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J.T. Walsh

Actor

J.T. Walsh

Born September 28, 1943 in San Francisco, California, USADied February 27, 199863 films

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.

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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.

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The best way into J.T. Walsh's work
Misery posterFirst watchMisery19907.8as State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)After an accident, acclaimed novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued by a nurse who claims to be his biggest fan. Her obsession takes a dark turn when she holds him captive in her remote Colorado…View film

Essential films

Ranked by acclaim and reach
A Few Good Men poster7.6A Few Good Men1992Good Morning, Vietnam poster7.3Good Morning, Vietnam1987The Negotiator poster7.1The Negotiator1998Pleasantville poster7.3Pleasantville1998Hannah and Her Sisters poster7.5Hannah and Her Sisters1986Outbreak poster6.6Outbreak1995Sling Blade poster7.5Sling Blade1996Backdraft poster6.7Backdraft1991

Filmography

63 films as actor
  1. 1999Hidden AgendaJonathan Zanuck
  2. 1998PleasantvilleBig Bob
  3. 1998The NegotiatorInsp. Terence Niebaum
  4. 1997HopeRay Percy
  5. 1997BreakdownWarren 'Red' Barr
  6. 1996Persons UnknownCake
  7. 1996Dark SkiesCapt. Frank Bach
  8. 1996Crime of the CenturyCol. Norman Schwarzkopf
  9. 1996Gang in BlueLt. William Eyler
  10. 1996Sling BladeCharles Bushman
  11. 1996Sacred CargoFather Stanislav
  12. 1996The Little DeathTed Hannon
  13. 1996Executive DecisionSenator Mavros
  14. 1995NixonJohn Ehrlichman
  15. 1995Charlie's Ghost StoryDarryl
  16. 1995The Low LifeMike Sr
  17. 1995The BabysitterHarry Tucker
  18. 1995Black Day Blue NightLt. John Quinn
  19. 1995OutbreakChief of Staff (uncredited)
  20. 1994Miracle on 34th StreetEd Collins
  21. 1994Star StruckGreer
  22. 1994Silent FallSheriff Mitch Rivers
  23. 1994The ClientJason McThune
  24. 1994The Last SeductionFrank Griffith
  25. 1994Some Folks Call It a Sling BladeCharles Bushman
  26. 1994Blue ChipsHappy
  27. 1993Partners"Grave Squad" Lawyer
  28. 1993Morning GlorySheriff Reese Goodloe
  29. 1993Needful ThingsDanforth Keeton III
  30. 1993Red Rock WestWayne Brown
  31. 1993National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1Desk Clerk
  32. 1993SniperBeckett's Senior Officer
  33. 1993The American Clock
  34. 1992HoffaFrank Fitzsimmons
  35. 1992A Few Good MenLt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson
  36. 1992In the Shadow of a KillerInsp. Leo Kemeny
  37. 1992The PromGrover Dean
  38. 1992ContactRadio Lieutenant
  39. 1991Iron MazeJack Ruhle
  40. 1991DefenselessSteven Seldes
  41. 1991True IdentityHouston
  42. 1991BackdraftAlderman Marty Swayzak
  43. 1990The Russia HouseColonel Quinn
  44. 1990MiseryState Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)
  45. 1990Narrow MarginMichael Tarlow
  46. 1990The GriftersCole
  47. 1990Crazy PeopleDrucker
  48. 1990Why Me?Francis Mahoney
  49. 1989DadDr. Santana
  50. 1989The Big PictureAllen Habel
  51. 1989WiredBob Woodward
  52. 1988Tequila SunriseDEA Agent Hal McGuire
  53. 1988Things ChangeHotel Manager
  54. 1987Good Morning, VietnamSgt. Major Dickerson
  55. 1987House of GamesThe Businessman
  56. 1987Tin MenWing
  57. 1986Hannah and Her SistersEd Smythe
  58. 1986PowerJerome Cade
  59. 1985Right to Kill?Maj. Eckworth
  60. 1985Hard ChoicesDeputy Anderson
  61. 1984The Beniker GangPrincipal Stoddard
  62. 1983Jacobo Timerman: Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a Number
  63. 1983Eddie Macon's RunMan in Bar