Jackson started acting in his late 20s, at a community theater. In 1980, Jackson went to
New York City, and later to
Hollywood, to further his acting career. He had small roles in a number of television and
motion picture productions, most notably a recurring role in the series
Wiseguy. In 1986, he appeared in the TV film
Blind Justice, starring
Tim Matheson. In 1987, Jackson had a small role in the
MacGyver episode "Birth Day" as LA police sergeant Meechum who recognizes MacGyver's flag help signal, saying he does so because he spent four years in the Navy. In 1992, Jackson played Captain West, a senior JAG officer, in the American drama film
A Few Good Men. In 1996, Jackson took on the role of
Rear Admiral A. J. Chegwidden (the
Judge Advocate General of the Navy) in
JAG, which he would continue to play for eight consecutive years. Jackson was Johnny B./Eli Ferguson in
The Spitfire Grill. His mother was played by
Ellen Burstyn. Jackson had a recurring role as
FBI Deputy Director Sam Cullen in the first season of
Fox series
Bones. Jackson appeared in the series finale of
Jericho as the ambassador of
Texas to the
Allied States of America. Jackson portrayed C-130 pilot Gus in the NBC series
Knight Rider and has recently appeared on
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Jackson returned to the role of retired admiral
A.J. Chegwidden, now a civilian lawyer, in the
NCIS season 10 finale, broadcast on May 14, 2013 and again as a recurring character on
NCIS: Los Angeles in its 8th and 9th seasons. ==Personal life==