Cast & creator
James MacDonald
Best known for The Mentalist, NCIS, NCIS
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.
Also known as: James G. MacDonald, James McDonald, James Gordon MacDonald
27
film credits
43
television credits
70
1990–2025 · acting roles
7.0
average across scored titles
Signature credits
Known for
Across film & television
Filmography (70)
Showing 70 of 70 credits
The Mentalist
Sgt. Bigley
2008
NCIS
Captain Faul
2003NCIS
Norton Padgett
2003
Criminal Minds
Det. Dennison
2005
The Rookie
FBI Driving Instructor
2018
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Kenneth Ward
2000CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
John Ruark
2000
Castle
Benjamin Wade
2009
Chicago Fire
ADC Adam Perry
2012
NCIS: Los Angeles
DEA Special Agent John Ness
2009
24
Officer
2001
JAG
Walt Rockwell
1995
CSI: Miami
Dan Becks
2002
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Detective Stein
1997
Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Agent Jacobson
2013
ER
Gary McWayne
1994
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Captain James Wainwright
1993
Scandal
Interrogator
2012
Without a Trace
Kevin
2002
Sex and the City
Garth
1998
Weeds
2nd Cop
2005
Touched by an Angel
Gary McGregor
1994
Longmire
Randolph Hale
2012
Lie to Me
Detective Riley
2009
Major Crimes
Lt. Reed
2012
The Unit
Willis Meeks
2006
The Division
Bob Jenkins
2001
Pacific Blue
Eitner
1996
All Rise
Ken Maples
2019
In Plain Sight
Peter O'Dell
2008
Ballard
Naylin
2025
Commander in Chief
Agent Bennett
2005
Brooklyn South
Marshal Bovier
1997
Mercury Rising
SWAT Team Leader Francis
1998
The Magnificent Seven
Will Richmond
1998
The Winchesters
Jimmy Mixon
2022
Vegas
George Blanchford
2012
Love Bites
James Feeney
2011
Vanished
Man chasing Sara
2006
Broken Arrow
Park Ranger Baker
1996
Joy Ride
Local in Nebraska Bar
2001
Crisis
Skip
2014
Phone Booth
Negotiator
2003
Texas Chainsaw 3D
Officer Marvin
2013
Fantasy Island
Rex Raskin
1998
Volcano
Terry Jasper
1997
The Birdcage
Crewman (Uncredited)
1996
Malcolm X
Lieutenant
1992
Sweet/Vicious
Officer Ballard
2016
Space Cowboys
Capcom
2000
Jake and The Kid
Louis
1995
Peacemakers
Caleb McGinty
2003
Hollywood Homicide
Danny Broome
2003
The Kids Are All Right
Clay's Dad
2010
The Fan
Sick Sean's Dad
1996
Tigerland
Staff Sgt. Thomas
2000
Home of the Brave
Ray
2006
Little Boy
Recruitment Sergeant
2015
Turbulence
1st Officer Ted Kary
1997
Two Evil Eyes
1990
Montana Amazon
Heirik
2013
Sour Grapes
Detective Frehill
1998
Single and Ready to Jingle
Greg Polansky
2022
Perfect Murder, Perfect Town: JonBenét and the City of Boulder
Det. Mark Beckner
2000
Blackout
Mechanic
1996
NYPD Mounted
1991
Class of '61
1993
Hostage
SWAT Team Commander
2002
Eye of the Stalker
Gerry
1995
Fissure
Paul Grunning
2011