Appeared in the pilot episode of "The Bob Newhart Show" (1972).
Attended Tilton School in Tilton, N.H.
Critic Roger Ebert so admires him that he created the "Stanton-Walsh Rule," which states that "no movie featuring either Harry Dean Stanton or M. Emmet Walsh in a supporting role can be altogether bad." Ebert later admitted this rule was broken by Wild Wild West (1999), in which Walsh appeared.
Graduated from the Clarkson University School of Business.
Has been deaf in his left ear since age three.
In Christmas with the Kranks (2004), he plays a neighbor of Tim Allen. He played Allen's father-in-law on "Home Improvement" (1991).
Keeps a home in rural West Swanton, Vermont.
Was roommates with actor William Devane in college.