JW
Photo of J. T. Walsh

J. T. Walsh

Actor
Born September 28, 1943Died February 27, 1998 (54 years)
James Thomas Patrick 'J.T.' Walsh (September 28, 1943 - February 27, 1998) was a highly talented American actor. He had a successful career in film, television, and theater, known for his versatility and ability to play a wide range of characters.

Before becoming an actor, he 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. Despite his relatively short time in the spotlight, he left a lasting legacy, remembered for his memorable performances and the depth he brought to each character he portrayed.

Movies & Shows on Plex

  • The Negotiator
  • Silent Fall
  • Gang in Blue
  • Charlie's Ghost Story
  • Sacred Cargo

Known For

  • A Few Good Men
  • Breakdown
  • Sling Blade
  • The Negotiator
  • Good Morning, Vietnam
  • Backdraft
  • Miracle on 34th Street
  • The Last Seduction
  • Sniper
  • The Client
  • Tequila Sunrise
  • Red Rock West
  • Needful Things
  • Hoffa
  • House of Games
  • Blue Chips
  • The Russia House
  • Narrow Margin
  • The Big Picture
  • The Babysitter
  • Crazy People
  • Silent Fall
  • Tin Men
  • Dark Skies

Filmography

1999
Hidden Agenda · as Jonathan Zanuck
1998
Pleasantville · as Big Bob
1998
The Negotiator · as Insp. Terence Niebaum
1997
Hope · as Ray Percy
1997
C-16: FBI (TV Series) · as Jules Rozack
1997
Breakdown · as Warren 'red' Barr
1996
Persons Unknown · as Cake
1996
Dark Skies (TV Series) · as 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
The Little Death · as Ted Hannon
1996
Executive Decision · as Senator Mavros
1995
Sacred Cargo · as Father Stanislav
1995
Nixon · as John Ehrlichman
1995
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)
1994
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
1993
Partners · as "grave Squad" Lawyer
1993
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (TV Series) · as Col. Charles Fane
1993
The X-Files (TV Series) · as Warden Leo Brodeur
1993
Needful Things · as Danforth 'buster' Keeton Iii
1993
1993
Morning Glory · as Sheriff Reese Goodloe
1993
Red Rock West · as Wayne Brown
1993
Loaded Weapon 1 · as Desk Clerk
1993
Sniper · as Beckett's Senior Officer
1993
Contact · as Radio Lieutenant
1992
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
1991
Iron Maze · as Jack Ruhle
1991
Defenseless · as Steven Seldes
1991
True Identity · as Houston
1991
Backdraft · as Alderman Marty Swayzak
1990
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
Why Me? · as Francis Mahoney
1989
Dad · as Dr. Santana
1989
The Big Picture · as Allen Habel
1989
Wired · as Bob Woodward
1988
Tequila Sunrise · as Dea Agent Hal Mcguire
1988
Things Change · as Hotel Manager
1988
Windmills of the Gods (TV Series) · as Colonel Bill Mckinney
1987
Good Morning, Vietnam · as Sgt. Major Dickerson
1987
House of Games · as The Businessman
1987
Tin Men · as Wing
1986
The Ellen Burstyn Show (TV Series) · as Dan Hodges
1986
L.A. Law (TV Series) · as Pete Bostik
1986
Tough Cookies (TV Series) · as Cast
1986
Hannah and Her Sisters · as Ed Smythe
1986
Power · as Jerome Cade
1985
Spenser: For Hire (TV Series)
1985
The Equalizer (TV Series) · as Sam Griffith
1985
Right to Kill? · as Maj. Eckworth
1984
The Beniker Gang · as Principal Stoddard
1984
Hard Choices · as Deputy Anderson
1983
1983
Blood Feud · as Photographer
1983
Eddie Macon's Run · as Man In Bar
1982
1970
All My Children (TV Series) · as Jay Garland
1956
The Edge of Night (TV Series) · as Ken Bloom #2

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