Actor Cole Hauser has been a staple in the Hollywood scene with over 50 credits in movies and TV shows ever since he started in 1992. And his projects have been successful across genres – from Westerns to action thrillers and even romantic comedies. Talk about versatility, right?
So, if you’re curious, dive with us through his iconic roles that we should definitely not miss out on.
Top 10 Must-See Cole Hauser Movies
RELATED: Meet Cole Hauser’s Real-Life Beth: Cynthia Hauser
Let’s start with his best ten movie roles that deservingly gained him the popularity and recognition he has achieved today.
1. School Ties (1992)
Cole Hauser’s debut role as Jack Connors, the arrogant prep school student, and main character David Greene’s (Brendan Fraser) fraternity brother, was definitely one for the books. Arguably, the film was not as good as critics reviewed it to be predictable despite the well-intentioned of its anti-semitism message, but the cast’s fine performance, including Hauser’s energetic and charismatic attack on the role, more than compensated for it.
2. Dazed and Confused (1993)
This coming-of-age comedy film that followed teens in the ‘70s on their last day before summer break may not have been a breakout success during its release, but in time, it has one of the most well-loved cult classics.
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And Hauser’s supporting role as the mischievous and charismatic beer-swilling football player Benny O’Donnell has helped his fledgling career launch off the ground. He really held his own alongside other breakout actors. And as luck would have it, the rest of the film’s cast aged like fine wine as well and turned to be Hollywood A-listers.
3. Higher Learning (1995)
From charismatic teen and friend roles, Cole Hauser took a 180 and emerged as a villain. In the John Singleton-directed college life portrait set in ‘90s Columbus University, he emerged onscreen as what Roger Ebert described as ‘a clever, demented neo-Nazi skinhead’ named Scott Moss. It was such a powerful character, and Hauser delivered it so chillingly well. And it also proved another thing: he was definitely capable of more challenging roles.
4. Good Will Hunting (1997)
Top-billed by Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Minnie Driver, and Ben Affleck, this psychological drama film told the story of a kid named Will Hunting whose life edged toward self-destruction and how four individuals helped him get back on his feet. And Hauser portrayed Will’s childhood friend, William ‘Billy’ McBride. But even though Hauser was in a supporting role, his performance stood out from the crowd of greats.
This was the movie that really created doors of opportunities for the actor.
5. Pitch Black (2000)
This science-fiction horror film sat in between reviews of how mediocre it was and how it was one of the best in the genre. Nevertheless, Hauser’s performance of Marshall William Johns as a falsely accused murderous space pilot who needed to escape an asteroid field was stellar. And it’s definitely among his most popular movies as well.
6. Tigerland (2000)
Cole Hauser’s portrayal as Staff Sergeant Cota, a rebellious recruit who led a gutsy stand against the military in “Tigerland” was very authentic and powerful. And the low-budget and semi-independent production also helped create that uncomfortably realistic atmosphere during the Vietnam-era war with gritty videos shot through a hand-held camera.
Hauser was nominated for Best Supporting Male by the Independent Spirit Award for his performance in the film.
7. Tears of the Sun (2003)
The film was not much of a standout with its simple, cliche action story. A military unit was dropped off into a civil warzone wherein they attempted to rescue US nationals to safety. And it was also a box office flop. Despite the film’s poor commercial performance, Hauser’s portrayal of the co-main lead James ‘Red’ Atkins, the team’s explosive specialist, quite solidified his reputation as an action star.
8. 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
After “Tears of the Sun,” Cole Hauser went in again for another action-packed movie. But unlike his previous action roles, this was campy and cheesy. Hauser played Carter Verone, the over-the-top villain fighting against lead actor Paul Walker. It was a box office hit though Hauser was underrated. Nonetheless, he nailed it.
9. The Cave (2005)
This project allowed Hauser to take on a different role from his past films as the thrill-seeking professional cave explorer Jack McAllister. The suspense/horror/action film delved into the exploration of an abandoned series of caves and the unknown hellish creatures that reside inside. Hauser was on-point with his performance, and the fact that this was one of his few distinctly lead roles made it even more memorable.
10. The Champion (2020)
This followed the true story of the ex-Olympic wrestler John Wright from his meteoric rise to his falling grace and, finally, his redemption. Hauser’s depiction of Wright was lauded for its nuance and profoundness. Aside from that, this lead role was also a breath of fresh air from all the action roles he had done in so many years and proved that he was a versatile actor.
Top 5 Cole Hauser TV Shows to Binge-Watch
But if you’d like to see Hauser in a longer format, then take note of these TV series.
1. K-Ville (2007)
Fox’s 11-episode police drama was top-billed by Cole Hauser as Trevor Cobb, an ex-felon turned good cop, and Anthony Anderson as Trevor’s partner. Hauser and Anderson had such good chemistry playing New Orleans police officers. This was also quite different from Hauser’s usual roles. Sadly, the season was canceled after the 11th episode (of the supposed 13) due to a writers’ strike.
2. Chase (2010)
After K-Ville, Cole Hauser took on his next series, and his role was still part of law enforcement. But this time, he was a US Marshal. It was a typical crime procedural show that started out with great potential but tapered off and didn’t meet the audience’s expectations. Nevertheless, it was still an enjoyable watch. After all, Cole Hauser as a law enforcer, will always be a good show. We don’t make the rules here.
3. Rogue (2013)
Cole Hauser entered this hardcore cop-thriller in the second season as the ex-soldier and security consultant. Hauser succeeded Marton Csokas as the show’s male lead. It wasn’t exceptionally different from other same-genre series, but it was still worth the watch. Hauser filled the big shoes Csokas left and kept the show interesting.
4. The Lizzie Borden Chronicles (2015)
This limited series followed the fictionalized version of Lizzie Borden’s (Christina Ricci) life after her acquittal from the murders of her father and stepmother in 1892. Cole Hauser played the famed Detective Charlie Siringo from Pinkerton. It was definitely entertaining to see the dynamic between Hauser and Ricci as adversaries.
5. Yellowstone (2018)
This Taylor Sheridan series is undeniably Cole Hauser’s defining career moment and his best work yet. His role as the gritty and rugged ranch hand Rip Wheeler has earned him so much praise and a loyal following as well. He has definitely nailed every aspect of being a cowboy. And his standout chemistry with Kevin Costner (who plays John Dutton) and love interest Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) added even more reasons why he is one of the best characters in the show.
If you haven’t watched it yet, start now.
And that wraps up our collection of Cole Hauser’s iconic movies and TV shows. Make sure to check them out!