--- name: "Bruce McGill" canonical: "https://film.one/person/bruce-mcgill" fi1m_id: "bruce-mcgill" imdb_id: "nm0569226" tmdb_id: 14888 wikidata_id: "Q447960" roles: ["Actor"] born: "11 July 1950" reviewed_on_fi1m: 11 average_fi1m_score: 72 average_as: "actor" average_over: 10 updated: "2026-10-05T20:04:58.861001+00:00" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Bruce McGill ## Identity Bruce McGill - **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/bruce-mcgill - **Type:** Person - **Fi1m ID:** bruce-mcgill - **IMDb ID:** nm0569226 - **TMDB ID:** 14888 - **Wikidata ID:** Q447960 - **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_McGill, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q447960, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0569226/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/14888 Actor. Born 11 July 1950 in San Antonio, Texas, USA. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 11 July 1950, San Antonio, Texas, USA - **Active:** 1991–present - **Also known as:** Bruce Travis McGill - **Titles on Fi1m:** 11: 10 acting, 1 other - **Frequently works with:** [Michael Mann](https://film.one/person/michael-mann.md), [Russell Crowe](https://film.one/person/russell-crowe.md) - **Average Fi1m score:** 72, as actor, over 10 titles - **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 62 (1), 1990s 75 (5), 2000s 69 (3), 2010s 82 (1), 2020s 56 (1) - **Fi1m against the critics:** 72 to 67 across 10 titles - **Score spread:** 3 at 80+, 5 at 60–79, 2 under 60 - **Lead roles:** 0 of 6 acting credits billed first or second - **Genres:** Drama 7, Thriller 6, Action 3, Crime 3, Adventure 1, Comedy 1 - **Screen time:** 19 hours of reviewed films - **Box office:** $1,418m across 9 films with figures - **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_McGill, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q447960, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0569226/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/14888 ## Streaming the US now - **Paramount+:** [*Collateral*](https://film.one/film/collateral.md) (85) - **The Roku Channel:** [*The Last Boy Scout*](https://film.one/film/the-last-boy-scout.md) (73) - **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Timecop*](https://film.one/film/timecop.md) (64) For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country. ## Fi1m on Bruce McGill > Bruce McGill gives supporting authority figures a strong voice and enough theatrical force to hold our attention. We value him most in Michael Mann's *The Insider*, where his intensity makes a small part feel consequential. In *The Insider* (1999), Bruce McGill's Ron Motley makes a lawyer's authority felt through his voice. McGill brings theatrical energy to a small part, with the vocal control to make its force convincing. We felt a jolt of excitement, because he made this supporting attorney seem as consequential as a leading character. Michael Mann's thriller gives a tobacco whistle-blower's struggle real personal weight, and McGill fits its seriousness without being swallowed by it. It is the clearest example of what we value in him. His breakthrough came as D-Day in *National Lampoon's Animal House* (1978), before a career built largely in supporting roles across film and television. Sheriff Dean Farley in *My Cousin Vinny* (1992) offered a comic version of the authority figure that became a frequent assignment. Lawyers, detectives, military officers and politicians all suit a performer with that vocal strength. We understand the attraction for casting directors, though there is a risk of giving him a position of power and considering the character finished. Mann worked with him three times, including on *Collateral* (2004), in which he plays Frank Pedrosa. That film gives Jamie Foxx as much room as Tom Cruise, and its attention to performance helps make it a tense, absorbing thriller. McGill's presence belongs to a cast worth attending to beyond the two principal actors. We recommend the film strongly, with a caveat about its more conventional later action. *The Insider* remains the more revealing introduction to McGill, even if Mann occasionally labours points the film has already made. We would welcome more roles that put that familiar authority in doubt. Repeatedly being asked to take charge is useful employment, but it can narrow what a film asks of an actor. That is a reservation about the casting, not a reason to overlook the precision he brings to supporting work. Start with *The Insider* and listen to what McGill can do with a small part. ## Biography Bruce McGill is an American actor. He was born on 11 July 1950 in San Antonio, Texas, and graduated with a degree in drama from the University of Texas at Austin. His film roles include Daniel Simpson "D-Day" Day in *National Lampoon's Animal House* (1978), Sheriff Dean Farley in *My Cousin Vinny* (1992), and Ron Motley in *The Insider* (1999). He has worked with director Michael Mann on *The Insider*, *Ali* (2001) and *Collateral* (2004). On television he played Jack Dalton in *MacGyver* (1985–1992) and Detective Vince Korsak in *Rizzoli & Isles* (2010–2016). *Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.* ## On Fi1m (11) ### Performed in (10) — the average rests on these - *Love & Death* (2023), Fi1m 56, as Judge Tom Ryan — [page](https://film.one/tv/love-and-death.md) - *Lincoln* (2012), Fi1m 82, as Edwin Stanton — [page](https://film.one/film/lincoln.md) - *Collateral* (2004), Fi1m 85, as Frank Pedrosa — [page](https://film.one/film/collateral.md) - *Ali* (2001), Fi1m 68, as Bradley — [page](https://film.one/film/ali.md) - *Shallow Hal* (2001), Fi1m 55, as Reverend Larson — [page](https://film.one/film/shallow-hal.md) - *The Insider* (1999), Fi1m 89, as Ron Motley — [page](https://film.one/film/the-insider.md) - *Timecop* (1994), Fi1m 64, as Commander Eugene Matuzak — [page](https://film.one/film/timecop.md) - *A Perfect World* (1993), Fi1m 74, as Paul Saunders — [page](https://film.one/film/a-perfect-world.md) - *Cliffhanger* (1993), Fi1m 74, as Treasury Agent — [page](https://film.one/film/cliffhanger.md) - *The Last Boy Scout* (1991), Fi1m 73, as Mike Matthews — [page](https://film.one/film/the-last-boy-scout.md) ### Also credited (1) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited - *The Secret of My Success* (1987), Fi1m 62, as W. Shaw (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/the-secret-of-my-success.md) ## Complete filmography (147) Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page. - *Black Zone* (2025), as General Bruce Wright - *Lioness* (2023), series, as NSA Advisor Hollar, Monty Holler - *Love & Death* (2023), series, as Judge Tom Ryan — Fi1m 56, [page](https://film.one/tv/love-and-death.md) - *Buried in Barstow* (2022), as Von - *Reacher* (2022), series, as Mayor Teale - *American Underdog* (2021), as Jim Foster - *Blue Miracle* (2021), as Wayne Bisbee - *The Crew* (2021), series, as Bobby Spencer - *Troubled Waters* (2020), as Jerry Paar - *The Big Ugly* (2020), as Milt - *Poms* (2019), as Chief Carl - *The Best of Enemies* (2019), as Carvie Oldham - *MacGyver* (2016), series, as Detective Greer - *Ride Along 2* (2016), as Lt. Brooks - *Run All Night* (2015), as Pat Mullen - *Ride Along* (2014), as Lt. Brooks - *Lincoln* (2012), as Edwin Stanton — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/lincoln.md) - *FDR: American Badass!* (2012), as Louis - *Unconditional* (2012), as Detective Miller - *Outlaws - For Greater Glory* (2012), as President Calvin Coolidge - *Me Again* (2011), as Big Earl - *Suits* (2011), series, as Stanley Gordon - *Apart* (2011), as Dr. Thomas Abner - *Family Guy Presents: It's a Trap!* (2010), as John Williams (voice) - *Rizzoli & Isles* (2010), series, as Detective Vince Korsak - *Fair Game* (2010), as Jim Pavitt - *The Perfect Game* (2009), as Mr. Tanner - *Law Abiding Citizen* (2009), as Jonas Cantrell - *The Cleveland Show* (2009), series, as Mr. Waterman (voice), Lloyd Waterman (voice) - *The Good Wife* (2009), series, as Jeremy Breslow — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-good-wife.md) - *Held Hostage* (2009), as Ben Summers - *Imagine That* (2009), as Mr. Rowe (uncredited) - *From Mexico With Love* (2009), as Billy - *Obsessed* (2009), as Joe Gage - *W.* (2008), as George Tenet - *Recount* (2008), as Mac Stipanovich - *A Line in the Sand* (2008), as Marty Kopac - *Vantage Point* (2008), as Phil McCullough - *The Lookout* (2007), as Robert Pratt - *The Good Life* (2007), as Frank Jones - *Humble Pie* (2007), as Mr. Grigoratus - *Area 57* (2007), as Gen. Keller - *Behind Enemy Lines II: Axis of Evil* (2006), as Gen. Norman T. Vance - *Psych* (2006), series, as Dan Trombly - *Elizabethtown* (2005), as Bill Banyon - *Slow Burn* (2005), as Godfrey - *Cinderella Man* (2005), as Jimmy Johnston - *American Dad!* (2005), series, as Judge (voice) - *Numb3rs* (2005), series, as Austin - *Medium* (2005), series, as Jerry Carlisle - *Collateral* (2004), as Frank Pedrosa — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/film/collateral.md) - *Path to War* (2003), as George Ball - *Runaway Jury* (2003), as Judge Harkin - *NCIS* (2003), series, as Henry Rogers — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/tv/ncis.md) - *Matchstick Men* (2003), as Chuck Frechette - *Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde* (2003), as Stanford Marks - *Where Are They Now?: A Delta Alumni Update* (2003), as Daniel Simpson 'D-Day' Day - *Live from Baghdad* (2002), as Peter Arnett - *The Sum of All Fears* (2002), as National Security Advisor Revell - *Ali* (2001), as Bradley — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/film/ali.md) - *Justice League* (2001), series, as General McCormick (voice) - *Shallow Hal* (2001), as Reverend Larson — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/film/shallow-hal.md) - *Law & Order: Criminal Intent* (2001), series, as Peter Bellingham - *Wolf Lake* (2001), series, as Willard Cates - *61** (2001), as Ralph Houk - *Exit Wounds* (2001), as Frank Daniels - *Inside The Osmonds* (2001), as George Osmond - *The Ballad of Lucy Whipple* (2001), as Jonas Scatter - *The Legend of Bagger Vance* (2000), as Walter Hagen - *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* (2000), series, as Jimmy Tadero - *Running Mates* (2000), as Sen. Mitchell Morris - *Deep Core* (2000), as Sam Dalton - *The Insider* (1999), as Ron Motley — Fi1m 89, [page](https://film.one/film/the-insider.md) - *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (1999), series, as Gordon Garrison - *A Dog of Flanders* (1999), as William - *Family Guy* (1999), series, as Santa Claus (voice), John Williams (voice), (voice), Lincoln's Cabinet Member (voice) — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/tv/family-guy.md) - *Murder She Purred: A Mrs. Murphy Mystery* (1998), as Sheriff Rick - *Ground Control* (1998), as T.C. Bryant - *Letters from a Killer* (1998), as Brinker - *Everything That Rises* (1998), as Alan jamison - *The Magnificent Seven* (1998), series, as Dicky O'Shea - *Lawn Dogs* (1997), as Nash - *Cow and Chicken* (1997), series, as Baboon's Dad / Santa (voice) - *I Am Weasel* (1997), series, as Baboon's Dad / Santa (voice) - *The Practice* (1997), series, as Judge Charles Fleming - *Rosewood* (1997), as Duke Purdy - *Shadow of a Doubt* (1996), as Dr. Fred Williams - *Courage Under Fire* (1996), as McQuillan - *Black Sheep* (1996), as Neuschwander - *Perfect Alibi* (1995), Actor - *Live Shot* (1995), series, as Joe Vitale - *The Good Old Boys* (1995), as City Marshall - *Mr. Payback: An Interactive Movie* (1995), as James Konklin - *Star Trek: Voyager* (1995), series, as Captain Braxton - *Timecop* (1994), as Commander Eugene Matuzak — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/timecop.md) - *Babylon 5* (1994), series, as Major Ed Ryan — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/tv/babylon-5.md) - *A Perfect World* (1993), as Paul Saunders — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/a-perfect-world.md) - *Shameful Secrets* (1993), as Judge Ian Greenstein - *Dave's World* (1993), series, as Mr. Holroyd - *Bakersfield P.D.* (1993), series, as Captain Stocker - *Cliffhanger* (1993), as Treasury Agent — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/cliffhanger.md) - *Black Widow Murders: The Blanche Taylor Moore Story* (1993), as Morgan - *Walker, Texas Ranger* (1993), series, as Boone Waxwell - *Play Nice* (1992), as Captain Foxx - *Desperate Choices: To Save My Child* (1992), as Dan Ryan - *My Cousin Vinny* (1992), as Sheriff Farley - *Crash Landing: The Rescue of Flight 232* (1992), as Flight Engineer Dudley Dvorak - *The Last Boy Scout* (1991), as Mike Matthews — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/film/the-last-boy-scout.md) - *The Commish* (1991), series, Actor - *Home Improvement* (1991), series, as Doug O'Brien - *The Perfect Tribute* (1991), as Lamon - *Shoot First: A Cop's Vengeance* (1991), as Shifton - *Little Vegas* (1990), as Harvey - *Goodnight Sweet Wife: A Murder in Boston* (1990), as Asst. DA Frank O'Meara - *The Flockens* (1990), as Philip Flocken - *The Easter Story* (1990), as (voice) - *Tales from the Crypt* (1989), series, as Luigi "Lou" Paloma ("segment "The Trap") - *Quantum Leap* (1989), series, as Weird Ernie, Al the Bartender - *Out Cold* (1989), as Ernie - *Three Fugitives* (1989), as Charlie - *Let's Get Mom* (1989), as Bruce - *Baby M* (1988), series, as Harold Cassidy - *End of the Line* (1987), as Billy Haney - *The Man Who Fell to Earth* (1987), as Vernon Gage - *Waiting for the Moon* (1987), as Ernest Hemingway - *The Last Innocent Man* (1987), as Burt Matson - *The Secret of My Success* (1987), as W. Shaw (uncredited) — Fi1m 62, [page](https://film.one/film/the-secret-of-my-success.md) - *No Mercy* (1986), as Lt. Hall - *Club Paradise* (1986), as Dave the Fireman - *As Summers Die* (1986), as V.D. Skinner - *Wildcats* (1986), as Dan Darwell - *MacGyver* (1985), series, as Jack Dalton - *Charlotte Forten's Mission: Experiment in Freedom* (1985), as Edward Philbrick - *Into the Night* (1985), as Charlie - *Miami Vice* (1984), series, as Hank Weldon — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/miami-vice.md) - *Silkwood* (1983), as Mace Hurley - *The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez* (1983), as Reporter Blakely - *Tough Enough* (1983), as Tony Fallon - *American Playhouse* (1982), series, as Reporter Blakely, Edward Philbrick, Ernest Hemingway - *The Hand* (1981), as Brian Ferguson - *A Whale for the Killing* (1981), as Glenn - *Semi-Tough* (1980), series, Actor - *Delta House* (1979), series, as Daniel Simpson Day (D-Day) - *Animal House* (1978), as Daniel Simpson Day - *F.I.S.T.* (1978), as Hitman (uncredited) - *Citizens Band* (1977), as Blood - *Waiting Game*, as Mel ## Gallery - ![Bruce McGill](https://film.one/media/person/88578/gallery-b550e4d06488.jpg) Bruce McGill — Bob Watson, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/Bruce_Mcgill_in_2017.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Sasha Alexander, Bruce McGill, Janet Tamaro and Angie Harmon (2011)](https://film.one/media/person/88578/gallery-1a37a69ee8dd.jpg) Sasha Alexander, Bruce McGill, Janet Tamaro and Angie Harmon (2011) — Lesly Marquina, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9f/Rizzoli_%26_Isles_Season_2_Alley_Scene.jpg/1280px-Rizzoli_%26_Isles_Season_2_Alley_Scene.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) - ![Sasha Alexander, Bruce McGill, Janet Tamaro and Angie Harmon (2011)](https://film.one/media/person/88578/gallery-773558eef0d1.jpg) Sasha Alexander, Bruce McGill, Janet Tamaro and Angie Harmon (2011) — Lesly Marquina, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/Rizzoli_%26_Isles_Season_2_Alley_Scene_-crop-_Sasha_Alexander%2C_Bruce_McGill%2C_Janet_Tamaro_and_Angie_Harmon.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled) - ![Bruce McGill](https://film.one/media/person/88578/gallery-24035985c8c7.jpg) Bruce McGill — Image via TMDB - ![Bruce McGill](https://film.one/media/person/88578/gallery-2354ae5ce155.jpg) Bruce McGill — Image via TMDB - ![Bruce McGill](https://film.one/media/person/88578/gallery-e7de8649c82f.jpg) Bruce McGill — Image via TMDB - ![Bruce McGill](https://film.one/media/person/88578/gallery-38f73639d673.jpg) Bruce McGill — Image via TMDB --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/bruce-mcgill