John Aylward
Biography
John Aylward was an American actor born and raised in Seattle, Washington, on November 7, 1946. He attended St. Joseph's Grade School, went to Prep High School, and graduated from Garfield High School in 1965. In 1970, he graduated from the Professional Actor's Training Program at the University of Washington. Aylward was one of the founders of Seattle's Empty Space Theatre in 1973. Throughout his acting career, he became known for playing former DNC chairman Barry Goodwin on the NBC television series The West Wing and Dr. Donald Anspaugh on the NBC television series ER. Additionally, he supplied his voice for Dr. Arne Magnusson in Half-Life 2: Episode Two. Aylward passed away on May 16, 2022, at the age of 75.
Career overview
John Aylward was an American actor who was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, on November 7, 1946. He graduated from the Professional Actor's Training Program at the University of Washington in 1970 and went on to co-found Seattle's Empty Space Theatre in 1973. During his career, he amassed 76 known acting credits across film and television.
Aylward is perhaps best known for his television work on NBC, including his role as the former DNC chairman Barry Goodwin on the series The West Wing and his portrayal of Dr. Donald Anspaugh on the series ER. In addition to his on-screen television roles, he also supplied his voice work for the character Dr. Arne Magnusson in Half-Life 2: Episode Two.
Throughout his life and career, Aylward maintained ties to his hometown where he grew up, attending local schools including St. Joseph's Grade School and Prep High School before graduating from Garfield High School in 1965. He passed away on May 16, 2022, at the age of 75 in Seattle, Washington.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
80 titles- The Nowhere Inn (2021) as Uncle Pete
- Briarpatch (2020) as Freddie Laffter
- The Way Back (2020) as Father Edward Devine
- Yellowstone (2018) as Father Bob
- The Architect (2016) as Colin's Father
- Impastor (2015) as Bishop Perkins
- Scorpion (2014) as Uncle Tobin
- A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014) as Pastor Wilson
- Gangster Squad (2013) as Judge Carter
- Major Crimes (2012) as Ted King Sr.
- House of Lies (2012) as K. Warren McDale
- American Horror Story (2011) as Father Malachi
- Harry's Law (2011)
- Fairly Legal (2011) as Sam Childs
- Water for Elephants (2011) as Mr. Erwin
- The Crazies (2010) as Mayor Hobbs
- Norman (2010) as Robert Bessent
- Crimes of the Past (2009) as Clay Covington
- The Mentalist (2008) as Professor Stutzer
- Fringe (2008) as Dr. Owen Frank
- Mad Men (2007) as Geoffrey Atherton
- Big Shots (2007) as Larry Cooper
- The Gray Man (2007) as Capt. Ayers
- Forfeit (2007)
- Brothers and Sisters (2006) as Joe Rawling
- The Celestine Prophecy (2006) as Dobson
- Surface (2005) as Government Panel Suit
- Monster-in-Law (2005) as Priest (uncredited)
- North Country (2005) as Judge Halsted
- Boston Legal (2004) as Tom Orchard
- Jack & Bobby (2004) as Victor Sable
- Cold Case (2003) as Norman Campbell
- Nip/Tuck (2003) as Father Malley
- Carnivàle (2003) as Bishop McNaughton
- Down with Love (2003) as E.G.
- Path to War (2003) as Dean Rusk
- Without a Trace (2002) as Bernard Fields
- Everwood (2002) as Walter Cunningham
- Good Morning, Miami (2002) as Mr. Fowler
- Bad Company (2002) as Officer Ferren
- The Agency (2001) as Senator Davies
- Alias (2001) as Jeffrey Davenport
- Just Visiting (2001) as Byron
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000) as Dr. Paul Anton
- Secret Agent Man (2000) as Dr. Phil Etherington
- The Others (2000) as Albert McGonagle
- Thirteen Days (2000) as Orville Dryfoos
- The West Wing (1999) as Barry Goodwin
- Judging Amy (1999) as Father Jack Monroe
- Family Law (1999) as Judge Lester Burger
- Instinct (1999) as Warden Keefer
- Swing Vote (1999) as Justice Benjamin 'Rip' Ripley
- Can't Stop Dancing (1999) as Dick McGuire
- Armageddon (1998) as Dr. Banks
- From the Earth to the Moon (1998) as Dr. Ray Pemberton
- Creature (1998) as Ben Madiera
- Eden (1998) as Dr. Bryson
- Finding Graceland (1998) as Sheriff Haynes
- Stargate SG-1 (1997) as President Nadal
- The Practice (1997) as Center Panelist in Rydell Hearing
- The Practice (1997) as Federal Judge Kendall Marcott
- The Practice (1997) as Chief District Court Judge
- Dharma & Greg (1997) as Kevin Kincaid
- Ally McBeal (1997) as Owen Cobb
- Buddy (1997) as Joe Bowman
- 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996) as Registrar
- 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996) as Chancellor
- ER (1994) as Donald Anspaugh
- The X-Files (1993) as Dr. John Rietz
- Diagnosis: Murder (1993) as Captain Woodruff
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III (1993) as Niles
- Law & Order (1990) as Harlan Dwyer
- Northern Exposure (1990) as Charles 'Red' Murphy
- Child in the Night (1990) as Dr. Wendt
- Three Fugitives (1989) as Second Cop
- Third Degree Burn (1989) as Lomax
- Stamp of a Killer (1987)
- The Secret Life of John Chapman (1976) as Grady
- Final August as The Man
- Final August Director
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is John Aylward best known for?
John Aylward is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Briarpatch (2020), The Way Back (2020), Yellowstone (2018), Scorpion (2014).
When and where was John Aylward born?
John Aylward was born on November 7, 1946 in Seattle, Washington, USA. They passed away on May 16, 2022.
How many credits does John Aylward have?
John Aylward has accumulated over 80 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1976 to 2021.
What is John Aylward's background in cinema and television?
John Aylward was an American actor born and raised in Seattle, Washington, on November 7, 1946. He attended St. Joseph's Grade School, went to Prep High School, and graduated from Garfield High School in 1965. In 1970, he graduated from the Professional Actor's Training Program at the University of Washington. Aylward ...
John Aylward by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Mentalist (2008) as Professor Stutzer — aged about 61
- The X-Files (1993) as Dr. John Rietz — aged about 46
- Yellowstone (2018) as Father Bob — aged about 71
- The West Wing (1999) as Barry Goodwin — aged about 52
- Stargate SG-1 (1997) as President Nadal — aged about 50
- Scorpion (2014) as Uncle Tobin — aged about 67
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