J.A. Preston

James Allen Preston Sr., born on November 13, 1932, in Washington, D.C., is a distinguished American actor celebrated for his memorable performances in television and film. He gained widespread recognition for portraying Ozzie Cleveland on the iconic NBC series *Hill Street Blues*, which captivated audiences from 1981 to 1987.

Throughout his career, Preston has showcased his versatility in various roles, including Leo Daltry in the popular soap opera *Dallas* and Richard Matthews in *Santa Barbara*. He portrayed the formidable court-martial judge Colonel J.A. Randolph, USMC, in the critically acclaimed 1992 film *A Few Good Men*, and took on the significant role of a USAF Major General in the action thriller *Air Force One* (1997).

In addition to these notable performances, Preston was a series regular in the short-lived CBS sitcom *All's Fair* (1976-77), where he played an assistant to the conservative columnist Richard Barrington, portrayed by Richard Crenna. He also made a memorable appearance on the NBC series *The A-Team* as Colonel Thomas Milo, a judge overseeing a military tribunal, and featured in three episodes of *Martin* as Dr. Cliff Waters, the father of Gina, played by Tisha Campbell-Martin. Through his diverse roles, Preston has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.