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.
Personal Details
Also Known As
Movies (47)
Hidden Agenda
as Jonathan Zanuck
1999
Pleasantville
as Big Bob
1998
The Negotiator
as Insp. Terence Niebaum
1998
Hope
as Ray Percy
1997
Breakdown
as Warren 'Red' Barr
1997
Persons Unknown
as Cake
1996
Dark Skies
as Capt. Frank Bach
1996
Crime of the Century
as Col. Norman Schwarzkopf
1996
Gang in Blue
as Lt. William Eyler
1996
Sling Blade
as Charles Bushman
1996
Sacred Cargo
as Father Stanislav
1996
The Little Death
as Ted Hannon
1996
Executive Decision
as Senator Mavros
1996
Nixon
as John Ehrlichman
1995
Charlie's Ghost Story
as Darryl
1995
The Low Life
as Mike Sr
1995
The Babysitter
as Harry Tucker
1995
Black Day Blue Night
as Lt. John Quinn
1995
Outbreak
as Chief of Staff (uncredited)
1995
Miracle on 34th Street
as Ed Collins
1994
Star Struck
as Greer
1994
Silent Fall
as Sheriff Mitch Rivers
1994
The Client
as Jason McThune
1994
The Last Seduction
as Frank Griffith
1994
Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade
as Charles Bushman
1994
Blue Chips
as Happy
1994
Partners
as "Grave Squad" Lawyer
1993
Morning Glory
as Sheriff Reese Goodloe
1993
Needful Things
as Danforth Keeton III
1993
Red Rock West
as Wayne Brown
1993
National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1
as Desk Clerk
1993
Sniper
as Beckett's Senior Officer
1993
The American Clock
1993
Hoffa
as Frank Fitzsimmons
1992
A Few Good Men
as Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson
1992
In the Shadow of a Killer
as Insp. Leo Kemeny
1992
The Prom
as Grover Dean
1992
Contact
as Radio Lieutenant
1992
Iron Maze
as Jack Ruhle
1991
Defenseless
as Steven Seldes
1991
True Identity
as Houston
1991
Backdraft
as Alderman Marty Swayzak
1991
The Russia House
as Colonel Quinn
1990
Misery
as State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)
1990
Narrow Margin
as Michael Tarlow
1990
The Grifters
as Cole
1990
Crazy People
as Drucker
1990
