James MacDonald
Known For: Acting
Biography
James G. MacDonald is an American actor and director known for his extensive work in film, television, and theater spanning over 35 years. He notably portrayed Captain James Wainwright in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "Little Green Men." MacDonald has appeared alongside many high-profile actors and worked with acclaimed directors across diverse genres including comedy, drama, thriller, horror, and science fiction. His versatile roles range from a naive young captain in Star Trek to parts in films like Volcano and Tigerland. He has also received awards for his work in theater and filmmaking. Beyond acting, MacDonald writes and directs, and he is active in teaching writing and acting workshops to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. His career is marked by both character-driven performances and creative contributions behind the scenes.
Filmography
2025
- Ballard as Naylin
2022
- The Winchesters as Jimmy Mixon
- Single and Ready to Jingle as Greg Polansky
2019
- All Rise as Ken Maples
2018
- The Rookie as FBI Driving Instructor
2016
- Sweet/Vicious as Officer Ballard
2015
- Little Boy as Recruitment Sergeant
2014
- Crisis as Skip
2013
- Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as Agent Jacobson
- Texas Chainsaw 3D as Officer Marvin
- Montana Amazon as Heirik
2012
- Chicago Fire as ADC Adam Perry
- Scandal as Interrogator
- Longmire as Randolph Hale
- Major Crimes as Lt. Reed
2011
- Fissure as Paul Grunning
- Love Bites as James Feeney
2010
- The Kids Are All Right as Clay's Dad
2009
- Castle as Benjamin Wade
- NCIS: Los Angeles as DEA Special Agent John Ness
- Lie to Me as Detective Riley
2008
- The Mentalist as Sgt. Bigley
- In Plain Sight as Peter O'Dell
2006
- The Unit as Willis Meeks
- Home of the Brave as Ray
2005
- Criminal Minds as Det. Dennison
- Weeds as 2nd Cop
- Commander in Chief as Agent Bennett
2003
- NCIS as Captain Faul
- Phone Booth as Negotiator
- Peacemakers as Caleb McGinty
- Hollywood Homicide as Danny Broome
2002
- CSI: Miami as Dan Becks
- Without a Trace as Kevin
- Hostage as SWAT Team Commander
2001
- 24 as Officer
- The Division as Bob Jenkins
- Joy Ride as Local in Nebraska Bar
2000
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation as Kenneth Ward
- Space Cowboys as Capcom
- Tigerland as Staff Sgt. Thomas
- Perfect Murder, Perfect Town: JonBenét and the City of Boulder as Det. Mark Beckner
1998
- Sex and the City as Garth
- The Magnificent Seven as Will Richmond
- Sour Grapes as Detective Frehill
- Fantasy Island as Rex Raskin
- Mercury Rising as SWAT Team Leader Francis
1997
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Detective Stein
- Brooklyn South as Marshal Bovier
- Volcano as Terry Jasper
- Turbulence as 1st Officer Ted Kary
1996
- Pacific Blue as Eitner
- Blackout as Mechanic
- Broken Arrow as Park Ranger Baker
- The Birdcage as Crewman (Uncredited)
1995
- JAG as Walt Rockwell
- Jake and The Kid as Louis
- Eye of the Stalker as Gerry
1994
- ER as Officer Gary McWayne
- Touched by an Angel as Gary McGregor
1993
- Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as Captain James Wainwright
1992
- Malcolm X as Lieutenant