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Michael Pataki

Michael Pataki

Actor, also director and producer · Died April 15, 2010, aged 72 · Youngstown, Ohio, USA

​From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Michael Pataki (January 16, 1938 – April 15, 2010) was an American character actor. Description above from the Wikipedia article Michael Pataki, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
January 16, 1938
Died
April 15, 2010 (aged 72)
From
Youngstown, Ohio, USA
Works as
Actor, also director and producer
Titles
71 on Motif · 146 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 65 days to Oct 28Down 24% in 30 days

What are Michael Pataki's films like?

Across their 28 Motif titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Self and Morality.

Genres

Drama9 titlesTypical Motif score: 15th percentile
: browse their Drama movies
Horror6 titlesTypical Motif score: 14th percentile
: browse their Horror movies
Action5 titlesTypical Motif score: 19th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Action movies
Comedy5 titlesTypical Motif score: 19th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Comedy movies

Their Motif films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Motif 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
25%
Morality
25%
Survival
24%
Bonds
14%
Power
6%
Society
5%
Ideas
1%
Family bonds7 titles, browse their movies with this themeIdentity5 titles, browse their movies with this themeJustice4 titles, browse their movies with this themePurpose4 titles, browse their movies with this themeViolence5 titles, browse their movies with this themeSurvival4 titles, browse their movies with this themeRevenge4 titles, browse their movies with this themeTrauma3 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 28 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 14 · Serious 6 · Dark 8

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

Grounded 18 · Stylized 9 · Heightened 1

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

Gentle 6 · Charged 15 · Intense 7

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

A split, not a type: Steady 15 · Shifting 11 · Whiplash 2

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 17 · Some laughs 8 · Funny 3

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

Slow burn 11 · Even-paced 17 · Relentless 0

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

Casual 19 · Engaged 9 · Full focus 0

Affecting: How much it costs you emotionally; whether you need recovery time. Browse their affecting movies.
Demand · Emotional cost
easyheavy

A split, not a type: Easy watch 13 · Affecting 10 · Heavy 5

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

Resolved 22 · Open-ended 3 · Ambiguous 3

Roles they play

11 analyzed roles

Usually the Shadow: 4 of 11 analyzed roles.

Shadow
4 of 11
Mentor
2 of 11
Trickster
2 of 11
Threshold guardian
1 of 11
Hero
1 of 11
Herald
1 of 11
Show the 11 roles

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
20
Dread
9
Absurd
10
Melancholic
9
Thrilling
6
Other
17

How their films linger

Unsettling11 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful6 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking6 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHaunting6 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 8 with a twist

  • Happy8
  • Bittersweet10
  • Tragic1
  • Ambiguous9

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 Michael Pataki's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 52 of their 71 Motif titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (27).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Michael Pataki's titles on Motif; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Motif 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

146 credits, 71 with a Motif page; 1 appearance as themselves is hidden until asked for.

  • Cans Without Labels (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2019)

    as George Liquor (voice)

  • Cans Without Labels: Bonus Treats (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2019)

    as George Liquor (voice)

  • Trim (not in the Motif catalog yet)(2010)

    as Dimitri

  • Boo Boo Runs Wild (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1999)

    as The Chief (voice)

  • Family Guy(1999)

    Show 1 episode · as Nicoli Koloff (archive footage)

    Motif score: 77th percentile of all shows

  • Le petomane: Fin de siècle fartiste (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1998)

    Actor

  • The Goddamn George Liquor Program (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1997)

    as George Liquor (voice)

  • Extreme Ghostbusters(1997)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Motif score: 48th percentile of all shows

  • Dexter's Laboratory(1996)

    Show 1 episode · as Coach (voice) · as Warden (voice)

    Motif score: 84th percentile of all shows

  • The Making of a Hollywood Madam(1996)

    as Bernie Cornfield

    Motif score: 13th percentile of all films

  • Stranger Than Love (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1993)

    as Dr. Binderman

  • Star Trek: Deep Space Nine(1993)

    Show 1 episode · as Korax

    Motif score: 90th percentile of all shows

  • Batman: The Animated Series(1992)

    Show 1 episode · as Sewer King (voice)

    Motif score: 99th percentile of all shows

  • Rocky V(1990)

    as Nicoli Koloff

    Motif score: 23rd percentile of all films

  • Hollywood Hot Tubs 2: Educating Crystal (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1990)

    as Drewdon

  • Zombie Death House (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1988)

    as Franco Moretti

  • Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers(1988)

    as Dr. Hoffman

    Motif score: 36th percentile of all films

  • The Underachievers (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1988)

    as Murphy

  • Star Trek: The Next Generation(1987)

    Show 1 episode · as Karnas

    Motif score: 98th percentile of all shows

  • Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1987)

    Show 19 episodes · as The Cow (voice)

  • The Fartiste (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1987)

    Actor

  • Heart of the City (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1986)

    Show 1 episode · as Podell

  • American Anthem(1986)

    as Coach Soranhoff

    Motif score: 25th percentile of all films

  • Rocky IV(1985)

    as Nicoli Koloff

    Motif score: 80th percentile of all films

  • Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins(1985)

    as Jim Wilson

    Motif score: 56th percentile of all films

  • R.S.V.P.(1984)

    as Rex

    Motif score: 13th percentile of all films

  • Airwolf(1984)

    Show 1 episode · as Dr. Victor Habler

    Motif score: 45th percentile of all shows

  • Scarecrow and Mrs. King(1983)

    Show 2 episodes · Actor

    Motif score: 53rd percentile of all shows

  • Cowboy (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1983)

    as Sheriff Grover

  • Sweet Sixteen(1982)

    as George Martin

    Motif score: 13th percentile of all films

  • St. Elsewhere (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1982)

    Show 1 episode · as Herschfeld

  • Night Shift(1982)

    as Courtroom Mooner (uncredited)

    Motif score: 64th percentile of all films

  • Terror at Alcatraz (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1982)

    as Cabbie

  • Cagney & Lacey(1981)

    Show 2 episodes · as Joe

    Motif score: 43rd percentile of all shows

  • T.J. Hooker(1982)

    Show 1 episode · as Nick Vitale

    Motif score: 15th percentile of all shows

  • Nero Wolfe (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1981)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Fall Guy(1981)

    Show 4 episodes · Actor

    Motif score: 61st percentile of all shows

  • Father Murphy (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1981)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Maggie (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1981)

    Show 1 episode · as Roy

  • Pippin: His Life and Times(1982)

    Associate Producer

    Motif score: 87th percentile of all films

  • Dead & Buried(1981)

    as Sam

    Motif score: 65th percentile of all films

  • Graduation Day(1981)

    as Principal Guglione

    Motif score: 12th percentile of all films

  • High Noon, Part II: The Return of Will Kane(1980)

    as Darold

    Motif score: 12th percentile of all films

  • Raise the Titanic(1980)

    as Munk

    Motif score: 22nd percentile of all films

  • Phyl and Mikhy (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1980)

    Show 6 episodes · Actor

  • Beyond Westworld(1980)

    Show 1 episode · as Aldo Ortiz

    Motif score: 1st percentile of all shows

  • The Glove(1979)

    as Harry Iverson

    Motif score: 21st percentile of all films

  • Disaster on the Coastliner(1979)

    as Tate

    Motif score: 36th percentile of all films

  • Marciano (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1979)

    as Squeek Squalis

  • The Last Word (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1979)

    as Dobbs

  • Eischied (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1979)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Onion Field(1979)

    as District Attorney Dino Fulgoni

    Motif score: 70th percentile of all films

  • Survival of Dana(1979)

    as Arnold Denker

    Motif score: 40th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Samurai (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1979)

    as Peter Lacey

  • Love at First Bite(1979)

    as Mobster

    Motif score: 48th percentile of all films

  • B. J. and the Bear (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1979)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Up Yours (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1979)

    as Virgil / Virgil's Father

  • Spider-Man Strikes Back(1978)

    as Captain Barbera

    Motif score: 19th percentile of all films

  • The White Shadow (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1978)

    Show 1 episode · as Rabbi

  • WKRP in Cincinnati(1978)

    Show 2 episodes · as Ivan Popasonaviski

    Motif score: 90th percentile of all shows

  • The Amazing Spider-Man (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1978)

    Show 5 episodes · as Captain Barbera

  • When Every Day Was the Fourth of July(1978)

    as Robert Najarin

    Motif score: 85th percentile of all films

  • Ruby and Oswald (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1978)

    as "Ike" Pappas

  • Superdome (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1978)

    as Tony Sicota

  • The Pirate (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1977)

    Show 2 episodes · as General Eshnev

  • Spider-Man (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1977)

    as Captain Barbera

  • Jailbait Babysitter(1977)

    as Roger Warfield (uncredited)

    Motif score: 1st percentile of all films

  • Dracula's Dog(1977)

    as Michael Drake / Count Dracula

    Motif score: 9th percentile of all films

  • The Chopped Liver Brothers (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1977)

    as Kelso

  • Cinderella (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1977)

    Director

  • Airport '77(1977)

    as Wilson

    Motif score: 31st percentile of all films

  • The Hardy Boys / Nancy Drew Mysteries (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1977)

    Show 1 episode · Director · Actor

  • Benny & Barney: Las Vegas Undercover (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1977)

    as Sgt. Ross

  • Mansion of the Doomed(1976)

    Director

    Motif score: 27th percentile of all films

  • The Tony Randall Show (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1976)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Charlie's Angels(1976)

    Show 1 episode · as De Sousa

    Motif score: 30th percentile of all shows

  • Alice(1976)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Motif score: 44th percentile of all shows

  • The Call of the Wild(1976)

    as Stranger

    Motif score: 49th percentile of all films

  • Good Heavens (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1976)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Laverne & Shirley (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1976)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • One Day at a Time(1975)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Motif score: 30th percentile of all shows

  • Ellery Queen (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1975)

    Show 1 episode · as Al Russo

  • The Invisible Man (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1975)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • A Touch of Sex (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1975)

    as Mark Markson

  • Delinquent School Girls(1975)

    as Carl C. Clooney

    Motif score: 21st percentile of all films

  • Barney Miller(1975)

    Show 1 episode · as Marvin Lindsay

    Motif score: 93rd percentile of all shows

  • The Jeffersons(1975)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Motif score: 73rd percentile of all shows

  • Baretta (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1975)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Last Porno Flick (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1974)

    as Ziggy

  • Amy Prentiss (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1974)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Paul Sand in Friends and Lovers (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1974)

    Show 15 episodes · Actor

  • Harry O (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1974)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Little House on the Prairie(1974)

    Show 2 episodes · as Stanley Novack

    Motif score: 81st percentile of all shows

  • Get Christie Love! (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1974)

    Show 23 episodes · as Officer Pete Gallagher

  • Happy Days(1974)

    Show 3 episodes · Actor

    Motif score: 73rd percentile of all shows

  • The Bat People(1974)

    as Sergeant Ward

    Motif score: 1st percentile of all films

  • Indict and Convict (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1974)

    as Parking Official

  • Last Foxtrot in Burbank(1973)

    as Paul

    Motif score: 1st percentile of all films

  • Little Cigars(1973)

    as Garage Mechanic

    Motif score: 19th percentile of all films

  • Sweet Jesus, Preacherman (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1973)

    as State Senator Sills

  • The Baby(1973)

    as Dennis

    Motif score: 49th percentile of all films

  • The Black Bunch (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1973)

    as Mr. Heinke

  • Heterosexualis (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1973)

    as Virgil (as Caleb Goodman)

  • The Dirt Gang (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1972)

    as Snake

  • Kung Fu(1972)

    Show 2 episodes · as Buskirk

    Motif score: 80th percentile of all shows

  • A Man for Hanging(1972)

    as Fred

    Motif score: 15th percentile of all films

  • Search (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1972)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Rookies (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1972)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Grave of the Vampire(1972)

    as Caleb Croft

    Motif score: 16th percentile of all films

  • The All American Hustler (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1972)

    as Carol's Boyfriend (uncredited)

  • They Call It Murder(1971)

    as Pete Cardiff

    Motif score: 27th percentile of all films

  • Brute Corps (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1971)

    as MacFarlane

  • Columbo (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1971)

    Show 1 episode · as Sam

  • Cannon (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1971)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Return of Count Yorga(1971)

    as Joe

    Motif score: 29th percentile of all films

  • Pink Angels (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1971)

    as Biker

  • The Andromeda Strain(1971)

    as Operator of 'The Hand' (uncredited)

    Motif score: 86th percentile of all films

  • All in the Family(1971)

    Show 1 episode · as Lichtenrauch · as Sgt. Roselli

    Motif score: 93rd percentile of all shows

  • McCloud(1970)

    Show 2 episodes · as Rizzo

    Motif score: 53rd percentile of all shows

  • Dream No Evil(1970)

    as Rev. Paul Jessie Bundy

    Motif score: 15th percentile of all films

  • The Bold Ones: The New Doctors (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1969)

    Show 1 episode · as Dr. Wardlow

  • Easy Rider(1969)

    as Mime #4

    Motif score: 88th percentile of all films

  • Five the Hard Way(1969)

    as J.C.

    Motif score: 1st percentile of all films

  • The Cut-Throats(1971)

    as German Sniper (uncredited)

    Motif score: 7th percentile of all films

  • The Flying Nun (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1967)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Dundee and the Culhane (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1967)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Garrison's Gorillas (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1967)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Mr. Terrific (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1967)

    Show 1 episode · as Andre

  • Mission: Impossible(1966)

    Show 1 episode · as Ed

    Motif score: 87th percentile of all shows

  • Felony Squad (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1966)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Star Trek(1966)

    Show 1 episode · as Korax

    Motif score: 94th percentile of all shows

  • Batman(1966)

    Show 2 episodes · as Amenophis Tewfik

    Motif score: 71st percentile of all shows

  • Run for Your Life (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1965)

    Show 1 episode · as Dr. Alex Rothman

  • Espionage Target: You (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1964)

    as Templeton (uncredited)

  • Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1963)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • My Favorite Martian(1963)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Motif score: 55th percentile of all shows

  • Combat!(1962)

    Show 1 episode · as G.I. Radio Man

    Motif score: 96th percentile of all shows

  • Ben Casey (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1961)

    Show 2 episodes · Actor

  • Not for Hire (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1959)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Hawaiian Eye (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1959)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Twilight Zone(1959)

    Show 1 episode · as Jeep Driver (uncredited)

    Motif score: 97th percentile of all shows

  • Rawhide (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1959)

    Show 1 episode · as Anselmo

  • Ten North Frederick (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1958)

    Actor

  • The Young Lions(1958)

    as Pvt. Hagstrom (uncredited)

    Motif score: 85th percentile of all films

  • M Squad (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1957)

    Show 1 episode · as Sid Davie

  • The Loretta Young Show(1953)

    Show 1 episode · as Stanley Cutler

    Motif score: 68th percentile of all shows

Career shape

Star power in the 96th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 146 titles from 1953 to 2019; peak year 1978.

Biggest box office

Rocky IV (1985)

$300M worldwide

Highest rated

Pippin: His Life and Times (1982)

Motif 87th

Most popular right now

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)

Film career

MilestoneBreakout
19532019

Peak 1978 · back in prominent film roles after a quiet stretch. Top draw in 3 Motif titles. 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
Acting143 of 146: 142 only acting, 1 with another role · typical Motif score48thDirecting3 of 146: 2 only directing, 1 with another roleProducing1 of 146: 1 only producing, 0 with another role

By decade

1950s8 · acting1960s18 · acting1970s74 · 72 acting · 3 crew1980s31 · 30 acting · 1 crew1990s12 · acting2010s3 · acting

Billing

usually 8th · top billed in 5% of 20 roles
697479

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 Motif score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on Motif, 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 Michael Pataki's films land?

Their typical Motif film has a Motif score in the 25th percentile, the median of all 41; across their 28 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 28

Approval · how many liked their films

18thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 28

Reach · how many have seen their films

49thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 28

Motif score across 71 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up20
  • 50th to 74th12
  • 25th to 49th17
  • Below 25th22

Shape of the crowd

25 of their 71 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved8
  • Universally Panned4
  • Crowd Pleaser25
  • Broadly Agreed10
  • Mixed24

Most divisive · actor

American Anthem (1986)

86th percentile spread · 46% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Easy Rider (1969)

Motif 88th · 75% liked

Reviewers score the acting 50/100 in their films, across 23 reviewed titles; fans 68, detractors 31. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on Motif; 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 Motif score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their Motif 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.

Is Michael Pataki's work okay for kids?

Across up to 6 Motif titles with content scores, 1 of the 5 categories sits near the median of all films.

Their medianMedian of all filmsMiddle 80% of their titles
Violence & Gore4 titlesmedian 70 · intenseMedian of all films: 44
Sex & Nudity6 titles11–46 · median 35 · moderatenear the median of all filmsMedian of all films: 32
Profanity4 titlesmedian 38 · moderateMedian of all films: 36
Alcohol & Drugs3 titlesmedian 35 · mildMedian of all films: 33
Frightening / Intense4 titlesmedian 61 · intenseMedian of all films: 39

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted. The band's colour is the severity of their median, named beside it.

Who does Michael Pataki work with?

People who share at least 2 of Michael Pataki's Motif titles, grouped by what they did on them; Jaime Mendoza-Nava shares the most, 5.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Composers and cinematographers

Producers

Mixed roles