James MacDonald

Person

James MacDonald

Acting

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, USA

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 Wainw…

IMDb

Known for

Popular titles

The Mentalist

The Mentalist

8.4 2008 TV Show
Criminal Minds

Criminal Minds

8.3 2005 TV Show
The Rookie

The Rookie

8.5 2018 TV Show
NCIS

NCIS

7.6 2003 TV Show
Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

7.5 2013 TV Show
Phone Booth

Phone Booth

6.9 2003 Movie
Castle

Castle

8.0 2009 TV Show
Chicago Fire

Chicago Fire

8.4 2012 TV Show
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

7.6 2000 TV Show
CSI: Miami

CSI: Miami

7.7 2002 TV Show
24

24

7.8 2001 TV Show
Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

8.1 1997 TV Show

Biography

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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.

Filmography

Movies and shows, newest first

  1. 2025
    Ballard

    TV show Naylin

  2. 2022
    Single and Ready to Jingle

    Movie Greg Polansky

  3. 2022
    The Winchesters

    TV show Jimmy Mixon

  4. 2019
    All Rise

    TV show Ken Maples

  5. 2018
    The Rookie

    TV show FBI Driving Instructor

  6. 2016
    Sweet/Vicious

    TV show Officer Ballard

  7. 2015
    Little Boy

    Movie Recruitment Sergeant

  8. 2014
    Crisis

    TV show Skip

  9. 2013
    Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

    TV show Agent Jacobson

  10. 2013
    Montana Amazon

    Movie Heirik

  11. 2013
    Texas Chainsaw 3D

    Movie Officer Marvin

  12. 2012
    Chicago Fire

    TV show ADC Adam Perry

  13. 2012
    Vegas

    TV show George Blanchford

  14. 2012
    Major Crimes

    TV show Lt. Reed

  15. 2012
    Longmire

    TV show Randolph Hale

  16. 2012
    Scandal

    TV show Interrogator

More credits
  1. 2011
    Fissure

    Movie Paul Grunning

  2. 2011
    Love Bites

    TV show James Feeney

  3. 2010
    The Kids Are All Right

    Movie Clay's Dad

  4. 2009
    NCIS: Los Angeles

    TV show DEA Special Agent John Ness

  5. 2009
    Castle

    TV show Benjamin Wade

  6. 2009
    Lie to Me

    TV show Detective Riley

  7. 2008
    The Mentalist

    TV show Sgt. Bigley

  8. 2008
    In Plain Sight

    TV show Peter O'Dell

  9. 2006
    Home of the Brave

    Movie Ray

  10. 2006
    Vanished

    TV show Man chasing Sara

  11. 2006
    The Unit

    TV show Willis Meeks

  12. 2005
    Commander in Chief

    TV show Agent Bennett

  13. 2005
    Criminal Minds

    TV show Det. Dennison

  14. 2005
    Weeds

    TV show 2nd Cop

  15. 2003
    NCIS

    TV show Captain Faul

  16. 2003
    Peacemakers

    TV show Caleb McGinty

  17. 2003
    Hollywood Homicide

    Movie Danny Broome

  18. 2003
    Phone Booth

    Movie Negotiator

  19. 2002
    Hostage

    Movie SWAT Team Commander

  20. 2002
    Without a Trace

    TV show Kevin

  21. 2002
    CSI: Miami

    TV show Dan Becks

  22. 2001
    24

    TV show Officer

  23. 2001
    Joy Ride

    Movie Local in Nebraska Bar

  24. 2001
    The Division

    TV show Bob Jenkins