Jones, who was known for playing pleasant characters, took on the role as Dr. Herman Varnick, the evil veterinarian, in the family film "Beethoven" (1992). Jones employed method acting for the first time in his career and did not break character off-set throughout the film's shooting period much to the surprise of cast members as well as family and friends who had never seen him so immersed in a role. He maintained his relationship to the Beethoven franchise by providing the voice of George Newton in the television version of "Beethoven". He also appeared in a small role as Director of Central Intelligence Judge Arthur Moore in the film adaptation of Tom Clancy's "Clear and Present Danger" (1994), which stars Harrison Ford.