J.A. Preston - Actor Profile

J.A. Preston

Acting
Freshness: Jan 25, 2026
26Total Films
7.5 Highest Rated
Born: Nov 13, 1932
Birth Place: Washington, District of Columbia, USA

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

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of J.A. Preston reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 26 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of J.A. Preston's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 27% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), J.A. Preston remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in A Few Good Men, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best J.A. Preston Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from J.A. Preston's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of J.A. Preston.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2011 Infiltrating Hollywood: The Rise and Fall of the Spook Who Sat by the Door - Flop Similar →
1997 Contact Senator (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1996 Harvest of Fire Sheriff Garrison Average Similar →
1994 Perry Mason: The Case of the Lethal Lifestyle Man Hit Similar →
1994 MacShayne: Winner Takes All Pete Webb Flop Similar →
1993 The Gifted Jacob (Adult) Flop Similar →
1992 A Few Good Men Judge Randolph Super Hit Similar →
1992 Steel Justice Jeremiah J. Jones Flop Similar →
1992 Captain Ron Magistrate Average Similar →
1991 Aftermath: A Test of Love Det. Boland Average Similar →
1990 The Court-Martial of Jackie Robinson Wendell Smith Hit Similar →
1990 Narrow Margin Martin Larner Average Similar →
1990 Fire Birds General Olcott Flop Similar →
1988 The George McKenna Story Mr. McKenna Average Similar →
1987 Desperate Wiggee Flop Similar →
1985 Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins Conn MacCleary Average Similar →
1981 The White Lions Aniel Flop Similar →
1981 Body Heat Oscar Grace Hit Similar →
1980 High Noon, Part II: The Return of Will Kane Alonzo Flop Similar →
1980 The Plutonium Incident Dr. Samuels Flop Similar →
1979 Americathon Morty Flop Similar →
1979 Real Life Dr. Ted Cleary Hit Similar →
1976 Silver Streak Waiter (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1976 Two-Minute Warning Policeman Average Similar →
1973 The Spook Who Sat by the Door Dawson Average Similar →
N/A Black Cop Narrator Flop Similar →

J.A. Preston - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of J.A. Preston?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring J.A. Preston is "A Few Good Men" with a rating of 7.5/10.

How many movies has J.A. Preston acted in?

J.A. Preston has been featured in at least 26 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by J.A. Preston?

Other notable films include "Contact", "Perry Mason: The Case of the Lethal Lifestyle", and "Body Heat".