J. T. Walsh

Born: 28th of September 1943

Died: 27th of February 1998 (aged 54)

Biography:
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.

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.

J. T. Walsh's Filmography

Pleasantville

Pleasantville

  •   Movie
  • 1998
Big Bob
The Negotiator

The Negotiator

  •   Movie
  • 1998
Insp. Terence Niebaum
Breakdown

Breakdown

  •   Movie
  • 1997
Warren 'Red' Barr
Sling Blade

Sling Blade

  •   Movie
  • 1996
Charles Bushman
Executive Decision

Executive Decision

  •   Movie
  • 1996
Senator Mavros
Nixon

Nixon

  •   Movie
  • 1995
John Ehrlichman
The Babysitter

The Babysitter

  •   Movie
  • 1995
Harry Tucker
Outbreak

Outbreak

  •   Movie
  • 1995
Chief of Staff (uncredited)
Miracle on 34th Street

Miracle on 34th Street

  •   Movie
  • 1994
Ed Collins
Silent Fall

Silent Fall

  •   Movie
  • 1994
Sheriff Mitch Rivers
The Client

The Client

  •   Movie
  • 1994
Jason McThune
The Last Seduction

The Last Seduction

  •   Movie
  • 1994
Frank Griffith
Blue Chips

Blue Chips

  •   Movie
  • 1994
Happy
Needful Things

Needful Things

  •   Movie
  • 1993
Danforth Keeton III
Red Rock West

Red Rock West

  •   Movie
  • 1993
Wayne Brown
National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1

National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1

  •   Movie
  • 1993
Desk Clerk
Sniper

Sniper

  •   Movie
  • 1993
Beckett's Senior Officer
Hoffa

Hoffa

  •   Movie
  • 1992
Frank Fitzsimmons
A Few Good Men

A Few Good Men

  •   Movie
  • 1992
Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson
Defenseless

Defenseless

  •   Movie
  • 1991
Steven Seldes
True Identity

True Identity

  •   Movie
  • 1991
Houston
Backdraft

Backdraft

  •   Movie
  • 1991
Alderman Marty Swayzak
The Russia House

The Russia House

  •   Movie
  • 1990
Colonel Quinn
Misery

Misery

  •   Movie
  • 1990
State Trooper Sherman Douglas (uncredited)
Narrow Margin

Narrow Margin

  •   Movie
  • 1990
Michael Tarlow
The Grifters

The Grifters

  •   Movie
  • 1990
Cole
Why Me?

Why Me?

  •   Movie
  • 1990
Francis Mahoney
Tequila Sunrise

Tequila Sunrise

  •   Movie
  • 1988
DEA Agent Hal McGuire
Things Change

Things Change

  •   Movie
  • 1988
Hotel Manager
Good Morning, Vietnam

Good Morning, Vietnam

  •   Movie
  • 1987
Sgt. Major Dickerson
House of Games

House of Games

  •   Movie
  • 1987
The Businessman
Hannah and Her Sisters

Hannah and Her Sisters

  •   Movie
  • 1986
Ed Smythe
Power

Power

  •   Movie
  • 1986
Jerome Cade