Emmy-nominated Christopher McDonald is one of Hollywood’s most prolific, versatile, and recognized actors. Beloved for his memorable performances in Thelma and Louise, Requiem for a Dream, Quiz Show, The Perfect Storm, Shooter McGavin in Happy Gilmore as well as voice talent in The Iron Giant, McDonald is a classically trained stage actor with a broad fan base. His notable dramatic television guest starring roles include work on The Sopranos, The Bronx is Burning, 61, and Martin Scorsese’s critically acclaimed HBO series Boardwalk Empire. In 2022, McDonald was nominated for an Emmy for his role as “Marty” on the HBO Max hit comedy Hacks. McDonald is currently appearing in 20th Century Fox’s Rosaline on Hulu, Ryan Murphy Productions’ The Watcher on Netflix, and Apple TV’s Land of Dreams. Chris is excited to join the Marvel Universe in the highly anticipated miniseries Secret Invasion on Disney+ in 2023.

McDonald first caught Hollywood’s attention when he played Goose McKenzie in Grease 2, starring alongside Michelle Pfeiffer. Even though more movie offers followed, McDonald opted to work on his acting craft, immersing himself in acting studies at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Upon returning to Los Angeles, McDonald performed in over thirty-five productions at the Los Angeles Theater Center including Hamlet, Othello, Death of a Salesman and Taming of a Shrew, which led him to begin an enviable career that has never slowed down. Additional film highlights include The Boys Next Door (1985), Outrageous Fortune (1987), Chances Are (1989), Dutch (1991), Wild Orchid 2 (1992), Grumpy Old Men (1993), Fatal Instinct (1993), Terminal Velocity (1994), Cover Story (1994), The Rich Man’s Wife (1995), Leave it to Beaver (1997), Lawn Dogs (1997), Flubber (1997), SLC Punk (1998), The Skulls (2000), The Man Who Wasn’t There (2001), Spy Kids: 2 (2002), Broken Flowers (2005), Takedown (2005), Rumor Has It (2005), American Pie (2006), Kickin’ It Old Skool (2007), My Sexiest Year (2007), Mad Money (2008), Superhero Movie (2008), Fanboys (2008), The House Bunny (2008), Spooner (2009), The Best and The Brightest (2010), Balls to the Wall (2011), Not Fade Away (2012), The Collection (2012), About Last Night (2014), The Squeeze (2015), Don’t Worry Baby (2015), The Crash (2016), Wetlands (2017), and Abruptio (2019).

McDonald’s long held respect for the stage led him to return to New York to star as Billy Flynn, the nefarious self-serving lawyer in Kander and Ebb’s Chicago. The show toured major markets nationwide with McDonald’s leading performance embraced by critics and audiences alike. His other Broadway successes include Lucky Guy opposite Tom Hanks and the hit revival of The Front Page with Nathan Lane. Some regional theater credits include Nightclub Cantina, Hay Fever, and Bouncers. He is also the recipient of a Drama-logue Award for Best Actor in Final Touches.

His TV credits include regular appearances on the series Cracking Up, (Fox), Kim Possible (Disney), North Shore (Fox), Family Law (CBS), Veronica’s Closet. (NBC), Harry’s Law (NBC) opposite Kathy Bates. Ballers (HBO) opposite Dwayne Johnson, and Mr. Iglesias (Netflix). Chris will return for Season 3 of Hacks with production starting in Fall 2022.

Born and raised in New York City, McDonald is one of seven children. Originally a pre-med major at Hobart College, McDonald decided to pursue an acting career in his senior year. In addition to his theater studies in London, McDonald also graduated from the Stella Adler Acting Conservatory in New York. McDonald and his wife, Lupe, are the proud parents of a son and three daughters. They reside in Los Angeles.