David Rasche Actor and Comedian

David Rasche (born November 2, 1944) is an American actor and comedian best known for his portrayal of tough-but-bumbling police inspector **Sledge Hammer!**’s campaign manager, Mike “Mick” Hammer.

Born in Belleville, Illinois, Rasche studied at Denison University and Yale Drama School before embarking on a career in theatre and comedy clubs. He was a founding member of the improvisational group The Response.

Rasche gained cult status in the 1980s for his role in the hyper‑satirical ABC series *Sledge Hammer!*. He later appeared in notable films and TV series including *Dave*, *The Naked Gun*, *Argo*, and recurring roles on *Succession* and *Billions*.

Also active on Broadway and off‑Broadway, Rasche has enjoyed a long, steady career marked by dry wit and commanding presence across stage, screen, and television.

David Rasche

Date of Birth: August 7, 1944

Place of Birth: Belleville, Illinois, USA

Nationality: American

Known for: *Sledge Hammer!*, film & TV character work, stage acting

Career Highlights and Style

Rasche’s performances blend deadpan intensity with subtle humor. His break-out role in *Sledge Hammer!* showcased his ability to parody action tropes, earning him a cult following and Emmy nominations.

Film, Television, and Stage

Beyond television comedy, Rasche has appeared in mainstream films like *Deep Cover*, *Election*, and *The Lost City*, often cast in authoritative roles. On stage, he has received praise for performances in dramatic works and comedies alike.

Legacy and Continuing Work

Still active in his late 70s, Rasche continues to appear on television and in independent films. He remains respected among peers for his professionalism, range, and longevity in entertainment.

Major Roles & Screen Career – David Rasche

Year Title / Event Category Notes
Feature Films
1978An Unmarried WomanFilmEarly screen appearance; uncredited bar patron.
1979ManhattanFilmSmall role as a television actor in Woody Allen’s film.
1979Something Short of ParadiseFilmOne of his first credited film roles.
1980Just Tell Me What You WantFilmPlays a stopwatch producer in this comedy.
1981Honky Tonk FreewayFilmAppears as Eddie White in the ensemble comedy.
1982Fighting BackFilmSupports the vigilante-drama storyline.
1984Best DefenseFilmPlays KGB agent Jeff in the military satire.
1986CobraFilmSmall part as Dan in the Sylvester Stallone action film.
1986Native SonFilmAppears as Buckley in the adaptation of Wright’s novel.
1987Made in HeavenFilmPlays Donald Sumner in the fantasy romance.
1989Wicked StepmotherFilmCo-stars as Steve Fisher in the dark comedy.
1989An Innocent ManFilmPortrays corrupt detective Mike Parnell.
1989Wedding BandFilmAppears as Sloane Vaughn in the comedy.
1990Masters of MenaceFilmStars as biker Buddy Wheeler.
1991DeliriousFilmDual role as Dr. Paul Kirkwood / Dennis.
1991BingoFilmPlays Hal Devlin in the family comedy.
1993Twenty BucksFilmPart of the ensemble as Baker.
1994A Million to JuanFilmAppears as Jeff in the romantic comedy.
1994Bigfoot: The Unforgettable EncounterFilmPlays businessman Chaz Frederick.
1995Magic in the WaterFilmPlays Phillip in the family fantasy film.
1995Pie in the SkyFilmAppears as Amy’s father.
1997That Old FeelingFilmPlays Alan in the romantic comedy.
1999Friends & LoversFilmPortrays Richie Wickham.
1999The SettlementFilmPlays Denny in the crime drama.
1999The Big TeaseFilmAppears as Stig Ludwigssen.
1999Pros & ConsFilmPlays Jack Stanford in the prison comedy.
2001Teddy Bears’ PicnicFilmActs as Elliot Chevron in the satire.
2002Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya SisterhoodFilmPlays Taylor Abbott in the ensemble drama.
2003Just MarriedFilmPlays Mr. McNerney, the bride’s father.
2003ExposedFilmAppears as Warren Ward.
2004Off the LipFilmPlays Dr. Martin Shutte.
2005The L.A. Riot SpectacularFilmPerformer in the satirical ensemble.
2005PerceptionFilmPlays Phil in the indie drama.
2006The SentinelFilmPortrays U.S. President John Ballentine.
2006United 93FilmPlays passenger Donald Freeman Greene.
2006Flags of Our FathersFilmSmall role as a U.S. senator.
2007The Girl in the ParkFilmAppears as Doug in the drama.
2008Burn After ReadingFilmPlays CIA officer Palmer DeBakey Smith.
2009Peter and VandyFilmAppears as Alan.
2009In the LoopFilmNoted role as hawkish official Linton Barwick.
2009Crimes of the PastFilmPlays Thomas Sparrow.
2009Blue EyesFilmAppears as Marshall.
2011CollaboratorFilmRadio host (voice role).
2011RemembranceFilmPlays Daniel Levine.
2012Missed ConnectionsFilmAppears as George.
2012Revenge for Jolly!FilmPlays Eichelberger in the dark comedy.
2012Men in Black 3FilmPlays Agent X in the sci-fi sequel.
2012PetuniaFilmAppears as Percy Petunia.
2012The DiscoverersFilmPlays Cyrus Marshall.
2012The Strange Case of Wilhelm ReichFilmPortrays Hills.
2013Kill Your DarlingsFilmPlays Columbia dean Harry Carman.
2013The Big WeddingFilmAppears as Barry O’Connor.
2014Amira & SamFilmPlays Jack in the indie drama.
2014FreedomFilmPortrays Jefferson Monroe.
2019SwallowFilmPlays Michael, the protagonist’s father-in-law.
2020Paper SpidersFilmAppears as Bill Hoffman.
2021AmericanishFilmPlays Jim in the romantic comedy.
2021The Good HouseFilmPortrays Scott Good.
2023Theater CampFilmPlays Dr. Bill Rauch in the satire.
2023About My FatherFilmAppears as Bill Collins.
Television – Series & Miniseries
1977The Andros TargetsTV seriesGuest role as Smitty.
1978On Our OwnTV seriesPerformer in episode “A Friend, Indeed”.
1978–1981Ryan’s HopeTV seriesRecurring role as Wes Leonard (34 episodes).
1981–1982Love, SidneyTV seriesAppears as J.M. in 2 episodes.
1982SCTV NetworkTV seriesGuest role as Robert Wellesly.
1985SaraTV seriesPlays David Collier in one episode.
1985Code Name: FoxfireTV seriesGuest appearance as Sam Rawlings.
1985Miami ViceTV seriesGuest role as Surf in episode “Bushido”.
1986Kate & AllieTV seriesPlays Richard Lubin in a guest spot.
1986–1988Sledge Hammer!TV seriesTitle role as Inspector Sledge Hammer (41 episodes).
1992L.A. LawTV seriesGuest role as David McCoy (2 episodes).
1992–1994NursesTV seriesRecurring role as Jack Trenton (46 episodes).
1993Empty NestTV seriesReprises Jack Trenton in crossover episode.
1994Burke’s LawTV seriesGuest role as John Ramsey.
1995Search for TomorrowTV seriesPlays Colonel Tom Burns (3 episodes).
1995Aaahh!!! Real MonstersAnimated seriesVoice role as Friggit in one episode.
1995DuckmanAnimated seriesVoice role as Baron Von Dillweed.
1995Perry Mason: The Case of the Jealous JokesterTV film / franchisePlays Ben Landry in the TV mystery.
1995–1996High SocietyTV seriesPlays Peter Thomas (10 episodes).
1997ColumboTV seriesGuest role as Patrick Kinsey in “A Trace of Murder”.
1998RecessAnimated seriesVoice role as Mr. E in one episode.
1998Just Shoot Me!TV seriesGuest role as Michael Tenzer.
1999Grown UpsTV seriesGuest role as Kenny Daniels.
1999The West WingTV seriesPlays Carl in episode “The State Dinner”.
2000Suddenly SusanTV seriesGuest role as Evan (2 episodes).
2000–2001DAGTV seriesPlays President Whitman (5 episodes).
2001The LotTV seriesGuest appearance as Eddie Moran.
2001For Your LoveTV seriesGuest role as Dr. Bruckner.
2002MDsTV seriesPlays Mr. Baranski in one episode.
2002ProvidenceTV seriesGuest role as Doc Croc.
2003Malcolm in the MiddleTV seriesAppears as “The Lawyer”.
2003MonkTV seriesGuest role as Coach Patterson.
2003She SpiesTV seriesGuest role as Norton Andrews.
2003Robbery Homicide DivisionTV seriesPlays Lee in an episode.
2004Las VegasTV seriesGuest role as Tim Valentine.
2006The Book of DanielTV seriesPlays Donald Warwick.
2008All My ChildrenTV seriesRecurring role as Robert Gardner (38 episodes).
2009Law & OrderTV seriesGuest role as Joe Delaney.
2009SherriTV seriesPlays Bart in 3 episodes.
2009–2010Ugly BettyTV seriesRecurring role as Cal Hartley (10 episodes).
2010The Electric CompanyTV seriesGuest role as The Ronald.
2010RubiconTV seriesPlays James Wheeler (7 episodes).
2011Are We There Yet?TV seriesGuest role as “Thunder” Clark.
2011Royal PainsTV seriesGuest role as Charles Woodward.
2011Bored to DeathTV seriesRecurring role as Bernard (6 episodes).
2013–2017VeepTV seriesPlays lobbyist Jim Marwood (8 episodes).
2014Black BoxTV seriesAppears as Hunter Black (2 episodes).
2015–2016ImpastorTV seriesSeries regular Alden Schmidt (20 episodes).
2016UnderstudiesTV seriesGuest role as Clement Shaw.
2016Madam SecretaryTV seriesGuest role as Ambassador Arlen Maxwell.
2018–2023SuccessionTV seriesKey supporting role as CFO Karl Muller (28 episodes).
2022Inside Amy SchumerTV seriesGuest role as a CEO in “Quiet Pills”.
2025Dying for SexTV miniseriesRecurring as Dr. Pankowitz, Molly’s oncologist.
2025ElsbethTV seriesGuest role as Monsignor Frank in “And Then There Were Nuns”.
Television Films & Specials
1979Sanctuary of FearTV filmPlays Jack Collins in the TV thriller.
1983Special BulletinTV filmPlays Dr. David McKeeson in the faux-newscast drama.
1984The Lost Honor of Kathryn BeckTV filmPortrays Donald Catton.
1988Secret WitnessTV filmPlays Sandy in the crime drama.
1990SilhouetteTV filmAppears as Sheriff Kyle Lauder.
1993Barbarians at the GateTV filmPlays financier Ted Forstmann.
1994Hart to Hart: Old Friends Never DieTV filmAppears as Alfred Raine.
1995Signs and WondersTV miniseriesPlays Brother Nahum (4 episodes).
1995Dead WeekendTV filmPlays Payne.
1995Out ThereTV filmAppears as Don Polson.
2002What Leonard Comes Home ToTV filmPerformer in this television project.
2009Can OpenersTV filmPlays Dr. Steven Miller.

Career Highlights & Legacy

  • Best known for his satirical lead role in Sledge Hammer! and for prominent supporting parts in acclaimed projects such as In the Loop, Burn After Reading, and HBO’s Succession.
  • Frequently cast as authority figures, executives, and political operatives, balancing dry comedy with dramatic gravitas across film and television.
  • Maintains a long stage career alongside screen work, including Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, reinforcing his reputation as a versatile character actor.

References

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