Actor Joe Cortese has made numerous appearances on the big screen throughout his extensive Hollywood career. Early on, Joe Cortese took on roles in a variety of films, including Death Collector (1976), Windows (1980), and the Clint Howard-directed horror film Evilspeak (1981). In addition, he appeared in the drama Monsignor (1982), starring Christopher Reeve, as well as in Deadly Illusion (1987) and C.A.T. Squad: Python Wolf (1988).
As his career progressed, Joe Cortese continued to take on diverse roles in productions such as The Closer (1990), the action-packed To Protect and Serve (1992) alongside C. Thomas Howell, and the crime drama Ruby (1992) featuring Danny Aiello. He also starred in Illicit Dreams (1995), showcasing his versatility across genres.
In more recent years, Joe Cortese appeared in Nowhere Land (2000), the comedic drama The Shipment (2002) with Matthew Modine, and the biographical sports film Against the Ropes (2004), which starred Meg Ryan. Alongside his film work, Joe Cortese has remained active in television, with notable roles in popular series such as It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX, 2004–present) and Bones (Fox, 2005–2013).
Among his more recent television credits, Joe Cortese appeared in the TNT psychological drama Perception (2011–2014), further demonstrating his enduring presence in the entertainment industry.
Joe Cortese has been part of several films throughout his career, but his highest rated movie remains American History X (1998), which received widespread acclaim. On the other hand, one of his lower rated films is Monsignor (1982), which didn’t quite resonate as strongly with audiences or critics. Joe Cortese’s performance in American History X is often highlighted as one of the standout aspects of the film, contributing to its lasting impact. In contrast, Monsignor, while not one of Joe Cortese’s most popular works, still showcases his dedication to his craft. Over the years, Joe Cortese has delivered memorable performances in a variety of roles, but these two films represent the extremes in terms of critical reception. Whether it’s through powerful dramas or more understated roles, Joe Cortese has consistently brought depth to his characters.