You’ve seen his face. Maybe you didn't know the name, but you definitely knew the vibe. Grady Lee Richmond is one of those quintessential character actors who pops up in the background of your favorite sitcom or a gritty indie flick and immediately makes the scene feel more authentic. Whether he’s playing a grizzled regular at a bar or a mysterious figure in a cult-favorite horror series, he’s a staple of the "hey, it's that guy!" club.
If you’ve been scrolling through streaming platforms and wondering where you know him from, you aren't alone. Grady Lee Richmond movies and tv shows span a surprising range of genres, from the dry humor of The Ranch to the bizarre worlds of American Horror Story. He’s a blue-collar acting veteran.
The Roles You Definitely Remember
Most people recognize him from the Netflix original series The Ranch. He played Hank McGinty, a recurring character who was essentially part of the furniture at Maggie’s bar. Hank was the brother of Father McGinty and a constant, dry-witted presence that gave the show its small-town Texas flavor.
He didn't need ten minutes of monologue to make an impact. Sometimes, he just needed a beer and a well-timed nod.
Then there’s Young Sheldon. In recent years, Richmond has made multiple guest appearances as Wade. Seeing him interact with the Cooper family in Medford, Texas, feels natural because he carries that authentic Southern or Midwestern grit in his voice and posture. It's not a "performance" so much as it is a presence.
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Breaking Down the Filmography
Honestly, the sheer volume of projects he's touched is impressive. Let's look at some of the standouts:
- Girlfriend’s Day (2017): In this quirky Bob Odenkirk comedy, he played a character named Shitfoot. Yes, you read that correctly. It's a testament to his willingness to lean into the weird and wonderful side of indie cinema.
- Dirty Girl (2010): He appeared as a strip club manager in this coming-of-age road trip film. It’s a small role, but it highlights his ability to fit into the seedy, colorful underbelly of a story.
- Necrosis (2009): Venturing into psychological horror, he played Joseph. This film follows a group of friends who get stuck in a cabin (classic trope) and face the ghosts of the Donner Party.
- American Horror Story: If you’re a fan of the Murder House season, you might recall Ishmael Polk. Richmond brought a certain level of unsettling realism to the role that fit the Ryan Murphy aesthetic perfectly.
Why Producers Love Casting Him
He’s reliable. That sounds like a boring compliment, but in Hollywood, it's the highest praise. When a casting director needs someone to play a character like "Elmer" in Two and a Half Men or a dream date in The Weird Al Show, they look for someone who can inhabit the space without overshadowing the leads.
Richmond has this "lived-in" quality. He looks like a guy who has stories.
Small Screen, Big Impact
It’s easy to focus on the big Netflix hits, but his TV work is extensive. He’s appeared in everything from Futurestates to Star-ving. He even provided the voice for Keith’s Dad in the 2006 project Metamorphosis.
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Some actors chase the leading man spotlight. Others, like Richmond, seem to enjoy the chameleon-like existence of a character actor. You get to work on ten different sets a year instead of one. You get to play a "Gorman" in Oscar one day and a "Strip Club Manager" the next.
Grady Lee Richmond Movies and TV Shows: A Quick List
If you're looking to binge some of his work, here is a non-exhaustive but solid list of where to find him:
- The Ranch (TV Series) – Hank McGinty
- Young Sheldon (TV Series) – Wade
- Girlfriend's Day (Film) – Shitfoot
- American Horror Story (TV Series) – Ishmael Polk
- Two and a Half Men (TV Series) – Elmer
- The Boarder (Film) – Principal
- Necrosis (Film) – Joseph
- Dirty Girl (Film) – Strip Club Manager
- Monster Survival Guide (Film)
- Give Baby a Kiss (Short)
He’s been around for decades. His early work includes things like The Human Quality (1997) and The Weird Al Show. He’s seen the industry change from the era of network sitcom dominance to the streaming gold rush, and he’s managed to stay relevant through all of it.
The "Under the Radar" Gems
If you want to see him in something truly offbeat, check out 2084 or Filmmakers Anonymous. These aren't your typical blockbusters. They are the kind of projects that allow actors to experiment.
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In The Laundromat Trilogy, he gets to play in a more experimental sandbox. It's a far cry from the laugh tracks of Two and a Half Men, showing that he isn't just a "sitcom guy." He has range.
How to Follow His Work
The best way to catch his latest appearances is to keep an eye on the guest credits of major network shows. He often pops up in procedurals or family comedies where a "salt of the earth" character is needed.
Because he is a working character actor, his IMDb page is constantly growing. He is the definition of a "blue-collar" actor. He shows up, does the work, and makes the project better.
If you want to explore more of his career, start with The Ranch on Netflix for his most consistent comedic work, then pivot to Girlfriend's Day for something a bit more eccentric. You'll quickly see why he's a favorite for directors who need a grounded, authentic presence on screen.
Check out his performances on platforms like Apple TV or Plex, where many of his older indie credits are currently rotating. You might be surprised at just how many times you’ve already seen him without realizing it.