Brent Briscoe

Born in Moberly, Missouri in 1961, Brent Briscoe graduated from the University of Missouri and quickly began working in local and regional theater. His first on screen appearance came in 1991, in a supporting role on an episode of "Knots Landing" (CBS, 1979-1993). He had recurring roles on sitcoms "Evening Shade" (CBS, 1990-94) and "Hearts Afire" (CBS, 1992-95), and even found himself writing episodes for the former. In 1994, Briscoe collaborated for the first time with Billy Bob Thornton, playing a supporting role in the short film "Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade" (1994). Briscoe would also go on to play a supporting role in the feature length film, "Sling Blade" (1996), based on the short film. Briscoe worked consistently, playing a number of supporting roles on TV series and in films, most notably in "A Simple Plan" (1998), also with Thornton. Thornton also starred in "Waking Up in Reno" (2002), a film scripted by Briscoe, who also played a supporting role. In 2011, Briscoe made his first appearance as JJ, owner of lead character Leslie Knope's favorite diner, on "Parks and Recreation" (NBC, 2009-2015), a role he would reprise a number of times over the course of the series. Briscoe played his largest role in "Twin Peaks" (Showtime, 2017), playing local detective Dave Macklay in David Lynch's revival of his iconic series. Briscoe passed away suddenly in October of 2017 from complications after a fall.