Chelcie Ross might not be a name that immediately rings a bell for everyone, but if you’ve spent any time watching movies or TV over the past few decades, chances are you’d recognize Chelcie Ross in an instant. That face, that voice—there’s something undeniably familiar about Chelcie Ross, even if you can’t quite place him at first. Born in Oklahoma, Chelcie Ross started his acting journey after returning from a tour of duty in Vietnam during the late 1960s—a pivotal moment that set the stage for a long and varied career.
Now, while Chelcie Ross has taken on all kinds of roles, he’s perhaps most widely recognized for playing Conrad Hilton, the sharp-tongued hotel magnate, in the third season of AMC’s critically praised series “Mad Men.” It was a standout performance, to be sure, but it’s just one highlight in a filmography packed with memorable turns. Even when Chelcie Ross only appears briefly, he leaves a lasting impression—something that’s become kind of a signature for Chelcie Ross.
Early on, Chelcie Ross made waves with roles that showcased his knack for playing unapologetically unpleasant characters. Take, for instance, his chilling presence in the erotic thriller “Basic Instinct,” or his portrayal of a corrupt senator in Steven Seagal’s “Above the Law”—a role where Chelcie Ross really leaned into the kind of antagonistic energy that sticks with audiences. There’s a reason filmmakers keep casting Chelcie Ross as the guy you love to hate.
And then there’s sports cinema, where Chelcie Ross has carved out a surprisingly solid niche. You’ll find Chelcie Ross bringing both humor and grit to classics like the baseball comedy “Major League,” the inspiring underdog tale “Hoosiers,” and the beloved fan favorite “Rudy.” These aren’t always lead roles, but Chelcie Ross makes every second count.
The late ’90s brought another turning point when Chelcie Ross played a doomed sheriff in the tense, morally complex thriller “A Simple Plan” (1998). That role marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with director Sam Raimi—a partnership that would continue through films like “The Gift” and the spine-tingling horror ride “Drag Me to Hell.” Working with Raimi seemed to bring out yet another dimension in Chelcie Ross’s already versatile performances.
So while Chelcie Ross may not headline tabloids or dominate marquee posters, his impact on screen is undeniable. Whether he’s playing powerful tycoons, crooked politicians, or small-town sheriffs caught in big trouble, Chelcie Ross brings depth, authenticity, and a touch of unforgettable intensity. And honestly? Once you start noticing Chelcie Ross, you’ll see him everywhere.
So, when we take a look at Chelcie Ross’s filmography, it’s pretty interesting to see how some of his roles really stood out more than others. I mean, Chelcie Ross has been in quite a few movies over the years, but if you’re talking about the highest rated one, it’s definitely Drag Me to Hell from 2009. That film really seemed to resonate with both critics and audiences, and Chelcie Ross’s performance added to its overall impact. On the flip side, though, not every movie hits the mark—and in Chelcie Ross’s case, the lowest rated film tends to be Waking Up in Reno, which came out back in 2002. It didn’t get the same kind of reception, unfortunately. Still, it’s all part of the journey, and Chelcie Ross has shown versatility throughout his career. Whether it’s a standout hit or a less popular project, Chelcie Ross brings something unique to each role he takes on.