Peter MacNicol

Peter MacNicol, born on April 10, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, has had an impressive career as an American actor spanning stage, film, and television. After attending the University of Dallas and the University of Minnesota to study theater, he moved to New York City to pursue his acting dreams.

In 1981, MacNicol made a splashy Broadway debut in Crimes of the Heart, earning him a Theatre World Award for his captivating performance. He continued to impress on the stage with notable roles in productions like The Real Thing (1984), The Crucible (1996), and The Pillowman (2005).

While MacNicol has made a name for himself on Broadway, he's also had significant success in film and television. Early on, he appeared in Dragonslayer (1981) as Galen and played Stingo in Sophie's Choice (1982), which showcased his talents to an even broader audience. Other memorable film roles include Janosz Poha in Ghostbusters II (1989), camp counselor Gary Granger in Addams Family Values (1993), and David Langley in Bean (1997).

MacNicol's most iconic role, however, might be that of the eccentric lawyer John Cage on the FOX comedy-drama Ally McBeal from 1997 to 2002. This performance earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2001, solidifying his status as a talented and versatile actor.

In addition to Ally McBeal, MacNicol has also appeared on television shows like 24 (2001), Numbers (2005), and Veep (2012-2019). His impressive range has allowed him to take on a diverse array of roles throughout his career.

When he's not on stage or screen, MacNicol can be found at home with his wife Martha Cumming and their two children. He is an active member of the Actors' Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the craft of acting.