Richard Burgi was born on July 30, 1958, in Montclair, New Jersey, a town situated approximately 15 miles west of New York City, to a family with a strong musical background. His father was a skilled drummer, his mother was a talented singer, and one of his three siblings went on to become a drummer as well. From a young age, Burgi was actively involved in community theater, and after graduating from Montclair High School, he embarked on a journey throughout Europe.
Burgi's acting career began in the mid-1980s, and he quickly gained recurring roles on two prominent daytime soap operas, Another World and As the World Turns, between 1986 and 1989. He also made a guest appearance on One Life to Live during this period.
Throughout the 1990s, Burgi continued to work steadily in television series, including Days of Our Lives and the crime drama The Sentinel, where he played the lead role of Det. James Ellison. His other notable roles during this time include appearances on 24, Judging Amy, Point Pleasant, Las Vegas, Chuck, One Tree Hill, and Desperate Housewives.
In addition to his television work, Burgi has also appeared in several films, including the sci-fi sequel Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation, Cellular, Fun with Dick and Jane, In Her Shoes, Hostel: Part II, and Friday the 13th. In 2013, he landed a recurring role as D.A. Dan Russell on the series Body of Proof.
Burgi is married to Liliana Lopez and is the proud father of two sons, Jack (born in 1996) and Sam (born in 2000).
