Michael Nesmith

Acting

Michael Nesmith

Born December 30, 1942 · Houston, Texas, USA

Died December 10, 2021 · aged 78

Robert Michael Nesmith (December 30, 1942 – December 10, 2021) was an American musician, songwriter, actor, producer, and novelist. He was best known as a member of the pop rock band the Monkees and co-star of the TV series The Monkees (1966–1968). His songwriting credits include "Different Drum", which became a hit for Linda Ronstadt and the Stone Poneys. After the break-up of the Monkees, Nesmi…

Known For

BurglarBurglar · 1987
Burglar
5.21987
MovieCrimeComedy
Bernice "Bernie" Rhodenbarr is a burglar by trade, and she runs a bookstore as well. Her friend Carl Hefler is a dog groomer. After a successful burglary, it's discovered that a dead body was in the house she burgled. As she's the only one who can be placed at the scene of the crime, she has to use her criminal skills to clear her name of the murder AND avoid getting charged with the burglary.
Monkees Screen TestsMonkees Screen Tests · 1966
Monkees Screen Tests
8.01966
MovieDocumentaryMusic
Rare black and white footage of Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones auditioning for the 60s hit NBC television program The Monkees.
Repo ManRepo Man · 1984
Repo Man
6.71984
MovieComedyScience Fiction
A down and out young punk gets a job working with a seasoned repo man, but what awaits him in his new career is a series of outlandish adventures revolving around aliens, the CIA, and a most wanted '64 Chevy.
TapeheadsTapeheads · 1988
Tapeheads
5.41988
MovieComedyDrama
The story of Ivan and Josh, two dimwitted ex-security guards who love music videos. Out of work, with no job prospects, they form a music video production company. They soon learn the ins and outs of the business in LA, and with some help from Mo Fuzz, they soon become hot property. But not all goes smoothly when they try to resurrect the career of their favorite R&B duo, the Swanky Modes.
HeadHead · 1968
Head
6.21968
MovieComedyMusic
In this surrealistic and free-form follow-up to the Monkees' television show, the band frolic their way through a series of musical set pieces and vignettes containing humor and anti-establishment social commentary.
Elephant PartsElephant Parts · 1981
Elephant Parts
6.61981
MovieMusicComedy
Winner of the first video Grammy Award, Michael Nesmith (The Monkees) wrote and starred in Elephant Parts, a collection of comedy and music videos. Elephant Parts is one hour long and features five full length music videos, including the popular songs "Rio", and "Cruisin'", which featured wrestler Steve Strong and Monterey-based comic "Chicago" Steve Barkley. An off-beat collection that is very entertaining to view while in an altered state.
I Want My MTVI Want My MTV · 2019
I Want My MTV
7.52019
MovieDocumentaryMusic
The film is about the formation of a music channel that has shaped modern pop culture. On August 1, 1981, the life of a whole generation of Americans changed forever - on this day MTV began its broadcasting day, making VJ a new teen hero and creating a canon of music video as a vivid artistic statement.
Hey, Hey, We're The MonkeesHey, Hey, We're The Monkees · 1997
Hey, Hey, We're The Monkees
8.41997
MovieDocumentaryTV Movie
Documentary focusing The Monkees, the 1960s pop group originally created for a TV sitcom. Interviews with the band members, the show's creators, and musical collaborators and peers are featured.

Movies

BurglarBurglar · 1987
Burglar
5.21987
MovieCrimeComedy
Bernice "Bernie" Rhodenbarr is a burglar by trade, and she runs a bookstore as well. Her friend Carl Hefler is a dog groomer. After a successful burglary, it's discovered that a dead body was in the house she burgled. As she's the only one who can be placed at the scene of the crime, she has to use her criminal skills to clear her name of the murder AND avoid getting charged with the burglary.
Monkees Screen TestsMonkees Screen Tests · 1966
Monkees Screen Tests
8.01966
MovieDocumentaryMusic
Rare black and white footage of Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones auditioning for the 60s hit NBC television program The Monkees.
Repo ManRepo Man · 1984
Repo Man
6.71984
MovieComedyScience Fiction
A down and out young punk gets a job working with a seasoned repo man, but what awaits him in his new career is a series of outlandish adventures revolving around aliens, the CIA, and a most wanted '64 Chevy.
TapeheadsTapeheads · 1988
Tapeheads
5.41988
MovieComedyDrama
The story of Ivan and Josh, two dimwitted ex-security guards who love music videos. Out of work, with no job prospects, they form a music video production company. They soon learn the ins and outs of the business in LA, and with some help from Mo Fuzz, they soon become hot property. But not all goes smoothly when they try to resurrect the career of their favorite R&B duo, the Swanky Modes.
HeadHead · 1968
Head
6.21968
MovieComedyMusic
In this surrealistic and free-form follow-up to the Monkees' television show, the band frolic their way through a series of musical set pieces and vignettes containing humor and anti-establishment social commentary.
Elephant PartsElephant Parts · 1981
Elephant Parts
6.61981
MovieMusicComedy
Winner of the first video Grammy Award, Michael Nesmith (The Monkees) wrote and starred in Elephant Parts, a collection of comedy and music videos. Elephant Parts is one hour long and features five full length music videos, including the popular songs "Rio", and "Cruisin'", which featured wrestler Steve Strong and Monterey-based comic "Chicago" Steve Barkley. An off-beat collection that is very entertaining to view while in an altered state.
I Want My MTVI Want My MTV · 2019
I Want My MTV
7.52019
MovieDocumentaryMusic
The film is about the formation of a music channel that has shaped modern pop culture. On August 1, 1981, the life of a whole generation of Americans changed forever - on this day MTV began its broadcasting day, making VJ a new teen hero and creating a canon of music video as a vivid artistic statement.
Hey, Hey, We're The MonkeesHey, Hey, We're The Monkees · 1997
Hey, Hey, We're The Monkees
8.41997
MovieDocumentaryTV Movie
Documentary focusing The Monkees, the 1960s pop group originally created for a TV sitcom. Interviews with the band members, the show's creators, and musical collaborators and peers are featured.
Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex 'n' Drugs 'n' Rock 'n' Roll Generation Saved HollywoodEasy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex 'n' Drugs 'n' Rock 'n' Roll Generation Saved Hollywood · 2003
Easy Riders, Raging Bulls: How the Sex 'n' Drugs 'n' Rock 'n' Roll Generation Saved Hollywood
7.12003
MovieDocumentaryHistory
The chronicle of the mind-blowing journey that was Hollywood during the seventies; the true and gripping story of the last golden age of American cinema, an exalted celebration of creativity and experimentation; but also of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll: a turbulent and dark tale of ambition, envy, betrayal, hatred and self-destruction.
Square DanceSquare Dance · 1987
Square Dance
4.71987
MovieDramaRomance
An awkward 13-year-old leaves her cranky grandfather in rural Texas, to live with her mother in Fort Worth.
Timerider: The Adventure of Lyle SwannTimerider: The Adventure of Lyle Swann · 1982
Timerider: The Adventure of Lyle Swann
5.41982
MovieScience FictionWestern
Lyle Swann is a successful off-road racer who mistakenly gets sent back in time 100 years. When a band of outlaws robs Swann of his motorcycle, he's forced to outfox the gangsters and give in to the seductions of a gorgeous local lady. With only his smarts and a map from an Exxon station, Lyle must try to make it out of the Old West alive and find a way back to modern times.
Hey, Hey, It's the MonkeesHey, Hey, It's the Monkees · 1997
Hey, Hey, It's the Monkees
6.71997
MovieComedyMusic
Hey, Hey, It's the Monkees is a one-hour comedy special televised on the ABC Network on Monday February 17, 1997. The show features all four of the original Monkees and would be the last time Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork would appear together. Michael Nesmith wrote and directed the program.
Television Parts Home CompanionTelevision Parts Home Companion · 1985
Television Parts Home Companion
1985
MovieComedyMusic
A 40-minute compilation of comedy skits and music taken from the series "Michael Nesmith in Television Parts."
Doctor Duck's Super Secret All-Purpose SauceDoctor Duck's Super Secret All-Purpose Sauce · 1986
Doctor Duck's Super Secret All-Purpose Sauce
6.31986
MovieComedy
A montage of sketch comedy and music videos.
Michael Nesmith: Austin City LimitsMichael Nesmith: Austin City Limits · 1992
Michael Nesmith: Austin City Limits
1992
MovieMusicDocumentary
Michael Nesmith on Austin City Limits, recorded in 1992 and broadcast in 1993
The Northville Cemetery MassacreThe Northville Cemetery Massacre · 1976
The Northville Cemetery Massacre
5.41976
MovieActionCrime
Mayhem starts when a gang of bikers is accused of a sadistic rape in a small town.
Making The MonkeesMaking The Monkees · 2007
Making The Monkees
6.52007
MovieMusicDocumentary
In 1967, four unknown actors in a kids TV show became the biggest pop band in the world. In America, they outsold Elvis and The Beatles combined. They were The Monkees. But The Monkees were not a real band, they were a man-made money making machine, driven by ego and ambition. A machine that would ultimately crash and burn. This is the inside story of pop music's first manufactured band.
Michael Nesmith Live at the Britt FestivalMichael Nesmith Live at the Britt Festival · 1992
Michael Nesmith Live at the Britt Festival
1992
Movie
Join Michael Nesmith and his band as they perform on the opening night at the 30th Anniversary of the historic Britt Festival in Jacksonville, Oregon
Dr. Duck's Super Secret All-Purpose SauceDr. Duck's Super Secret All-Purpose Sauce · 1985
Dr. Duck's Super Secret All-Purpose Sauce
1985
Movie
A montage of sketch comedy and music videos
33 ⅓ Revolutions per Monkee33 ⅓ Revolutions per Monkee · 1969
33 ⅓ Revolutions per Monkee
4.71969
MovieComedyTV Movie
33 1⁄3 Revolutions per Monkee is a television special starring the Monkees that aired on NBC on April 14, 1969. Produced by Jack Good, guests on the show included Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Little Richard, the Clara Ward Singers, the Buddy Miles Express, Paul Arnold and the Moon Express, and We Three. Although they were billed as musical guests, Julie Driscoll and Brian Auger (alongside their then-backing band The Trinity) found themselves playing a prominent role; in fact, it can be argued that the special focused more on the guest stars (specifically, Auger and Driscoll) than the Monkees themselves. This special is notable as the Monkees' final performance as a quartet until 1986, as Peter Tork left the group at the end of the special's production. The title is a play on "​33 1⁄3 revolutions per minute."
Barbecue Death Squad From HellBarbecue Death Squad From Hell · 1986
Barbecue Death Squad From Hell
7.01986
MovieComedyHorror
Lydia Lunch and Penn & Teller jazz up the Jenkins' family picnic home movie, turning it into a backyard SOV slasher.

TV Shows

Top of the PopsTop of the Pops · 1964
Top of the Pops
6.71964
Series
The biggest stars, the most iconic performances, the most outrageous outfits – it’s Britain’s number one pop show.
Saturday Night LiveSaturday Night Live · 1975
Saturday Night Live
6.91975
SeriesComedy
A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast, and features performances by a musical guest.
MTV Video Music AwardsMTV Video Music Awards · 1984
MTV Video Music Awards
7.81984
SeriesDocumentary
An annual award ceremony presented by MTV to honor the best in the music video medium.
The MonkeesThe Monkees · 1966
The Monkees
6.61966
SeriesComedyFamily
Micky, Mike, Peter, and Davy are four young men in mid-1960s LA, members of a struggling country-folk-rock band looking for their big break amid madcap encounters with a variety of people straight out of TV and movie central casting, with full knowledge that their existence is part of a weekly television series.
Behind the MusicBehind the Music · 1997
Behind the Music
7.31997
SeriesDocumentary
An intimate look into the personal lives of pop music's greatest and most influential artists.
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-InRowan & Martin's Laugh-In · 1968
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In
6.81968
SeriesComedy
An American sketch comedy television program hosted by comedians Dan Rowan and Dick Martin.
E! True Hollywood StoryE! True Hollywood Story · 1996
E! True Hollywood Story
8.21996
SeriesDocumentary
E! True Hollywood Story is an American documentary series on E! that deals with famous Hollywood celebrities, movies, TV shows and also well-known public figures. Among the topics covered on the program include salacious re-tellings of Hollywood secrets, show-biz scandals, celebrity murders and mysteries, porn-star biographies, and "where-are-they-now?" investigations of former child stars. It frequently features in-depth interviews, actual courtroom footage, and dramatic reenactments. When aired on the E! network, episodes will be updated to reflect the current life or status of the subject.
Laurel CanyonLaurel Canyon · 2020
Laurel Canyon
8.02020
SeriesDocumentary
Featuring all-new, original interviews with Jackson Browne, Don Henley, Michelle Phillips, Graham Nash, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Roger McGuinn and more, this uniquely immersive and experiential two-part docuseries takes us back in time to a place where a rustic canyon in the heart of Los Angeles became a musical petri dish.
Television PartsTelevision Parts · 1985
Television Parts
7.51985
SeriesComedy
Michael Nesmith in Television Parts is a summer TV series run by NBC in 1985. It was a 30-minute comedy-variety series created by Michael Nesmith as a continuation of his Grammy Award-winning video production Elephant Parts, and earlier series PopClips. The first episode was a stand-alone television special which aired on March 7, 1985. The following series premiered on June 14, 1985. The show was a mix of music videos mixed in with comedy sketches, commercial parodies, and general silliness. It was hosted by Nesmith himself, who also participated in many of the sketches. Television Parts also featured guest appearances by a number of comedians, including Martin Mull, Whoopi Goldberg, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Martin, The Funny Boys and Garry Shandling, whose appearance on the show was the seed for It's Garry Shandling's Show. One of the show's featured pieces, "Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey" was later picked up by Saturday Night Live. The show was cancelled after one short summer season that same year. It would return in 1985 as two separate home video releases on VHS and Betamax, Television Parts Home Companion and Dr. Duck's Super Secret All-Purpose Sauce. The first was a 40-minute compilation of original show featuring the comedy skits and music by Michael Nesmith only. Dr. Duck's Super Secret All-Purpose Sauce was a 90-minute montage of sketch comedy with a variety of stars and music videos. The stars included Bobcat Goldthwait, Ed Begley, Jr., Jimmy Buffett, Rosanne Cash, Whoopi Goldberg, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld and Garry Shandling.