TR in Film + TV

Theodore Roosevelt has been a popular subject for film and television portrayals, often depicted as a larger-than-life figure whose energy and personality seem tailor-made for the screen. On one hand, dramatizations in movies and TV miniseries have highlighted his vigorous leadership style, particularly his days as a Rough Rider and his trust-busting presidency. Actors such as Brian Keith in The Wind and the Lion (1975) and Tom Berenger in Rough Riders (1997) emphasized his blend of toughness and charisma. 

TR’s character has also appeared in lighter, family-friendly entertainment. Robin Williams’s portrayal of a wax-figure version of Roosevelt in the Night at the Museum trilogy (2006–2014) introduced the former president to a new generation, balancing humor with a warm sense of mentorship. Roosevelt, depicted by Mason Beals in INSP’s family-friendly Elkhorn TV series (2024-2025), chronicles TR’s life in North Dakota’s Badlands in the 1880s.

Television documentaries include PBS’s American Experience, Ken Burns’ The Roosevelts: An Intimate History, Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone to Yosemite, among others. Across genres, TR’s depictions often stress his boundless energy, booming voice, and love of adventure, reinforcing his status as an American archetype. 

Even when incorporating creative liberties—such as in comedic or fantastical roles—the essence of Roosevelt as a man of action, reform, and spirited enthusiasm remains central. These portrayals of TR reflect both historical admiration and cultural fascination, cementing Roosevelt as one of the most enduringly cinematic of all American presidents.