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.

Cast

A Few Good Men
Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson
The Russia House
Colonel Quinn
Breakdown
Warren 'Red' Barr
Miracle on 34th Street
Ed Collins
Good Morning, Vietnam
Sgt. Major Dickerson
Misery
State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)
Executive Decision
Senator Mavros
Needful Things
Danforth Keeton III
Pleasantville
Big Bob
Tequila Sunrise
DEA Agent Hal McGuire
Hoffa
Frank Fitzsimmons
The Client
Jason McThune
Red Rock West
Wayne Brown
Backdraft
Alderman Marty Swayzak
Nixon
John Ehrlichman
Dad
Dr. Santana
Narrow Margin
Michael Tarlow
The Last Seduction
Frank Griffith
Sniper
Beckett's Senior Officer
Sling Blade
Charles Bushman
The Negotiator
Insp. Terence Niebaum
House of Games
The Businessman
Jacobo Timerman: Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number
Unknown
Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade
Charles Bushman
Defenseless
Steven Seldes
The Babysitter
Harry Tucker
The Big Picture
Allen Habel
Crazy People
Drucker
Silent Fall
Sheriff Mitch Rivers
The Grifters
Cole
Iron Maze
Jack Ruhle
Black Day Blue Night
Lt. John Quinn
Blue Chips
Happy
Persons Unknown
Cake
True Identity
Houston
Wired
Bob Woodward
Gang in Blue
Lt. William Eyler
Why Me?
Francis Mahoney
The Beniker Gang
Principal Stoddard
The Prom
Grover Dean
Crime of the Century
Col. Norman Schwarzkopf
Dark Skies
Capt. Frank Bach
Hidden Agenda
Jonathan Zanuck
Contact
Radio Lieutenant
The Little Death
Ted Hannon
Hard Choices
Deputy Anderson
Right to Kill?
Maj. Eckworth
Morning Glory
Sheriff Reese Goodloe
Star Struck
Greer
Hannah and Her Sisters
Ed Smythe
Charlie's Ghost Story
Darryl
The American Clock
Unknown
The Low Life
Mike Sr
In the Shadow of a Killer
Insp. Leo Kemeny
Things Change
Hotel Manager
Eddie Macon's Run
Man in Bar
Partners
"Grave Squad" Lawyer
Hope
Ray Percy
National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1
Desk Clerk
Outbreak
Chief of Staff (uncredited)
Power
Jerome Cade
Tin Men
Wing
Sacred Cargo
Father Stanislav