James MacDonald

Acting

James MacDonald

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, USA65 credits

James G. MacDonald is an American actor and director known for his extensive work in film, television, and theater spanning over 35 years. He notably portrayed Captain James Wainwright in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "Little Green Men." MacDonald has appeared alongside many high-profile actors and worked with acclaimed directors across diverse genres including comedy, drama, thriller, horror, and science fiction. His versatile roles range from a naive young captain in Star Trek to parts in films like Volcano and Tigerland. He has also received awards for his work in theater and filmmaking. Beyond acting, MacDonald writes and directs, and he is active in teaching writing and acting workshops to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. His career is marked by both character-driven performances and creative contributions behind the scenes.

Known For

Filmography

Ballard
2025Ballard
as NaylinTV
Single and Ready to Jingle
2022Single and Ready to Jingle
as Greg PolanskyMovie
The Winchesters
2022The Winchesters
as Jimmy MixonTV
All Rise
2019All Rise
as Ken MaplesTV
The Rookie
2018The Rookie
as FBI Driving InstructorTV
Sweet/Vicious
2016Sweet/Vicious
as Officer BallardTV
Little Boy
2015Little Boy
as Recruitment SergeantMovie
Crisis
2014Crisis
as SkipTV
Montana Amazon
2013Montana Amazon
as HeirikMovie
Texas Chainsaw 3D
2013Texas Chainsaw 3D
as Officer MarvinMovie
Chicago Fire
2012Chicago Fire
as ADC Adam PerryTV
Major Crimes
2012Major Crimes
as Lt. ReedTV
Longmire
2012Longmire
as Randolph HaleTV
Scandal
2012Scandal
as InterrogatorTV
Fissure
2011Fissure
as Paul GrunningMovie
Love Bites
2011Love Bites
as James FeeneyTV
The Kids Are All Right
2010The Kids Are All Right
as Clay's DadMovie
NCIS: Los Angeles
2009NCIS: Los Angeles
as DEA Special Agent John NessTV
Castle
2009Castle
as Benjamin WadeTV
Lie to Me
2009Lie to Me
as Detective RileyTV
The Mentalist
2008The Mentalist
as Sgt. BigleyTV
In Plain Sight
2008In Plain Sight
as Peter O'DellTV
The Unit
2006The Unit
as Willis MeeksTV
Commander in Chief
2005Commander in Chief
as Agent BennettTV
Criminal Minds
2005Criminal Minds
as Det. DennisonTV
Weeds
2005Weeds
as 2nd CopTV
NCIS
2003NCIS
as Captain FaulTV
Peacemakers
2003Peacemakers
as Caleb McGintyTV
Hollywood Homicide
2003Hollywood Homicide
as Danny BroomeMovie
Phone Booth
2003Phone Booth
as NegotiatorMovie
Hostage
2002Hostage
as SWAT Team CommanderMovie
CSI: Miami
2002CSI: Miami
as Dan BecksTV
24
200124
as OfficerTV
Joy Ride
2001Joy Ride
as Local in Nebraska BarMovie
The Division
2001The Division
as Bob JenkinsTV
Tigerland
2000Tigerland
as Staff Sgt. ThomasMovie
Space Cowboys
2000Space Cowboys
as CapcomMovie
Fantasy Island
1998Fantasy Island
as Rex RaskinTV
Sour Grapes
1998Sour Grapes
as Detective FrehillMovie
Mercury Rising
1998Mercury Rising
as SWAT Team Leader FrancisMovie
The Magnificent Seven
1998The Magnificent Seven
as Will RichmondTV
Brooklyn South
1997Brooklyn South
as Marshal BovierTV
Volcano
1997Volcano
as Terry JasperMovie
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
1997Buffy the Vampire Slayer
as Detective SteinTV
Turbulence
1997Turbulence
as 1st Officer Ted KaryMovie
The Fan
1996The Fan
as Sick Sean's DadMovie
Blackout
1996Blackout
as MechanicMovie
The Birdcage
1996The Birdcage
as Crewman (Uncredited)Movie
Pacific Blue
1996Pacific Blue
as EitnerTV
Broken Arrow
1996Broken Arrow
as Park Ranger BakerMovie
JAG
1995JAG
as Walt RockwellTV
Touched by an Angel
1994Touched by an Angel
as Gary McGregorTV
ER
1994ER
as Gary McWayneTV
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
1993Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
as Captain James WainwrightTV
Malcolm X
1992Malcolm X
as LieutenantMovie