James Rebhorn, a character actor who appeared in dozens of popular movies and television shows and recently starred on the Showtime hit “Homeland,” died on Friday at his home in South Orange, N.J. He was 65.

The cause was melanoma, his agent, Dianne Busch, said.

Mr. Rebhorn had memorable supporting roles in major films and worked consistently in television and theater. He appeared in more than 50 films, including “Meet the Parents,” “Independence Day,” “My Cousin Vinny” and “Cold Mountain.”

In the acclaimed political thriller “Homeland,” now in its fourth season on Showtime, he played the pivotal role of Frank Mathison, the father of Carrie Mathison, the C.I.A. officer played by Claire Danes. The show has chronicled how both father and daughter have grappled with bipolar disorder.