J.A. Preston
James Allen Preston Sr. (born November 13, 1932) is an American actor. Preston is best known for his role as Ozzie Cleveland on the NBC primetime television series Hill Street Blues which originally aired from 1981 until 1987. Preston was born November 13 (1932) in Washington, D.C. In addition to his role on Hill Street Blues, Preston is also known for his roles as Leo Daltry in Dallas, Richard Matthews in Santa Barbara, court-martial judge Col. J. A. Randolph, USMC in the 1992 film A Few Good Men, and the minor but important role of a USAF Major General in Air Force One (1997). He was a series regular in the short-lived CBS sitcom All's Fair which ran just one season (1976-77). In it he played an assistant to conservative newspaper columnist Richard Barrington (played by Richard Crenna). Preston also appeared on the NBC television series The A-Team as a judge (Col. Thomas Milo) presiding over a military tribunal convened to try the A-Team. He also appeared in 3 episodes of Martin as Ginaโs (Tisha Campbell-Martin) father Dr. Cliff Waters.
Known For
Credits
- 2011 ยทInfiltrating Hollywood: The Rise and Fall of the Spook Who Sat by the Dooras
- 1997 ยทHouse of Frankensteinas
- 1997 ยทContactas Senator (uncredited)
- 1996 ยทHarvest of Fireas Sheriff Garrison
- 1996 ยทThe Sentinelas Mel Wilkenson
- 1994 ยทTouched by an Angelas Waters
- 1994 ยทChicago Hopeas
- 1994 ยทPerry Mason: The Case of the Lethal Lifestyleas Man
- 1994 ยทMacShayne: Winner Takes Allas Pete Webb
- 1993 ยทLois & Clark: The New Adventures of Supermanas
- 1993 ยทseaQuest DSVas Charles
- 1993 ยทThe Giftedas Jacob (Adult)
- 1992 ยทA Few Good Menas Judge Randolph
- 1992 ยทSteel Justiceas Jeremiah J. Jones
- 1992 ยทCaptain Ronas Magistrate
- 1992 ยทMartinas
- 1991 ยทAftermath: A Test of Loveas Det. Boland
- 1990 ยทThe Court-Martial of Jackie Robinsonas Wendell Smith
- 1990 ยทNarrow Marginas Martin Larner
- 1990 ยทLaw & Orderas Congressman Ronald Eaton
- 1990 ยทFire Birdsas General Olcott
- 1989 ยทTales from the Cryptas Harry
- 1988 ยทThe George McKenna Storyas Mr. McKenna
- 1987 ยทDesperateas Wiggee
- 1987 ยท21 Jump Streetas Principal George Messiah
- 1985 ยทRemo Williams: The Adventure Beginsas Conn MacCleary
- 1985 ยทAmazing Storiesas Prof. Bertram Carver
- 1985 ยทMoonlightingas Dr. Nealy
- 1984 ยทPunky Brewsteras
- 1983 ยทHardcastle and McCormickas Vic Dutton
- 1983 ยทThe A-Teamas Judge
- 1982 ยทThe New Odd Coupleas Charles Walker
- 1981 ยทThe White Lionsas Aniel
- 1981 ยทGimme a Break!as
- 1981 ยทBody Heatas Oscar Grace
- 1981 ยทHill Street Bluesas Ozzie Cleveland (archive footage) (uncredited)
- 1981 ยทHill Street Bluesas Ozzie Cleveland
- 1980 ยทHigh Noon, Part II: The Return of Will Kaneas Alonzo
- 1980 ยทThe Plutonium Incidentas Dr. Samuels
- 1979 ยทHart to Hartas Mr. Pruitt
- 1979 ยทReal Lifeas Dr. Ted Cleary
- 1978 ยทDallasas Leo Daltry
- 1977 ยทCarter Countryas
- 1977 ยทJames at 16as Hazeltine
- 1976 ยทSilver Streakas Waiter (uncredited)
- 1976 ยทTwo-Minute Warningas Policeman
- 1975 ยทWonder Womanas Jazreel
- 1975 ยทThe Jeffersonsas
- 1974 ยทGood Timesas
- 1973 ยทThe Spook Who Sat by the Dooras Dawson
- 1971 ยทAll in the Familyas Elmo 'Black Elmo' Bridgewater
- Future ยทBlack Copas Narrator