Gary Michael Cole, born on September 20, 1956, in Park Ridge, Illinois, is an accomplished American actor renowned for his versatile performances across television and film. He gained prominence for his ability to seamlessly transition between dramatic roles and comedic characters, making him a recognizable figure in the entertainment industry. His breakout role came with the miniseries Fatal Vision in 1984, where he portrayed Capt. Jeffrey MacDonald, MD, showcasing his depth as an actor.

Cole began his professional acting career on stage at the prestigious Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago in 1985. This early experience on stage laid the groundwork for his future success in television and film. His first major television role was as Jack 'Nighthawk' Killian in the NBC drama series Midnight Caller, which aired from 1988 to 1991. This role solidified his presence on television and allowed him to explore a range of characters that showcased his acting prowess.

Throughout the 1990s, Cole continued to land significant roles, particularly in the series American Gothic from 1995 to 1996. His film career also flourished during this period, with memorable performances in comedies such as The Brady Bunch Movie in 1995 and the cult classic Office Space in 1999, where he portrayed the iconic character Bill Lumbergh, further establishing his reputation for comedic talent.

In the 2000s, Cole expanded his television repertoire with notable roles in critically acclaimed series. He played the character of Leo McGarry in the Emmy Award-winning political drama The West Wing from 2003 to 2006, earning recognition for his compelling portrayal. Following this, he starred in The Good Wife from 2010 to 2016, further demonstrating his versatility as an actor. More recently, he showcased his comedic chops in the HBO series Veep, which aired from 2013 to 2019, and has become a staple in the long-running series NCIS, where he currently portrays FBI Special Agent Alden Parker.

In addition to his live-action roles, Cole has lent his voice to numerous animated projects, including memorable characters in the series Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law from 2000 to 2007 and 2018, and Family Guy, which began in 2000 and continues to this day. He has also provided voices for characters in Kim Possible and the long-running series Bob's Burgers, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences of all ages.

Beyond his professional life, Gary Cole has been married to actress Teddi Siddall since March 8, 1992. His contributions to both film and television have solidified his status as a versatile and talented actor, and he remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, continuing to engage audiences with his performances.