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James MacDonald

Acting

Also known as James G. MacDonald · James McDonald · James Gordon MacDonald

Biography

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.

Filmography50+ titles

The Rookie

2018as FBI Driving Instructor

Chicago Fire

2012as ADC Adam Perry

The Mentalist

2008as Sgt. Bigley

Criminal Minds

2005as Det. Dennison

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

1997as Detective Stein

Castle

2009as Benjamin Wade

Lie to Me

2009as Detective Riley

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

1993as Captain James Wainwright

24

2001as Officer

ER

1994as Gary McWayne

Longmire

2012as Randolph Hale

CSI: Miami

2002as Dan Becks

The Winchesters

2022as Jimmy Mixon

Commander in Chief

2005as Agent Bennett

NCIS

2003as Admiral Norton Padgett

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

2000as John Ruark

Malcolm X

1992as Lieutenant

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

2013as Agent Jacobson

NCIS: Los Angeles

2009as DEA Special Agent John Ness

Weeds

2005as 2nd Cop

Fantasy Island

1998as Rex Raskin

All Rise

2019as Ken Maples

Major Crimes

2012as Lt. Reed

Sex and the City

1998as Garth

The Unit

2006as Willis Meeks

Without a Trace

2002as Kevin

JAG

1995as Walt Rockwell

Ballard

2025as Naylin

Little Boy

2015as Recruitment Sergeant

Scandal

2012as Interrogator

Touched by an Angel

1994as Gary McGregor

In Plain Sight

2008as Peter O'Dell

The Birdcage

1996as Crewman (Uncredited)

Sweet/Vicious

2016as Officer Ballard

Phone Booth

2002as Negotiator

Montana Amazon

2013as Heirik

The Kids Are All Right

2010as Clay's Dad

Tigerland

2000as Staff Sgt. Thomas

The Magnificent Seven

1998as Will Richmond

Joy Ride

2001as Local in Nebraska Bar

Crisis

2014as Skip

Space Cowboys

2000as Capcom

Love Bites

2011as James Feeney

Mercury Rising

1998as SWAT Team Leader Francis

Single and Ready to Jingle

2022as Greg Polansky

Broken Arrow

1996as Park Ranger Baker

Two Evil Eyes

1990

The Fan

1996as Sick Sean's Dad

Volcano

1997as Terry Jasper

Blackout

1996as Mechanic