Acting · San Francisco, California, USA · Born September 28, 1943
James Thomas Patrick 'J.T.' Walsh (September 28, 1943 - February 27, 1998) was an American actor. Known for his versatility and ability to play a wide range of characters, he had a successful career in film, television, and theater. 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, 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.
MovieHidden Agenda
1999
as Jonathan Zanuck
MoviePleasantville
1998
as Big Bob
MovieThe Negotiator
1998
as Insp. Terence Niebaum
MovieHope
1997
as Ray Percy
MovieBreakdown
1997
as Warren 'Red' Barr
MoviePersons Unknown
1996
as Cake
MovieDark Skies
1996
as Capt. Frank Bach
TVDark Skies
1996
as Frank Bach
MovieCrime of the Century
1996
as Col. Norman Schwarzkopf
MovieGang in Blue
1996
as Lt. William Eyler
MovieSling Blade
1996
as Charles Bushman
MovieSacred Cargo
1996
as Father Stanislav
MovieThe Little Death
1996
as Ted Hannon
MovieExecutive Decision
1996
as Senator Mavros
MovieNixon
1995
as John Ehrlichman
MovieCharlie's Ghost Story
1995
as Darryl
MovieThe Low Life
1995
as Mike Sr
MovieThe Babysitter
1995
as Harry Tucker
MovieBlack Day Blue Night
1995
as Lt. John Quinn
MovieOutbreak
1995
as Chief of Staff (uncredited)
MovieMiracle on 34th Street
1994
as Ed Collins
MovieStar Struck
1994
as Greer
MovieSilent Fall
1994
as Sheriff Mitch Rivers
MovieThe Client
1994
as Jason McThune
MovieThe Last Seduction
1994
as Frank Griffith
MovieSome Folks Call It a Sling Blade
1994
as Charles Bushman
MovieBlue Chips
1994
as Happy
Partners
1993
as "Grave Squad" Lawyer
MovieMorning Glory
1993
as Sheriff Reese Goodloe
TVLois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
1993
as Col. Charles Fane
TVThe X-Files
1993
as Warden Leo Brodeur
MovieNeedful Things
1993
as Danforth Keeton III
MovieRed Rock West
1993
as Wayne Brown
MovieNational Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1
1993
as Desk Clerk
MovieSniper
1993
as Beckett's Senior Officer
MovieThe American Clock
1993
MovieHoffa
1992
as Frank Fitzsimmons
MovieA Few Good Men
1992
as Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson
MovieIn the Shadow of a Killer
1992
as Insp. Leo Kemeny
MovieThe Prom
1992
as Grover Dean
MovieContact
1992
as Radio Lieutenant
MovieIron Maze
1991
as Jack Ruhle
MovieDefenseless
1991
as Steven Seldes
MovieTrue Identity
1991
as Houston
MovieBackdraft
1991
as Alderman Marty Swayzak
MovieThe Russia House
1990
as Colonel Quinn
MovieMisery
1990
as State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)
MovieNarrow Margin
1990
as Michael Tarlow
MovieThe Grifters
1990
as Cole
MovieCrazy People
1990
as Drucker
MovieWhy Me?
1990
as Francis Mahoney
MovieDad
1989
as Dr. Santana
MovieThe Big Picture
1989
as Allen Habel
MovieWired
1989
as Bob Woodward
MovieTequila Sunrise
1988
as DEA Agent Hal McGuire
MovieThings Change
1988
as Hotel Manager
MovieGood Morning, Vietnam
1987
as Sgt. Major Dickerson
MovieHouse of Games
1987
as The Businessman
MovieTin Men
1987
as Wing
TVL.A. Law
1986
as Pete Bostik
MovieHannah and Her Sisters
1986
as Ed Smythe
MoviePower
1986
as Jerome Cade
TVSpenser: For Hire
1985
TVThe Equalizer
1985
as Andrew Banks
MovieRight to Kill?
1985
as Maj. Eckworth
MovieHard Choices
1985
as Deputy Anderson
MovieThe Beniker Gang
1984
as Principal Stoddard
MovieJacobo Timerman: Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number
1983
MovieEddie Macon's Run
1983
as Man in Bar
TVLittle Gloria... Happy at Last
1982
