J.T. Walsh
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.
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Films (63)
Hidden Agenda
1999 · Jonathan Zanuck, In Memory Of
Pleasantville
1998 · Big Bob
The Negotiator
1998 · Insp. Terence Niebaum
Hope
1997 · Ray Percy
Breakdown
1997 · Warren 'Red' Barr
Persons Unknown
1996 · Cake
Dark Skies
1996 · Capt. Frank Bach
Crime of the Century
1996 · Col. Norman Schwarzkopf
Gang in Blue
1996 · Lt. William Eyler
Sling Blade
1996 · Charles Bushman
Sacred Cargo
1996 · Father Stanislav
The Little Death
1996 · Ted Hannon
Executive Decision
1996 · Senator Mavros
Nixon
1995 · John Ehrlichman
Charlie's Ghost Story
1995 · Darryl
The Low Life
1995 · Mike Sr
The Babysitter
1995 · Harry Tucker
Black Day Blue Night
1995 · Lt. John Quinn
Outbreak
1995 · Chief of Staff (uncredited)
Miracle on 34th Street
1994 · Ed Collins
Star Struck
1994 · Greer
Silent Fall
1994 · Sheriff Mitch Rivers
The Client
1994 · Jason McThune
The Last Seduction
1994 · Frank Griffith
Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade
1994 · Charles Bushman
Blue Chips
1994 · Happy
Partners
1993 · "Grave Squad" Lawyer
Morning Glory
1993 · Sheriff Reese Goodloe
Needful Things
1993 · Danforth Keeton III
Red Rock West
1993 · Wayne Brown
National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1
1993 · Desk Clerk
Sniper
1993 · Beckett's Senior Officer
The American Clock
1993
Hoffa
1992 · Frank Fitzsimmons
A Few Good Men
1992 · Lt. Col. Matthew Markinson
In the Shadow of a Killer
1992 · Insp. Leo Kemeny
The Prom
1992 · Grover Dean
Contact
1992 · Radio Lieutenant
Iron Maze
1991 · Jack Ruhle
Defenseless
1991 · Steven Seldes
True Identity
1991 · Houston
Backdraft
1991 · Alderman Marty Swayzak
The Russia House
1990 · Colonel Quinn
Misery
1990 · State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)
Narrow Margin
1990 · Michael Tarlow
The Grifters
1990 · Cole
Crazy People
1990 · Drucker
Why Me?
1990 · Francis Mahoney
Dad
1989 · Dr. Santana
The Big Picture
1989 · Allen Habel
Wired
1989 · Bob Woodward
Tequila Sunrise
1988 · DEA Agent Hal McGuire
Things Change
1988 · Hotel Manager
Good Morning, Vietnam
1987 · Sgt. Major Dickerson
House of Games
1987 · The Businessman
Tin Men
1987 · Wing
Hannah and Her Sisters
1986 · Ed Smythe
Power
1986 · Jerome Cade
Right to Kill?
1985 · Maj. Eckworth
Hard Choices
1985 · Deputy Anderson
The Beniker Gang
1984 · Principal Stoddard
Jacobo Timerman: Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number
1983
Eddie Macon's Run
1983 · Man in Bar
