Nathan Jessep

Nathan Jessep
Biographical Information
Real Name	Nathan R. Jessep
Physical Information
Species	Human
Gender	Male
Chronological / Political Information
Affiliation(s)	United States Marine Corps
Citizenship	American
Base of Operations	Guantanamo Bay Naval Base
Occupation(s)	Colonel
Fictional Information
Created by	Aaron Sorkin
Portrayed by	Jack Nicholson
First Appearance	A Few Good Men
Final Appearance	A Few Good Men

“	Son, we live in a world that has walls. And those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago and you curse the marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: That Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don't want the truth. Because deep down, in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall. You need me there. We use words like honor, code, loyalty... we use these words as the backbone to a life spent defending something. You use 'em as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it. I'd prefer you just said thank you and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you're entitled to.	”
–Colonel Nathan R. Jessep

Colonel Nathan R. Jessep, USMC was an American military officer of the 20th century. He is largely remembered for the Code Red scandal which occurred during his command of Guantanamo Bay and ended the possibility of his promotion to the position of Director of Operations for the National Security Council.

Notes

Behind the Scenes

• Colonel Jessup was portrayed by American actor Jack Nicholson.

References & Popular Culture

• Vanity Fair referred to Jessep as one of the 14 worst bosses in film history, behind only Darth Vader.
• Wade Barnes compared co-host Bob Muyskens' delivery of a story about his home's lawncare to Jessep's speech in an episode of the podcast "Distractible".

Appearances

• A Few Good Men (first and final appearance)

Links

• Colonel Nathan R. Jessup on the Villains Wiki