J.T. Walsh
ActingJames 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.
Known For
A Few Good Men
Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson
Misery
State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)
Outbreak
Chief of Staff (uncredited)
Breakdown
Warren 'Red' Barr
Good Morning, Vietnam
Sgt. Major Dickerson
Backdraft
Alderman Marty Swayzak
Miracle on 34th Street
Ed Collins
The Client
Jason McThune
The Negotiator
Insp. Terence Niebaum
Sniper
Beckett's Senior Officer
Filmography — Acting
A Few Good Men
Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson
Misery
State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)
Outbreak
Chief of Staff (uncredited)
Breakdown
Warren 'Red' Barr
Good Morning, Vietnam
Sgt. Major Dickerson
Backdraft
Alderman Marty Swayzak
Miracle on 34th Street
Ed Collins
The Client
Jason McThune
The Negotiator
Insp. Terence Niebaum
Sniper
Beckett's Senior Officer
Executive Decision
Senator Mavros
Pleasantville
Big Bob
Nixon
John Ehrlichman
Sling Blade
Charles Bushman
The Russia House
Colonel Quinn
The Babysitter
Harry Tucker
National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1
Desk Clerk
Hannah and Her Sisters
Ed Smythe
The Last Seduction
Frank Griffith
The Grifters
Cole
Dad
Dr. Santana
Tequila Sunrise
DEA Agent Hal McGuire
Needful Things
Danforth Keeton III
The Big Picture
Allen Habel
House of Games
The Businessman
Hoffa
Frank Fitzsimmons
Red Rock West
Wayne Brown
The Prom
Grover Dean
Blue Chips
Happy
Narrow Margin
Michael Tarlow
Power
Jerome Cade
Crazy People
Drucker
Tin Men
Wing
Defenseless
Steven Seldes
Silent Fall
Sheriff Mitch Rivers
Why Me?
Francis Mahoney
True Identity
Houston
Eddie Macon's Run
Man in Bar
Iron Maze
Jack Ruhle
Crime of the Century
Col. Norman Schwarzkopf
Morning Glory
Sheriff Reese Goodloe
Contact
Radio Lieutenant
Wired
Bob Woodward
Things Change
Hotel Manager
The Low Life
Mike Sr
Hope
Ray Percy
Persons Unknown
Cake
Charlie's Ghost Story
Darryl
The Little Death
Ted Hannon
Black Day Blue Night
Lt. John Quinn
Right to Kill?
Maj. Eckworth
The American Clock
Dark Skies
Capt. Frank Bach
Hard Choices
Deputy Anderson
Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade
Charles Bushman
Gang in Blue
Lt. William Eyler
The Beniker Gang
Principal Stoddard
Star Struck
Greer
Hidden Agenda
Jonathan Zanuck
Partners
"Grave Squad" Lawyer
Sacred Cargo
Father Stanislav
In the Shadow of a Killer
Insp. Leo Kemeny
