J. T. Walsh
Personal Info
Known for
Acting
Gender
Male
Birthday
1943-09-28
Day of Death
1998-02-27 (54 years old)
Place of Birth
San Francisco, California, USA
J. T. Walsh
Biography
James Thomas Patrick 'J.T.' Walsh (September 28, 1943 - February 27, 1998) was a highly talented American actor. He had a successful career in film, television, and theater, known for his versatility and ability to play a wide range of characters.
Before becoming an actor, he 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. Despite his relatively short time in the spotlight, he left a lasting legacy, remembered for his memorable performances and the depth he brought to each character he portrayed.
Acting
(1999)
Hidden Agenda
as Jonathan Zanuck
(1998)
The Negotiator
as Insp. Terence Niebaum
(1998)
Pleasantville
as Big Bob
(1997)
Breakdown
as Warren 'Red' Barr
(1997)
Hope
as Ray Percy
(1996)
Executive Decision
as Senator Mavros
(1996)
Sling Blade
as Charles Bushman
(1996)
Sacred Cargo
as Father Stanislav
(1996)
Crime of the Century
as Col. Norman Schwarzkopf
(1996)
Dark Skies
as Capt. Frank Bach
(1996)
The Little Death
as Ted Hannon
(1996)
Gang in Blue
as Lt. William Eyler
(1996)
Persons Unknown
as Cake
(1995)
Outbreak
as Chief of Staff (uncredited)
(1995)
The Babysitter
as Harry Tucker
(1995)
Nixon
as John Ehrlichman
(1995)
Charlie's Ghost Story
as Darryl
(1995)
The Low Life
as Mike Sr
(1995)
Black Day Blue Night
as Lt. John Quinn
(1994)
The Client
as Jason McThune
(1994)
The Last Seduction
as Frank Griffith
(1994)
Blue Chips
as Happy
(1994)
Miracle on 34th Street
as Ed Collins
(1994)
Silent Fall
as Sheriff Mitch Rivers
(1994)
Star Struck
as Greer
(1994)
Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade
as Charles Bushman
(1993)
Sniper
as Beckett's Senior Officer
(1993)
National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1
as Desk Clerk
(1993)
Needful Things
as Danforth 'Buster' Keeton III
(1993)
Red Rock West
as Wayne Brown
(1993)
Morning Glory
as Sheriff Reese Goodloe
(1993)
Partners
as "Grave Squad" Lawyer
(1993)
(1992)
A Few Good Men
as Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson
(1992)
Hoffa
as Frank Fitzsimmons
(1992)
Contact
as Radio Lieutenant
(1992)
The Prom
as Grover Dean
(1992)
In the Shadow of a Killer
as Insp. Leo Kemeny
(1991)
Backdraft
as Alderman Marty Swayzak
(1991)
Defenseless
as Steven Seldes
(1991)
Iron Maze
as Jack Ruhle
(1991)
True Identity
as Houston
(1990)
Misery
as State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)
(1990)
The Grifters
as Cole
(1990)
Narrow Margin
as Michael Tarlow
(1990)
The Russia House
as Colonel Quinn
(1990)
Crazy People
as Drucker
(1990)
Why Me?
as Francis Mahoney
(1989)
Dad
as Dr. Santana
(1989)
The Big Picture
as Allen Habel
(1989)
Wired
as Bob Woodward
(1988)
Tequila Sunrise
as DEA Agent Hal McGuire
(1988)
Things Change
as Hotel Manager
(1987)
Good Morning, Vietnam
as Sgt. Major Dickerson
(1987)
Tin Men
as Wing
(1987)
House of Games
as The Businessman
(1986)
Hannah and Her Sisters
as Ed Smythe
(1986)
Power
as Jerome Cade
(1985)
Right to Kill?
as Maj. Eckworth
(1985)
Hard Choices
as Deputy Anderson
(1984)
The Beniker Gang
as Principal Stoddard
(1983)
(1983)
Eddie Macon's Run
as Man in Bar
Crew
(1999)
Hidden Agenda
In Memory Of