J. T. Walsh
Biography
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.
Known For
Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson
A Few Good Men
Colonel Quinn
The Russia House
Warren 'Red' Barr
Breakdown
Ed Collins
Miracle on 34th Street
Sgt. Major Dickerson
Good Morning, Vietnam
State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)
Misery
Senator Mavros
Executive Decision
Danforth 'Buster' Keeton III
Needful Things
Big Bob
Pleasantville
DEA Agent Hal McGuire
Tequila Sunrise
Frank Fitzsimmons
Hoffa
Jason McThune
The Client
Wayne Brown
Red Rock West
Alderman Marty Swayzak
Backdraft
John Ehrlichman
Nixon
Dr. Santana
Dad
Michael Tarlow
Narrow Margin
Frank Griffith
The Last Seduction
Beckett's Senior Officer
Sniper
Charles Bushman
Sling Blade
Insp. Terence Niebaum
The Negotiator
The Businessman
House of Games
Jacobo Timerman: Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number
Charles Bushman
Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade
Steven Seldes
Defenseless
Harry Tucker
The Babysitter
Allen Habel
The Big Picture
Drucker
Crazy People
Sheriff Mitch Rivers
Silent Fall
Cole
The Grifters
Jack Ruhle
Iron Maze
Lt. John Quinn
Black Day Blue Night
Happy
Blue Chips
Cake
Persons Unknown
Houston
True Identity
Bob Woodward
Wired
Lt. William Eyler
Gang in Blue
Francis Mahoney
Why Me?
Principal Stoddard
The Beniker Gang
Grover Dean
The Prom
Col. Norman Schwarzkopf
Crime of the Century
Capt. Frank Bach
Dark Skies
Jonathan Zanuck
Hidden Agenda
Radio Lieutenant
Contact
Ted Hannon
The Little Death
Deputy Anderson
Hard Choices
Maj. Eckworth
Right to Kill?
Sheriff Reese Goodloe
Morning Glory
Greer
Star Struck
Ed Smythe
Hannah and Her Sisters
Darryl
Charlie's Ghost Story
The American Clock
Mike Sr
The Low Life
Insp. Leo Kemeny
In the Shadow of a Killer
Hotel Manager
Things Change
Man in Bar
Eddie Macon's Run
"Grave Squad" Lawyer
Partners
Ray Percy
Hope
Desk Clerk
National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1
Chief of Staff (uncredited)
Outbreak
Jerome Cade
Power
Wing
Tin Men
Father Stanislav
Sacred Cargo
Personal Info
Known For
Acting
Known Credits
63
Gender
Male
Birthday
1943-09-28
Place of Birth
San Francisco, California, USA
Also Known As
J. T. Walsh