8.4
TV
Acting
James MacDonald
- Birthplace
- Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, USA
- Credits
- 69 titles
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.
Signature work
Known For
8.4
TV
6.9
Movie
Phone Booth
8.3
TV
Criminal Minds
7.5
TV
Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
8.5
TV
The Rookie
7.6
TV
NCIS
8.4
TV
Chicago Fire
7.4
TV
Sex and the City
8.0
TV
Castle
8.1
TV
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
7.6
Movie
Malcolm X
7.8
TV
24
5.5
Movie
Texas Chainsaw 3D
6.0
Movie
Volcano
6.1
Movie
Broken Arrow
7.7
TV
CSI: Miami
7.9
TV
Lie to Me
6.3
Movie
Mercury Rising
Acting credits 69
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Ballard TV | Naylin (1 ep) |
| 2022 | Single and Ready to Jingle Film | Greg Polansky |
| 2022 | The Winchesters TV | Jimmy Mixon (1 ep) |
| 2019 | All Rise TV | Ken Maples (1 ep) |
| 2018 | The Rookie TV | FBI Driving Instructor (1 ep) |
| 2016 | Sweet/Vicious TV | Officer Ballard (2 ep) |
| 2015 | Little Boy Film | Recruitment Sergeant |
| 2014 | Crisis TV | Skip (1 ep) |
| 2013 | Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. TV | Agent Jacobson (1 ep) |
| 2013 | Montana Amazon Film | Heirik |
| 2013 | Texas Chainsaw 3D Film | Officer Marvin |
| 2012 | Chicago Fire TV | ADC Adam Perry (1 ep) |
| 2012 | Vegas TV | George Blanchford (1 ep) |
| 2012 | Major Crimes TV | Lt. Reed (1 ep) |
| 2012 | Longmire TV | Randolph Hale (1 ep) |
| 2012 | Scandal TV | Interrogator (1 ep) |
| 2011 | Fissure Film | Paul Grunning |
| 2011 | Love Bites TV | James Feeney (4 ep) |
| 2010 | The Kids Are All Right Film | Clay's Dad |
| 2009 | NCIS: Los Angeles TV | DEA Special Agent John Ness (1 ep) |
| 2009 | Castle TV | Benjamin Wade (1 ep) |
| 2009 | Lie to Me TV | Detective Riley (1 ep) |
| 2008 | The Mentalist TV | Sgt. Bigley (1 ep) |
| 2008 | In Plain Sight TV | Peter O'Dell (1 ep) |
| 2006 | Home of the Brave Film | Ray |
| 2006 | Vanished TV | Man chasing Sara (2 ep) |
| 2006 | The Unit TV | Willis Meeks (1 ep) |
| 2005 | Commander in Chief TV | Agent Bennett (1 ep) |
| 2005 | Criminal Minds TV | Det. Dennison (1 ep) |
| 2005 | Weeds TV | 2nd Cop (1 ep) |
| 2003 | NCIS TV | Captain Faul, Norton Padgett (1 ep) |
| 2003 | Peacemakers TV | Caleb McGinty (1 ep) |
| 2003 | Hollywood Homicide Film | Danny Broome |
| 2003 | Phone Booth Film | Negotiator |
| 2002 | Hostage Film | SWAT Team Commander |
| 2002 | Without a Trace TV | Kevin (1 ep) |
| 2002 | CSI: Miami TV | Dan Becks (1 ep) |
| 2001 | 24 TV | Officer (1 ep) |
| 2001 | Joy Ride Film | Local in Nebraska Bar |
| 2001 | The Division TV | Bob Jenkins (1 ep) |
| 2000 | Tigerland Film | Staff Sgt. Thomas |
| 2000 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation TV | Kenneth Ward, John Ruark (1 ep) |
| 2000 | Space Cowboys Film | Capcom |
| 2000 | Perfect Murder, Perfect Town: JonBenét and the City of Boulder Film | Det. Mark Beckner |
| 1998 | Fantasy Island TV | Rex Raskin (1 ep) |
| 1998 | Sex and the City TV | Garth (1 ep) |
| 1998 | Sour Grapes Film | Detective Frehill |
| 1998 | Mercury Rising Film | SWAT Team Leader Francis |
| 1998 | The Magnificent Seven TV | Will Richmond (1 ep) |
| 1997 | Brooklyn South TV | Marshal Bovier (1 ep) |
| 1997 | Volcano Film | Terry Jasper |
| 1997 | Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV | Detective Stein (3 ep) |
| 1997 | Turbulence Film | 1st Officer Ted Kary |
| 1997 | Vanishing Point Film | Asst. FBI Agent |
| 1996 | The Fan Film | Sick Sean's Dad |
| 1996 | Blackout Film | Mechanic |
| 1996 | The Birdcage Film | Crewman (Uncredited) |
| 1996 | Pacific Blue TV | Eitner (1 ep) |
| 1996 | Broken Arrow Film | Park Ranger Baker |
| 1995 | Eye of the Stalker Film | Gerry |