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