Horror Legend Tobin Bell
Welcome back to Horror Celebrity Spotlight, my series about the most interesting icons in the horror world! This week, we’re taking a look at legendary actor Tobin Bell! Let’s examine his distinguished career, the memorable roles he’s played, and all the Tobin Bell films and shows you need to watch!
The Basics
Full Name: Joseph Henry Tobin Jr. (Tobin Bell is his stage name)
Age: 82
Best Known For: Playing Jigsaw/John Kramer in the Saw franchise
Official website: OfficialTobinBell.com
Often Works With: James Wan, Darren Bousman, Shawnee Smith
Becoming a Legend Later in Life
Tobin Bell’s film career dates back to the 1970s. He has one of the most unusual journeys to stardom of any horror icon. Bell spent numerous years relegated to background and supporting roles.
Many people would have become discouraged at the lack of starring opportunities and quit, but Bell kept on working and staying busy. He did manage to snag his first major role when he played an FBI agent in Mississippi Burning (1988).
He appeared in numerous TV shows during his pre-Saw era, usually as characters who only appeared for 1-2 episodes. Bell made guest appearances in several famous programs, including The X Files, Seinfeld, NYPD Blue, ER, and The Sopranos.
Tobin gradually built a strong reputation for his ability to effectively play creepy villains. He’s great at using his piercing stare and a quietly menacing voice to portray sinister and intimidating characters. At age 61, this helped him finally win his breakthrough role when director James Wan cast him as the villainous Jigsaw in the gruesome torture flick Saw.
The movie wasn’t expected to be a major hit, and there was serious consideration to releasing it direct to video. Instead, it was theatrically released in October 2004 and became a huge surprise success.
Bell barely has any lines in the first movie, but his portrayal of Jigsaw riveted fans. He signed on for the sequels, which gave him much larger roles and also raked in significant profits. After working for over twenty-five years in relative obscurity, Bell suddenly become a major horror icon.
Tobin has gone on to appear in ten Saw movies, with his Jigsaw character becoming so beloved that, in the most recent film, Saw X, he is portrayed as a sympathetic antihero instead of a villain.
Random Tidbits
-In The X Files episode “Brand X”, Bell plays a chain smoker who is a test subject for a cigarette company that’s developing a new, even more addictive form of tobacco.
-Bell plays notorious real-life serial killer/terrorist Ted Kaczynski in the TV movie Unabomber: The True Story.
-Early in his career, Bell was trained by legendary acting coach Lee Strasberg, who is known for playing Hyman Roth, a powerful Jewish gangster, in The Godfather Part II.
-Bell had numerous live performance gigs early in his career, including stints at the New York Shakespeare Festival and the Boston Arts Festival.
-He is an avid guitar player.
Still Working!
Bell continues to be active in the industry. His most recent role was in The Bunker (2024). Saw XI was originally slated to come out in 2025, but behind the scenes issues led to it going on hiatus.
The Saw franchise has now been purchased by Blumhouse, which owns 50%, with Lionsgate still retaining the other half. James Wan is back to helm the new installment, which presumably will feature Bell, although details have been scant so far. Hopefully Bell will get to play Jigsaw at least one more time!
