Thomas Rickman Director Tommy Lee Jones Billy Actor Martha Plimpton Jonsy Actor Brian Dennehy Doc Cole Actor Nancy Lea Owen Vadie Actor Col Shawn Smith Wexel Actor Norman Bennett Sheriff Cal Actor Tony Frank Poley Actor Angie Bolling Joyce Actor Roger Copeland Young Billy Actor Tommy Burlison Whitey Actor Tamara Hartley Young Joyce Actor Louise Anderson Wexel's Aunt Actor Melissa Hart Peggy Actor Mary Harper Old Woman Actor James Hurt Motorist Actor Michael Shepard Cajun Sheriff Actor Peter Renaday Cajun Doctor Actor Louis Plante Cajun Deputy Actor Rod Britt Cajun Deputy Actor Robert Le Blanc Cajun in Cemetery Actor Craig Cruse Boy on Levee Actor Bill O'Neal Stretcher Bearer Actor Creston B Parker Red Bandana Actor Melissa Davis Alida Le Blanc Actor Kenyatta Beasley Little Daddy Actor Charles E. Beasley Dad Actor Bob Larson Producer