Jack McGee

Jack McGee is an American actor born on February 2, 1949, in the South Bronx, New York, the youngest of eight children. He appeared on Broadway in 2018 in The Iceman Cometh. Over the course of his career, he has accumulated credits in more than 100 films and television series, frequently cast in gruff, blue-collar roles distinguished by his gravelly, raspy voice.

McGee grew up in the Bronx and attended Cardinal Hayes High School, where he served as class president, played on the football team, and performed as a background harmony vocalist with The Young Rascals. In 1977, he joined the New York City Fire Department as a firefighter while simultaneously pursuing an acting career. He served with FDNY Engine Company 38 and Ladder Company 51, both located in the Bronx. His first major acting role came in the 1985 film Turk 182, a story centered on firefighters.

Among his most recognized television work is his portrayal of FDNY 15th Battalion Chief Jerry Reilly on the FX drama series Rescue Me, a role he held as a regular cast member for three seasons. In 2010, he co-starred as Hickey on the Spike TV comedy series Players. His voice work includes Mr. White in the 2006 Reservoir Dogs video game, Big Ed in Real Heroes: Firefighter, and the character Otis Schmidt in the film Backdraft.

McGee is a colon cancer survivor and supports several organizations, including the WeSpark Cancer Support Center, the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Autism Speaks, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and the Leary Firefighters Foundation. His wife Stephanie serves as Guest Services Manager at WeSpark.