Every Major Actor to Play Hercule Poirot Before New Reboot, Ranked

Erin Maxwell
33 Comments
POIROT, Philip Jackson, David Suchet, 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,' (aired Jan. 2, 2000), 1989-2002. photo: Stephen Morley/ © BBC/courtesy Everett Collection; DEATH ON THE NILE, Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot, 2020. © 20th Century Studios / Courtesy Everett Collection; SPICE WORLD, Hugh Laurie as Hercule Poirot, 1997, © Columbia/courtesy Everett Collection; THE ABC MURDERS (Episode 1) John Malkovich as Hercule Poirot
BBC/courtesy Everett Collection; 20th Century Studios / Courtesy Everett Collection; Columbia/Courtesy Everett Collection; Courtesy Everett Collection

Hercule Poirot is perhaps one of writer Agatha Christie‘s greatest and most beloved creations. The brilliant Belgian detective, known for his meticulous attention to detail, impeccable mustache, and reliance on his “little grey cells,” became the centerpiece of dozens of novels, short stories, films, and television adaptations, cementing his place as one of the most iconic detectives in literary history.

In June, the BBC and BritBox announced that they had found their Poirot as Edward Bluemesteps into the role of the legendary Agatha Christie detective in the new series, titled Hercule. “I feel very lucky to have been trusted with such an iconic character who has been played by so many great actors. I can’t wait to continue Hercule’s legacy,” said Bluemel.

The role has attracted its fair share of A-listers and high-profile names over the years, from Academy Award winners and acclaimed stage actors to television icons and international stars, all eager to put their own stamp on the legendary detective.

Here is a look back at just a few of the notable actors who took up the mantle of Hercule Poirot, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the legendary detective.

Hercule, TBA, BBC and BritBox

SPICE WORLD, Hugh Laurie as Hercule Poirot, 1997, ©
Columbia/Courtesy Everett Collection

9. Hugh Laurie

Essentially a parody cameo rather than an actual Poirot adaptation, but too fun to ignore. Hugh Laurie made a brief, surreal cameo as a bumbling detective/inspector in the 1997 musical Spice World featuring the Spice Girls. In it, Baby Spice (Emma Bunton) is the prime suspect in a murder case in a little cut scene.

THE ALPHABET MURDERS, Tony Randall, 1965
Everett Collection

8. Tony Randall

The Alphabet Murders is more of a satire of Poirot than a faithful adaptation, with the 1965 film playing Tony Randall‘s version of the character largely for comedy.

MURDER BY THE BOOK, Ian Holm, 1986, © A&E / Courtesy: Everett Collection

7. Ian Holm

In 1986’s Murder by the Book, Dame Agatha Christie (Dame Peggy Ashcroft) is pressured by her publisher to finally release Curtain, in which she plans to kill off Poirot. As a result, Poirot (Ian Holm) appears in her home, a bit disgruntled by both his impending death and Christie’s cavalier attitude towards it.

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, Alfred Molina, aired: April, 22, 2001. ©CBS /Courtesy Everett Collection
CBS /Courtesy Everett Collection

6. Alfred Molina

An underrated television Poirot. The 2001 Murder on the Orient Express is a made-for-television movie that premiered on CBS, starring Alfred Molina as the eccentric Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. The film notably modernizes Agatha Christie’s classic 1934 mystery by shifting the setting into the early 21st century.

THE ABC MURDERS (Episode 1) John Malkovich as Hercule Poirot It's 1933 and a killer travels the length and breadth of Britain via the ominous rumble of the train tracks. They strike in a methodical pattern, leaving a copy of the ABC Railway Guide at the scene of each murder. As Poirot attempts to investigate he is thwarted on every front. If he is to match his most cunning nemesis, everything about him will be called into question; his authority, his integrity, his past, his identity.
Everett Collection

5. John Malkovich

John Malkovich starred in the 2018 BBC adaptation of The ABC Murders, a surprisingly dark, three-part psychological thriller that reimagined Agatha Christie’s classic 1936 novel. Malkovich portrayed Poirot as an aging, weary, and somewhat disgraced outsider.

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, Kenneth Branagh, 2017. ph: Nicola Dove / TM & copyright © Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved. /
Courtesy Everett Collection

4. Kenneth Branagh

Kenneth Branagh starred as the famed detective in three films he also directed: 2017’s Murder on the Orient Express, 2022’s Death on the Nile, and 2023’s A Haunting in Venice (which is an adaptation of Agatha Christie’s A Halloween Party).

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, Albert Finney, 1974.
Everett Collection

3. Albert Finney

In 1974’s Murder on the Orient Express, Albert Finney became the only actor ever to receive an Academy Award nomination for playing Hercule Poirot.

DEATH ON THE NILE, Peter Ustinov, 1978. © Paramount Pictures/ Courtesy: Everett Collection
Paramount Pictures/ Courtesy: Everett Collection

2. Peter Ustinov

Peter Ustinov donned Poirot’s iconic mustache six times for both the big and small screens: in 1978’s Death on the Nile, 1982’s Evil Under the Sun, 1985’s Thirteen at Dinner, 1986’s Dead Man’s Folly and Murder in Three Acts, and 1988’s Appointment with Death. Ustinov became beloved in the role thanks to his warmth, charm, and dry humor.

AGATHA CHRISTIE'S POIROT, David Suchet, 1989. © BBC/courtesy Everett Collection
BBC/Courtesy Everett Collection

1. David Suchet

The gold standard. When people talk about the famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, they almost universally refer to David Suchet. Suchet played Poirot in the ITV series Agatha Christie’s Poirot from 1989 to 2013, inhabiting the role for nearly a quarter-century and becoming the definitive screen incarnation of the meticulous detective for generations of viewers.

Agatha ChristieAlbert FinneyAlfred MolinaDavid SuchetHugh LaurieIan HolmJohn MalkovichKenneth BranaghPeter UstinovSpice GirlsTony Randall



Conversation33 Comments

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  1. G

    G. H. Evans

    There is only one Hercule Poirot- David Suchet: just as there's only one Jane Marple - Joan Hickson. Neither will ever be surpassed.

    1. J

      Joy Miller

      I agree. David.Suchet is the only, Hercules Poirot. I adore him.

      1. T

        Tropicaltez

        Same..David Suchet nailed the Part!

        I didn’t enjoy Albert Finneys Portrayal..

    2. L

      Lynda

      I agree. David Suchet is the only Poirot

    3. P

      pjasmom3

      Agree strongly with Suchet…disagree with Hickson

    4. R

      Rasubo9

      I agree.

    5. J

      J.J. Wyatt

      Just as there's only one Sherlock Holmes - Jeremy Brett

  2. F

    Fred

    David Suchet by far the best Poirot.

  3. M

    M

    There is no way they can make a better version than the iTV show, and honestly I think it's a waste to try this instead of remastering the old show.

    No modern version can compare due to the nature of modern production.

    I just finished rewatching the iTV series, and have watched almost all of the new adaptations of Poirot and her other books (like Murder is Easy), but they just don't grip you the same way. I couldn't finish the Malkovic adaptation because of the tonal whiplash (and honestly, subpar acting), while the Branaugh movies were not only too ostentatious but the lighting was abysmal. I remember having trouble focusing because I couldn't see much! And his acting just didn't fit the role at all... It felt more like the hobby project of a rich guy who's been a fan of David Suchet's portrayal, rather than a serious production.

    Additionally, casting A-listers wouldn't help, as that makes it much harder to believe the characters. Most viewers weren't that familiar with the people from the iTV show, which was in the how's favour!

  4. A

    Alun

    Suchet no doubt is the best Poirot, as is Hickson for Marple. Ustinov, was caught in-between trying to make Poirot somewhat comedic much the same as Rutherford with Marple.

    1. L

      Lori

      Joan Hickson was definitely the perfect Marple; a quiet, gentle elderly lady, almost overlooked but over-looking everything and everyone.

    2. R

      Rasubo9

      I was thinking the very same thing. What fun these characters are.

  5. E

    Emma

    David Suchet all the way! He is the best for the job.

  6. R

    Rosemary Guchone

    It's ridiculous to remake this all again. There is no one who will ever come close to David Suchet. He was the most believable TV character ever. He was absolutely remarkable.

  7. U

    Uktrish

    David Suchet is without a shadow of a doubt the absolute BEST Hercule Poirot ever!! I wish he was playing him again. My husband and I really, really miss watching him.

  8. A

    Andy

    Are these going to actually stick the original plots and storylines? The ones that made Christie so loved and popular? Or are we going to have more nonsense like the Malcovic ABC murders, where they completely reinvented Poirot backstory and changed his personality?

  9. C

    Christine

    There's only 2 Poirot's David Suchet and Peter Ustinov, Geraldine McEwan is my favourite Marple.

  10. T

    Theresa .

    Definitely David Suset

  11. A

    Andrea

    My little grey cells are fully occupied when this ledgend is gracing my television screen . Captain Hastings, Chief Inspector Japp, Miss Lemon . Absolutely one of the finest series ever produced.

  12. M

    Man Jacovus

    If you're talking about gold standards then the only yardstick is the late John Moffatt who played the part on BBC radio in over 25 productions and a couple of decades.

    1. A

      Andy

      I love the radio versions. So we'll done.

      It's the same with Sherlock Holmes. I think Clive Merrison is an amazing Holmes, but sadly he's never mentioned.

  13. F

    Freesia1

    David Suchet and Joan Hickson! Both are the best for Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple - none better!

  14. J

    Janet

    Only one man for me ; David Suchet! He is Poirot as per the original description to a t. Save the green eyes. Also only one inimitable Agatha Christie and I hate the more recent ones that try to modernize and change a perfect creation - especially Kenneth Branagh ‘s travesty.

  15. J

    J

    No actor can play Hercule Poirot like David Suchet he is the best.

  16. R

    Rasubo9

    If you read Agatha Christie's books, you have to agree that David Suchet is Poirot! I do like Ustinov though.

    1. B

      BRose

      Me too. I enjoyed his portrayal quite a lot.

  17. J

    Janet

    Only one man for me ; David Suchet! He is Poirot as per the original description to a t. Save the green eyes. Also only one inimitable Agatha Christie and I hate the more recent ones that try to modernize and change a perfect creation - especially Kenneth Branagh ‘s travesty.

  18. C

    Cliveg06

    Peter Ustinov must be

  19. H

    HelenG

    You left out Jeremy Brett; fabulous in the role of Sherlock Holmes.

  20. M

    Mike P.

    Margaret Rutherford over Joan Hickson 6 days a week and twice on Sunday,but i fo agree on David Suchet.

  21. Z

    Zouk2

    By far Kenneth Branagh was the best Hercule Poirot.

  22. S

    Smiler

    Peter Ustinov

  23. K

    KGodley27

    Absolutely disagree. There's only one Hercule Poirot and thats Peter Ustinov. Just as Margaret Rutherford is the only possible top slot for Jane Marple.