Un-Official Raise The Titanic! Cast & Crew-M. Emmet Walsh Page

Casted as Master Chief Vinnie Walker, M. Emmet Walsh's character was supposed to replace Al Giordino.

Below is a brief description entirely excerpted from the press kit that was released to the press before the film's initial release.

M. EMMET WALSH is cast as Vinnie Giordino, a U.S. Navy chief duty officer, who is an expert engineer and the special assistant to Dirk Pitt.

One of the most prolific actors on the screen and television today, Walsh's two most recent credits are "Ordinary People" and "The Jerk," and television feature, "The Gift."

Other Walsh credits include "The Fish Who Saved Brooklyn," Brubaker," "Reds," and "Straight Time."

Biography-Was born as Michael Emmet Walsh on March 22, 1935 in Ogdensburg, New York. At the age of 3 Emmet lost hearing in his left ear and has ever since. Attended Tilton School in Tilton, NH. Graduated from the Clarkson University School of Business. Eventually he would attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Emmet also was roommates with actor William Devane in college. As to which school it was that is undetermined.

Mr. Walsh is considered one of the best character actors and is usually casted as a redneck, a corrupt cop, or both. He made an indelible impression on jaded moviegoers as the hard-to kill detective in Blood Simple (1984). His frequent and skillful portrayals of Southerners belie the fact that he's a New York native, and testifies to the skill and conviction he brings to showing supporting roles.

In 1969, Mr. Walsh made his motion picture debut in Midnight Cowboy and excluding a couple of detours to TV. His best known TV character was Colonel Patterson in Home Improvement as Jill's strict military father. Mr. Walsh's other notable TV appearances were Bonanza, All In The Family, The Bob Newhart Show, The Waltons, The Rockford Files, Baretta, Starsky and Hutch, Little House On The Prairie, Stephen Spielberg's Amazing Stories, The X-Files, Frasier, NYPD Blue, & Ed. He also offered his voice talents for the animated series The Wild Thornberrys. Mr. Walsh also co-starred with future Dirk Pitt star Matthew McConaughey in A Time To Kill as Dr. Willard Tyrell 'W.T.' Bass (the Defense Psychologist).

Mr. Walsh has become one of the busiest supporting actors in Hollywood, averaging 6 films a year. He also keeps a home in rural West Swanton, VT.

Filmography-Thanks goes to the Internet Movie Database again.