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James MacDonald

Actor

James MacDonald

26 films

James G. MacDonald is an American actor and director known for his extensive work in film, television, and theater spanning over 35 years. He notably portrayed Captain James Wainwright in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "Little Green Men." MacDonald has appeared alongside many high-profile actors and worked with acclaimed directors across diverse genres including comedy, drama, thriller, horror, and science fiction.

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His versatile roles range from a naive young captain in Star Trek to parts in films like Volcano and Tigerland. He has also received awards for his work in theater and filmmaking. Beyond acting, MacDonald writes and directs, and he is active in teaching writing and acting workshops to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. His career is marked by both character-driven performances and creative contributions behind the scenes.

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The best way into James MacDonald's work
Malcolm X posterFirst watchMalcolm X19927.6as LieutenantA tribute to the controversial black activist and leader of the struggle for black liberation. He hit bottom during his imprisonment in the '50s, he became a Black Muslim and then a leader…View film

Essential films

Ranked by acclaim and reach
Phone Booth poster6.9Phone Booth2003The Birdcage poster7.0The Birdcage1996The Kids Are All Right poster6.6The Kids Are All Right2010Joy Ride poster6.5Joy Ride2001Space Cowboys poster6.4Space Cowboys2000Mercury Rising poster6.3Mercury Rising1998Little Boy poster7.3Little Boy2015Broken Arrow poster6.1Broken Arrow1996

Filmography

26 films as actor
  1. 2022Single and Ready to JingleGreg Polansky
  2. 2015Little BoyRecruitment Sergeant
  3. 2013Montana AmazonHeirik
  4. 2013Texas Chainsaw 3DOfficer Marvin
  5. 2011FissurePaul Grunning
  6. 2010The Kids Are All RightClay's Dad
  7. 2006Home of the BraveRay
  8. 2003Hollywood HomicideDanny Broome
  9. 2003Phone BoothNegotiator
  10. 2002HostageSWAT Team Commander
  11. 2001Joy RideLocal in Nebraska Bar
  12. 2000TigerlandStaff Sgt. Thomas
  13. 2000Space CowboysCapcom
  14. 2000Perfect Murder, Perfect Town: JonBenét and the City of BoulderDet. Mark Beckner
  15. 1998Sour GrapesDetective Frehill
  16. 1998Mercury RisingSWAT Team Leader Francis
  17. 1997VolcanoTerry Jasper
  18. 1997Turbulence1st Officer Ted Kary
  19. 1996The FanSick Sean's Dad
  20. 1996BlackoutMechanic
  21. 1996The BirdcageCrewman (Uncredited)
  22. 1996Broken ArrowPark Ranger Baker
  23. 1995Eye of the StalkerGerry
  24. 1992Malcolm XLieutenant
  25. 1991NYPD Mounted
  26. 1990Two Evil Eyes