Michael McGrady Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Height, Movies, Career

Michael McGrady is a seasoned American actor, artist, and musician known for his compelling roles in television series such as Southland and Ray Donovan.

His multifaceted career spans acting, painting, and music, establishing him as a respected figure in both entertainment and the arts.

Profile

• Full Name: Michael Steven McGrady
• Stage Name: Michael McGrady
• Born: March 30, 1960
• Age: 65 years old
• Birthplace: Federal Way, Washington, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Artist, Musician
• Height: 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m)
• Parents: George McGrady, Gloria McGrady
• Siblings: Shari McGrady (sister)
• Spouse: Ilka McGrady
• Children: Michaela McGrady, Hunter McGrady, Tynan McGrady
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1.9 million to $2 million USD

Early Life and Education

Michael McGrady was born on March 30, 1960, in Federal Way, Washington, to George McGrady, an airline mechanic, and Gloria McGrady, a hair salon owner.

Raised alongside his sister Shari, he grew up in a supportive environment in the Pacific Northwest.

He attended Federal Way High School and later studied Business Administration at the University of Washington, initially planning to become a lawyer.

After overcoming malignant melanoma at age 19—the same cancer that took his father’s life a year earlier—he shifted his focus to acting, prompted by his sister entering him in a contest for a scholarship to a local acting school.

This led him to move to Los Angeles in 1983 to pursue his passion, forgoing law school.

Career

Michael McGrady began his acting career in 1983 with a Cherry Pepsi commercial, quickly rising through Hollywood’s ranks.

His television debut included guest roles in shows like Murder, She Wrote, CSI: Miami, 24, Leverage, and Prison Break.

He gained prominence as Detective Daniel Salinger in Southland (2009–2011) and as recurring character Frank Barnes in Ray Donovan (2013–2016).

Other notable roles include Detective Philip Vanatter in American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson (2016) and Sheriff John Bridges in Criminal Minds (2005).

In film, he appeared in The Babe (1992) as Lou Gehrig, The Frozen Ground (2013) with John Cusack, and The Perfect Couple (2024) alongside Nicole Kidman.

McGrady voiced Rusty Galloway in the video game L.A. Noire (2011).

Beyond acting, he is a fine artist with McGrady Fine Art, exhibiting paintings in galleries across the U.S., and performs with The Sonic Groove Band, blending his creative talents.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @mcgradyfineart

Personal Life

Michael McGrady, 65, is married to Ilka McGrady, with whom he has been since 2006.

They reside in Southern California and Washington State, sharing a passion for sailing, surfing, and charitable work.

McGrady has three children from a previous marriage: Michaela McGrady and Hunter McGrady, both plus-size models, and Tynan McGrady, who passed away in a car accident in 2021 at age 23.

The loss inspired the creation of the Tynan McGrady Foundation, through which Michael and Ilka support STEM education and charities like the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children.

An advanced hang glider pilot, McGrady enjoys outdoor activities and performs with his band in Los Angeles and Ventura.

His Instagram, focused on his art, reflects his creative and private lifestyle.

Filmography

• The Bear (1984) – Film (Actor)
• Murder, She Wrote (1993–1999) – TV Series (Guest Roles)
• The Babe (1992) – Film (Lou Gehrig)
• The Thin Red Line (1998) – Film (Pvt. Floyd)
• JAG (1996–1998) – TV Series (Lt. Cmdr. Jack Keeter, 2 episodes)
• 24 (2003) – TV Series (CHP Officer Raymond Brown)
• Southland (2009–2011) – TV Series (Detective Daniel Salinger)
• L.A. Noire (2011) – Video Game (Rusty Galloway, Voice and Motion Capture)
• The Frozen Ground (2013) – Film (Vice Det. John Gentile)
• Ray Donovan (2013–2016) – TV Series (Frank Barnes)
• American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson (2016) – TV Series (Detective Philip Vanatter)
• Beyond (2017) – TV Series (Tom Matthews)
• The Perfect Couple (2024) – TV Series (Actor)

Net Worth

Michael McGrady has an estimated net worth of $1.9 million to $2 million USD.

His income is primarily derived from his acting career in television, film, and voice work, with notable roles in Southland and Ray Donovan.

Additional earnings come from his art sales through McGrady Fine Art, co-owned with his wife Ilka, and performances with The Sonic Groove Band.

His philanthropy through the Tynan McGrady Foundation focuses on giving back rather than profit.