Christopher McDonald, a versatile American actor known for his engaging performances in film, television, theatre, and voice acting, has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Born on February 15, 1955, in New York City, McDonald has showcased his talent across various genres.
One of McDonald’s most iconic roles came in the 1996 comedy Happy Gilmore, where he portrayed the memorable villain Shooter McGavin, a professional golfer. His filmography includes a range of starring roles, from playing “T-Birds” member Goose McKenzie in Grease 2 (1982) to appearing in box-office hits like Grumpy Old Men (1993), Flubber (1997), Rumor Has It (2005), The House Bunny (2008), and About Last Night (2014). McDonald’s ability to inhabit diverse characters is evident in his portrayals of Ward Cleaver in Leave It to Beaver (1997) and Tappy Tibbons in Requiem for a Dream (2000).
On the small screen, McDonald has been a series regular in TV shows such as Walter & Emily (1991–1992), Good Advice (1993–1994), Family Law (1999–2002), Cracking Up (2004), and Harry’s Law (2011–2012). His talent extends to portraying real-life figures, including game show host Jack Barry in Quiz Show (1994), sportscaster Mel Allen in 61* (2001), and Clinton lawyer Robert S. Bennett in FX’s Impeachment: American Crime Story (2021).
In 2022, McDonald earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as casino CEO Marty Ghilain on the HBO Max show Hacks. McDonald’s enduring career stands as a testament to his versatility and commitment to delivering memorable performances across various mediums.