Born in New York, Robert Ginty, a rugged, virile, and hard-looking action star, initially pursued a career in music, joining various rock bands at the age of 16. During this period, he had the opportunity to play and socialize with several rock legends, including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana, and John Lee Hooker.
However, in the 1970s, Ginty shifted his focus to acting, training at the Neighborhood Playhouse and the Actors Studio. He eventually found success in the regional theater circuit and was brought to Broadway by Harold Prince, who was impressed by his performances in William Shakespeare's works in New Hampshire.
Ginty's breakthrough in Hollywood came with frequent work as a strong-armed player on TV action shows, followed by steady roles on Black Sheep Squadron (1976) and bit parts in Bound for Glory (1976) and Two-Minute Warning (1976). His notable performance as Bruce Dern's pal in Coming Home (1978) further established him as a rising star.
During his time on The Paper Chase (1978),Ginty won his first film action lead in The Exterminator (1980),which became a surprising box-office hit. This success led to him emulating Clint Eastwood and Sylvester Stallone as a high-action anti-hero, forming his own production company to distribute his vehicles globally.
Ginty continued to thrive in the late 1990s, taking on producing and directing roles on shows such as China Beach (1988),Xena: Warrior Princess (1995),Nash Bridges (1996),Charmed (1998),and Tracker (2001). He was also active in the experimental theater scene, particularly in Europe, directing a rap/hip-hop musical version of Anthony Burgess' "A Clockwork Orange" to critical acclaim.
Throughout his life, Ginty was married three times and was survived by his third wife, Michelle, and two children: Marissa (from his relationship with actress Lorna Patterson) and James Francis Ginty (from his marriage to Francine Tacker).
