J.T. Walsh
Known for
J.T. Walsh was an American character actor born in 1943 in San Francisco, California. Known for his authoritative, often morally ambiguous screen presence, he became one of Hollywoods most reliable supporting players of the 1980s and 90s. He appeared in Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), A Few Good Men (1992) and Sling Blade (1996), frequently cast as officials, military men or quietly menacing figures. His late-career work included Breakdown (1997), released the year before his death. Walsh died in 1998, leaving behind a body of work still admired for its precision and restraint.
J.T. Walsh
52 Movies
5 Series
J.T. Walsh was an American character actor born in 1943 in San Francisco, California. Known for his authoritative, often morally ambiguous screen presence, he became one of Hollywoods most reliable supporting players of the 1980s and 90s. He appeared in Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), A Few Good Men (1992) and Sling Blade (1996), frequently cast as officials, military men or quietly menacing figures. His late-career work included Breakdown (1997), released the year before his death. Walsh died in 1998, leaving behind a body of work still admired for its precision and restraint.
Movies
Plays Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson
A Few Good Men
1992
Plays Insp. Terence Niebaum
The Negotiator
1998
Plays Jason McThune
The Client
1994
Plays Senator Mavros
Executive Decision
1996
Plays Alderman Marty Swayzak
Backdraft
1991
Plays Big Bob
Pleasantville
1998
Plays Charles Bushman
Sling Blade
1996
Plays Ed Collins
Miracle on 34th Street
1994
Plays Warren 'Red' Barr
Breakdown
1997
Plays DEA Agent Hal McGuire
Tequila Sunrise
1988
Plays Ed Smythe
Hannah and Her Sisters
1986
Plays Cole
The Grifters
1990
Plays Desk Clerk
National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1
1993
Plays Beckett's Senior Officer
Sniper
1993
Plays Danforth Keeton III
Needful Things
1993
Plays John Ehrlichman
Nixon
1995
Plays Harry Tucker
The Babysitter
1995
Plays Frank Griffith
The Last Seduction
1994
Plays Michael Tarlow
Narrow Margin
1990
Plays Frank Fitzsimmons
Hoffa
1992
Plays Wing
Tin Men
1987
Plays Happy
Blue Chips
1994
Plays Dr. Santana
Dad
1989
Plays Colonel Quinn
The Russia House
1990
Plays Wayne Brown
Red Rock West
1993
Plays Allen Habel
The Big Picture
1989
Plays Drucker
Crazy People
1990
Plays The Businessman
House of Games
1987
Plays Houston
True Identity
1991
Plays Sheriff Mitch Rivers
Silent Fall
1994
Plays Radio Lieutenant
Contact
1992
Plays Steven Seldes
Defenseless
1991
Plays Cake
Persons Unknown
1996
Plays Jerome Cade
Power
1986
Plays Man in Bar
Eddie Macon's Run
1983
Plays Jack Ruhle
Iron Maze
1991
Plays Francis Mahoney
Why Me?
1990
Plays Hotel Manager
Things Change
1988
Plays Darryl
Charlie's Ghost Story
1995
Plays Sheriff Reese Goodloe
Morning Glory
1993
Plays Ted Hannon
The Little Death
1996
Plays Lt. John Quinn
Black Day Blue Night
1995
Plays Mike Sr
The Low Life
1995
Plays Bob Woodward
Wired
1989
Plays Jonathan Zanuck
Hidden Agenda
1999
Plays Charles Bushman
Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade
1994
Plays Grover Dean
The Prom
1992
Plays Principal Stoddard
The Beniker Gang
1984
Plays Deputy Anderson
Hard Choices
1985
Latest Trailers
Watch Trailer
Pleasantville
Full Filmography
Hidden Agenda
Jonathan Zanuck
1999
Film
Pleasantville
Big Bob
1998
Film
The Negotiator
Insp. Terence Niebaum
1998
Film
Breakdown
Warren 'Red' Barr
1997
Film
Persons Unknown
Cake
1996
Film
Dark Skies
Frank Bach · 19 episodes
1996–
TV
Sling Blade
Charles Bushman
1996
Film
Sacred Cargo
Father Stanislav
1996
Film
The Little Death
Ted Hannon
1996
Film
Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Is J.T. Walsh still alive?
J.T. Walsh passed away on February 27, 1998 at age 54.
What are the most famous roles of J.T. Walsh?
J.T. Walsh is best known for roles in Misery, A Few Good Men, Good Morning, Vietnam.
How many movies has J.T. Walsh been in?
Over a 15-year career (since 1983), J.T. Walsh has appeared in 52 movies and 5 TV shows.
What was J.T. Walsh's first movie?
The career of J.T. Walsh began with Eddie Macon's Run (1983).
What is J.T. Walsh's most recent movie or series?
J.T. Walsh's most recent release is Hidden Agenda, which premiered on November 2, 1999.
What TV shows has J.T. Walsh appeared in?
On television, J.T. Walsh has appeared in The X-Files, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, L.A. Law, The Equalizer.
J.T. Walsh
1943-09-28 · San Francisco, California, USA
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.