Sam Waterston
Biography
Samuel Atkinson "Sam" Waterston, born on November 15, 1940, is a distinguished American actor, producer, and director whose career spans over four decades. He gained significant acclaim for his role as Sydney Schanberg in the 1984 film The Killing Fields, a performance that earned him an Academy Award nomination. Waterston is perhaps best known for his long-standing role as Jack McCoy on the iconic NBC series Law & Order, for which he received both a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Throughout his illustrious career, Waterston has showcased his remarkable talent across more than eighty film and television projects. His versatility has led to nominations from prestigious organizations, including multiple Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, BAFTA, and Emmy Awards. Critics have highlighted his ability to build a devoted fanbase through his understated yet compelling performances, with Allmovie noting his "quietly charismatic" presence on screen.
In addition to his acting prowess, Waterston has also ventured into production and directing, further cementing his place in the entertainment industry. His dedication to his craft and significant contributions to film and television continue to inspire many in the arts.
Filmography
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Rancho Deluxe
1975 • Cecil Colson
Swimming to Cambodia
1987 • Additional cast from 'The Killing Fields' (archive footage)
The Man in the Moon
1991 • Matthew Trant
Interiors
1978 • Mike
Anesthesia
2016 • Prof. Walter Zarrow
Shadow Conspiracy
1997
Eagle's Wing
1979 • White Bull
The Mayo Clinic
2018 • Charlie Mayo (voice)
David's Mother
1994 • John Nils
Merchant Ivory
2024 • Self
The Boy Who Loved Trolls
1984 • Ofoeti
Lantern Hill
1989 • Andrew Stuart
Capricorn One
1977 • Lt. Col. Peter Willis
Warning Sign
1985 • Cal Morse
Serial Mom
1994 • Eugene Sutphin
Crimes and Misdemeanors
1989 • Ben
The Journey of August King
1995 • Mooney Wright
The Great Gatsby (1974)
1974 • Nick Carraway
Hopscotch
1980 • Jack Cutter
Heaven's Gate
1980 • Frank Canton
The Enemy Within
1994 • President William Foster
Miss Sloane
2016