The 7 Most Iconic Anthony Cox Movies And His Surprising Status In Late 2025

Joseph "Tony" Anthony Cox is one of Hollywood's most instantly recognizable character actors, having forged a unique and memorable career through his sharp comedic timing and scene-stealing performances. While the public often remembers him best for his role as the foul-mouthed, master-planning elf Marcus Skidmore in the *Bad Santa* franchise, his filmography spans decades and includes some of the biggest comedies and fantasy films of the modern era. As of late 2025, the latest news surrounding Cox revolves around his semi-retired status and his continued connection with fans through convention appearances, prompting a fresh look at the legendary roles that defined his career.

This article dives into the essential films that cemented Tony Cox's legacy, exploring the depth of his work beyond the most famous projects. From his early appearances to his major box office hits, we analyze the roles that showcase his versatility as a comedian, a dramatic actor, and even a stunt performer, providing the most up-to-date information on his career trajectory and personal life.

Joseph "Tony" Anthony Cox: Complete Biography and Profile

Joseph Anthony Cox, better known as Tony Cox, has had a remarkable journey from his start as a drummer to becoming a beloved figure in Hollywood. His career is a testament to perseverance in a challenging industry, leading to a filmography filled with high-profile collaborations.

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• Full Name: Joseph Anthony Cox
• Born: March 31, 1958
• Birthplace: Uniontown, Alabama, USA
• Current Age (as of late 2025): 67 years old
• Height: 3 ft 6 in (107 cm)
• Wife: Otelia Cox (married since 1989)
• Known For: Playing Marcus Skidmore in *Bad Santa* and *Bad Santa 2*.
• Career Start: Initially pursued a career as a drummer before transitioning to acting after being inspired by fellow actor Billy Barty, the founder of Little People of America.
• Estimated Net Worth (2024): Approximately $4 million.
• Current Status: Semi-retired American actor, occasionally making special guest appearances at fan conventions, such as the Collectorabilia Con scheduled for November 2025.

The Definitive List of Tony Cox’s Most Iconic Film Roles

While Tony Cox has over 90 film and television credits, certain roles stand out for their cultural impact, critical reception, or sheer memorability. These films are essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand the breadth of his talent, particularly his mastery of deadpan comedy and physical humor.

1. Bad Santa (2003) & Bad Santa 2 (2016) - Marcus Skidmore

The role of Marcus Skidmore is, without question, the cornerstone of Tony Cox’s cinematic legacy. In the original 2003 black comedy, Cox played Marcus, the small but highly intelligent brains of a safe-cracking duo, alongside Billy Bob Thornton's Willie T. Soke, the drunken, miserable con artist Santa.

Marcus was a groundbreaking character—a main character who was a little person, not a side gag, but a fully realized, aggressive, and hilarious criminal mastermind. The chemistry between Cox and Thornton was electric, driving the film's success and leading to the 2016 sequel, *Bad Santa 2*, which remains one of Cox's most recent major film credits.

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2. Me, Myself & Irene (2000) - Limo Driver

Before *Bad Santa* catapulted him to stardom, Cox had a highly memorable appearance in the Farrelly Brothers' comedy *Me, Myself & Irene*, starring Jim Carrey. Cox played the Limo Driver who has a hilariously awkward and confrontational encounter with Carrey's character, Charlie. This role is often cited by the director as their introduction to Cox's talent, showcasing his ability to hold his own against major comedic stars.

3. Friday (1995) - Mr. Jones

One of Cox’s earliest and most beloved roles came in the classic stoner comedy *Friday*, starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker. Cox played Mr. Jones, a character whose brief but impactful appearances provided key comedic relief. This film became a cultural touchstone and helped establish Cox within the realm of modern comedy, proving his versatility across different styles of humor and ensemble casts.

4. Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) - Knuck

Demonstrating his ability to transition from R-rated comedy to big-budget fantasy, Tony Cox took on the role of Knuck in Sam Raimi’s prequel, *Oz the Great and Powerful*. Knuck was a loyal and steadfast Winkie Guard who served as a key ally to James Franco's Oscar Diggs. This performance was a significant departure from his previous work, highlighting his dramatic range and his involvement in major studio tentpole films alongside stars like Mila Kunis and Michelle Williams.

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5. The Santa Clause 2 (2002) - An Elf

In a twist of fate, just one year before he played the anti-Christmas elf Marcus, Cox appeared in the family-friendly holiday film *The Santa Clause 2* as a traditional, unnamed elf. This credit provides a fascinating contrast in his filmography, showing him playing both the wholesome, traditional version of the character and the cynical, criminal parody, demonstrating his unique positioning within the genre.

6. Epic Movie (2007) - Bink

Cox was a frequent collaborator in the parody genre, appearing in several films by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer. In *Epic Movie*, he played Bink, a parody of a Narnian character. These roles, while often polarizing to critics, solidified his reputation as an actor capable of delivering highly stylized, over-the-top comedic performances that resonated with a broad, young audience.

7. Date Movie (2006) - Hitch

Further exploring the parody landscape, Cox appeared in *Date Movie* as a character named Hitch, a clear send-up of Will Smith's character in the romantic comedy *Hitch*. This role is another example of his willingness to embrace self-referential comedy and his consistent presence in the mid-2000s comedy scene, making him a reliable and recognizable face in the genre.

Tony Cox’s Latest Career Updates and Retirement Rumors (2025)

The period following 2017 saw a noticeable decrease in Tony Cox’s major film roles, leading to speculation about his career status. While some sources describe him as a "retired American actor," his occasional public appearances suggest he is simply stepping back from the grueling demands of the film industry.

The last major film he was credited for was *The Heyday of the Insensitive Bastards* in 2017, where he played the role of Mr. Chubb. Since then, his public life has largely shifted to fan engagement, with confirmed bookings for special guest appearances at events like Collectorabilia Con in Green Bay, Wisconsin, scheduled for November 2025.

Furthermore, recent online discussions in 2024 and 2025 have touched upon his personal life, including rumors about his health, specifically mentioning hip replacement surgeries. While the actor has not made extensive public statements, his continued presence at conventions demonstrates a commitment to his fanbase, even as he enjoys a less demanding professional schedule.

The Undeniable Legacy of a Character Actor

Tony Cox’s career is a masterclass in establishing topical authority within the highly specialized world of character acting. His ability to seamlessly transition between raunchy, R-rated comedy, family-friendly fantasy, and slapstick parody has made him a unique and enduring figure in cinema. The success of the *Bad Santa* franchise, in particular, proved that he could carry a major Hollywood film as a co-lead, earning him a permanent place in the holiday movie lexicon.

From his early work as a stunt performer to his iconic run as a comedic heavyweight, Anthony Cox's filmography is a rich tapestry of unforgettable moments. Even in his semi-retirement in late 2025, his work continues to be celebrated, ensuring his legacy as one of the most talented and distinctive actors of his generation endures.