You’ve seen him. You might not know his name, but honestly, if you’ve watched more than twenty minutes of television in the last decade, Teddy Coluca has probably popped up on your screen. He’s that guy. The one who shows up, anchors a scene with a grit that only a native New Yorker can bring, and then vanishes. But lately, he’s been doing a lot more than just vanishing.
From the sinister hallways of The Blacklist to the prestige comedy of Only Murders in the Building, Coluca has carved out a niche as the ultimate "that guy" actor. He’s the human embodiment of New York City’s working class, and he’s been in basically everything.
The Man Behind the Arconia and the Blacklist
If we’re talking about teddy coluca movies and tv shows, we have to start with the big ones. Most people recognize him immediately as Lester, the ever-present doorman at the Arconia in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. He’s played that role since 2021, and by the time Season 4 wrapped up, his character became—no spoilers, but let's just say—a very central part of the mystery. It’s a role that requires a specific kind of invisible presence. You don’t notice the doorman until you have to notice the doorman.
Then there’s Teddy Brimley.
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For years, The Blacklist fans knew him as Raymond Reddington’s go-to guy for "unconventional" interrogations. He didn't need a dark room and a car battery. He needed a badger. Or a goat. Coluca brought a bizarre, almost domestic cheerfulness to a character who was essentially a professional torturer. That’s the magic of his acting—he makes the weirdest stuff feel like just another Tuesday at the office.
A Filmography That Reads Like a NYC Subway Map
Coluca doesn't just stick to the small screen. His movie credits are deep. Really deep. He’s worked with some of the biggest directors in the game, often playing the roles that ground the film in reality. Think about I'm Thinking of Ending Things (2020) or Armageddon Time (2022). He’s also the guy you see in:
- The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (He was the cabbie—a role he’s joked he’s played more than anyone else in history).
- A Most Violent Year (Classic NYC crime drama territory).
- The Week Of (Working with Adam Sandler and Chris Rock).
- Top Five (Chris Rock's critically acclaimed comedy).
It’s a massive list. 1996’s Night Falls on Manhattan, 1999’s The Thomas Crown Affair, and even the 2005 version of The Producers. He’s been around.
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Why Character Actors Like Coluca Matter
A lot of people think acting is all about being the lead, the person on the poster. But movies and shows would be incredibly hollow without the "texture" actors. Coluca provides that texture. When he shows up as a shop owner in Blue Bloods or a janitor in Shades of Blue, he isn't just filling space. He’s providing a sense of place.
He’s also a bit of a Law & Order legend. Like any self-respecting New York actor, he’s been through the Dick Wolf gauntlet. He played five different characters across the franchise. He was a landlord in SVU, a guy named Gaydos in Criminal Intent, and three separate people in the original series. That’s a rite of passage. If you haven't been interrogated by Olivia Benson, do you even live in Brooklyn?
The Marvelous Career of a Journeyman
One of his more underrated recurring roles was Manny in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Again, he’s playing in that mid-century New York sandbox that fits him like a glove. He’s got that specific cadence, that "I’ve seen it all" look in his eyes.
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Recently, there’s been a lot of chatter on Reddit about his role as Lester in Only Murders. Season 5 (which aired in 2025) really put him in the spotlight. It’s rare for a character actor who’s been in the game since the 90s to get a late-career "moment" like this, but Coluca earned it. Fans were genuinely emotional about Lester’s arc. That doesn't happen unless the actor is doing something special with a supposedly minor role.
What You Should Watch Next
If you want to see the full range of teddy coluca movies and tv shows, don't just stick to the hits. Look for his work in The Mimic or the indie film Abe. He’s also great in the short-lived but excellent The Good Cop on Netflix.
If you’re a fan of the "Arconiacs" or the Reddington task force, the best way to appreciate his craft is to watch his "interrogations" in The Blacklist back-to-back. It’s a masterclass in how to be intimidating while talking about a llama.
Next Steps for the Super-Fan:
Check out his interview on the Only Murders in the Building: Official Podcast. He talks a lot about the transition from being a "background" face to a fan favorite. Also, keep an eye out for his 2025 film The Ashes of a Dream—it’s a bit of a departure from his usual street-smart roles and shows he’s still got plenty of surprises left.