
James 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.
Gallery

Known For
Acting History
2025
Ballard as Naylin
2022Single and Ready to Jingle as Greg Polansky
2022The Winchesters as Jimmy Mixon
2019All Rise as Ken Maples
2018The Rookie as FBI Driving Instructor
2016Sweet/Vicious as Officer Ballard
2015Little Boy as Recruitment Sergeant
2014Crisis as Skip
2013Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as Agent Jacobson
2013Montana Amazon as Heirik
2013Texas Chainsaw 3D as Officer Marvin
2012Chicago Fire as ADC Adam Perry
2012Major Crimes as Lt. Reed
2012Longmire as Randolph Hale
2012Scandal as Interrogator
2011Fissure as Paul Grunning
2011Love Bites as James Feeney
2010The Kids Are All Right as Clay's Dad
2009NCIS: Los Angeles as DEA Special Agent John Ness
2009Castle as Benjamin Wade
2009Lie to Me as Detective Riley
2008The Mentalist as Sgt. Bigley
2008In Plain Sight as Peter O'Dell
2006Home of the Brave as Ray
2006The Unit as Willis Meeks
2005Commander in Chief as Agent Bennett
2005Criminal Minds as Det. Dennison
2005Weeds as 2nd Cop
2003NCIS as Captain Faul
2003NCIS as Admiral Norton Padgett
2003Peacemakers as Caleb McGinty
2003Hollywood Homicide as Danny Broome
2003Phone Booth as Negotiator
2002Hostage as SWAT Team Commander
2002Without a Trace as Kevin
2002CSI: Miami as Dan Becks
200124 as Officer
2001Joy Ride as Local in Nebraska Bar
2001The Division as Bob Jenkins
2000CSI: Crime Scene Investigation as Kenneth Ward
2000CSI: Crime Scene Investigation as John Ruark
2000Tigerland as Staff Sgt. Thomas
2000Space Cowboys as Capcom
2000Perfect Murder, Perfect Town: JonBenét and the City of Boulder as Det. Mark Beckner
1998Fantasy Island as Rex Raskin
1998Sex and the City as Garth
1998Sour Grapes as Detective Frehill
1998Mercury Rising as SWAT Team Leader Francis
1998The Magnificent Seven as Will Richmond
1997Brooklyn South as Marshal Bovier
1997Volcano as Terry Jasper
1997Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Detective Stein
1997Turbulence as 1st Officer Ted Kary
1996Blackout as Mechanic
1996The Birdcage as Crewman (Uncredited)
1996Pacific Blue as Eitner
1996Broken Arrow as Park Ranger Baker
1995Eye of the Stalker as Gerry
1995Jake and The Kid as Louis
1995JAG as Walt Rockwell
1994Touched by an Angel as Gary McGregor
1994ER as Officer Gary McWayne
1993Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as Captain James Wainwright
1992Malcolm X as Lieutenant
1991NYPD Mounted
1990Two Evil Eyes







