Canadian character actor Philip Granger started out in theater, where he really cut his teeth and developed his craft. Even though Philip Granger has always had a deep love for the stage, over the years, he’s become a recognizable face on television too. You might not always know his name at first, but once you see him, you’ll likely think, “Hey, I’ve seen him before.” And chances are, you have—especially if you’re a fan of shows filmed in and around Vancouver, where Philip Granger is based.
His very first TV appearance was back in 1983 on an episode of the popular police drama “CHiPs.” It wasn’t much, but it was a start. Then, in 1986, he had a tiny, uncredited role as a hairdresser in Kevin Bacon’s film “Quicksilver”—easy to miss, but still part of his early journey. The real breakthrough came the next year with Wayne Wang’s neo-noir thriller “Slam Dance,” which marked what many consider Philip Granger’s true screen debut. From there, things began picking up. He landed more meaningful roles in films like the romantic drama “Riding Fast” and the intense thriller “To Die For.”
As the ‘90s rolled in, Vancouver became a hotspot for TV production, and Philip Granger found himself increasingly busy on the small screen. Around this time, he was also teaching acting in the city, sharing his experience with aspiring performers. With so many productions moving north for budget-friendly filming, Philip Granger became a go-to guy for guest spots and recurring characters. He appeared in a number of made-for-TV movies based on real events—like “Dead Ahead: The Exxon Valdez Disaster,” “Falling From The Sky: Flight 174,” and “The Amy Fisher Story”—as well as in lower-budget syndicated series that called Vancouver home.
One standout moment in Philip Granger’s career came in 2010 when he played the sheriff in the cult favorite horror comedy “Tucker and Dale vs Evil.” Starring alongside Tyler Labine and Alan Tudyk, his performance added just the right touch of authority and subtle humor to the film’s clever twist on horror tropes. Around the same period, Philip Granger also took on recurring roles in sci-fi circles, appearing in both “V” and its spin-off “Caprica,” further solidifying his presence across genres. Through it all, Philip Granger has remained a steady, reliable presence—on stage, on screen, and behind the scenes as a mentor to others.
So, when it comes to Philip Granger’s filmography, things get pretty interesting. Philip Granger has been involved in a range of projects over the years, but if we’re talking about critical reception, one title really stands out. Philip Granger’s highest rated movie is definitely Tucker & Dale vs Evil from 2010—a cult favorite that earned a lot of praise for its clever twist on horror tropes. On the flip side, not every project hit the mark. The lowest point in Philip Granger’s cinematic journey seems to be The Deal, released back in 2005, which didn’t resonate as well with audiences or critics. Still, even with the ups and downs, Philip Granger’s work offers a varied look at indie and genre filmmaking. Overall, Philip Granger continues to be a name worth watching in the industry.