James Spader is an actor known for his distinctive voice, enigmatic presence, and ability to inhabit a wide range of complex characters. From brooding intellectuals to suave villains, Spader has consistently delivered captivating performances throughout his career from teen films in the 1980s to the blockbuster The Avengers: Age of Ultron in 2015 and the long-running hit television series Boston Legal and The Blacklist.
Here is a look back at some of his notable films:
1980s Films
Tuff Turf (1985) This film showcases Spader’s youthful charisma as Morgan Hiller, a troubled teenager navigating the complexities of being the new kid in a rough high school. Kim Richards and Robert Downey Jr. also starred.
Pretty in Pink (1986) In this classic from the John Hughes teen universe, Spader plays Steff, the unsavory upperclassman who is friends with Blaine (Andrew McCarthy) and lusts after Andie (Molly Ringwald).
Wall Street (1987) Spader portrays Roger Barnes, a friend of Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), who becomes involved in insider trading in Oliver Stone’s iconic film that saw Michael Douglas win the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Less Than Zero (1987) This dark coming-of-age drama from writer Bret Easton Ellis (American Psycho) features Spader as Rip, a slimy drug dealer with a Beverly Hills clientele that includes Julian (Robert Downey Jr.). Andrew McCarthy and Jami Gertz also starred.
Robert Downey Jr. and James Spader in Less Than Zero (Photo/FOX)
Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989) This groundbreaking film, directed by Steven Soderbergh, features Spader as Graham Dalton, a voyeuristic filmmaker who travels to his hometown to interview the women in his brother-in-law’s life. Andie MacDowell, Peter Gallagher and Laura San Giacomo also starred.
1990s Films
White Palace (1990) Spader plays Max, a 27 year-old adman who embarks on a passionate but unconventional relationship with a 43 year-old woman named Nora. Kathy Bates (Misery) and Jason Alexander co-starred.
Wolf (1994) In this supernatural thriller, Spader plays Stewart Swinton, rival to publisher Will Randall (Jack Nicholson). Michelle Pfieffer and Christopher Plummer also starred in this Mike Nichols film.
Stargate (1994) Spader plays Dr. Daniel Jackson, an Egyptologist who discovers an interstellar teleportation device in Egypt and travels to a distant planet. Kurt Russell also starred.
2 Days in the Valley (1996): This ensemble crime drama features Spader as a hitman caught in a web of interconnected storylines in Los Angeles. Jeff Daniels, Teri Hatcher, Eric Stoltz, Keith Carradine and Danny Aiello also starred, but this film is best known for the standout early role of Charlize Theron as Helga Svelgen.
James Spader Legacy
These films, among others, demonstrate Spader’s versatility as an actor and his ability to bring a unique and captivating presence to every role he undertakes.
