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David Duchovny is most famous for playing Agent Mulder in The X-Files, one of the most popular science fiction and horror shows ever made along with The Outer Limits and The Twilight Zone. But the actor has a much longer resume than just this one show, successful and iconic though it may be. David Duchovny has done several other films and several other classic television shows, including the Red Shoe Diaries, Californication, and David Lynch’s surrealist drama Twin Peaks.
He even got his start as a bit player in a classic 1980s film. This is the career of actor David Duchovny, and in no particular order, these are some of his most notable roles besides The X-Files.
10 David Duchovny Was In 'Aquarius'
The series only lasted for a few seasons, but it was one of David Duchovny’s most recent television roles besides his reprisal of Agent Mulder in the rebooted X-Files episodes. Aquarius follows the story of a detective as he works the infamous Charles Manson murder investigation. The 1960s period show features Duchovny as an undercover cop who tries to infiltrate the Manson Family cult and prevent the failed musician's awful crimes.
9 David Duchovny Was In An Unpopular War Movie Called 'Phantom' In 2013
This 2013 war movie starred both Ed Harris and David Duchovny, and it followed the story of a Soviet submarine and its captain who try to interfere with international conflict and prevent a war, at the cost of the captain's disillusioned crew. The film only earned $1.6 million at the box office and is not very well reviewed, it only has 25% on Rotten Tomatoes.
8 David Duchovny Played A Trans Woman On 'Twin Peaks'
In what some might consider a problematic role by today's standards, David Duchovny plays a trans FBI agent named Denise Bryson, a former FBI partner of the show's lead character, Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLaughlan). While the show should be commended for the fact that the cis characters accept Duchovny's character and do not bully her, some are not happy whenever cis actors perform as trans people. But it is also important to remember that this was filmed in 1991, years before public consciousness about trans rights and trans people playing trans roles had shifted.
7 David Duchovny Starred In 'Evolution'
In this 2001 cult classic comedy starring Duchovny, Mad TV's Orlando Jones, and Julian Moore, aliens crash-land on Earth and begin to evolve at an exponential rate, and as they evolve they become intent on dooming the planet. Duchovny plays a frustrated science professor whose chemistry know-how saves the world at the end of the film. Spoiler alert: they kill the aliens with Head and Shoulders brand shampoo. Yes, really.
6 David Duchovny Starred In Showtime's Hit Series 'Californication'
After a few years of hiatus, Duchovny returned to television in Showtime's hit series Californication where he played a divorced father and a successful author who sleeps with his female fans, but struggles to set a healthy example for his daughter while also indulging his libido. Some people even think this character was based on Duchovny himself.
5 David Duchovny Starred In 'Red Shoe Diaries'
This Showtime erotic series was an anthology show about an author who pays women to send him their most intimate diaries detailing their sexual adventures and misadventures. The show aired from 1992 - 1999 and is still circulated by the Playboy Corporation.
4 David Duchovney Had A Supporting Role In 'The Craft: Legacy'
The incredibly popular 1990s witch horror movie The Craft finally got a sequel in 2020 and David Duchovny was a part of that. In the film he plays Adam Harrison who dates main character Lily Schechner’s mom, Helen.
3 David Duchovny Played A Slimy Venture Capitalist In 'Beethoven'
Believe it or not, the man from the Red Shoe Diaries who also played the world’s most famous alien hunter was in a popular children’s movie in the 1990s. Beethoven, the story of the scrappy St. Bernard who always saves the day, features Duchovny as Brad, a sleazy venture capitalist who tries to swindle the dogs' owners. Needless to say, the dog does not let that happen.
2 David Duchovny Played "The Greatest Hand Model In The World" In 'Zoolander'
“The greatest hand model in the world” was the title that Derek Zoolander (played by Ben Stiller) bestowed on David Duchovny's character, JP Prewitt. Prewitt is the one who reveals to Zoolander that Mugato’s evil plan is to brainwash male models to be his personal assassins, and that Zoolander will be Mugato's next victim. If that concept sounds ridiculous, it is, and that is the whole point of the movie. Duchovny’s serious nature makes the absurdity of the film all the more hilarious.
1 David Duchovny's First Ever Film Role Was In 'Working Girl'
Concluding the list is Duchonvny’s earliest and least recognizable role. In this Melanie Griffith classic about a woman struggling to get ahead in business, David Duchovny plays one of the surprise party guests hiding in the bathroom for Tessa. He is only in the movie for a moment, had no lines other than "SURPRISE!" and it was his first film role, and thus it was the beginning of a long and fruitful career.