With his clean-cut good looks and impressive range, Anthony Starke made a strong impression early in his career—landing his first major role at just 22 years old. And ever since, Anthony Starke has built a steady and diverse presence on television. After earning his acting degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Anthony Starke stepped into the spotlight with the lead role in a 1985 CBS TV movie called First Steps, where he portrayed a quadriplegic with emotional depth and sensitivity. That performance marked the beginning of what would become a long-running journey in episodic television.
From there, Anthony Starke appeared in popular shows like Silver Spoons and the youth-oriented police drama 21 Jump Street, the same series that helped launch Johnny Depp’s career. But it wasn’t just TV that came calling—Anthony Starke also found opportunities in feature films. In 1986, he shared the screen with Tom Hanks and Jackie Gleason in Nothing In Common, proving he could hold his own among seasoned stars. He later appeared in 18 Again!, a comedy led by George Burns, and took on a memorable villainous role in the 16th James Bond film, License To Kill—a part that added some serious action cred to Anthony Starke’s growing resume.
Though he’s had many standout roles, Anthony Starke might be best remembered for one particularly quirky appearance on NBC’s beloved sitcom Seinfeld. In the 1995 episode titled “The Jimmy,” Anthony Starke played the titular character—a self-absorbed gym member who refers to himself exclusively in the third person. The moment he dramatically shouts, “Jimmy’s down!” after injuring himself before a basketball game, became an instant classic. It’s this kind of unique, scene-stealing turn that has made Anthony Starke such a familiar face across decades of television.
Over the years, Anthony Starke continued to take on varied roles, including a recurring part in the 1998 western series The Magnificent Seven. Later, in 2009, he played the concerned father of a talented but troubled gymnast in ABC Family’s Make It or Break It. But perhaps what defines Anthony Starke’s career most is his remarkable consistency as a guest actor on top-rated hour-long dramas. Fans have spotted Anthony Starke in gripping episodes of E.R., CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and Boston Public, among others—each time bringing a distinct presence that leaves an impression, even in a single scene.
Through it all, Anthony Starke has remained a dependable and versatile performer, quietly building a legacy across genres and generations of television viewers.
When it comes to Anthony Starke’s career highlights, one film that really stands out is Nowhere to Run from 1993—it’s widely regarded as Anthony Starke’s highest rated movie. Over the years, fans and critics alike have pointed to this action-packed thriller as a defining moment in Anthony Starke’s filmography. On the other hand, going through his earlier works, there’s a bit of a contrast with Return of the Killer Tomatoes, released back in 1988. That particular title tends to come up as Anthony Starke’s lowest rated film. While it has its cult charm, it definitely didn’t resonate the same way with audiences. So, when you look at the full picture of Anthony Starke’s roles, the range is pretty interesting—from serious, well-received performances to more quirky, offbeat projects. Anthony Starke certainly explored diverse genres throughout his career.