J.T. Walsh
(1943 - 1998)Another very popular actor on his way up was J. T. Walsh. He was building a fine body of work when his life was cut short by a heart attack. Medium-built and stocky with good looks and piercing eyes, he was more often than not cast as a villain or menacing, troubled character of some type. Born James Thomas Patrick Walsh in San Francisco, California on September 28, 1943 he attended a Jesuit boarding school in Ireland as a child. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island and had held jobs as an encyclopedia salesman, newspaper reporter, junior high school teacher and social worker before trying his hand at acting. He acted on stage in New York where he met playwright David Mamet who cast him in "Glengarry Glen Ross" on Broadway in 1984 leading to his discovery by Hollywood agents and a film career of over 50 films. His film credits include: "Eddie Macon's Run" (1983) in a bit part as Man in Bar, his film debut; "The Beniker Gang" (1985) as Principal Stoddard; "Power" (1986) as Jerome Cade; "Hannah and Her Sisters" (1986) as Ed Smythe; "Power" (1986) as Jerome Cade, Ohio Senatorial Candidate; "Hard Choices" (1986) as Deputy Anderson; "Tin Men" (1987) as Wing; "Good Morning, Vietnam" (1987) as Sgt. Maj. Dickerson; "House of Games" (1987) as The Businessman; "Tequila Sunrise" (1988) as DEA Agent Hal Maguire; "Things Change" (1988) as Hotel Manager; "Wired" (1989) as Bob Woodward; "The Big Picture" (1989) as Allen Habel; "Dad" (1989) as Dr. Santana; "Why Me?" (1990) as Francis Mahoney; "Crazy People" (1990) as Drucker; "Narrow Margin" (1990) as Michael Tarlow; "The Grifters" (1990) as Cole; "Misery" (1990) uncredited, as State Trooper Sherman Douglas; "The Russia House" (1990) as Quinn; "Backdraft" (1991) as Alderman Marty Swayzak; "True Identity" (1991) as Houston; "Iron Maze" (1991) as Jack Ruhle; "Red Rock West" (1992) as Wayne; "A Few Good Men" (1992) as Lt. Col. Matthew Markinson; "Hoffa" (1992) as Fitzsimmons; "The Prom" (1992) as Grover Dean; "Contact" (1992) as Radio Lieutenant; "Sniper" (1993) as Chester Van Damme; "Loaded Weapon 1 (1993) as Hotel Desk Clerk; "Needful Things" (1993) as "Danforth 'Buster' Keeton; "One Little Indian" (1993) as Marshall Robinson; "Blue Chips" (1994) as Happy; "The Client" (1994) as Jason McThune; "The Last Seduction" (1994) as Frank Griffith; "Miracle on 34th Street" (1994) as Mr. Ed Collins; "The Babysitter" (1995) as Harry Tucker; "Nixon" (1995) as Ehrlichman; "Outbreak" (1995) uncredited, as Chief of Staff; "Executive Decision" (1996) as Sen. Mavros; "Sling Blade" (1996) as Charles Bushman, a mental patient; "Persons Unknown" (1996) as Cake; "Breakdown" (1997) as Red Barr/Warren, a favorite of mine; "Hidden Agenda" (1998) as Jonathan Zanuck; "Pleasantville" (1998) as Big Bob and "The Negotiator" (1998) as Terence Niebaum, another great role and his last. On TV he was a regular on: "Dark Skies" (1996) as Frank Bach. He also appeared in the TV movies: "Right to Kill?" (1985); "Morning Glory" (1993) and "Crime of the Century" (1996). He guest starred on TV series including: "The Equalizer"; "L.A. Law"; "Spenser: For Hire"; "Lois & Clark" and "The X Files." He was active in community theatre, was an avid reader and spoke fluent German. He died on February 27, 1998 in La Mesa, California of a heart attack.
From Great Character Actors, Page 4.
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