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Personal Info

Gender

Male

Birthday

1943-09-28 (81 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.

Known For

Acting

1999

Hidden Agenda as Jonathan Zanuck

1998

Pleasantville as Big Bob
The Negotiator as Insp. Terence Niebaum

1997

Breakdown as Warren 'Red' Barr
Hope as Ray Percy

1996

Executive Decision as Senator Mavros
Sling Blade as Charles Bushman
Gang in Blue as Lt. William Eyler
Crime of the Century as Col. Norman Schwarzkopf
Dark Skies as Capt. Frank Bach
The Little Death as Ted Hannon
Sacred Cargo as Father Stanislav
Dark Skies as Frank Bach

1995

Nixon as John Ehrlichman
The Babysitter as Harry Tucker
Black Day Blue Night as Lt. John Quinn
The Low Life as Mike Sr
Outbreak as Chief of Staff (uncredited)

1994

The Client as Jason McThune
The Last Seduction as Frank Griffith
Silent Fall as Sheriff Mitch Rivers
Blue Chips as Happy
Star Struck as Greer

1993

Needful Things as Danforth 'Buster' Keeton III
Red Rock West as Wayne Brown
Sniper as Beckett's Senior Officer
Morning Glory as Sheriff Reese Goodloe
Partners as "Grave Squad" Lawyer
The X-Files as Warden Leo Brodeur

1992

A Few Good Men as Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson
Hoffa as Frank Fitzsimmons
The Prom as Grover Dean
Contact as Radio Lieutenant
In the Shadow of a Killer as Insp. Leo Kemeny

1991

Backdraft as Alderman Marty Swayzak
Defenseless as Steven Seldes
Iron Maze as Jack Ruhle
True Identity as Houston

1990

The Russia House as Colonel Quinn
Misery as State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)
Narrow Margin as Michael Tarlow
Crazy People as Drucker
The Grifters as Cole
Why Me? as Francis Mahoney

1989

Dad as Dr. Santana
The Big Picture as Allen Habel
Wired as Bob Woodward

1988

Tequila Sunrise as DEA Agent Hal McGuire
Things Change as Hotel Manager

1987

Good Morning, Vietnam as Sgt. Major Dickerson
House of Games as The Businessman
Tin Men as Wing

1986

Power as Jerome Cade
L.A. Law as Pete Bostik

1985

Hard Choices as Deputy Anderson
Right to Kill? as Maj. Eckworth
The Equalizer as Andrew Banks
The Equalizer as Sam Griffith

1984

The Beniker Gang as Principal Stoddard

1983

1982

Crew

1999

Hidden Agenda as In Memory Of