J.T. Walsh

Acting

Born September 28, 1943, San Francisco, California, USA

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.

Filmography

• 1999Hidden Agenda — Jonathan Zanuck, In Memory Of
• 1998Pleasantville — Big Bob
• 1998The Negotiator — Insp. Terence Niebaum
• 1997Breakdown — Warren 'Red' Barr
• 1997Hope — Ray Percy
• 1996Crime of the Century — Col. Norman Schwarzkopf
• 1996Dark Skies — Capt. Frank Bach
• Dark Skies — Frank Bach
• 1996Executive Decision — Senator Mavros
• 1996Gang in Blue — Lt. William Eyler
• 1996Persons Unknown — Cake
• 1996Sacred Cargo — Father Stanislav
• 1996Sling Blade — Charles Bushman
• 1996The Little Death — Ted Hannon
• 1995Black Day Blue Night — Lt. John Quinn
• 1995Charlie's Ghost Story — Darryl
• 1995Nixon — John Ehrlichman
• 1995Outbreak — Chief of Staff (uncredited)
• 1995The Babysitter — Harry Tucker
• 1995The Low Life — Mike Sr
• 1994Blue Chips — Happy
• 1994Miracle on 34th Street — Ed Collins
• 1994Silent Fall — Sheriff Mitch Rivers
• 1994Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade — Charles Bushman
• 1994Star Struck — Greer
• 1994The Client — Jason McThune
• 1994The Last Seduction — Frank Griffith
• Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman — Col. Charles Fane
• 1993Morning Glory — Sheriff Reese Goodloe
• 1993National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1 — Desk Clerk
• 1993Needful Things — Danforth Keeton III
• 1993Partners — "Grave Squad" Lawyer
• 1993Red Rock West — Wayne Brown
• 1993Sniper — Beckett's Senior Officer
• 1993The American Clock
• The X-Files — Warden Leo Brodeur
• 1992A Few Good Men — Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson
• 1992Contact — Radio Lieutenant
• 1992Hoffa — Frank Fitzsimmons
• 1992In the Shadow of a Killer — Insp. Leo Kemeny
• 1992The Prom — Grover Dean
• 1991Backdraft — Alderman Marty Swayzak
• 1991Defenseless — Steven Seldes
• 1991Iron Maze — Jack Ruhle
• 1991True Identity — Houston
• 1990Crazy People — Drucker
• 1990Misery — State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)
• 1990Narrow Margin — Michael Tarlow
• 1990The Grifters — Cole
• 1990The Russia House — Colonel Quinn
• 1990Why Me? — Francis Mahoney
• 1989Dad — Dr. Santana
• 1989The Big Picture — Allen Habel
• 1989Wired — Bob Woodward
• 1988Tequila Sunrise — DEA Agent Hal McGuire
• 1988Things Change — Hotel Manager
• 1987Good Morning, Vietnam — Sgt. Major Dickerson
• 1987House of Games — The Businessman
• 1987Tin Men — Wing
• 1986Hannah and Her Sisters — Ed Smythe
• L.A. Law — Pete Bostik
• 1986Power — Jerome Cade
• 1985Hard Choices — Deputy Anderson
• 1985Right to Kill? — Maj. Eckworth
• Spenser: For Hire
• The Equalizer — Andrew Banks, Sam Griffith
• 1984The Beniker Gang — Principal Stoddard
• 1983Eddie Macon's Run — Man in Bar
• 1983Jacobo Timerman: Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number
• Little Gloria... Happy at Last