J.A. Preston
Acting
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.
Known for
Acting59
movieContact
1997
Senator (uncredited)
movieHarvest of Fire
1996
Sheriff Garrison
tvThe Sentinel
1996
Mel Wilkenson
tvChicago Hope
1994
Rodney Helpurn
movieMacShayne: Winner Takes All
1994
Pete Webb
tvseaQuest DSV
1993
Charles
tvLois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
1993
General Zeitlin
The Gifted
1993
Jacob (Adult)
movieA Few Good Men
1992
Judge Randolph
movieSteel Justice
1992
Jeremiah J. Jones
movieCaptain Ron
1992
Magistrate
tvMartin
1992
Dr. Cliff Waters
movieAftermath: A Test of Love
1991
Det. Boland
movieThe Court-Martial of Jackie Robinson
1990
Wendell Smith
movieNarrow Margin
1990
Martin Larner
tvLaw & Order
1990
Congressman Ronald Eaton
movieFire Birds
1990
General Olcott
movieThe George McKenna Story
1988
Mr. McKenna
movieDesperate
1987
Wiggee
tv21 Jump Street
1987
George Messiah
movieRemo Williams: The Adventure Begins
1985
Conn MacCleary
tvAmazing Stories
1985
Prof. Bertram Carver
tvHollywood Beat
1985
Walker
tvMoonlighting
1985
Dr. Nealy
tvHardcastle and McCormick
1983
Vic Dutton
tvThe A-Team
1983
Judge
tvThe New Odd Couple
1982
Charles Walker
tvT. J. Hooker
1982
Dr. Ross
tvSimon & Simon
1981
Police Lt. 'Mule' Muldower - Internal Affairs
movieBody Heat
1981
Oscar Grace
tvHill Street Blues
1981
Ozzie Cleveland (archive footage) (uncredited) / Ozzie Cleveland
movieThe Plutonium Incident
1980
Dr. Samuels
tvHart to Hart
1979
Mr. Pruitt
movieAmericathon
1979
Morty
movieReal Life
1979
Dr. Ted Cleary
tvRoots: The Next Generations
1979
President Harper
tvDallas
1978
Leo Daltry
tvJames at 16
1977
Hazeltine
movieSilver Streak
1976
Waiter (uncredited)
movieTwo-Minute Warning
1976
Policeman
tvQuincy, M.E.
1976
Judge Saunder MacMillan
tvWonder Woman
1975
Jazreel
tvAll in the Family
1971
Elmo 'Black Elmo' Bridgewater
Black Cop
Narrator