Known For:
Acting
Birthday:
September 28, 1943
Place of Birth:
San Francisco, California, USA
James Thomas Patrick 'J.T.' Walsh (September 28, 1943 - February 27, 1998) was a highly talented American actor. He had a successful career in film, television, and theater, known for his versatility and ability to play a wide range of characters.
Before becoming an actor, he worked as a stagehand and set builder. He made his on-screen debut in the early 1980s and quickly gained recognition for his convincing performances, often portraying authority figures or antagonists.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, his career took off with notable roles in films like Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), A Few Good Men (1992), and Sling Blade (1996). He had a commanding and intense presence on screen, making him memorable in both lead and supporting roles. He was known for his roles as "quietly sinister white-collar sleazeballs" (quote from Leonard Maltin) in numerous feature films and was described as "everybody's favourite scumbag" by Playboy magazine.
He was known for his dedication to authenticity and his meticulous approach to acting. He seamlessly transitioned between genres, showcasing his talent in drama, comedy, and suspense, earning him respect as a character actor.
Sadly, his career was cut short when he passed away on February 27, 1998, at the age of 54. Despite his relatively short time in the spotlight, he left a lasting legacy, remembered for his memorable performances and the depth he brought to each character he portrayed.
Year | Movie | Role |
---|---|---|
1999 | Hidden Agenda | Jonathan Zanuck |
1998 | Pleasantville | Big Bob |
1998 | The Negotiator | Insp. Terence Niebaum |
1997 | Breakdown | Warren 'Red' Barr |
1997 | Hope | Ray Percy |
1996 | Executive Decision | Senator Mavros |
1996 | Sling Blade | Charles Bushman |
1996 | Persons Unknown | Cake |
1996 | Gang in Blue | Lt. William Eyler |
1996 | Crime of the Century | Col. Norman Schwarzkopf |
1996 | Dark Skies | Capt. Frank Bach |
1996 | The Little Death | Ted Hannon |
1996 | Sacred Cargo | Father Stanislav |
1995 | Nixon | John Ehrlichman |
1995 | The Babysitter | Harry Tucker |
1995 | Black Day Blue Night | Lt. John Quinn |
1995 | Charlie's Ghost Story | Darryl |
1995 | The Low Life | Mike Sr |
1995 | Outbreak | Chief of Staff (uncredited) |
1994 | Miracle on 34th Street | Ed Collins |
1994 | The Client | Jason McThune |
1994 | The Last Seduction | Frank Griffith |
1994 | Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade | Charles Bushman |
1994 | Silent Fall | Sheriff Mitch Rivers |
1994 | Blue Chips | Happy |
1994 | Star Struck | Greer |
1993 | Needful Things | Danforth 'Buster' Keeton III |
1993 | Red Rock West | Wayne Brown |
1993 | Sniper | Beckett's Senior Officer |
1993 | Morning Glory | Sheriff Reese Goodloe |
1993 | The American Clock | |
1993 | Partners | "Grave Squad" Lawyer |
1993 | National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1 | Desk Clerk |
1992 | A Few Good Men | Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson |
1992 | Hoffa | Frank Fitzsimmons |
1992 | The Prom | Grover Dean |
1992 | Contact | Radio Lieutenant |
1992 | In the Shadow of a Killer | Insp. Leo Kemeny |
1991 | Backdraft | Alderman Marty Swayzak |
1991 | Defenseless | Steven Seldes |
1991 | Iron Maze | Jack Ruhle |
1991 | True Identity | Houston |
1990 | The Russia House | Colonel Quinn |
1990 | Misery | State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited) |
1990 | Narrow Margin | Michael Tarlow |
1990 | Crazy People | Drucker |
1990 | The Grifters | Cole |
1990 | Why Me? | Francis Mahoney |
1989 | Dad | Dr. Santana |
1989 | The Big Picture | Allen Habel |
1989 | Wired | Bob Woodward |
1988 | Tequila Sunrise | DEA Agent Hal McGuire |
1988 | Things Change | Hotel Manager |
1987 | Good Morning, Vietnam | Sgt. Major Dickerson |
1987 | House of Games | The Businessman |
1987 | Tin Men | Wing |
1986 | Hannah and Her Sisters | Ed Smythe |
1986 | Power | Jerome Cade |
1985 | Hard Choices | Deputy Anderson |
1985 | Right to Kill? | Maj. Eckworth |
1984 | The Beniker Gang | Principal Stoddard |
1983 | Jacobo Timerman: Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number | |
1983 | Eddie Macon's Run | Man in Bar |
Year | TV Show | Role |
---|---|---|
1996 | Dark Skies | Frank Bach |
1993 | Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman | Col. Charles Fane |
1993 | The X-Files | Warden Leo Brodeur |
1986 | L.A. Law | Pete Bostik |
1985 | Spenser: For Hire | |
1985 | The Equalizer | Andrew Banks |
1985 | The Equalizer | Sam Griffith |
1982 | Little Gloria... Happy at Last |