J. T. Walsh
Acting • Born 1943-09-28 – Died 1998-02-27
Biography
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
71 credits
A Few Good Men
Movie • 1992
Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson
The Russia House
Movie • 1990
Colonel Quinn
Breakdown
Movie • 1997
Warren 'Red' Barr
Miracle on 34th Street
Movie • 1994
Ed Collins
Good Morning, Vietnam
Movie • 1987
Sgt. Major Dickerson
Misery
Movie • 1990
State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)
Executive Decision
Movie • 1996
Senator Mavros
Needful Things
Movie • 1993
Danforth Keeton III
Pleasantville
Movie • 1998
Big Bob
Tequila Sunrise
Movie • 1988
DEA Agent Hal McGuire
Hoffa
Movie • 1992
Frank Fitzsimmons
The Client
Movie • 1994
Jason McThune
Red Rock West
Movie • 1993
Wayne Brown
Backdraft
Movie • 1991
Alderman Marty Swayzak
Nixon
Movie • 1995
John Ehrlichman
Dad
Movie • 1989
Dr. Santana
Narrow Margin
Movie • 1990
Michael Tarlow
The Last Seduction
Movie • 1994
Frank Griffith
Sniper
Movie • 1993
Beckett's Senior Officer
Sling Blade
Movie • 1996
Charles Bushman
The Negotiator
Movie • 1998
Insp. Terence Niebaum
House of Games
Movie • 1987
The Businessman
Jacobo Timerman: Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number
Movie • 1983
Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade
Movie • 1994
Charles Bushman
Defenseless
Movie • 1991
Steven Seldes
The Babysitter
Movie • 1995
Harry Tucker
The Big Picture
Movie • 1989
Allen Habel
Crazy People
Movie • 1990
Drucker
Silent Fall
Movie • 1994
Sheriff Mitch Rivers
The Grifters
Movie • 1990
Cole
Iron Maze
Movie • 1991
Jack Ruhle
Black Day Blue Night
Movie • 1995
Lt. John Quinn
Blue Chips
Movie • 1994
Happy
Persons Unknown
Movie • 1996
Cake
True Identity
Movie • 1991
Houston
Wired
Movie • 1989
Bob Woodward
Gang in Blue
Movie • 1996
Lt. William Eyler
Why Me?
Movie • 1990
Francis Mahoney
The Beniker Gang
Movie • 1984
Principal Stoddard
The Prom
Movie • 1992
Grover Dean
Crime of the Century
Movie • 1996
Col. Norman Schwarzkopf
Dark Skies
Movie • 1996
Capt. Frank Bach
Hidden Agenda
Movie • 1999
Jonathan Zanuck
Contact
Movie • 1992
Radio Lieutenant
The Little Death
Movie • 1996
Ted Hannon
Hard Choices
Movie • 1985
Deputy Anderson
Right to Kill?
Movie • 1985
Maj. Eckworth
Morning Glory
Movie • 1993
Sheriff Reese Goodloe
Star Struck
Movie • 1994
Greer
Hannah and Her Sisters
Movie • 1986
Ed Smythe
Charlie's Ghost Story
Movie • 1995
Darryl
The American Clock
Movie • 1993
The Low Life
Movie • 1995
Mike Sr
In the Shadow of a Killer
Movie • 1992
Insp. Leo Kemeny
Things Change
Movie • 1988
Hotel Manager
Eddie Macon's Run
Movie • 1983
Man in Bar
Partners
Movie • 1993
"Grave Squad" Lawyer
Hope
Movie • 1997
Ray Percy
National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1
Movie • 1993
Desk Clerk
Outbreak
Movie • 1995
Chief of Staff (uncredited)
Power
Movie • 1986
Jerome Cade
Tin Men
Movie • 1987
Wing
Sacred Cargo
Movie • 1996
Father Stanislav
Dark Skies
TV • 1996
Frank Bach
Spenser: For Hire
TV • 1985
L.A. Law
TV • 1986
Pete Bostik
The Equalizer
TV • 1985
Andrew Banks
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
TV • 1993
Col. Charles Fane
Little Gloria... Happy at Last
TV • 1982
The X-Files
TV • 1993
Warden Leo Brodeur
The Equalizer
TV • 1985
Sam Griffith