
J.T. Walsh
Acting
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.
TV Shows(7)
Movies(63)

Hidden Agenda
Jonathan Zanuck
1999

Pleasantville
Big Bob
1998

The Negotiator
Insp. Terence Niebaum
1998

Hope
Ray Percy
1997

Breakdown
Warren 'Red' Barr
1997

Persons Unknown
Cake
1996

Dark Skies
Capt. Frank Bach
1996

Crime of the Century
Col. Norman Schwarzkopf
1996

Gang in Blue
Lt. William Eyler
1996

Sling Blade
Charles Bushman
1996

Sacred Cargo
Father Stanislav
1996

The Little Death
Ted Hannon
1996

Executive Decision
Senator Mavros
1996

Nixon
John Ehrlichman
1995

Charlie's Ghost Story
Darryl
1995

The Low Life
Mike Sr
1995

The Babysitter
Harry Tucker
1995

Black Day Blue Night
Lt. John Quinn
1995

Outbreak
Chief of Staff (uncredited)
1995

Miracle on 34th Street
Ed Collins
1994

Star Struck
Greer
1994

Silent Fall
Sheriff Mitch Rivers
1994

The Client
Jason McThune
1994

The Last Seduction
Frank Griffith
1994

Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade
Charles Bushman
1994

Blue Chips
Happy
1994
Partners
"Grave Squad" Lawyer
1993

Morning Glory
Sheriff Reese Goodloe
1993

Needful Things
Danforth Keeton III
1993

Red Rock West
Wayne Brown
1993

National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1
Desk Clerk
1993

Sniper
Beckett's Senior Officer
1993

The American Clock
1993

Hoffa
Frank Fitzsimmons
1992

A Few Good Men
Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson
1992

In the Shadow of a Killer
Insp. Leo Kemeny
1992

The Prom
Grover Dean
1992

Contact
Radio Lieutenant
1992

Iron Maze
Jack Ruhle
1991

Defenseless
Steven Seldes
1991

True Identity
Houston
1991

Backdraft
Alderman Marty Swayzak
1991

The Russia House
Colonel Quinn
1990

Misery
State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)
1990

Narrow Margin
Michael Tarlow
1990

The Grifters
Cole
1990

Crazy People
Drucker
1990

Why Me?
Francis Mahoney
1990

Dad
Dr. Santana
1989

The Big Picture
Allen Habel
1989

Wired
Bob Woodward
1989

Tequila Sunrise
DEA Agent Hal McGuire
1988

Things Change
Hotel Manager
1988

Good Morning, Vietnam
Sgt. Major Dickerson
1987

House of Games
The Businessman
1987

Tin Men
Wing
1987

Hannah and Her Sisters
Ed Smythe
1986

Power
Jerome Cade
1986

Right to Kill?
Maj. Eckworth
1985

Hard Choices
Deputy Anderson
1985

The Beniker Gang
Principal Stoddard
1984

Jacobo Timerman: Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number
1983

Eddie Macon's Run
Man in Bar
1983






