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
- Sling Blade as Charles Bushman
- Executive Decision as Senator Mavros
- Dark Skies as Frank Bach
- Gang in Blue as Lt. William Eyler
- Persons Unknown as Cake
- Crime of the Century as Col. Norman Schwarzkopf
- Sacred Cargo as Father Stanislav
- The Little Death as Ted Hannon
- Dark Skies as Capt. Frank Bach
1995
- Nixon as John Ehrlichman
- Outbreak as Chief of Staff (uncredited)
- The Babysitter as Harry Tucker
- Charlie's Ghost Story as Darryl
- The Low Life as Mike Sr
- Black Day Blue Night as Lt. John Quinn
1994
- Miracle on 34th Street as Ed Collins
- The Client as Jason McThune
- Silent Fall as Sheriff Mitch Rivers
- Blue Chips as Happy
- The Last Seduction as Frank Griffith
- 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
- Morning Glory as Sheriff Reese Goodloe
- Needful Things as Danforth Keeton III
- National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1 as Desk Clerk
- Red Rock West as Wayne Brown
- The American Clock
- Partners as "Grave Squad" Lawyer
1992
- A Few Good Men as Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson
- The Prom as Grover Dean
- Hoffa as Frank Fitzsimmons
- Contact as Radio Lieutenant
- In the Shadow of a Killer as Insp. Leo Kemeny
1991
- True Identity as Houston
- Backdraft as Alderman Marty Swayzak
- Iron Maze as Jack Ruhle
- Defenseless as Steven Seldes
1990
- Misery as State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)
- Crazy People as Drucker
- Narrow Margin as Michael Tarlow
- Why Me? as Francis Mahoney
- The Russia House as Colonel Quinn
- The Grifters as Cole
1989
- Dad as Dr. Santana
- Wired as Bob Woodward
- The Big Picture as Allen Habel
1988
- Things Change as Hotel Manager
- Tequila Sunrise as DEA Agent Hal McGuire
1987
- Tin Men as Wing
- Good Morning, Vietnam as Sgt. Major Dickerson
- House of Games as The Businessman
1986
- L.A. Law as Pete Bostik
- Power as Jerome Cade
- Hannah and Her Sisters as Ed Smythe
1985
- The Equalizer as Andrew Banks
- Spenser: For Hire
- Hard Choices as Deputy Anderson
- Right to Kill? as Maj. Eckworth
1984
- The Beniker Gang as Principal Stoddard