Dylan McDermott, born Mark Anthony McDermott on October 26, 1961, in Waterbury, Connecticut, has carved a niche for himself in Hollywood with a career spanning over three decades. Renowned for his versatility, McDermott has seamlessly transitioned between film and television, delivering compelling performances that have garnered both critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
McDermott’s journey into acting began in the late 1980s. His film debut came with the war drama Hamburger Hill (1987), where he portrayed Staff Sergeant Adam Frantz. This role was followed by appearances in films like The Blue Iguana (1988) and Twister (1989). However, it was his role as Jackson Latcherie in Steel Magnolias (1989) that brought him significant attention, showcasing his ability to hold his own alongside established actors.
In the early 1990s, McDermott continued to build his filmography with roles in Hardware (1990), Where Sleeping Dogs Lie (1991), and Jersey Girl (1992). His portrayal of Secret Service Agent Al D’Andrea in In the Line of Fire (1993), opposite Clint Eastwood, further solidified his standing in Hollywood.
Television Stardom with The Practice
McDermott’s most iconic television role came with the legal drama The Practice (1997–2004), where he played attorney Bobby Donnell. The series, created by David E. Kelley, delved into the ethical and moral dilemmas faced by defense attorneys. McDermott’s nuanced performance earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama in 1999 and a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
His success on The Practice led to guest appearances on shows like Ally McBeal (1998) and hosting duties on Saturday Night Live (1999), further showcasing his versatility and appeal.
Continued Film Success
Parallel to his television career, McDermott maintained a steady presence in films. He starred in the holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street (1994) as attorney Bryan Bedford, a role that endeared him to a broader audience. Other notable film roles include Home for the Holidays (1995), Wonderland (2003), and The Messengers (2007).
In 2012, McDermott appeared in a trio of films: the political satire The Campaign, the coming-of-age drama The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and the indie film Nobody Walks. His role in the action thriller Olympus Has Fallen (2013) as a Secret Service agent turned traitor showcased his ability to portray complex antagonists.
Return to Television and Anthology Series
McDermott’s collaboration with producer Ryan Murphy marked a new chapter in his television career. He starred in the first season of American Horror Story: Murder House (2011) as Dr. Ben Harmon, a role he reprised in later seasons, including Asylum (2012–2013), Apocalypse (2018), and 1984 (2019). His performances in these anthology series highlighted his adaptability and range.
In 2013, McDermott took on the role of FBI agent Duncan Carlisle in the CBS drama Hostages. The following year, he starred as Detective Jack Larsen in the psychological thriller Stalker (2014–2015). Both series, though short-lived, demonstrated his continued appeal on the small screen.
Recent Projects and Continued Success
McDermott’s recent work includes a standout performance in the Netflix limited series Hollywood (2020), where he portrayed Ernie West, a character inspired by real-life Hollywood figures. The series received multiple Emmy nominations, with McDermott earning a nod for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.
In 2021, he joined the Law & Order franchise, playing crime lord Richard Wheatley in Law & Order: Organized Crime. His portrayal of the complex antagonist added depth to the series and was well-received by audiences.
Continuing his collaboration with producer Dick Wolf, McDermott took on the lead role of Supervisory Special Agent Remy Scott in FBI: Most Wanted (2022–present), bringing his commanding presence to the procedural drama.
Conclusion
Dylan McDermott’s career is a testament to his talent, versatility, and enduring appeal. From his early film roles to his award-winning television performances, he has consistently delivered compelling portrayals across genres. As he continues to take on diverse roles in both film and television, McDermott remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with each new project.
Frequently Asked Questions: Dylan McDermott – A Comprehensive Look at His Film and Television Career
Q1: What is Dylan McDermott best known for?
Dylan McDermott is best known for his role as attorney Bobby Donnell in the legal drama The Practice. This performance earned him a Golden Globe and an Emmy nomination. He’s also recognized for his roles in American Horror Story, FBI: Most Wanted, and various successful films.
Q2: Which TV shows has Dylan McDermott starred in?
McDermott has starred in several major television series including:
The Practice (1997–2004)
American Horror Story (multiple seasons)
Hostages (2013–2014)
Stalker (2014–2015)
Hollywood (2020)
Law & Order: Organized Crime (2021–2022)
FBI: Most Wanted (2022–present)
Q3: What are Dylan McDermott’s most notable films?
Some of his most notable film roles include:
Steel Magnolias (1989)
In the Line of Fire (1993)
Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
Olympus Has Fallen (2013)
Q4: Has Dylan McDermott won any awards?
Yes, he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama for The Practice and has received multiple nominations throughout his career, including a Primetime Emmy nomination and recognition for his work in Hollywood.
Q5: Is Dylan McDermott still acting?
Absolutely. Dylan McDermott continues to star in television and film projects. He is currently the lead actor in CBS’s hit crime drama FBI: Most Wanted as Remy Scott, showcasing his continued relevance and versatility.
Q6: Who is Dylan McDermott’s most frequent collaborator?
He has frequently collaborated with producer Ryan Murphy, appearing in multiple seasons of American Horror Story and the Netflix series Hollywood.
Q7: What makes Dylan McDermott’s career stand out?
His ability to seamlessly transition between film and television, lead roles and supporting characters, and genres from legal dramas to psychological thrillers makes his career both dynamic and enduring.
What is Dylan McDermott famous for?
What show did Dylan McDermott play on?
Are Dean and Dylan McDermott related?
Does Dylan McDermott have kids?
Yes, Dylan McDermott has two daughters with his ex-wife, actress Shiva Rose. Their first daughter, Colette Rose McDermott, was born in May 1996. Colette has followed in her parents’ footsteps, pursuing a career in acting. She notably appeared alongside her father in an episode of FBI: Most Wanted, portraying Carly Cassidy, a college student involved in a complex case investigated by the task force. Dylan expressed immense pride in working with Colette, describing her as “a beautiful, loving, caring, sensitive, compassionate person” .
Their second daughter, Charlotte Rose McDermott, was born on September 8, 2005. While Charlotte tends to keep a lower public profile compared to her sister, she has been seen accompanying her father at various events, reflecting the close bond they share. Dylan often speaks about the joy and fulfillment he derives from fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of his relationship with his daughters.