Jim Metzler has carved out an impressive path in Hollywood, thanks to his classic good looks and quietly intense presence. Over the years, Jim Metzler has proven himself a reliable and compelling character actor, with a career spanning several decades. One of the standout moments early on was his portrayal of Mason McCormick, the brother of Matt Dillon’s character in the 1982 Disney film Tex. That role not only showcased his talent but also earned Jim Metzler a Golden Globe nomination—an impressive feat so early in his journey.
Before stepping into the spotlight, Jim Metzler had a very different dream. He attended Dartmouth College, where he excelled as a baseball pitcher. In fact, he was even drafted by the Boston Red Sox. But instead of pursuing a career on the field, Jim Metzler made the bold decision to walk away from baseball and follow his passion for acting—a choice that clearly paid off.
After Tex, Jim Metzler continued building momentum, landing roles in a number of notable TV projects. He appeared in the acclaimed 1985–1986 miniseries North and South, which followed two friends torn apart by the American Civil War. Though much of his work through the late ‘80s consisted of supporting roles in smaller films and television appearances, Jim Metzler never stopped working.
His career saw a resurgence in the early ‘90s with a memorable turn as Dud Cole in the indie crime classic One False Move, starring alongside Bill Paxton. The film became a cult favorite, and Jim Metzler’s performance stood out. Through the rest of the decade, he remained active, taking on guest spots on TV and small parts in various features—until 1997, when he landed a significant role as a city councilman in Curtis Hanson’s Oscar-winning thriller L.A. Confidential.
As the new millennium began, Jim Metzler shifted his focus almost entirely to television. He became a familiar face across popular procedural dramas, including CSI: NY and Crossing Jordan. Fans of Bill Paxton would once again see Jim Metzler in a recurring role on the HBO series Big Love, where their on-screen chemistry added depth to the complex narrative around polygamy.
Throughout it all, Jim Metzler has maintained a steady, understated presence—proof that strong performances don’t always require the spotlight.
Jim Metzler has had a number of films throughout his career, but if we look at the ratings, his most acclaimed work happens to be One False Move from 1991. On the flip side, one of his less favorably reviewed movies is Hot to Trot, which came out back in 1988. While Jim Metzler’s filmography includes a variety of roles, these two titles stand out as the peaks and valleys of his cinematic journey.