Frank Grillo started his movie career in 1992 when he made his debut in The Mambo Kings, a French-American musical drama directed by Arne Glimcher. His career continued through the 2000s when he would star in films such as iMurders, Pride and Glory, and The Edge of Darkness. He would also star in successful TV series, such as Prison Break, showing he was a successful actor across both film and television.
What arguably catapulted Grillo to stardom was his appearance as Brock Rumlow — AKA Crossbones — in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, and, briefly, Avengers: Endgame. Since his MCU, Grillo has built an impressive career. Most recently, he starred in Copshop opposite Gerard Butler. Next, the actor is set to lead the werewolf-action movie Year 2 and, moreover, has confirmed his return to the upcoming The Purge 6, a script for which has already been written. Until then, here’s a look at Frank Grillo’s best performances, ranked.
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7 The Shield
The Shield is an American crime drama series that ran from 2002-2008. The series portrays corrupt police officers, and was originally created in reference to the Rampart Division police scandal which the show’s strike team is loosely based on. It was created by Shawn Ryan and was notable for film actors who took extended roles in the franchise, including Glenn Close, Laura Harring, and Laurie Holden. Frank Grillo starred in season 1 as Officer Paul Jackson, and it was a very strong performance especially so early in his career.
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6 Blind Justice
Blind Justice is an American crime series that ran for one season in 2005 and was created by Steven Bochco, and centers around a blind New York City police detective named Jim Dunbar, played by Ron Eldard. He and his gun partner are ambushed by a gunman with an AK-47, and while his partner is frozen in fear, Dunbar takes action and a bullet leaves him blind. After he sues the police force, he is allowed to keep his job and must deal with the doubts of his fellow officers and the difficulties this creates. Frank Grillo stars as Detective Marty Russo, and it’s a shame the series wasn’t extended as it’s a great concept with strong actors.
5 The Purge: Anarchy
The Purge: Anarchy was released in 2014 and was directed by James DeMonaco which is the second instalment in the Purge franchise and was released in 2014. The film depicts a dystopian world where the government sanctions a 12-hour period in which citizens can commit any crime they want, including murder, without any punishments by law or any consequences. Frank Grillo plays Leo Barnes, who is a Sergeant looking to avenge his son’s death during the purge, and who ends up becoming the saviour of innocent people being targeted. It’s the best addition to the franchise and Grillo delivers an excellent performance.
4 Prison Break
Prison Break is an American drama series that was created by Paul Scheuring for Fox. The series revolved around two brothers, Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell) and Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller). Burrows has been sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit, and Scofield has contrived an elaborate plan to help him escape prison and clear his name. The series was hugely successful and received several Emmy nominations during its run from 2005-2009. The series was also revived in 2017. Frank Grillo played Nick Savrinn, a solicitor who appeared in season 1 and 2. His performance showed he can excel in TV acting as well as film.
3 Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Frank Grillo joined the MCU when he starred in Captain America: The Winter Soldier in 2014, which is based on the Marvel Comics character Captain America, a direct sequel to Captain America: The First Avenger, and the ninth entry to the MCU. It was directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, and stars Chris Evans in the lead alongside Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, and Samuel L. Jackson. The film is set after the Battle of New York in The Avengers as the main hero tries to adapt to modern times. Frank Grillo plays Brock Rumlow, who is the commander of the counter-terrorism team. He excelled at this character and starred in several more Marvel films as the same character, putting him on the international map.
2 Warrior
Warrior was released in 2011 and is a sports drama directed by Gavin O’Connor. The film stars Tom Hardy as Tommy Conlon and Joel Edgerton as Brendan Conlon, two estranged brothers whose entrance into the same martial arts tournament forces them come to terms with their past lives and relationship with each other. It was a huge critical success and cast member Nick Nolte received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Grillo plays Frank Campana, who trains Brendan.
1 The Grey
Frank Grillo starred in another hugely successful film in 2011 with Joe Carnahan’s The Grey, which he stars in alongside Liam Neeson. The film is based on the short story “Ghost Walker” by Ian McKenzie Jeffers, who also co-wrote the screenplay. The story follows a group of men stranded in Alaska after a plane crash who have to fight against packs of grey wolves which continuously hunt them down throughout the film. Frank Grillo plays John Diaz who is one of the plane crash survivors, and his performance deserves much wider recognition.
