J.A. Preston

Personal Info

Known ForActing
Born1932-11-13
BirthplaceWashington, District of Columbia, USA

J.A. Preston

Acting

Biography

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 Gina’s (Tisha Campbell-Martin) father Dr. Cliff Waters.

Filmography

Acting (27)

1997
Contactas Senator (uncredited)
7.4
1996
Harvest of Fireas Sheriff Garrison
5.8
5.0
1993
The Giftedas Jacob (Adult)
5.5
1992
A Few Good Menas Judge Randolph
7.6
1992
Steel Justiceas Jeremiah J. Jones
4.2
1992
Captain Ronas Magistrate
5.6
1991
5.9
1990
Narrow Marginas Martin Larner
6.4
1990
Fire Birdsas General Olcott
5.0
1988
6.3
1987
Desperateas Wiggee
9.0
6.3
1981
10.0
1981
Body Heatas Oscar Grace
7.0
1980
6.5
1979
Americathonas Morty
3.6
1979
Real Lifeas Dr. Ted Cleary
6.6
1976
Silver Streakas Waiter (uncredited)
6.7
1976
Two-Minute Warningas Policeman
6.3
—
Black Copas Narrator