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Joel McKinnon Miller

Joel McKinnon Miller

Actor · Born February 21, 1960 (66) · Rockford, Minnesota, USA

Joel McKinnon Miller (born February 21, 1960) is an American actor who is best known for portraying Don Embry on Big Love (2006–2011) and Detective Norm Scully on Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013–2021). Description above from the Wikipedia article Joel McKinnon Miller, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
February 21, 1960 (66)
From
Rockford, Minnesota, USA
Works as
Actor
Titles
62 on MovieCove · 85 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 63 days to Oct 26Up 27% in 30 days

What are Joel McKinnon Miller's films like?

Across their 7 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Bonds and Self.

Themes

share of theme weight
Bonds
52%
Self
22%
Power
12%
Society
6%
Survival
5%
Morality
3%
Family bonds5 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 5 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Serious: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their serious movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

A split, not a type: Light 3 · Serious 1 · Dark 1

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

Grounded 5 · Stylized 0 · Heightened 0

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

A split, not a type: Gentle 2 · Charged 1 · Intense 2

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

Steady 2 · Shifting 3 · Whiplash 0

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

A split, not a type: Straight-faced 3 · Some laughs 1 · Funny 1

Slow burn: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their slow burn movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 4 · Even-paced 1 · 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 3 · Engaged 2 · Full focus 0

Affecting: How much it costs you emotionally; whether you need recovery time. Browse their affecting movies.
Demand · Emotional cost
easyheavy

A split, not a type: Easy watch 3 · Affecting 1 · Heavy 1

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

Resolved 4 · Open-ended 1 · Ambiguous 0

Roles they play

2 analyzed roles

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
4
Absurd
2
Warm
2
Melancholic
2
Thrilling
2
Other
5

How their films linger

Feel-good3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHaunting2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 1 with a twist

  • Happy4
  • 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 Joel McKinnon Miller's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 52 of their 62 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service.

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Joel McKinnon Miller'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

85 credits, 62 with a MovieCove page; 2 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

  • Wardcliffe(2025)

    as Dennis Irwin

  • The Staircase(2022)

    Show 4 episodes · as Larry Pollard

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all shows

  • Station 19(2018)

    Show 2 episodes · as Reggie Paulson

    Midcredits score: 72nd percentile of all shows

  • Vice (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    as JJ

  • Mob City(2013)

    Show 1 episode · as Sergeant

    Midcredits score: 66th percentile of all shows

  • Brooklyn Nine-Nine(2013)

    Show 152 episodes · as Norman Scully

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all shows

  • Rushlights(2013)

    as Sal Marinaro

    Midcredits score: 47th percentile of all films

  • Shotgun Wedding(2013)

    as Hank Fletcher

    Midcredits score: 19th percentile of all films

  • Blue (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    Show 2 episodes · as Mr. Weston

  • Longmire(2012)

    Show 1 episode · as Ed Nardo

    Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all shows

  • American Horror Story(2011)

    Show 3 episodes · as Detective Connors

    Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all shows

  • Super 8(2011)

    as Mr. Kaznyk

    Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all films

  • Atlas Shrugged: Part I(2011)

    as Herbert Mowen

    Midcredits score: 37th percentile of all films

  • Workaholics(2011)

    Show 1 episode · as Head Cop

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all shows

  • Little Birds (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

    as Michael White

  • Good Luck Charlie(2010)

    Show 1 episode · as Kevin

    Midcredits score: 62nd percentile of all shows

  • Radio Free Albemuth (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    as Berkeley Detective

  • Community(2009)

    Show 1 episode · as Store Announcer (voice)

    Midcredits score: 96th percentile of all shows

  • Glee(2009)

    Show 1 episode · as Richard Lavender

    Midcredits score: 42nd percentile of all shows

  • Delta Farce(2007)

    as Pilot

    Midcredits score: 4th percentile of all films

  • The Blue Hour (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

    as Jimmy

  • The Jake Effect (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    Show 1 episode · as Cop

  • The New Adventures of Old Christine(2006)

    Show 1 episode · as Immigration Officer Dutton

    Midcredits score: 59th percentile of all shows

  • Big Love(2006)

    Show 46 episodes · as Don Embry

    Midcredits score: 75th percentile of all shows

  • In Justice (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    Show 1 episode · as Detective Lawson

  • Just Like Heaven(2005)

    as Lead Ghostbuster

    Midcredits score: 72nd percentile of all films

  • Bones(2005)

    Show 1 episode · as U.S. Border Agent

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all shows

  • The Closer(2005)

    Show 1 episode · as Hoss - Bailiff

    Midcredits score: 84th percentile of all shows

  • Guess Who(2005)

    as Security Guard (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 38th percentile of all films

  • Gone But Not Forgotten (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    as Frank Grimsbo

  • After the Sunset(2004)

    as Wendell

    Midcredits score: 44th percentile of all films

  • Boston Legal(2004)

    Show 1 episode · as Robert Berrin, Zozo the Clown

    Midcredits score: 96th percentile of all shows

  • Desperate Housewives(2004)

    Show 1 episode · as The Counselor

    Midcredits score: 81st percentile of all shows

  • Jack & Bobby(2004)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all shows

  • Deadwood(2004)

    Show 1 episode · as Nathan Gordon

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all shows

  • Secret Santa (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    as Harley

  • Cold Case (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    Show 1 episode · as Brad Atwater

  • Joan of Arcadia (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    Show 1 episode · as Don 'Wood Man' Bicke

  • Las Vegas(2003)

    Show 3 episodes · as Lyle Nubbin

    Midcredits score: 70th percentile of all shows

  • Nip/Tuck(2003)

    Show 1 episode · as Duke Collins

    Midcredits score: 76th percentile of all shows

  • Tremors (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    Show 1 episode · as Red Landers

  • Oliver Beene (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    Show 1 episode · as Cop

  • Friday After Next(2002)

    as Officer Hole

    Midcredits score: 39th percentile of all films

  • Still Standing (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    Show 1 episode · as Frank

  • Unconditional Love(2002)

    as Barman

    Midcredits score: 70th percentile of all films

  • Men in Black II(2002)

    as Agent

    Midcredits score: 49th percentile of all films

  • George Lopez(2002)

    Show 1 episode · as Ed Driscoll

    Midcredits score: 52nd percentile of all shows

  • Undeclared (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    Show 1 episode · as Mr. Nesbitt

  • Rush Hour 2(2001)

    as Tex

    Midcredits score: 73rd percentile of all films

  • The Jennie Project(2001)

    as Frank

    Midcredits score: 29th percentile of all films

  • Six Feet Under(2001)

    Show 1 episode · as Tuttle Friend with Flattop

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all shows

  • The Family Man(2000)

    as Tommy

    Midcredits score: 74th percentile of all films

  • Curb Your Enthusiasm(2000)

    Show 1 episode · as Dr. Craig Wiggins

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all shows

  • Nikki (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    Show 1 episode · as Mr. Higgins

  • CSI: Crime Scene Investigation(2000)

    Show 1 episode · as Ornithologist #1

    Midcredits score: 80th percentile of all shows

  • Miracle in Lane 2(2000)

    as Bill Guntman

    Midcredits score: 38th percentile of all films

  • Malcolm in the Middle(2000)

    Show 1 episode · as Officer Karl

    Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all shows

  • Galaxy Quest(1999)

    as Warrior Alien

    Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all films

  • Roswell(1999)

    Show 1 episode · as Toby

    Midcredits score: 76th percentile of all shows

  • The Thirteenth Year(1999)

    as Hal

    Midcredits score: 44th percentile of all films

  • The Rat Pack(1998)

    as G-Man #1

    Midcredits score: 65th percentile of all films

  • The Truman Show(1998)

    as Garage Attendant

    Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all films

  • Blackout Effect(1998)

    as Brian Mack

    Midcredits score: 35th percentile of all films

  • Dharma & Greg (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    Show 1 episode · as Hooper

  • The Maker (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    as Customs Officer

  • Dead Men Can't Dance(1997)

    as Bearclaw

    Midcredits score: 14th percentile of all films

  • Spin City (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    Show 1 episode · as George

  • Everybody Loves Raymond(1996)

    Show 1 episode · as George

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all shows

  • Boston Common (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    Show 1 episode · as Manager

  • Pacific Blue(1996)

    Show 1 episode · as Ratman

    Midcredits score: 7th percentile of all shows

  • The Home Court (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Show 1 episode · as Cousin Roy

  • JAG(1995)

    Show 1 episode · as Gary Sharps

    Midcredits score: 43rd percentile of all shows

  • The Rockford Files: A Blessing in Disguise(1995)

    as Mackie

    Midcredits score: 85th percentile of all films

  • The Swan Princess(1994)

    as Bromley (voice)

    Midcredits score: 66th percentile of all films

  • ER(1994)

    Show 1 episode · as Mr. Emerson

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all shows

  • Wagons East(1994)

    as Zack Ferguson

    Midcredits score: 12th percentile of all films

  • Dream Lover(1994)

    as Minister

    Midcredits score: 49th percentile of all films

  • Sister, Sister(1994)

    Show 1 episode · as Bert Walker

    Midcredits score: 27th percentile of all shows

  • The X-Files(1993)

    Show 1 episode · as Deputy Greer

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all shows

  • Mother of the Bride(1993)

    as Photographer

    Midcredits score: 36th percentile of all films

  • Love & War(1992)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 37th percentile of all shows

  • The Powers That Be (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • The Commish(1991)

    Show 2 episodes · Actor

    Midcredits score: 59th percentile of all shows

  • Rugrats(1991)

    Show 1 episode · as Dummi Bear (voice)

    Midcredits score: 67th percentile of all shows

  • Dream On (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Show 1 episode · as Dick Hermann

Career shape

Star power in the 97th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 85 titles, 84 of them dated from 1990 to 2022; peak year 1999.

Highest rated

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013)

Midcredits 97th

Film career

19902022

Peak 1999 · steadily prominent in film for years. 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
Acting85 of 85: 85 only acting, 0 with another role · typical Midcredits score67th

By decade

1990s28 · acting2000s40 · acting2010s15 · acting2020s1 · acting

Billing

usually 14th · top billed in 0% of 21 roles
949904

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 Joel McKinnon Miller's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 46th percentile, the median of the 26 of 27 with a score; across a limited sample of 4 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 23rd percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

23rdpercentile
Typical film, the median of 4

Approval · how many liked their films

36thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 4

Reach · how many have seen their films

50thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 4

Midcredits score across 61 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up24
  • 50th to 74th16
  • 25th to 49th16
  • Below 25th5

Shape of the crowd

26 of their 61 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved13
  • Cult Classic4
  • Crowd Pleaser26
  • Broadly Agreed3
  • Mixed15

Most divisive · actor

Dead Men Can't Dance (1997)

87th percentile spread · 42% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

The Truman Show (1998)

Midcredits 99th · 92% liked

Reviewers score the acting 64/100 in their films, across 4 reviewed titles; fans 73, 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.

Who does Joel McKinnon Miller work with?

People who share at least 2 of Joel McKinnon Miller's MovieCove titles; Phil Marshall shares the most, 2.