James Thomas Patrick "J. T." Walsh, born in San Francisco, California on September 28, 1943, 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, Walsh 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, Walsh's 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. Walsh 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. Walsh 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, J.T. Walsh's 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.
A Few Good Men
(Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson)
The Russia House
(Colonel Quinn)
Breakdown
(Warren 'Red' Barr)
Miracle on 34th Street
(Ed Collins)
Good Morning, Vietnam
(Sgt. Major Dickerson)
Misery
(State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited))
Executive Decision
(Senator Mavros)
Needful Things
(Danforth 'Buster' Keeton III)
Pleasantville
(Big Bob)
Tequila Sunrise
(DEA Agent Hal McGuire)
Hoffa
(Frank Fitzsimmons)
The Client
(Jason McThune)
Red Rock West
(Wayne Brown)
Backdraft
(Alderman Marty Swayzak)
Nixon
(John Ehrlichman)
Dad
(Dr. Santana)
Narrow Margin
(Michael Tarlow)
The Last Seduction
(Frank Griffith)
Sniper
(Beckett's Senior Officer)
Sling Blade
(Charles Bushman)
The Negotiator
(Insp. Terence Niebaum)
House of Games
(The Businessman)
Jacobo Timerman: Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number
Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade
(Charles Bushman)
Defenseless
(Steven Seldes)
The Babysitter
(Harry Tucker)
The Big Picture
(Allen Habel)
Crazy People
(Drucker)
Silent Fall
(Sheriff Mitch Rivers)
The Grifters
(Cole)
Iron Maze
(Jack Ruhle)
Black Day Blue Night
(Lt. John Quinn)
Blue Chips
(Happy)
Persons Unknown
(Cake)
True Identity
(Houston)
Wired
(Bob Woodward)
Gang in Blue
(Lt. William Eyler)
Why Me?
(Francis Mahoney)
The Beniker Gang
(Principal Stoddard)
The Prom
(Grover Dean)
Crime of the Century
(Col. Norman Schwarzkopf)
Dark Skies
(Capt. Frank Bach)
Hidden Agenda
(Jonathan Zanuck)
Contact
(Radio Lieutenant)
The Little Death
(Ted Hannon)
Hard Choices
(Deputy Anderson)
Right to Kill?
(Maj. Eckworth)
Morning Glory
(Sheriff Reese Goodloe)
Star Struck
(Greer)
Hannah and Her Sisters
(Ed Smythe)
Charlie's Ghost Story
(Darryl)
The American Clock
The Low Life
(Mike Sr)
In the Shadow of a Killer
(Insp. Leo Kemeny)
Things Change
(Hotel Manager)
Eddie Macon's Run
(Man in Bar)
Partners
("Grave Squad" Lawyer)
Hope
(Ray Percy)
National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1
(Desk Clerk)
Outbreak
(Chief of Staff (uncredited))
Power
(Jerome Cade)
Tin Men
(Wing)
Sacred Cargo
(Father Stanislav)
Dark Skies
(Frank Bach)
Spenser: For Hire
L.A. Law
(Pete Bostik)
The Equalizer
(Andrew Banks)
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
(Col. Charles Fane)
Little Gloria... Happy at Last
The X-Files
(Warden Leo Brodeur)
The Equalizer
(Sam Griffith)