J.T. Walsh
Biography
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.
Known For
The X-Files
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
L.A. Law
The Equalizer
The Equalizer
Spenser: For Hire
The Negotiator
Dark Skies
All Movies (63)
- Hidden Agenda1999 · as Jonathan Zanuck
- Pleasantville1998 · as Big Bob
- The Negotiator1998 · as Insp. Terence Niebaum
- Hope1997 · as Ray Percy
- Breakdown1997 · as Warren 'Red' Barr
- Persons Unknown1996 · as Cake
- Dark Skies1996 · as Capt. Frank Bach
- Crime of the Century1996 · as Col. Norman Schwarzkopf
- Gang in Blue1996 · as Lt. William Eyler
- Sling Blade1996 · as Charles Bushman
- Sacred Cargo1996 · as Father Stanislav
- The Little Death1996 · as Ted Hannon
- Executive Decision1996 · as Senator Mavros
- Nixon1995 · as John Ehrlichman
- Charlie's Ghost Story1995 · as Darryl
- The Low Life1995 · as Mike Sr
- The Babysitter1995 · as Harry Tucker
- Black Day Blue Night1995 · as Lt. John Quinn
- Outbreak1995 · as Chief of Staff (uncredited)
- Miracle on 34th Street1994 · as Ed Collins
- Star Struck1994 · as Greer
- Silent Fall1994 · as Sheriff Mitch Rivers
- The Client1994 · as Jason McThune
- The Last Seduction1994 · as Frank Griffith
- Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade1994 · as Charles Bushman
- Blue Chips1994 · as Happy
- Partners1993 · as "Grave Squad" Lawyer
- Morning Glory1993 · as Sheriff Reese Goodloe
- Needful Things1993 · as Danforth Keeton III
- Red Rock West1993 · as Wayne Brown
- National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 11993 · as Desk Clerk
- Sniper1993 · as Beckett's Senior Officer
- The American Clock1993
- Hoffa1992 · as Frank Fitzsimmons
- A Few Good Men1992 · as Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson
- In the Shadow of a Killer1992 · as Insp. Leo Kemeny
- The Prom1992 · as Grover Dean
- Contact1992 · as Radio Lieutenant
- Iron Maze1991 · as Jack Ruhle
- Defenseless1991 · as Steven Seldes
- True Identity1991 · as Houston
- Backdraft1991 · as Alderman Marty Swayzak
- The Russia House1990 · as Colonel Quinn
- Misery1990 · as State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)
- Narrow Margin1990 · as Michael Tarlow
- The Grifters1990 · as Cole
- Crazy People1990 · as Drucker
- Why Me?1990 · as Francis Mahoney
- Dad1989 · as Dr. Santana
- The Big Picture1989 · as Allen Habel
- Wired1989 · as Bob Woodward
- Tequila Sunrise1988 · as DEA Agent Hal McGuire
- Things Change1988 · as Hotel Manager
- Good Morning, Vietnam1987 · as Sgt. Major Dickerson
- House of Games1987 · as The Businessman
- Tin Men1987 · as Wing
- Hannah and Her Sisters1986 · as Ed Smythe
- Power1986 · as Jerome Cade
- Right to Kill?1985 · as Maj. Eckworth
- Hard Choices1985 · as Deputy Anderson
- The Beniker Gang1984 · as Principal Stoddard
- Jacobo Timerman: Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number1983
- Eddie Macon's Run1983 · as Man in Bar
All TV Shows (8)
- Dark Skies1996 · as Frank Bach
- Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman1993 · as Col. Charles Fane
- The X-Files1993 · as Warden Leo Brodeur
- L.A. Law1986 · as Pete Bostik
- Spenser: For Hire1985
- The Equalizer1985 · as Andrew Banks
- The Equalizer1985 · as Sam Griffith
- Little Gloria... Happy at Last1982