
J. T. Walsh
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









Credits
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Hidden Agenda 1999Jonathan Zanuck★ 3
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Pleasantville 1998Big Bob★ 7.3
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The Negotiator 1998Insp. Terence Niebaum★ 7.1
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Hope 1997Ray Percy★ 5.2
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Breakdown 1997Warren 'Red' Barr★ 6.9
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Persons Unknown 1996Cake★ 5.2
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Dark Skies 1996Capt. Frank Bach★ 8
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Crime of the Century 1996Col. Norman Schwarzkopf★ 7.2
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Gang in Blue 1996Lt. William Eyler★ 5
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Sling Blade 1996Charles Bushman★ 7.5
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Sacred Cargo 1996Father Stanislav★ NR
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The Little Death 1996Ted Hannon★ 4.2
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Executive Decision 1996Senator Mavros★ 6.3
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Nixon 1995John Ehrlichman★ 6.9
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Darryl★ 5.4
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The Low Life 1995Mike Sr★ 5.8
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The Babysitter 1995Harry Tucker★ 5.2
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Black Day Blue Night 1995Lt. John Quinn★ 4.9
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Outbreak 1995Chief of Staff (uncredited)★ 6.6
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Ed Collins★ 6.8
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Star Struck 1994Greer★ 4.9
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Silent Fall 1994Sheriff Mitch Rivers★ 5.2
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The Client 1994Jason McThune★ 6.7
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The Last Seduction 1994Frank Griffith★ 6.8
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Charles Bushman★ 6.8
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Blue Chips 1994Happy★ 6.1
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Partners 1993"Grave Squad" Lawyer★ 4.2
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Morning Glory 1993Sheriff Reese Goodloe★ 5.8
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Col. Charles Fane★ 7
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The X-Files 1993Warden Leo Brodeur★ 8.4
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Needful Things 1993Danforth 'Buster' Keeton III★ 6.2
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Red Rock West 1993Wayne Brown★ 6.7
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Desk Clerk★ 6
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Sniper 1993Beckett's Senior Officer★ 6.2
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The American Clock 1993★ 6.5
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Hoffa 1992Frank Fitzsimmons★ 6.3
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A Few Good Men 1992Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson★ 7.5
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Insp. Leo Kemeny★ NR
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The Prom 1992Grover Dean★ 8
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Contact 1992Radio Lieutenant★ 6.5
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Iron Maze 1991Jack Ruhle★ 4.5
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Defenseless 1991Steven Seldes★ 5
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True Identity 1991Houston★ 5.5
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Backdraft 1991Alderman Marty Swayzak★ 6.7
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The Russia House 1990Colonel Quinn★ 6.1
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Misery 1990State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)★ 7.7
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Narrow Margin 1990Michael Tarlow★ 6.4
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The Grifters 1990Cole★ 6.5
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Crazy People 1990Drucker★ 5.8
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Why Me? 1990Francis Mahoney★ 5.6
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Dad 1989Dr. Santana★ 6.3
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The Big Picture 1989Allen Habel★ 5.8
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Wired 1989Bob Woodward★ 3.4
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Tequila Sunrise 1988DEA Agent Hal McGuire★ 6.1
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Things Change 1988Hotel Manager★ 6.2
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Sgt. Major Dickerson★ 7.3
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House of Games 1987The Businessman★ 6.8
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Tin Men 1987Wing★ 6.3
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L.A. Law 1986Pete Bostik★ 7.1
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Ed Smythe★ 7.5
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Power 1986Jerome Cade★ 5.9
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Spenser: For Hire 1985★ 6.7
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The Equalizer 1985Andrew Banks★ 7.2
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Right to Kill? 1985Maj. Eckworth★ 7.8
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Hard Choices 1985Deputy Anderson★ 3.5
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The Beniker Gang 1984Principal Stoddard★ 5.8
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Eddie Macon's Run 1983Man in Bar★ 5.9
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★ 6.8