David Johansen
Biography
David Roger Johansen was born on January 9, 1950 in Staten Island, New York City, New York, United States, and died on February 28, 2025 at the age of 75. An American singer, songwriter and actor, he achieved prominence as a member of the protopunk band The New York Dolls and also recorded under the stage name Buster Poindexter. In his acting career he accumulated fifty‑six credited roles, appearing in a number of feature films. Notable screen appearances include the comedy Scrooged, starring Bill Murray, as well as the movies Car 54, Where Are You? and other titles. Johansen’s work spanned rock, blues and pop music alongside a substantial body of film work.
Career overview
David Johansen was born on January 9, 1950, in Staten Island, New York City, and died on February 28, 2025 at the age of 75. Though widely recognized for his work as a singer and songwriter, Johansen also pursued a substantial acting career. The Movie Database records him with 56 credited appearances, indicating a consistent presence in film and television over several decades. His acting résumé reflects a willingness to take on varied roles, complementing his musical reputation and demonstrating his versatility as an entertainer.
Among the films in which Johansen appeared are Car 54, Where Are You? and the holiday comedy Scrooged, the latter featuring Bill Murray. These titles illustrate his involvement in both genre‑specific projects and mainstream Hollywood productions. While the full scope of his screen work spans dozens of titles, the cited credits highlight his participation in notable movies that contributed to his recognition as a character actor. Johansen’s dual career in music and acting underscores his multifaceted contribution to American popular culture, with a filmography that remains documented through his 56 known credits.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full filmography
- Personality Crisis: One Night Only (2022) as Self / Buster Poindexter
- Centaurworld (2021) as Beartaur (voice)
- Above the Shadows (2019) as Ron
- Always at The Carlyle (2018) as Self
- Vince Giordano: There's a Future in the Past (2017)
- A Very Murray Christmas (2015) as The Bartender
- Glass Chin (2014) as Stanley Loori
- Clockwork Orange County (2012) as Self
- New York Dolls: Live From The Bowery (2011) as Himself
- New York Dolls: Lookin' Fine on Television (2011)
- New York Rock at the BBC (2008)
- The Old, Weird America: Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music (2007) as Self
- Motherfucker: A Movie (2006) as Self
- The Harry Smith Project Live (2006) as Self
- The Return of the New York Dolls (2006) as Himself
- New York Doll (2005) as Self
- Punk: Attitude (2005) as Himself
- New York Dolls: All Dolled Up (2005) as Himself
- Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus (2004) as Himself
- Lightning in a Bottle (2004) as Self
- Teen Titans (2003) as Ding Dong Daddy Dowd (voice)
- Crooked Lines (2003) as Charlie
- Mayor of the Sunset Strip (2003) as Self
- End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones (2003) as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
- God Is On Their Side (2002) as God
- 25 Years of Punk (2001) as Self
- Campfire Stories (2001) as Ranger Bill
- Deadline (2000) as Benny
- The Filth and the Fury (2000) as Self (archive footage)
- New York Dolls: TV Treasures (2000) as Himself
- 200 Cigarettes (1999) as Tiki Bartender
- The Tic Code (1998) as Marvin
- Oz (1997) as Eli Zabitz
- Cats Don't Dance (1997) as Bus Driver (voice)
- The Deli (1997) as The Cabbie
- Nick and Jane (1997) as Carter
- Burnzy's Last Call (1995) as Andre
- The Weinerville Chanukah Special (1995) as Gonsah K'nocker (as Buster Poindexter)
- Car 54, Where Are You? (1994) as Officer Gunther Toody
- September Songs: The Music of Kurt Weill (1994) as Self
- Mr. Nanny (1993) as Thanatos
- Mr. Nanny (1993) Original Music Composer
- Naked in New York (1993) as Orangutang
- Freejack (1992) as Brad Carter
- Desire and Hell at Sunset Motel (1992) as Auggie
- Tales from the Darkside: The Movie (1990) as Halston (segment ‘Cat From Hell’)
- The Jim Henson Hour (1989) as Self
- Let It Ride (1989) as Looney
- The Ventures: 30 Years of Rock 'n' Roll (30th Anniversary Super Session) (1989)
- Scrooged (1988) as Ghost of Christmas Past
- Married to the Mob (1988) as 'The Priest'
- Candy Mountain (1988) as Keith Burns
- Candy Mountain (1988) Music
- The Equalizer (1985) as Garnet
- Miami Vice (1984) as Singer at Party
- Saturday Night Live (1975) as Self - Musical Guest
- Saturday Night Live (1975) as Buster Poindexter
- Night Lunch (1975) as Self
- Up Your Legs Forever (1971) as Self - Legs(uncredited)