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Harold Perrineau

Harold Perrineau

Actor, also producer · Born August 7, 1963 (63) · Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Screen Actors Guild Award winner · 1 other major award body

Harold Perrineau (born August 7, 1963) is an American actor known for the roles of Michael Dawson in  the U.S. television series Lost, Link in The Matrix films and games, Augustus Hill in the American  television series Oz, and Mercutio in Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet. He recently starred in ABC's  comedy-drama television series The Unusuals, playing NYPD homicide detective Leo Banks.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
August 7, 1963 (63)
From
Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA
Works as
Actor, also producer
Titles
62 on MovieCove · 81 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 155 days to Oct 26Up 11% in 30 days

What are Harold Perrineau's films like?

Across their 40 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Survival and Morality.

Genres

Action8 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 60th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Action movies
Drama8 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 43rd percentile
: browse their Drama movies
Comedy7 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 70th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Comedy movies
Crime4 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 48th percentile
: browse their Crime movies
Horror3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 35th percentile
: browse their Horror movies
Documentary2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 84th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Documentary movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Survival
25%
Morality
24%
Bonds
24%
Self
11%
Ideas
6%
Society
5%
Power
4%
Survival15 titles, browse their movies with this themeFamily bonds9 titles, browse their movies with this themeRomantic love8 titles, browse their movies with this themeRedemption6 titles, browse their movies with this themeFriendship5 titles, browse their movies with this themeBetrayal5 titles, browse their movies with this themeJustice5 titles, browse their movies with this themeCommunity6 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 32 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 8 · Serious 6 · Dark 18

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

A split, not a type: Grounded 22 · Stylized 6 · Heightened 4

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

A split, not a type: Gentle 5 · Charged 11 · Intense 16

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

Steady 13 · Shifting 13 · Whiplash 6

Straight-faced: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their straight-faced movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 23 · Some laughs 7 · Funny 2

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 12 · Even-paced 15 · Relentless 5

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 8 · Engaged 18 · Full focus 6

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 9 · Affecting 6 · Heavy 17

Open-ended: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their open-ended movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

A split, not a type: Resolved 17 · Open-ended 9 · Ambiguous 6

Roles they play

22 analyzed roles

Usually the Ally: 7 of 22 analyzed roles.

Ally
7 of 22
Shadow
4 of 22
Mentor
3 of 22
Shapeshifter
2 of 22
Hero
2 of 22
Threshold guardian
2 of 22
Trickster
1 of 22
Herald
1 of 22
Show the 22 roles

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
26
Melancholic
20
Dread
13
Warm
10
Hopeful
11
Other
36

How their films linger

Hopeful17 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking14 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHaunting13 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet12 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 11 with a twist

  • Happy9
  • Bittersweet19
  • Tragic4
  • Ambiguous7
  • Cyclical1

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 Harold Perrineau's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 44 of their 62 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service.

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Harold Perrineau'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

81 credits, 62 with a MovieCove page; 10 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

  • LOST: Circle (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2023)

    Show 80 episodes · as Michael Dawson

  • Unicorn Boy(2023)

    as Guard Pantius (voice)

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all films

  • The Best Man: The Final Chapters(2022)

    Show 8 episodes · as Julian Murch

    Midcredits score: 87th percentile of all shows

  • Without Ward(2022)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 7th percentile of all films

  • From(2022)

    Show 40 episodes · as Boyd Stevens

    Midcredits score: 84th percentile of all shows

  • Cold Brook(2018)

    as Gil Le Deux

    Midcredits score: 60th percentile of all films

  • Dumplin'(2018)

    as Lee Wayne / Rhea Ranged

    Midcredits score: 63rd percentile of all films

  • The Rookie(2018)

    Show 11 episodes · as Det. Nick Armstrong

    Midcredits score: 89th percentile of all shows

  • I'm Not Here(2017)

    as Santana

    Midcredits score: 36th percentile of all films

  • Drop the Mic(2017)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

    Midcredits score: 4th percentile of all shows

  • The Bachelors(2017)

    as Dr. Rollens

    Midcredits score: 74th percentile of all films

  • The Good Doctor(2017)

    Show 1 episode · as Wes Keller

    Midcredits score: 93rd percentile of all shows

  • Claws(2017)

    Show 40 episodes · as Dean Simms

    Midcredits score: 68th percentile of all shows

  • Stephanie(2017)

    as Leader (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 35th percentile of all films

  • Star(2016)

    Show 9 episodes · as Bobby Brooks

    Midcredits score: 62nd percentile of all shows

  • Goliath(2016)

    Show 6 episodes · as Judge Keller

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all shows

  • Constantine(2014)

    Show 13 episodes · as Manny

    Midcredits score: 76th percentile of all shows

  • The Mysteries of Laura(2014)

    Show 1 episode · as Charles Baptiste

    Midcredits score: 47th percentile of all shows

  • Z Nation(2014)

    Show 1 episode · as Hammond

    Midcredits score: 44th percentile of all shows

  • Sabotage(2014)

    as Jackson

    Midcredits score: 25th percentile of all films

  • Growing Up Fisher (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    Show as Fred

  • The Best Man Holiday(2013)

    as Julian Murch

    Midcredits score: 70th percentile of all films

  • Go for Sisters(2013)

    as Wiley

    Midcredits score: 59th percentile of all films

  • Sexy Evil Genius(2013)

    as Marvin Coolidge

    Midcredits score: 40th percentile of all films

  • Snitch(2013)

    as Jeffrey Steele

    Midcredits score: 51st percentile of all films

  • Finding Hillywood(2013)

    Producer

    Midcredits score: 96th percentile of all films

  • Zero Dark Thirty(2012)

    as Jack

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all films

  • Wedding Band (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    Show 10 episodes · as Stevie

  • Taking the Edge Off (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    Actor

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

    Show 3 episodes · as Michael

  • Transit(2012)

    as Losada

    Midcredits score: 35th percentile of all films

  • Sunset Stories (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    as Harold

  • Seeking Justice(2011)

    as Jimmy

    Midcredits score: 39th percentile of all films

  • Blade(2011)

    Show as Blade

    Midcredits score: 29th percentile of all shows

  • 30 Days of Night: Dark Days(2010)

    as Todd

    Midcredits score: 4th percentile of all films

  • Case 219(2010)

    Producer · as Franklyn Bonner

    Midcredits score: 28th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • The Killing Jar(2010)

    Producer · as Dixon

    Midcredits score: 33rd percentile of all films

  • The Unusuals(2009)

    Show 10 episodes · as Detective Leo Banks

    Midcredits score: 85th percentile of all shows

  • Gardens of the Night(2008)

    as Orlando

    Midcredits score: 65th percentile of all films

  • Sons of Anarchy(2008)

    Show 8 episodes · as Damon Pope

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all shows

  • Felon(2008)

    as Lt. Jackson

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all films

  • Your Name Here (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    as Rich

  • Ball Don't Lie (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    as Jimmy

  • Garfield Gets Real(2007)

    as Husband (voice)

    Midcredits score: 12th percentile of all films

  • 28 Weeks Later(2007)

    as Flynn

    Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all films

  • Lost: Pilot (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    as Michael Dawson

  • Criminal Minds(2005)

    Show 6 episodes · as Calvin Shaw

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all shows

  • Lost(2004)

    Show 118 episodes · as Michael Dawson

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all shows

  • The Matrix Revolutions(2003)

    as Link

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all films

  • Spider-Man: The New Animated Series(2003)

    Show 1 episode · as Louis Wyler / Turbo Jet (voice)

    Midcredits score: 48th percentile of all shows

  • Dead Like Me(2003)

    Show 1 episode · as Aroun Levert

    Midcredits score: 89th percentile of all shows

  • The Matrix Reloaded(2003)

    as Link

    Midcredits score: 86th percentile of all films

  • On_Line (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    as Moe Curly

  • A Day in Black and White (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    Actor

  • Prison Song(2001)

    as Uncle Cee

    Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all films

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

    Actor

  • CSI: Crime Scene Investigation(2000)

    Show 1 episode · as Rev. Rhodes

    Midcredits score: 80th percentile of all shows

  • Woman on Top(2000)

    as Monica Jones

    Midcredits score: 20th percentile of all films

  • Overnight Sensation (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    as Experienced PA

  • The Best Man(1999)

    as Julian Murch

    Midcredits score: 73rd percentile of all films

  • Law & Order: Special Victims Unit(1999)

    Show 1 episode · as Brian Traymor

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all shows

  • The Tempest(1998)

    as Ariel

    Midcredits score: 23rd percentile of all films

  • Lulu on the Bridge(1998)

    as Bobby Perez

    Midcredits score: 50th percentile of all films

  • The Edge(1997)

    as Stephen

    Midcredits score: 80th percentile of all films

  • Oz(1997)

    Show 56 episodes · as Augustus Hill

    Midcredits score: 96th percentile of all shows

  • Romeo + Juliet(1996)

    as Mercutio

    Midcredits score: 74th percentile of all films

  • Blood and Wine(1996)

    as Henry

    Midcredits score: 37th percentile of all films

  • Flirt(1995)

    as Men's Room Man #1

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all films

  • New York News (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

    Show 2 episodes · as Benny

  • Smoke(1995)

    as Thomas 'Rashid' Cole

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all films

  • ER(1994)

    Show 1 episode · as Isaac Price

    Midcredits score: 88th percentile of all shows

  • Flirt (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    as Men's Room Man

  • Law & Order(1990)

    Show 1 episode · as Jordan Hill · as Kenny Rinker

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all shows

  • King of New York(1990)

    as Thug Leader

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all films

  • Shakedown(1988)

    as Tommie

    Midcredits score: 41st percentile of all films

  • The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Show 1 episode · as Singer

  • The Cosby Show(1984)

    Show 1 episode · as Scott

    Midcredits score: 62nd percentile of all shows

  • Saturday Night Live(1975)

    Show 1 episode · as Augustus Hill (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all shows

  • ...And Out Comes the Wolf (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Actor

  • Slay the Dreamer (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Producer

  • Unsung Hollywood (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

Career shape

Star power in the 99th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 79 titles, 76 of them dated from 1975 to 2023; peak year 2012.

Biggest box office

The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

$742M worldwide

Highest rated

Oz (1997)

Midcredits 96th

Most popular right now

From (2022)

Film career

MilestoneAward win
19752023

Peak 2012 · steadily prominent in film for years. Top draw in 12 MovieCove titles. 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
Acting78 of 79: 78 only acting, 0 with another role · typical Midcredits score67thProducing1 of 79: 1 only producing, 0 with another role

By decade

1970s1 · acting1980s3 · acting1990s15 · acting2000s22 · acting2010s30 · acting2020s5 · acting

Billing

usually 6th · top billed in 0% of 29 roles
88980813

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.

Awards

a Screen Actors Guild Award from 2 major nominations, 1996–2006.

WinNomination
  1. 2006
    • Screen Actors Guild Award, won · Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
  2. 1996
    • Independent Spirit Award, nominated · Best Supporting Male

Major bodies only: the Oscars, Primetime Emmys, Golden Globes, BAFTAs and Screen Actors Guild Awards are named; Cannes, Venice, the Berlinale, Sundance, the directors', writers' and producers' guilds, the Grammys, Critics Choice and the Independent Spirit Awards count as other major bodies. Festival and regional prizes are not counted. Source: IMDb.

How do Harold Perrineau's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 56th percentile, the median of all 37; across their 32 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 54th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

54thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 32

Approval · how many liked their films

58thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 32

Reach · how many have seen their films

86thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 32

Midcredits score across 62 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up23
  • 50th to 74th19
  • 25th to 49th14
  • Below 25th6

Shape of the crowd

28 of their 62 titles are Crowd Pleasers.

  • Universally Loved10
  • Universally Panned1
  • Divisive3
  • Cult Classic1
  • Crowd Pleaser28
  • Broadly Agreed4
  • Mixed15

Most divisive · actor

Unicorn Boy (2023)

97th percentile spread · 38% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Sons of Anarchy (2008)

Midcredits 98th · 92% liked

Reviewers score the acting 67/100 in their films, across 29 reviewed titles; fans 78, detractors 41. 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.

Is Harold Perrineau's work okay for kids?

Across up to 24 MovieCove titles with content scores, violence & gore, sex & nudity, profanity and frightening / intense run heavier than most films.

Their medianMedian of all filmsMiddle 80% of their titles
Violence & Gore17 titles48–95 · median 73 · intenseheavier than most filmsMedian of all films: 44
Sex & Nudity24 titles15–64 · median 43 · moderateheavier than most filmsMedian of all films: 32
Profanity17 titles34–93 · median 70 · intenseheavier than most filmsMedian of all films: 36
Alcohol & Drugs15 titles17–86 · median 43 · moderatenear the median of all filmsMedian of all films: 33
Frightening / Intense15 titles47–93 · median 69 · intenseheavier than most filmsMedian of all films: 39

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted. The band's colour is the severity of their median, named beside it.

Who does Harold Perrineau work with?

People who share at least 2 of Harold Perrineau's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Terrence Howard shares the most, 4.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Composers, cinematographers and editors

Producers