These actors are in so many movies, usually playing the same role, but they never get the credit they deserve. Well, it's not exactly about the credit because how hard is it to play a general or FBI director in every movie you're in? Still, you should at least try to learn their names.

Actor Picture Most Memorable Role(s)
J.T. Walsh Arrogant Station Commander in "Good Morning, Vietnam"; Internal Affairs Agent in "The Negotiator"; Mayor of "Pleasantville"; Lt. Markinson in "A Few Good Men"
Lane Smith District Attorney in "My Cousin Vinny"; Opposing Coach in "The Mighty Ducks"; Disapproving Father in "Son in Law"; Corrupt Congressman in "The Distinguished Gentleman"; Perry White on "Lois & Clark" (Stupid Superman attempt in middle-90s); Sports Reporter in "The Legend of Bagger Vance"
David Morse General's Right Hand Man in "The Rock"; Prison Guard in "The Green Mile"; SWAT team commander in "The Negotiator"; Father in "Contact"; Kidnapped Husband in "Proof of Life"; and yes, he used to be on "St. Elsewhere" and is now starring in "Hack"
Barry Pepper Roger Maris in "61*"; Special Agent in "Enemy of the State"; Prison Guard in "The Green Mile"; Religious Sniper in "Saving Private Ryan"
John Spencer FBI Director in "The Rock"; Police Chief in "The Negotiator"; and yes, now as Chief of Staff on "The West Wing"
Ron Rifkin District Attorney in "L.A. Confidential"; Corrupt Detective in "The Negotiator"; Father in "Boiler Room"; Secretary of State in "The Sum of All Fears; and yes, now as the evil guy on "Alias"
M. Emmet Walsh Diving Coach in "Back to School"; Gun-shop Owner/Grandfather in "Harry and the Hendersons"; Retiring Policeman in "Camp Nowhere"
Robert Loggia Corrupt Union Leader in "Armed and Dangerous"; A bad guy in "Scarface"; Coach in "Necessary Roughness"; General in "Independence Day"
Clancy Brown Prison Guard in "Shawshank Redemption"; Prison Guard in "The Hurricane"; Drill Sgt. in "Starship Troopers"
John C. McGinley Annoying Soldier in "Platoon"; Talkative Broker in "Wall Street"; Crazy General's Left-hand Man in "The Rock"; Consultant in "Office Space"; Annoying Reporter in "Any Given Sunday"; and yes, as doctor on "Scrubs"

Honorable Mentions:
© 2003, John Cottrell