J.T. Walsh
Known for: 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.
Filmography
Series
The X-Files
Warden Leo Brodeur
1993
Series
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
Col. Charles Fane
1993
Series
L.A. Law
Pete Bostik
1986
Series
The Equalizer
Andrew Banks
1985
Series
The Equalizer
Sam Griffith
1985
Film
A Few Good Men
Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson
1992
Film
Sling Blade
Charles Bushman
1996
Film
Misery
State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)
1990
Series
Spenser: For Hire
1985
Film
The Negotiator
Insp. Terence Niebaum
1998
Film
The Client
Jason McThune
1994
Film
Good Morning, Vietnam
Sgt. Major Dickerson
1987
Film
Backdraft
Alderman Marty Swayzak
1991
Series
Dark Skies
Frank Bach
1996
Film
Executive Decision
Senator Mavros
1996
Film
Outbreak
Chief of Staff (uncredited)
1995
Film
Pleasantville
Big Bob
1998
Film
Breakdown
Warren 'Red' Barr
1997
Film
Miracle on 34th Street
Ed Collins
1994
Film
Hannah and Her Sisters
Ed Smythe
1986
Film
Needful Things
Danforth Keeton III
1993
Film
Sniper
Beckett's Senior Officer
1993
Film
National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1
Desk Clerk
1993
Film
The Grifters
Cole
1990
Film
Tequila Sunrise
DEA Agent Hal McGuire
1988
Film
Tin Men
Wing
1987
Film
The Last Seduction
Frank Griffith
1994
Film
Hoffa
Frank Fitzsimmons
1992
Film
Dad
Dr. Santana
1989
Film
Narrow Margin
Michael Tarlow
1990
Film
Nixon
John Ehrlichman
1995
Film
The Russia House
Colonel Quinn
1990
Film
Blue Chips
Happy
1994
Film
The Big Picture
Allen Habel
1989
Film
Red Rock West
Wayne Brown
1993
Series
Little Gloria... Happy at Last
1982
Film
The Babysitter
Harry Tucker
1995
Film
House of Games
The Businessman
1987
Film
Crazy People
Drucker
1990
Film
Silent Fall
Sheriff Mitch Rivers
1994
Film
Why Me?
Francis Mahoney
1990
Film
Iron Maze
Jack Ruhle
1991
Film
True Identity
Houston
1991
Film
Contact
Radio Lieutenant
1992
Film
Eddie Macon's Run
Man in Bar
1983
Film
Persons Unknown
Cake
1996
Film
Power
Jerome Cade
1986
Film
Charlie's Ghost Story
Darryl
1995
Film
Things Change
Hotel Manager
1988
Partners
"Grave Squad" Lawyer
1993
Film
Defenseless
Steven Seldes
1991
Film
Sacred Cargo
Father Stanislav
1996
Film
Crime of the Century
Col. Norman Schwarzkopf
1996
Film
The Little Death
Ted Hannon
1996
Film
Gang in Blue
Lt. William Eyler
1996
Film
Hidden Agenda
Jonathan Zanuck
1999
Film
Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade
Charles Bushman
1994
Film
Black Day Blue Night
Lt. John Quinn
1995
Film
Hope
Ray Percy
1997
Film
Right to Kill?
Maj. Eckworth
1985
Film
In the Shadow of a Killer
Insp. Leo Kemeny
1992
Film
The American Clock
1993
Film
The Prom
Grover Dean
1992
Film
Jacobo Timerman: Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number
1983
Film
Wired
Bob Woodward
1989
Film
The Low Life
Mike Sr
1995
Film
Morning Glory
Sheriff Reese Goodloe
1993
Film
The Beniker Gang
Principal Stoddard
1984
Film
Star Struck
Greer
1994
Film
Dark Skies
Capt. Frank Bach
1996
Film
Hard Choices
Deputy Anderson
1985