Glenn has acted in a slew of classic movies, including NASHVILLE, APOCALYPSE NOW, URBAN COWBOY and SILVERADO. He’s also starred in TV shows like The Leftovers, Backdraft and now — as Alan Pangborn on the Hulu series Castle Rock. He threw himself into these roles with relentless preparation. For example, to play Stick in The Right Stuff, he studied blindness and trained himself to see only the peripheral edges of his vision.
The Right Stuff (1980)
This Tom Wolfe adaptation of the acclaimed book about the first group of Mercury astronauts, including Glenn’s memorable performance as Chuck Yeager, is one of the most important movies of the 1980s.
The apex of Glenn’s early career, it’s a sprawling and often entertaining film that may get bogged down in its overt patriotism but never loses its nerve. The November 5, 2013 Blu-ray release includes scene-specific commentary, deleted scenes, three “making-of” featurettes that feel like pitches for a full-length documentary, an interactive timeline to space, and the 1998 PBS John Glenn: American Hero documentary.
Apocalypse Now (1979)
Director Francis Ford Coppola’s Vietnam War drama is a powerfully eerie look at the nature of evil and hell. Glenn, backed by Marlon Brando’s Colonel Walter Kurtz, delivers a piercing performance.
His stalwart performances in Urban Cowboy and other classics helped launch his movie career. His later work, such as his roles on The Leftovers and Netflix’s Daredevil series, showcase his versatility and dedication to the craft. His work ethic has earned him the respect of his peers. He is known for immersing himself completely in his roles.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Glenn’s early theater experience laid the foundation for his acting abilities. He continued to hone his craft, and his role in this flixtorto film helped catapult him into the limelight. Director James Bridges brought Glenn into the mainstream with his appearance as John Travolta’s nemesis in Urban Cowboy (1980). He would continue to impress in roles like a submarine commander in The Hunt for Red October (1997) and an eccentric fisherman in Training Day (2001).
His most recent work includes a small part in The Barber and a starring role on Netflix’s Daredevil series.
Backdraft (1991)
Backdraft’s quotable dialogue has become iconic in its own right. From Stephen McCaffrey’s impassioned speech about firefighters to Ronald Bartel’s haunting proclamation, the film is loaded with powerful messages.
Glenn continued to impress audiences in the 1990s with roles in The Hunt for Red October, Silence of the Lambs, and more. He also starred in the critically acclaimed television series Daredevil as Stick, the blind martial arts master mentor to the blind superhero.
The Player (1992)
Glenn shows off his ruthless side as a hard-nosed detective in this Mark Lester film. After a sluggish start this twisted East meets West crime drama gets into gear and Glenn’s character is a force to be reckoned with.
Glenn proved he could do more than action films after his success with Urban Cowboy, and he continued to juggle roles in a variety of genres throughout the 1990s. He appeared in a mix of mainstream movies (Courage Under Fire, Absolute Power) and independent projects. He also did a bit of theater.
The Hunt for Red October (1990)
A saboteur makes Red October’s caterpillar drive malfunction during risky maneuvers through an undersea canyon. The sonar officer aboard Dallas reports a contact on the sonar and reports that he thinks he heard singing. CIA analyst Jack Ryan briefs government officials about the submarine, hypothesizing that Ramius plans a renegade nuclear strike.
Glenn has continued to stay busy with roles on the big and small screen, from HBO’s The Leftovers to Netflix’s Daredevil series to a cameo in Sucker Punch. His dedication to his craft and his ability to fully immerse himself in his characters have made him a sought-after actor.
Silverado (1985)
Glenn was a big-screen veteran by the time James Bridges cast him as John Travolta’s rival in Urban Cowboy (1980). As rangy off-camera as he is on, Glenn excelled in western roles.
Lawrence Kasdan’s Silverado is a classic Western that arguably launched Glenn into the stratosphere of stardom. He’d go on to deliver a memorable performance as CIA director Jack Crawford in The Silence of the Lambs and a submarine commander in The Hunt for Red October. He’s also a regular on the small screen, playing Stick in Marvel’s Daredevil series on Netflix.
Countdown to Looking Glass (1984)
As his career progressed, Glenn shifted more toward drama, appearing in the critically acclaimed movie Nashville and the dramatic film Countdown to Looking Glass. He also starred as CIA director Ezra Kramer in The Bourne Ultimatum and The Bourne Legacy.
Glenn continues to find challenging and complex roles. His most recent project, the Netflix series Daredevil, may receive less pop culture buzz than his other work but Glenn believes it is among his highest achievements.
Wild Geese II (1985)
After graduating high school, Glenn attended the College of William and Mary and then joined the Marines for three years. He tried to become an author, but found he had trouble writing dialogues and decided to pursue acting. He worked as a bouncer to pay for classes and soon was appearing onstage at La Mama and the Public Theater in off-Broadway productions.
It’s hard to imagine a sequel that could top the original Wild Geese, but Peter Hunt’s effort is not without merit. The game cast includes a stoically glazed Scott Glenn and Edward Fox, who steals the show as a lethally cunning English mercenary.
Silverado II (1987)
Born in Pittsburgh, Scott Glenn grew up with chronic health problems and spent a year bed-ridden. He went on to join the Marines and work for five months as a newspaper reporter in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He studied writing at the College of William and Mary, but found that he could not write dialogue that satisfied readers.
In 1980, director James Bridges cast him in Urban Cowboy. Glenn became a box office draw and went on to appear in action films (Silverado, Countdown to Looking Glass) and dramas like The Right Stuff.
