Born c. 1943, in San Francisco, CA; died of a heart attack while on vacation,February 27, 1998, near San Diego, CA.
Although he didn't get hit with the acting bug until he was in his 30s, Walshquickly rose to fame as a character actor. Featured in many major movies-such as Hoffa, Tequila Sunrise, Good Morning, Vietnam, AFew Good Men, and Hannah and Her Sisters-Walsh was often cast asa villain or coward. The Los Angeles Times noted that his "stone face,penetrating gaze and flat voice made him one of America's most menacing character actors," and remarked on "his cool, calculating style of escalating insanity." The newspaper also reported that Walsh had been called "the canniestand most invisible actor of the last decade." Before turning to acting, he worked in a series of jobs, including journalist, social worker, teacher, and encyclopedia salesperson. He opted to pursue acting in the 1970s on the stagein productions such as Yucca Flats, Alive and Well in Argentina, and Enter a Free Man. In 1976 he received notice for his performancein David Mamet's American Buffalo, and his work in Glengarry GlenRoss in 1983 was also highly lauded. The later work earned him a Drama Desk Award. The 1980s also saw his film career take off. After a bit part in Eddie Macon's Run, he went on to larger roles in releases such as TheLast Seduction, Miracle on 34th Street, Tin Men, Executive Decision, The Grifters, Sling Blade, and Breakdown. Television movies were also added to his resume as he was featured in Little Gloria . . . Happy at Last, Windmills of the Gods, and Crime of the Century. He also made appearances on shows such as Dark Skies, Partners, The Equalizer, and LA Law. Several films that he appeared in were yet to be released at the time of his death, including The Negotiator and Pleasantville.
OBITUARIES AND OTHER SOURCES
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