Sam Shepard

Best known as a Supporting Actor based on credits in that role in 23 films, with $1,108,928,314 worldwide aggregate box office (rank #2,576)
Best-known acting roles: Harlan Whitford (Safe House), Narrator (Charlotte\'s Web), Maj. Gen. William Garrison (Black Hawk Down), Frank Calhoun (The Notebook), Senator James Reisman (Swordfish)
Best-known technical roles: Paris, Texas (Screenwriter), Far North (Director), Far North (Screenwriter)
Born: November 5, 1943
Died: July 27, 2017

Career Summary


  MoviesDomestic
Box Office		International
Box Office		Worldwide
Box Office
As an ActorSupporting23$652,708,822$456,219,492$1,108,928,314
Inverviewee7$207,082$131,791$338,873
Leading6$1,064,574$6,578,667$7,643,241
Lead Ensemble Member4$59,242,925$13,000,213$72,243,138
Narrator2$82,985,708$61,000,000$143,985,708
Documentary Subject1$10,278$0$10,278
(Unclassified)22$211,092,966$70,938,727$282,031,693
In Technical RolesScreenwriter5$2,651,790$76,908$2,728,698
Director2$147,234$0$147,234

Career Trend

This graph shows Sam Shepard’s score on our annual analysis of leading stars at the box office. The Star Score represents points assigned to each of the leading stars of the top 100 movies (based on box office) in the current year and two preceding years. For appearing in the number one movie in a year a star gets 100 points, the number two movie 99 points and so on..

Latest Ranking on Selected Box Office Record Lists


RecordRankAmount
Top 100 Stars in Leading Roles at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 2,101-2,200) 2,111 $60,307,499
Top Stars at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 1,101-1,200) 1,163 $1,007,312,355
Top 100 Stars in Leading Roles at the International Box Office (Rank 3,201-3,300) 3,245 $19,578,880
Top Stars at the International Box Office (Rank 3,601-3,700) 3,687 $607,868,890
Top 100 Stars in Leading Roles at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 2,601-2,700) 2,698 $79,886,379
Top Stars at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 1,901-2,000) 1,943 $1,615,181,245
Top Grossing Director at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 4,701-4,800) 4,759 $147,234
Top Grossing Screenwriter at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 5,301-5,400) 5,366 $2,651,790
Top Grossing Screenwriter at the International Box Office (Rank 7,001-7,100) 7,066 $76,908
Top Grossing Director at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 10,701-10,800) 10,703 $147,234
Top Grossing Screenwriter at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 6,701-6,800) 6,739 $2,728,698

See the Acting Credits tab for all Acting Box Office Records and the Technical Credits tab for all Technical Box Office Records.


2013 Preview: December

December 1st, 2013

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug poster

We had some good news and some bad news in November. The bad news is the overall weakness at the box office continued and 2013 lost its lead over 2012. Strong runs by The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Frozen did help it bounce back in the end, but 2013 is still going to have a tough time topping 2012. Looking forward to December, we find about a dozen wide releases, sort of. There are several films that are opening in limited release that are expected to expand wide by the end of the month, but I'm not sure that will be the case for all of them. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug should be the easy winner this month and if it is a little lucky, it might even top its predecessor at the box office. There is a huge amount of hype surrounding Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues and it could double the first film's box office numbers. On the other hand, those two films might be the only two December wide releases to reach $100 million. There are a few that have the potential to get to the century mark, if they are big players during Awards Season. Obviously some of the films coming out this month will win awards, but there's already a lot of competition in theaters before the month begins. There were three $100 million movies last December, led by The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, so while it could be close, it looks like December will lose in the year-over-year comparison. This is really bad news, as 2013 can't afford to go out on a losing streak if it wants to top 2012. More...

Limited Releases Are What They Are

September 27th, 2013

There are a lot of limited releases on this week's list, including a few earning stellar reviews. There are also a few with weak reviews or that are the wrong genre to thrive in limited release. One film fits into both ends of the spectrum, We Are What We Are, which is earning great reviews, but as a horror film, likely won't find an audience till the home market. Hopefully I am wrong. Inequality for All is earning even better reviews, but it is a documentary, so it have very little chance to expand. On the Job has the best reviews of the week, but it is a foreign-language action film, so it will likely not earn breakout success. More...

All Acting Credits



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Release
Date		TitleRoleDomestic
Box Office		International
Box Office		Worldwide
Box Office
Oct 20, 2017Never Here Paul Stark
Aug 18, 2017California Typewriter Himself $200,379$200,379
Feb 17, 2017In Dubious Battle Anderson $214,182$214,182
Sep 9, 2016Ithaca Willie Grogan
Mar 18, 2016Midnight Special Calvin Meyer $3,712,282$3,967,968$7,680,250
May 23, 2014Cold in July Ben Russell $423,223$1,369,354$1,792,577
Dec 25, 2013August: Osage County Beverly Weston $37,738,810$13,000,000$50,738,810
Dec 4, 2013Out of the Furnace Gerald Baze $11,330,849$4,103,526$15,434,375
Sep 25, 2013Shepard & Dark Himself $10,278$10,278
Sep 13, 2013Harry Dean Stanton: Pa… Himself
Aug 23, 2013Savannah Mr. Stubbs $36,746$36,746
Apr 26, 2013Mud Tom Blankenship $21,590,086$9,966,873$31,556,959
UnknownThe Presence of Joseph… Himself
Nov 30, 2012Killing Them Softly Dillon $14,945,541$24,292,902$39,238,443
Apr 20, 2012Darling Companion Sherrif Morris $793,352$406,994$1,200,346
Feb 10, 2012Safe House Harlan Whitford $126,181,630$81,702,771$207,884,401
Oct 7, 2011Blackthorn James Blackthorn $200,558$1,016,749$1,217,307
Nov 5, 2010Fair*Game Sam Plame $9,540,691$12,252,214$21,792,905
Oct 22, 2010Inhale James $4,115$4,115
UnknownPlay On, John: A Life … Narrator
Dec 4, 2009Brothers $28,544,157$16,499,713$45,043,870
Nov 10, 2009The Accidental Husband Wilder $22,707,064$22,707,064
Aug 15, 2008Patti Smith: Dream of … Himself $6,703$131,791$138,494
Aug 12, 2008Felon
Apr, 2008One Fast Move or I’m G… Himself
Sep 21, 2007The Assassination of J… Frank James $3,909,149$11,404,482$15,313,631
UnknownWalker Payne Syrus
UnknownThe Holy Modal Rounder… Himself
Dec 15, 2006Charlotte's Web Narrator $82,985,708$61,000,000$143,985,708
Nov 10, 2006The Return Ed Mills $7,744,785$1,100,000$8,844,785
Sep 22, 2006Bandidas Bill Buck $19,282,590$19,282,590
Mar 17, 2006Don’t Come Knocking Howard $440,793$4,192,564$4,633,357
Feb 3, 2006Trudell Himself $26,756$26,756
Jul 29, 2005Stealth Captain George Cu… $32,116,746$44,300,000$76,416,746
Jun 25, 2004The Notebook Frank Calhoun $81,001,787$34,640,649$115,642,436
Apr 21, 2004This So-Called Disaster Himself $45,195$45,195
UnknownBlind Horizon Sheriff Kolb
UnknownRosy-Fingered Dawn: A … Himself
UnknownLeo Vic
Dec 28, 2001Black Hawk Down Maj. Gen. William… $108,638,745$51,052,340$159,691,085
Jun 8, 2001Swordfish Senator James Rei… $69,772,969$77,307,444$147,080,413
Jan 19, 2001The Pledge Eric Pollack $19,719,930$9,686,202$29,406,132
Dec 22, 2000All the Pretty Horses Banker $15,527,125$2,593,142$18,120,267
May 12, 2000Hamlet Ghost $1,577,287$842,382$2,419,669
Dec 24, 1999Snow Falling on Cedars Arthur Chambers $14,378,353$14,378,353
Feb 13, 1998The Only Thrill Reece McHenry $15,093$15,093
UnknownCurtain Call Will Dodge
Dec 23, 1994Safe Passage Patrick Singer $1,607,000$1,607,000
Dec 17, 1993The Pelican Brief Thomas Callahan $100,768,056$87,227,803$187,995,859
Apr 1, 1992Thunderheart Frank Coutelle $22,660,758$22,660,758
Jan 31, 1992Homo Faber Walter Faber/Narr…
Aug 23, 1991Defenseless Det. Beutel $6,379,362$6,379,362
Jun 14, 1991Bright Angel Jack $158,243$158,243
Nov 15, 1989Steel Magnolias Spud Jones $83,759,091$11,392,847$95,151,938
Oct 7, 1987Baby Boom Dr. Jeff Cooper $26,700,000$26,700,000
Dec 12, 1986Crimes of the Heart Doc Porter $22,905,000$22,905,000
Dec 6, 1985Fool For Love Eddie $836,156$836,156
Sep 29, 1984Country Gil Ivy $8,400,000$8,400,000
Oct 21, 1983The Right Stuff Chuck Yeager $21,500,000$213$21,500,213
Dec 17, 1982Frances Harry York $122,100$122,100
Sep 18, 1981Raggedy Man Bailey $11,000,000$11,000,000
Sep 26, 1980Resurrection Cal Carpenter $3,910,019$3,910,019
Sep 13, 1978Days of Heaven The Farmer $3,446,749$214,131$3,660,880
Jan 25, 1978Renaldo and Clara Rodeo
May 18, 1970Brand X
 
Averages $21,898,095$20,262,296$32,962,883
Totals 65 $1,007,312,355$607,868,890$1,615,181,245


Leading or Lead Ensemble Roles


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Release
Date		TitleOpening
Weekend		Maximum
Theaters		Domestic
Box Office		Worldwide
Box Office		Domestic
Share
Oct 20, 2017Never Here
Sep 9, 2016Ithaca
May 23, 2014Cold in July 73$423,223$1,792,57723.6%
Dec 25, 2013August: Osage County $179,3022,411$37,738,810$50,738,81074.4%
Oct 7, 2011Blackthorn $15,25421$200,558$1,217,30716.5%
Oct 22, 2010Inhale $3,0302$4,115$4,115100.0%
Mar 17, 2006Don’t Come Knocking $30,63032$440,793$4,633,3579.5%
UnknownBlind Horizon
Jan 31, 1992Homo Faber
Oct 21, 1983The Right Stuff $1,601,167627$21,500,000$21,500,213100.0%
 
Averages $365,877528$10,051,250$13,314,39754.0%
Totals 10 $60,307,499$79,886,379


Supporting Roles


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Release
Date		TitleOpening
Weekend		Maximum
Theaters		Domestic
Box Office		Worldwide
Box Office		Domestic
Share
Feb 17, 2017In Dubious Battle $214,182
Mar 18, 2016Midnight Special $190,012521$3,712,282$7,680,25048.3%
Dec 4, 2013Out of the Furnace $5,220,2882,101$11,330,849$15,434,37573.4%
Aug 23, 2013Savannah $17,10014$36,746$36,746100.0%
Apr 26, 2013Mud $2,215,460960$21,590,086$31,556,95968.4%
Nov 30, 2012Killing Them Softly $6,812,9002,424$14,945,541$39,238,44338.1%
Apr 20, 2012Darling Companion $39,96264$793,352$1,200,34666.1%
Feb 10, 2012Safe House $40,172,7203,121$126,181,630$207,884,40160.7%
Nov 5, 2010Fair*Game $651,082436$9,540,691$21,792,90543.8%
Sep 21, 2007The Assassination of J… $147,812301$3,909,149$15,313,63125.5%
Nov 10, 2006The Return $4,479,6211,986$7,744,785$8,844,78587.6%
Jul 29, 2005Stealth $13,251,5453,495$32,116,746$76,416,74642.0%
Jun 25, 2004The Notebook $13,464,7452,323$81,001,787$115,642,43670.0%
UnknownLeo
Dec 28, 2001Black Hawk Down $179,8233,143$108,638,745$159,691,08568.0%
Jun 8, 2001Swordfish $18,145,6322,688$69,772,969$147,080,41347.4%
Jan 19, 2001The Pledge $5,765,3471,410$19,719,930$29,406,13267.1%
Dec 22, 2000All the Pretty Horses 1,593$15,527,125$18,120,26785.7%
Dec 24, 1999Snow Falling on Cedars $32,1351,155$14,378,353$14,378,353100.0%
UnknownCurtain Call
Dec 17, 1993The Pelican Brief $16,864,4042,022$100,768,056$187,995,85953.6%
Sep 18, 1981Raggedy Man $287,081189$11,000,000$11,000,000100.0%
Jan 25, 1978Renaldo and Clara
 
Averages $7,107,6481,576$34,353,096$55,446,41665.6%
Totals 23 $652,708,822$1,108,928,314

Latest Ranking on All Acting Box Office Record Lists


RecordRankAmount
Top 100 Stars in Leading Roles at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 2,101-2,200) 2,111 $60,307,499
Top 100 Stars in Supporting Roles at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 1,501-1,600) 1,513 $652,708,822
Top Live Action Stars at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 1,001-1,100) 1,037 $924,326,647
Top Above the Line Stars at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 601-700) 644 $788,267,522
Top Below the Line Stars at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 57,801-57,900) 57,804 $207,082
Top Stars at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 1,101-1,200) 1,163 $1,007,312,355
Top 100 Stars in Leading Roles at the International Box Office (Rank 3,201-3,300) 3,245 $19,578,880
Top 100 Stars in Supporting Roles at the International Box Office (Rank 4,501-4,600) 4,591 $456,219,492
Top Live Action Stars at the International Box Office (Rank 3,501-3,600) 3,506 $546,868,890
Top Above the Line Stars at the International Box Office (Rank 1,301-1,400) 1,333 $535,698,372
Top Below the Line Stars at the International Box Office (Rank 52,601-52,700) 52,674 $131,791
Top Stars at the International Box Office (Rank 3,601-3,700) 3,687 $607,868,890
Top 100 Stars in Leading Roles at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 2,601-2,700) 2,698 $79,886,379
Top 100 Stars in Supporting Roles at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 2,501-2,600) 2,576 $1,108,928,314
Top Live Action Stars at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 1,701-1,800) 1,792 $1,471,195,537
Top Above the Line Stars at the Wordwide Box Office (Rank 901-1,000) 953 $1,323,965,894
Top Below the Line Stars at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 59,601-59,700) 59,644 $338,873
Top Stars at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 1,901-2,000) 1,943 $1,615,181,245
Highest Grossing Stars of 1983 at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 101-200) 110 69
Highest Grossing Stars of 1984 at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 101-200) 130 69
Highest Grossing Stars of 1985 at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 101-200) 147 69
Highest Grossing Stars of 2013 at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 401-500) 486 23
Highest Grossing Stars of 2014 at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 401-500) 486 23
Highest Grossing Stars of 2015 at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 401-500) 464 23
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Original Screenplay Movies (Rank 3,801-3,900) 3,816 $1,068,689
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Based on Factual Book/Article Movies (Rank 201-300) 209 $21,500,000
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Based on Play Movies 75 $37,738,810
Top International Leading Stars for Original Screenplay Movies (Rank 2,701-2,800) 2,737 $6,578,667
Top International Leading Stars for Based on Factual Book/Article Movies (Rank 401-500) 464 $213
Top International Leading Stars for Based on Play Movies 73 $13,000,000
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Original Screenplay Movies (Rank 3,601-3,700) 3,604 $7,647,356
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Based on Factual Book/Article Movies (Rank 201-300) 250 $21,500,213
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Based on Play Movies 88 $50,738,810
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Live Action Movies (Rank 1,701-1,800) 1,702 $60,307,499
Top International Leading Stars for Live Action Movies (Rank 2,601-2,700) 2,698 $19,578,880
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Live Action Movies (Rank 2,201-2,300) 2,211 $79,886,379
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Contemporary Fiction Movies (Rank 1,401-1,500) 1,490 $38,183,718
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Historical Fiction Movies (Rank 1,401-1,500) 1,428 $623,781
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Dramatization Movies (Rank 301-400) 394 $21,500,000
Top International Leading Stars for Contemporary Fiction Movies (Rank 1,801-1,900) 1,897 $17,192,564
Top International Leading Stars for Historical Fiction Movies (Rank 1,001-1,100) 1,047 $2,386,103
Top International Leading Stars for Dramatization Movies (Rank 1,301-1,400) 1,394 $213
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Contemporary Fiction Movies (Rank 1,701-1,800) 1,754 $55,376,282
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Historical Fiction Movies (Rank 1,401-1,500) 1,480 $3,009,884
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Dramatization Movies (Rank 501-600) 544 $21,500,213
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Drama Movies (Rank 701-800) 798 $21,940,793
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Thriller/Suspense Movies (Rank 901-1,000) 907 $427,338
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Black Comedy Movies (Rank 101-200) 138 $37,738,810
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Western Movies (Rank 201-300) 206 $200,558
Top International Leading Stars for Drama Movies (Rank 1,401-1,500) 1,488 $4,192,777
Top International Leading Stars for Thriller/Suspense Movies (Rank 801-900) 825 $1,369,354
Top International Leading Stars for Black Comedy Movies (Rank 101-200) 187 $13,000,000
Top International Leading Stars for Western Movies (Rank 101-200) 123 $1,016,749
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Drama Movies (Rank 1,101-1,200) 1,137 $26,133,570
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Thriller/Suspense Movies (Rank 1,001-1,100) 1,023 $1,796,692
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Black Comedy Movies (Rank 101-200) 166 $50,738,810
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Western Movies (Rank 101-200) 189 $1,217,307
Top Domestic Leading Stars for R Movies (Rank 1,001-1,100) 1,084 $38,807,499
Top International Leading Stars for R Movies (Rank 1,201-1,300) 1,290 $19,578,667
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for R Movies (Rank 1,201-1,300) 1,212 $58,386,166
Top Domestic Leading Stars for Warner Bros. Movies (Rank 801-900) 890 $21,500,000
Top International Leading Stars for Warner Bros. Movies (Rank 901-1,000) 967 $213
Top Worldwide Leading Stars for Warner Bros. Movies (Rank 901-1,000) 956 $21,500,213

All Technical Credits



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Release
Date		TitleRoleDomestic
Box Office		International
Box Office		Worldwide
Box Office
UnknownBuried Child Screenwriter
Mar 1, 1994Silent Tongue Director
Screenwriter
1988Far North Director
Screenwriter		 $147,234$147,234
Nov 9, 1984Paris, Texas Screenwriter $2,504,556$76,908$2,581,464
Jan 25, 1978Renaldo and Clara Screenwriter
 
Averages $1,325,895$76,908$1,364,349
Totals 5 $2,651,790$76,908$2,728,698


Director Credits


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Release
Date		TitleOpening
Weekend		Maximum
Theaters		Domestic
Box Office		Worldwide
Box Office		Domestic
Share
Mar 1, 1994Silent Tongue
1988Far North $147,234$147,234100.0%
 
Averages n/an/a$147,234$147,234100.0%
Totals 2 $147,234$147,234


Writer Credits


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Release
Date		TitleOpening
Weekend		Maximum
Theaters		Domestic
Box Office		Worldwide
Box Office		Domestic
Share
UnknownBuried Child
Mar 1, 1994Silent Tongue
1988Far North $147,234$147,234100.0%
Nov 9, 1984Paris, Texas $22,70930$2,504,556$2,581,46497.0%
Jan 25, 1978Renaldo and Clara
 
Averages $22,70930$1,325,895$1,364,34998.5%
Totals 5 $2,651,790$2,728,698

Latest Ranking on All Technical Box Office Record Lists


RecordRankAmount
Top Grossing Director at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 4,701-4,800) 4,759 $147,234
Top Grossing Screenwriter at the Domestic Box Office (Rank 5,301-5,400) 5,366 $2,651,790
Top Grossing Screenwriter at the International Box Office (Rank 7,001-7,100) 7,066 $76,908
Top Grossing Director at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 10,701-10,800) 10,703 $147,234
Top Grossing Screenwriter at the Worldwide Box Office (Rank 6,701-6,800) 6,739 $2,728,698