Michael McGrady

Michael McGrady

65 · Born: Mar 30, 1960

Personal Details

BornMar 30, 1960 Federal Way, Washington, USA
Spouse
  • Ilka McGrady

    ( Nov 1, 2003 to Dec 12, 2025 )
  • Brynja McGrady

    ( Jun 15, 1985 to Dec 12, 2025 )
Parents
  • Gloria McGrady
  • George McGrady
Relatives
  • Shari McGrady (Sibling)
  • Todd McGrady (Sibling)

Biography

Michael's life story is marked by significant milestones and unexpected turns. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, he initially pursued a degree in Business Administration at The University of Washington with the intention of attending law school. However, his plans took a dramatic shift when he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma at the age of 19, the same cancer that had claimed his father's life just a year prior. After overcoming this life-threatening illness and completing four years at university, Michael's uncertain future healthwise led him to reassess his priorities and take a break from school to relocate to Los Angeles and pursue an acting career.

As Michael's acting career progressed, he rapidly rose through the ranks of working actors to become a prominent fixture in Hollywood. He initially made his mark in television, securing guest star appearances in hundreds of prime time shows. He then went on to become a series regular and recurring character on numerous critically acclaimed television series, as well as securing supporting and lead roles in dozens of notable films.

In addition to his successful acting career, Michael is also a co-founder and CEO of the Tynan McGrady Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding STEM programs. This endeavor holds a special significance for Michael, as it was inspired by the life and legacy of his late son, Tynan, who tragically passed away in a solo auto accident on May 1, 2021, at the age of 23 and just two weeks shy of graduating from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.

Career

2017
Beyond
Beyond as Tom Matthews
2016
American Crime Story
American Crime Story as Det. Phillip Van Atter
2014
Rage
Rage as Danny Doherty
2013
The Frozen Ground
The Frozen Ground as Vice Det. John Gentile
Ray Donovan
Ray Donovan as Frank Barnes
2012
Freelancers
Freelancers as Robert Jude
2011
The Perfect Family
The Perfect Family as Frank Cleary
2009
Southland
Southland as Detective Daniel Salinger
2008
Ring of Death
Ring of Death as Officer Colson
Keith
Keith as Pete
2006
Low Winter Sun
Low Winter Sun as Brendan McCann
Day Break
Day Break as Buchalter
2002
Half Past Dead
Half Past Dead as Guard Damon J. Kestner
1999
Bad City Blues
Bad City Blues as Clarence Jefferson
The Deep End of the Ocean
The Deep End of the Ocean as Jimmy Daugherty
Five Aces
Five Aces as Sean Haggerty
Malevolence
Malevolence as James Clark
1998
The Thin Red Line
The Thin Red Line as Pvt. Floyd
1997
Volcano
Volcano as Policeman
1995
Welcome to Paradise
Welcome to Paradise as Mark Sheridan
White Dwarf
White Dwarf as Lt. Strake
1994
Wyatt Earp
Wyatt Earp as John Shanssey
1993
Quick
Quick as Hellman
1992
The Babe
The Babe as Lou Gehrig
Coopersmith
Coopersmith as Marvin
Diggstown
Diggstown as Frank Mangrum
1988
1987
Project X
Project X as Wilson
1986
Back to School
Back to School as Player #1
1985
Creator
Creator as Larry
1984
The Bear
The Bear as Gene Stallings
Trancers
Trancers as Chris Lavery