Acting

James MacDonald

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.

Credits

Newest first

Ballard
as Naylin
2025
Single and Ready to Jingle
as Greg Polansky
2022
The Winchesters
as Jimmy Mixon
2022
All Rise
as Ken Maples
2019
The Rookie
as FBI Driving Instructor
2018
Sweet/Vicious
as Officer Ballard
2016
Little Boy
as Recruitment Sergeant
2015
Crisis
as Skip
2014
Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
as Agent Jacobson
2013
Montana Amazon
as Heirik
2013
Texas Chainsaw 3D
as Officer Marvin
2013
Chicago Fire
as ADC Adam Perry
2012
Vegas
as George Blanchford
2012
Major Crimes
as Lt. Reed
2012
Longmire
as Randolph Hale
2012
Scandal
as Interrogator
2012
Fissure
as Paul Grunning
2011
Love Bites
as James Feeney
2011
The Kids Are All Right
as Clay's Dad
2010
NCIS: Los Angeles
as DEA Special Agent John Ness
2009
Castle
as Benjamin Wade
2009
Lie to Me
as Detective Riley
2009
The Mentalist
as Sgt. Bigley
2008
In Plain Sight
as Peter O'Dell
2008
Home of the Brave
as Ray
2006
Vanished
as Man chasing Sara
2006
The Unit
as Willis Meeks
2006
Commander in Chief
as Agent Bennett
2005
Criminal Minds
as Det. Dennison
2005
Weeds
as 2nd Cop
2005
NCIS
as Captain Faul
2003
NCIS
as Norton Padgett
2003
Peacemakers
as Caleb McGinty
2003
Hollywood Homicide
as Danny Broome
2003
Phone Booth
as Negotiator
2003
Hostage
as SWAT Team Commander
2002
Without a Trace
as Kevin
2002
CSI: Miami
as Dan Becks
2002
24
as Officer
2001
Joy Ride
as Local in Nebraska Bar
2001
The Division
as Bob Jenkins
2001
Tigerland
as Staff Sgt. Thomas
2000
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
as Kenneth Ward
2000
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
as John Ruark
2000
Space Cowboys
as Capcom
2000
Perfect Murder, Perfect Town: JonBenét and the City of Boulder
as Det. Mark Beckner
2000
Fantasy Island
as Rex Raskin
1998
Sex and the City
as Garth
1998
Sour Grapes
as Detective Frehill
1998
Mercury Rising
as SWAT Team Leader Francis
1998
The Magnificent Seven
as Will Richmond
1998
Brooklyn South
as Marshal Bovier
1997
Volcano
as Terry Jasper
1997
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
as Detective Stein
1997
Turbulence
as 1st Officer Ted Kary
1997
Vanishing Point
as Asst. FBI Agent
1997
The Fan
as Sick Sean's Dad
1996
Blackout
as Mechanic
1996
The Birdcage
as Crewman (Uncredited)
1996
Pacific Blue
as Eitner
1996
Broken Arrow
as Park Ranger Baker
1996
Eye of the Stalker
as Gerry
1995
Jake and The Kid
as Louis
1995
JAG
as Walt Rockwell
1995
Touched by an Angel
as Gary McGregor
1994
ER
as Gary McWayne
1994
Class of '61
1993
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
as Captain James Wainwright
1993
Malcolm X
as Lieutenant
1992
NYPD Mounted
1991
Two Evil Eyes
1990