glass (2002), and the obsessed Father Lansing in Exorcism (2003).

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Biography from IMDb.

Born
October 29, 1928
Died
September 21, 2019 (aged 90)
From
Los Angeles, California, USA
Works as
Actor
Titles
49 on MovieCove · 80 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 64 days to Oct 27Down 8% in 30 days

What are Jack Donner's films like?

Across their 12 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Self and Survival.

Genres

Adventure2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 11th percentile
: browse their Adventure movies
Crime2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 36th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Crime movies
Horror2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 38th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Horror movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Self
23%
Survival
21%
Bonds
19%
Morality
16%
Society
10%
Power
6%
Ideas
4%
Survival4 titles, browse their movies with this themeIdentity3 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds2 titles, browse their movies with this themePurpose2 titles, browse their movies with this themeRomantic love2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 11 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Serious: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their serious movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

A split, not a type: Light 6 · Serious 2 · Dark 3

Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

A split, not a type: Grounded 6 · Stylized 4 · Heightened 1

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 1 · Charged 6 · Intense 4

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 5 · Shifting 5 · Whiplash 1

Some laughs: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their some laughs movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

A split, not a type: Straight-faced 6 · Some laughs 4 · Funny 1

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 3 · Even-paced 7 · Relentless 1

Casual: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their casual movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 6 · Engaged 4 · Full focus 1

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 8 · Open-ended 2 · Ambiguous 1

Roles they play

2 analyzed roles

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
7
Joyful
4
Dread
3
Thrilling
4
Absurd
3
Other
8

How their films linger

Bittersweet5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteCathartic2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 3 with a twist

  • Happy2
  • Bittersweet6
  • Ambiguous3
  • Cyclical1

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Jack Donner's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 35 of their 49 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (16).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Jack Donner's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

80 credits, 49 with a MovieCove page; 1 appearance as themselves is hidden until asked for.

  • Dumbbells Special Edition (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2022)

    as Buzz

  • Unbelievable!!!!! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2020)

    as Jack Donner

  • Unthinkable(2019)

    as Mr. Joseph Stone

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all films

  • The Guest Book(2017)

    Show 1 episode · as Walter

    Midcredits score: 65th percentile of all shows

  • Con Man(2015)

    Show 3 episodes · as Dale

    Midcredits score: 73rd percentile of all shows

  • Fear the Walking Dead(2015)

    Show 1 episode · as Old Man

    Midcredits score: 46th percentile of all shows

  • Anatomy of Deception(2014)

    as Travis

    Midcredits score: 11th percentile of all films

  • 2 Bedroom 1 Bath(2014)

    as Old Man Thompson

    Midcredits score: 4th percentile of all films

  • Dumbbells (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    as Old Man Buzz

  • A New York Heartbeat(2013)

    as Big Didi

    Midcredits score: 45th percentile of all films

  • The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex(2013)

    as Papa Fabrizio

    Midcredits score: 67th percentile of all films

  • My Funny Valentine(2012)

    as Mr. Triffalette

    Midcredits score: 34th percentile of all films

  • Night of the Templar(2012)

    as The Grand Master

    Midcredits score: 40th percentile of all films

  • J. Edgar(2011)

    as Edgar's Father

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all films

  • Pirates of the Caribbean: Tales of the Code: Wedlocked (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    as Jerome, The Old Pirate

  • Suburgatory(2011)

    Show 1 episode · as Harold

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all shows

  • Hot in Cleveland(2010)

    Show 1 episode · as Arthur

    Midcredits score: 68th percentile of all shows

  • Anderson's Cross(2010)

    as Dr. Landry

    Midcredits score: 37th percentile of all films

  • All About Evil(2010)

    as Mr. Twigs

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all films

  • How to Be a Serial Killer(2008)

    as Mr. Wilson

    Midcredits score: 31st percentile of all films

  • This Is It(2009)

    as Gravedigger

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all films

  • Four Christmases(2008)

    as Grandpa

    Midcredits score: 31st percentile of all films

  • Farm House (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    as Dr. Miller

  • Lower Learning(2008)

    as Old Curt

    Midcredits score: 7th percentile of all films

  • Safe Harbour (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    as Mr. Feigenbaum

  • Brotherhood of Blood(2007)

    as Paul Cramer

    Midcredits score: 36th percentile of all films

  • Happy Hour (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    Show 1 episode · as Don

  • Where There's a Will(2006)

    as Dr. Whitehouse

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all films

  • Ghost Whisperer(2005)

    Show 1 episode · as Man in Hospital Gown

    Midcredits score: 47th percentile of all shows

  • Criminal Minds(2005)

    Show 1 episode · as Old Nate

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all shows

  • Bones(2005)

    Show 1 episode · as Crusty

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all shows

  • La belle dame sans merci (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    as The Knight (Old)

  • Imaginary Heroes(2004)

    as Kenny

    Midcredits score: 74th percentile of all films

  • Cold Case (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    Show 1 episode · as Maurice Habershaw (2007)

  • Exorcism (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    as Father Lansing

  • Reno 911! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    Show 2 episodes · as Priest

  • Demon Under Glass (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    as Dr. William Bassett

  • The Bernie Mac Show(2001)

    Show 1 episode · as Jeremiah

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all shows

  • Soulkeeper (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    as Smokey

  • According to Jim(2001)

    Show 1 episode · as Old Man

    Midcredits score: 28th percentile of all shows

  • Alias(2001)

    Show 1 episode · as Rose

    Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all shows

  • Star Trek: Enterprise(2001)

    Show 2 episodes · as Vulcan Priest

    Midcredits score: 76th percentile of all shows

  • The Division (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    Show 1 episode · as Mr. Robbins

  • The District (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    Show 1 episode · as Mr. Bukich

  • Strong Medicine (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    Show 1 episode · as Josiah / Amish Elder

  • The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle(2000)

    as Average Grandpa

    Midcredits score: 7th percentile of all films

  • Malcolm in the Middle(2000)

    Show 1 episode · as Old Man

    Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all shows

  • Retro Puppet Master(1999)

    as Afzel

    Midcredits score: 3rd percentile of all films

  • Cool Air (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    as Doctor Muñoz

  • Roswell(1999)

    Show 2 episodes · as Clayton Wheeler

    Midcredits score: 76th percentile of all shows

  • Stigmata(1999)

    as Father Alameida

    Midcredits score: 44th percentile of all films

  • Family Tree (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    as Joseph

  • Gideon (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    as Mr. Taylor

  • Charmed(1998)

    Show 1 episode · as Judge Renault

    Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all shows

  • Johnny Mysto: Boy Wizard(1997)

    as King Arthur

    Midcredits score: 18th percentile of all films

  • Buffy the Vampire Slayer(1997)

    Show 1 episode · as Cleric

    Midcredits score: 93rd percentile of all shows

  • 7th Heaven(1996)

    Show 1 episode · as Mr. McNeil

    Midcredits score: 9th percentile of all shows

  • Frasier(1993)

    Show 1 episode · as Mr. Hawkins

    Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all shows

  • Baywatch (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Manhunter (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Kojak(1973)

    Show 1 episode · as Krakauer

    Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all shows

  • Police Story (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Streets of San Francisco (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    Show 1 episode · as Joseph Hess

  • The Night God Screamed(1971)

    as Prosecuter

    Midcredits score: 26th percentile of all films

  • Mission: Impossible - The Falcon (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    as Buccaro

  • Mission: Impossible - The Bunker (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    as Captain Praedo

  • Mannix(1967)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all shows

  • Judd, for the Defense (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Hotel(1967)

    as Elliott (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 63rd percentile of all films

  • Mission: Impossible(1966)

    Show 2 episodes · as Bob Field · as Buccaro · as Buccaro (uncredited) · as Captain Praedo · as Driver · as John Dawson · as Stan Sherman

    Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all shows

  • The Monkees(1965)

    Show 1 episode · as Director

    Midcredits score: 64th percentile of all shows

  • Star Trek(1966)

    Show 1 episode · as Subcommander Tal

    Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all shows

  • Get Smart(1965)

    Show 1 episode · as The Courier

    Midcredits score: 93rd percentile of all shows

  • I Dream of Jeannie(1965)

    Show 1 episode · as Joe

    Midcredits score: 75th percentile of all shows

  • The Man from U.N.C.L.E.(1964)

    Show 1 episode · as Premier Karim

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all shows

  • Escape from Hell Island (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

    as Lyle Dennison

  • Hand of Death (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1962)

    as Cop

  • Dr. Kildare (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

    Show 1 episode · as Dr. John Shea

  • The Invisible Avenger (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1958)

    as Billy Sanchez

  • Have Gun, Will Travel (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1957)

    Show 1 episode · as Teasing Man at Hotel Carlton

Career shape

Star power in the 90th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 79 titles from 1957 to 2022; peak year 2009.

Biggest box office

This Is It (2009)

$268M worldwide

Highest rated

This Is It (2009)

Midcredits 88th

Most popular right now

Root of All Evil (2008)

Film career

19572022

Peak 2009 · at the high point of their film career. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting79 of 79: 79 only acting, 0 with another role · typical Midcredits score56th

By decade

1950s2 · acting1960s13 · acting1970s6 · acting1980s1 · acting1990s11 · acting2000s27 · acting2010s16 · acting2020s3 · acting

Billing

usually 9th · top billed in 0% of 13 roles
9909

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30; the columns are the share of top-billed roles in each era, 5-year spans from the year on the label, merged until each holds at least 5 roles.

How do Jack Donner's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 37th percentile, the median of all 23; across their 11 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 24th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

24thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 11

Approval · how many liked their films

55thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 11

Reach · how many have seen their films

62ndpercentile
Typical film, the median of 11

Midcredits score across 49 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up13
  • 50th to 74th17
  • 25th to 49th12
  • Below 25th7

Shape of the crowd

20 of their 49 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved7
  • Divisive1
  • Cult Classic3
  • Crowd Pleaser20
  • Broadly Agreed2
  • Mixed16

Most divisive · actor

Anderson's Cross (2010)

95th percentile spread · 29% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

This Is It (2009)

Midcredits 88th · 75% liked

Reviewers score the acting 57/100 in their films, across 10 reviewed titles; fans 73, detractors 29. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Who does Jack Donner work with?

People who share at least 2 of Jack Donner's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Neal Marshall Stevens shares the most, 2.

Writers

Actors

Cinematographers

Producers