Nook NotesPick a film
J.A. Preston

Actor

J.A. Preston

Born November 13, 1932 in Washington, District of Columbia, USA26 films

James Allen Preston Sr. (born November 13, 1932) is an American actor. Preston is best known for his role as Ozzie Cleveland on the NBC primetime television series Hill Street Blues which originally aired from 1981 until 1987. Preston was born November 13 (1932) in Washington, D.C. In addition to his role on Hill Street Blues, Preston is also known for his roles as Leo Daltry in Dallas, Richard Matthews in Santa Barbara, court-martial judge Col. J. A. Randolph, USMC in the 1992 film A Few Good Men, and the minor but important role of a USAF Major General in Air Force One (1997). He was a series regular in the short-lived CBS sitcom All's Fair which ran just one season (1976-77). In it he played an assistant to conservative newspaper columnist Richard Barrington (played by Richard Crenna). Preston also appeared on the NBC television series The A-Team as a judge (Col. Thomas Milo) presiding over a military tribunal convened to try the A-Team. He also appeared in 3 episodes of Martin as Gina’s (Tisha Campbell-Martin) father Dr. Cliff Waters.

Start here

The best way into J.A. Preston's work
A Few Good Men posterFirst watchA Few Good Men19927.6as Judge RandolphWhen cocky military lawyer Lt. Daniel Kaffee and his co-counsel, Lt. Cmdr. JoAnne Galloway, are assigned to a murder case, they uncover a hazing ritual that could implicate high-ranking…View film

Essential films

Ranked by acclaim and reach

Filmography

26 films as actor
  1. TBABlack CopNarrator
  2. 1997ContactSenator (uncredited)
  3. 1996Harvest of FireSheriff Garrison
  4. 1994Perry Mason: The Case of the Lethal LifestyleMan
  5. 1994MacShayne: Winner Takes AllPete Webb
  6. 1993The GiftedJacob (Adult)
  7. 1992A Few Good MenJudge Randolph
  8. 1992Steel JusticeJeremiah J. Jones
  9. 1992Captain RonMagistrate
  10. 1991Aftermath: A Test of LoveDet. Boland
  11. 1990The Court-Martial of Jackie RobinsonWendell Smith
  12. 1990Narrow MarginMartin Larner
  13. 1990Fire BirdsGeneral Olcott
  14. 1988The George McKenna StoryMr. McKenna
  15. 1987DesperateWiggee
  16. 1985Remo Williams: The Adventure BeginsConn MacCleary
  17. 1981The White LionsAniel
  18. 1981Body HeatOscar Grace
  19. 1980High Noon, Part II: The Return of Will KaneAlonzo
  20. 1980The Plutonium IncidentDr. Samuels
  21. 1979AmericathonMorty
  22. 1979Real LifeDr. Ted Cleary
  23. 1976Silver StreakWaiter (uncredited)
  24. 1976Two-Minute WarningPoliceman
  25. 1973The Spook Who Sat by the DoorDawson
  26. 1971Mississippi Summer