Is Ian McDiarmid A-List?
NoB
No — Ian McDiarmid is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Ranking Timeline
1972F$0.01M
Stage Debut in Hamlet
Ian McDiarmid makes his stage debut in Hamlet, starting his acting career.
1983C▲▲$0.1M+$0.09000000000000001M
Stars in Return of Jedi
McDiarmid gains recognition for his role as Emperor Palpatine in Return of the Jedi.
1999B▲$1M+$0.9M
Phantom Menace Emperor
McDiarmid reprises his role as Palpatine in the Star Wars prequels.
2019B$3M+$2M
Return in Rise of Skywalker
Returns as Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars Episode IX.
2026B$5M+$2M
Stage and Screen Legacy
Continues to work in both theater and film, cementing his legacy.
Last updated: February 21, 2026