Skip to content
MovieCove
Don Lake

Don Lake

Actor, also writer · Born November 26, 1956 (69) · Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Donald Lake (born November 26, 1956) is a Canadian actor, writer, and television producer. He is frequently cast by director Christopher Guest, and is also a close friend and frequent collaborator of Bonnie Hunt. He had a role in The Bonnie Hunt Show, for which he received comedic praise. He also had roles in the comedy films Police Academy, Hot Shots!, Dumb & Dumber To, and Corner Gas: The Movie. He played more serious roles in Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Super Mario Bros., along with a voice role as Stu Hopps in Zootopia. He is also known as Dr. Carl Whitehorn on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. After graduating from the California Institute of the Arts, he returned to Toronto to join the Second City Touring Company, and later was promoted to The Second City. He also appeared in the Netflix comedy series Space Force.

Read more

Biography from TMDB.

Born
November 26, 1956 (69)
From
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Works as
Actor, also writer
Titles
71 on MovieCove · 96 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 157 days to Oct 28Down 33% in 30 days

What are Don Lake's films like?

Across their 13 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Bonds and Self.

Themes

share of theme weight
Bonds
26%
Self
26%
Society
20%
Morality
11%
Power
9%
Survival
8%
Community5 titles, browse their movies with this themeFriendship3 titles, browse their movies with this themeIdentity3 titles, browse their movies with this themeAmbition3 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds3 titles, browse their movies with this themePrejudice2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

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

Light 11 · Serious 0 · Dark 0

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

A split, not a type: Grounded 6 · Stylized 3 · Heightened 2

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

Gentle 6 · Charged 5 · Intense 0

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

Steady 7 · Shifting 4 · Whiplash 0

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

Straight-faced 0 · Some laughs 3 · Funny 8

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

Slow burn 5 · Even-paced 6 · 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 10 · Engaged 1 · Full focus 0

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

Resolved 11 · Open-ended 0 · Ambiguous 0

Roles they play

1 analyzed role

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Absurd
6
Warm
6
Joyful
6
Hopeful
5
Tense
4
Other
7

How their films linger

Feel-good12 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 1 with a twist

  • Happy10
  • Bittersweet2
  • Ambiguous1

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 Don Lake's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 53 of their 71 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (13).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Don Lake'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

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

  • The Dink(2026)

    as Gary

    Midcredits score: 42nd percentile of all films

  • Zootopia 2(2025)

    as Stu Hopps (voice)

    Midcredits score: 93rd percentile of all films

  • Spinal Tap II: The End Continues(2025)

    as Tour Guide

    Midcredits score: 54th percentile of all films

  • Ted(2024)

    Show 2 episodes · as Bert

    Midcredits score: 83rd percentile of all shows

  • Frasier(2023)

    Show 1 episode · as Dean Melvin

    Midcredits score: 40th percentile of all shows

  • Not Dead Yet(2023)

    Show 1 episode · as Rand

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all shows

  • Zootopia+(2022)

    Show 1 episode · as Stu Hopps (voice)

    Midcredits score: 40th percentile of all shows

  • Ghosts(2021)

    Show 1 episode · as Tom

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all shows

  • Space Force(2020)

    Show 16 episodes · as Brig. Gen. Brad Gregory

    Midcredits score: 34th percentile of all shows

  • Pup Academy(2019)

    Show 26 episodes · as Charlie

    Midcredits score: 46th percentile of all shows

  • Summer Camp Island(2018)

    Show 1 episode · as Additional Voices (voice) · as Doc Hogsbottom (voice)

    Midcredits score: 77th percentile of all shows

  • The Resident(2018)

    Show 1 episode · as Jerry Tolman

    Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all shows

  • Downsizing(2017)

    as Leisureland Guide Matt

    Midcredits score: 26th percentile of all films

  • Marlon(2017)

    Show 1 episode · as Hank Hoffstetter

    Midcredits score: 47th percentile of all shows

  • Mascots(2016)

    as Buddy Campbell

    Midcredits score: 32nd percentile of all films

  • Zootopia(2016)

    as Stu Hopps (voice)

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all films

  • Teachers(2016)

    Show 1 episode · as Bob

    Midcredits score: 22nd percentile of all shows

  • The Odd Couple(2015)

    Show 1 episode · as Kent

    Midcredits score: 24th percentile of all shows

  • Corner Gas: The Movie(2014)

    as Jerome

    Midcredits score: 77th percentile of all films

  • Dumb and Dumber To(2014)

    as Dr. Meldman

    Midcredits score: 26th percentile of all films

  • Grudge Match(2013)

    as Video Game Producer

    Midcredits score: 48th percentile of all films

  • Family Tree(2013)

    Show 1 episode · as Harvey Krupp

    Midcredits score: 63rd percentile of all shows

  • Anger Management(2012)

    Show 1 episode · as James

    Midcredits score: 32nd percentile of all shows

  • The Soul Man(2012)

    Show 2 episodes · as Dr. Zagelman

    Midcredits score: 20th percentile of all shows

  • Last Man Standing(2011)

    Show 1 episode · as Professor

    Midcredits score: 73rd percentile of all shows

  • Avalon High(2010)

    as Allie's Father

    Midcredits score: 40th percentile of all films

  • $#*! My Dad Says (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    Show 1 episode · as Marvin

  • Modern Family(2009)

    Show 1 episode · as Dr. Sendroff

    Midcredits score: 96th percentile of all shows

  • Smother(2008)

    as Minister

    Midcredits score: 10th percentile of all films

  • The Bonnie Hunt Show (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    Show 179 episodes · Producer

  • For Your Consideration(2006)

    as Love It Film Critic

    Midcredits score: 54th percentile of all films

  • Psych(2006)

    Show 1 episode · as C. Lee Banting

    Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all shows

  • Rugrats Tales from the Crib: Three Jacks & a Beanstalk(2006)

    as Tom Thumb / Gingerbread Man (voice)

    Midcredits score: 46th percentile of all films

  • The New Adventures of Old Christine(2006)

    Show 1 episode · as Carl

    Midcredits score: 59th percentile of all shows

  • How I Met Your Mother(2005)

    Show 1 episode · as Albert Donovan

    Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all shows

  • American Dad!(2005)

    Show 1 episode · as Bad Larry / Spy (voice)

    Midcredits score: 53rd percentile of all shows

  • American Dragon: Jake Long(2005)

    Show 1 episode · as Stan the Sewer Troll (voice)

    Midcredits score: 42nd percentile of all shows

  • Committed (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    Show 1 episode · as Richard

  • NCIS(2003)

    Show 3 episodes · as Phillip Brooks

    Midcredits score: 77th percentile of all shows

  • A Mighty Wind(2003)

    as Elliott Steinbloom

    Midcredits score: 89th percentile of all films

  • Life with Bonnie (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    Show 43 episodes · Creator · Writer · as Clown · as Dr. Bill McClaw · as Micky Travisi

  • Watching Ellie (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    Show 19 episodes · as Dr. Don Zimmerman

  • Philly(2001)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 62nd percentile of all shows

  • Best in Show(2000)

    as Graham Chissolm

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all films

  • Teacher's Pet(2000)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 22nd percentile of all shows

  • Return to Me(2000)

    Screenplay · Story · as Transplant Man

    Midcredits score: 77th percentile of all films

  • The Extreme Adventures of Super Dave(2000)

    Story · as Don

    Midcredits score: 14th percentile of all films

  • Larry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm(1999)

    as HBO Director

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all films

  • The Wild Thornberrys(1998)

    Show 1 episode · as Harold Fervel (voice)

    Midcredits score: 33rd percentile of all shows

  • Almost Heroes(1998)

    as Elias

    Midcredits score: 37th percentile of all films

  • RocketMan(1997)

    as Le Chirurgien du Vol

    Midcredits score: 42nd percentile of all films

  • Pepper Ann(1997)

    Show 3 episodes · as Mr. Sherman Finky (voice) · as Mr. Sherman Finky / Butler (voice)

    Midcredits score: 53rd percentile of all shows

  • Waiting for Guffman(1996)

    as Phil Burgess - Blaine Historian

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all films

  • Men Behaving Badly (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    Show 1 episode · as Epstein

  • Goode Behavior (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Bonnie (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Show 11 episodes · as Keith Jedzik

  • Murder One(1995)

    Show 2 episodes · as Joel Mytelka

    Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all shows

  • Double Rush (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Wagons East(1994)

    as Lt. Bailey

    Midcredits score: 12th percentile of all films

  • Sodbusters(1994)

    as Roy Poulet

    Midcredits score: 34th percentile of all films

  • Hostage for a Day(1994)

    as Lieutenant Sneed

    Midcredits score: 11th percentile of all films

  • Ellen(1994)

    Show 1 episode · as Bob

    Midcredits score: 15th percentile of all shows

  • Beethoven's 2nd(1993)

    as Window Display Manager

    Midcredits score: 18th percentile of all films

  • The Building (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Show 5 episodes · as Brad

  • Super Mario Bros.(1993)

    as Sgt. Simon

    Midcredits score: 8th percentile of all films

  • Love & War(1992)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 37th percentile of all shows

  • Camp Wilder (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    Show 2 episodes · Actor

  • Super Dave: Daredevil for Hire (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    Show 13 episodes · as (voice)

  • Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventures (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    Show 7 episodes · as Mr. Preston

  • Hot Shots!(1991)

    as Doctor

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all films

  • Terminator 2: Judgment Day(1991)

    as Mossberg

    Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all films

  • The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air(1990)

    Show 1 episode · as Dr. Whitehorn

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all shows

  • Parker Lewis Can't Lose (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Blossom(1990)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 14th percentile of all shows

  • The Dave Thomas Comedy Show (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Show 5 episodes · Actor

  • The Rocket Boy (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    as Store Customer

  • Speed Zone(1989)

    as Whitman

    Midcredits score: 9th percentile of all films

  • Murphy Brown (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Show 1 episode · as Stage Manager

  • Empty Nest (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Best of SCTV(1988)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all films

  • Short Circuit 2(1988)

    as Manic Mike

    Midcredits score: 39th percentile of all films

  • 110 Lombard (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    as Frankie

  • Super Dave (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Show 97 episodes · as Donald Glanz

  • Blue Monkey(1987)

    as Elliot Jacobs

    Midcredits score: 12th percentile of all films

  • The Big Town(1987)

    as Patsy Fuqua

    Midcredits score: 32nd percentile of all films

  • Hands of a Stranger(1987)

    as Grady

    Midcredits score: 27th percentile of all films

  • The Pink Chiquitas (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Deputy Barney Drum

  • Really Weird Tales (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    as Hugh Mullins (segment "Cursed With Charisma")

  • L.A. Law(1986)

    Show 1 episode · as Bob Steinlage

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all shows

  • Murder Sees the Light(1986)

    as Thornton

    Midcredits score: 27th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Show 1 episode · as A.C. Boone

  • The Golden Girls(1985)

    Show 1 episode · as Mr. Porter

    Midcredits score: 90th percentile of all shows

  • Mr. Belvedere (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Police Academy(1984)

    as Mr. Wig

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all films

  • Lookin' to Get Out(1982)

    as Alfred Jordon - Registration Desk

    Midcredits score: 20th percentile of all films

  • The Littlest Hobo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Show 2 episodes · as Mr. Wilkinson

Career shape

Star power in the 97th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 96 titles from 1979 to 2026; peak year 2015.

Biggest box office

Zootopia (2016)

$1B worldwide

Highest rated

Zootopia (2016)

Midcredits 98th

Film career

19792026

Peak 2015 · fewer prominent film roles lately. Top draw in 1 MovieCove title. 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
Acting95 of 96: 92 only acting, 3 with another role · typical Midcredits score46thWriting3 of 96: 0 only writing, 3 with another roleProducing1 of 96: 1 only producing, 0 with another roleOther crew1 of 96: 0 only other crew, 1 with another role

96 titles, 3 with more than one role — acting and writing overlap on 3 of them.

By decade

1970s1 · acting1980s20 · acting1990s28 · acting2000s20 · 19 acting · 4 crew2010s18 · acting2020s9 · acting

Billing

usually 14th · top billed in 0% of 27 roles
849404

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 Don Lake's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 40th percentile, the median of all 37; across their 11 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 39th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

39thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 11

Approval · how many liked their films

48thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 11

Reach · how many have seen their films

81stpercentile
Typical film, the median of 11

Midcredits score across 71 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up21
  • 50th to 74th12
  • 25th to 49th23
  • Below 25th15

Shape of the crowd

27 of their 71 titles are Mixed.

  • Universally Loved10
  • Divisive1
  • Cult Classic3
  • Crowd Pleaser23
  • Broadly Agreed7
  • Mixed27

Most divisive · actor, writer

The Extreme Adventures of Super Dave (2000)

84th percentile spread · 49% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Midcredits 99th · 93% liked

Reviewers score the acting 68/100 in their films, across 11 reviewed titles; fans 78, detractors 42. 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.

Is Don Lake's work okay for kids?

Across up to 6 MovieCove titles with content scores, violence & gore and frightening / intense run lighter than most films.

Their medianMedian of all filmsMiddle 80% of their titles
Violence & Gore5 titles4–44 · median 13 · minimallighter than most filmsMedian of all films: 44
Sex & Nudity6 titles14–38 · median 25 · mildnear the median of all filmsMedian of all films: 32
Profanity5 titles25–63 · median 43 · moderatenear the median of all filmsMedian of all films: 36
Alcohol & Drugs5 titles16–35 · median 31 · mildnear the median of all filmsMedian of all films: 33
Frightening / Intense5 titles8–57 · median 24 · mildlighter than most filmsMedian 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 Don Lake work with?

People who share at least 2 of Don Lake's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; John Vernon shares the most, 3.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Producers

Mixed roles