Michael was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest in Washington State. He studied Business Administration at The University of Washington with plans to attend Law school. However, after having overcome a bout with malignant melanoma at the age of 19 - the same cancer that took his father's life only one year earlier - he decided to take a b...
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Michael was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest in Washington State. He studied Business Administration at The University of Washington with plans to attend Law school. However, after having overcome a bout with malignant melanoma at the age of 19 - the same cancer that took his father's life only one year earlier - he decided to take a break from school and move to Los Angeles to pursue his secret and lifelong desire of acting. With his sister Shari's prompting and support, Michael moved to Los Angeles in 1983.Michael quickly rose to the rank of working actor with many guest-star appearances in the top tier television programs of the 80's and 90's. Additionally, he secured supporting roles in several studio films, from The Babe as baseball legend Lou Gehrig opposite John Goodman to Diggstown as Frank Mangrum along side Academy Award winners James Woods and Lou Gossett Jr. He also played John Shanssey in Wyatt Earp with Kevin Costner. Other notable films include Terrence Malick's The Thin Red Line, Ulu Grosbard's Deep End of The Ocean alongside Michelle Pfeiffer as well as several independent films such as 5 Aces with Charlie Sheen, Rage, with Nicholas Cage, The Perfect Family with Jason Ritter and Kathleen Turner and The Frozen Ground with Nicholas Cage and John Cusack.Michael can most recently be seen in the critically acclaimed FX event series, AMERICAN CRIME STORY: THE PEOPLE VS OJ SIMPSON as well as Showtime's Emmy nominated series RAY DONOVAN in major recurring roles. Prior to that Michael was a series regular on the Emmy winning series, SOUTHLAND. He is currently starring as Tom Mathews in Freeform's new show BEYOND.In addition to his success as an actor on stage, film and television, Michael is an accomplished fine artist as well. His work is currently represented in several galleries across the country. Michael and his wife Ilka own and operate McGrady Fine Art.When not filming, Michael can be found performing with his band Michael McGrady's Sonic Groove band in and around the Los Angeles area. Or you can find him outdoors sailing, surfing, riding his Harley or soaring his Hang Glider above the mountains of beautiful Santa Barbara.He holds two black belts in two different styles of Karate. He is actively involved in coaching youth sports having coached all three of his children in a variety of sports. Show less «