J.T. Walsh
Born: 1943-09-28 in San Francisco, California, USA
Died: 1998-02-27
Known For: Acting
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.
Filmography
1999
- Hidden Agenda as Jonathan Zanuck
1998
- The Negotiator as Insp. Terence Niebaum
- Pleasantville as Big Bob
1996
- Dark Skies as Frank Bach
- Executive Decision as Senator Mavros
- Sling Blade as Charles Bushman
- The Little Death as Ted Hannon
- Crime of the Century as Col. Norman Schwarzkopf
- Gang in Blue as Lt. William Eyler
- Persons Unknown as Cake
- Dark Skies as Capt. Frank Bach
- Sacred Cargo as Father Stanislav
1995
- Outbreak as Chief of Staff (uncredited)
- Nixon as John Ehrlichman
- The Babysitter as Harry Tucker
- The Low Life as Mike Sr
- Black Day Blue Night as Lt. John Quinn
- Charlie's Ghost Story as Darryl
1994
- The Client as Jason McThune
- Miracle on 34th Street as Ed Collins
- The Last Seduction as Frank Griffith
- Blue Chips as Happy
- Silent Fall as Sheriff Mitch Rivers
- Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade as Charles Bushman
- Star Struck as Greer
1993
- The X-Files as Warden Leo Brodeur
- Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman as Col. Charles Fane
- Sniper as Beckett's Senior Officer
- National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1 as Desk Clerk
- Needful Things as Danforth Keeton III
- Red Rock West as Wayne Brown
- The American Clock
- Partners as "Grave Squad" Lawyer
- Morning Glory as Sheriff Reese Goodloe
1992
- A Few Good Men as Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson
- Hoffa as Frank Fitzsimmons
- Contact as Radio Lieutenant
- The Prom as Grover Dean
- In the Shadow of a Killer as Insp. Leo Kemeny
1991
- Backdraft as Alderman Marty Swayzak
- True Identity as Houston
- Defenseless as Steven Seldes
- Iron Maze as Jack Ruhle
1990
- Misery as State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)
- The Grifters as Cole
- The Russia House as Colonel Quinn
- Narrow Margin as Michael Tarlow
- Crazy People as Drucker
- Why Me? as Francis Mahoney
1989
- The Big Picture as Allen Habel
- Dad as Dr. Santana
- Wired as Bob Woodward
1988
- Tequila Sunrise as DEA Agent Hal McGuire
- Things Change as Hotel Manager
1987
- Good Morning, Vietnam as Sgt. Major Dickerson
- House of Games as The Businessman
- Tin Men as Wing
1986
- L.A. Law as Pete Bostik
- Hannah and Her Sisters as Ed Smythe
- Power as Jerome Cade
1985
- The Equalizer as Andrew Banks
- Spenser: For Hire
- Right to Kill? as Maj. Eckworth
- Hard Choices as Deputy Anderson
1984
- The Beniker Gang as Principal Stoddard