1.”Homeland” (2011-2020) as Saul Berenson

Mandy Patinkin’s portrayal of the wise, fatherly, and occasionally ruthless CIA operative Saul Berenson is a performance that won acclaim from fans and critics alike. Throughout the series’ run, Patinkin’s complex character work provided a grounding presence amid the show’s high-stakes drama.

2.”The Princess Bride” (1987) as Inigo Montoya

Arguably his most iconic role, Patinkin’s Inigo Montoya—fueled by the pursuit of vengeance for his father’s murder—balances a deep emotional narrative with swashbuckling charm and skilled swordplay, creating an indelible and much-quoted character.

3.”Criminal Minds” (2005-2007) as Jason Gideon

As the seasoned Profiler Jason Gideon in “Criminal Minds,” Patinkin brought an intensity and depth to a character that stood out even in the series’ ensemble cast.

4.”Yentl” (1983) as Avigdor

Featuring alongside Barbra Streisand’s Yentl, Patinkin’s Avigdor comes across as passionate, conflicted, and deeply human.

5.”Chicago Hope” (1994-2000) as Dr. Jeffrey Geiger

In “Chicago Hope,” Patinkin played an unorthodox cardiothoracic surgeon whose brilliance in the operating room was matched by his complexity in personal relationships, earning him an Emmy Award.

6.”Dick Tracy” (1990) as 88 Keys

His role as the piano-playing 88 Keys allowed Patinkin to showcase his musical talents in a film populated by colorful villains during a comic strip-inspired world.

7.”The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland” (1999) as Huxley

Taking on the role of Huxley in this family-friendly “Sesame Street” movie provided a rare opportunity for Patinkin to chew scenery as a comically dastardly villain.

8.”Alien Nation” (1988) as Detective Samuel ‘George’ Francisco

In “Alien Nation,” Patinkin plays a Newcomer alien turned police detective with subtlety and insight, navigating a buddy-cop dynamic laced with social commentary.

9.”Sunday in the Park with George”(1986) – Broadway Recording as George Seurat / George

Portraying artist Georges Seurat in Stephen Sondheim’s musical gave Patinkin one of his most challenging theater roles; he recorded the performance for posterity in what went on to become an acclaimed Broadway cast recording.

10.”Dead Like Me” (2003-2004) as Rube Sofer

As Rube Sofer, the head reaper who guides souls to the afterlife in “Dead Like Me,” Mandy displayed phenomenal comic timing while dispensing wisdom to his group of reapers-in-training.