Christopher McDonald is one of Hollywood’s most prolific and versatile actors. Beloved for his memorable performances in “Thelma and Louise,” “Requiem for a Dream, “Quiz Show,” “The Perfect Storm,” Shooter McGavin in “Happy Gilmore” as well as voice talent in “The Iron Giant,” McDonald is a classically-trained stage actor, with a broad fan base. His notable dramatic television guest-starring roles include work on “The Sopranos,” “The Bronx is Burning,” “61,” and Martin Scorsese’s critically acclaimed HBO series, “Boardwalk Empire.”
McDonald first caught Hollywood’s attention when he played Goose McKenzie in “Grease 2,” starring Michelle Pfeiffer. Even though more movie offers followed, McDonald opted instead to work on his acting craft, immersing himself in acting studies at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Upon returning to Los Angeles, McDonald performed in over thirty-five productions at the Los Angeles Theater Center, including “Hamlet,” “Othello,” “Death of a Salesman,” and “Taming of a Shrew,” which led him to begin an enviable career that has never slowed down.
Film highlights include “The Boys Next Door” (1985), “Outrageous Fortune” (1987), “Chances Are” (1989), “Thelma and Louise” (1991), “Dutch” (1991), “Wild Orchids 2” (1992), “Grumpy Old Men” (1993), “Fatal Instinct” (1993), “Terminal Velocity” (1994), “Quiz Show” (1994), “Cover Story” (1994), “The Rich Man’s Wife” (1995), “Happy Gilmore” (1996), “Leave it to Beaver” (1997),”Lawn Dogs” (1997), “Flubber” (1997) “SLC Punk” (1998) “The Iron Giant” (1999), “The Skulls” (2000), “The Perfect Storm” (2000), “The Man Who Wasn’t There” (2001), “Spy Kids:2” (2002), “Broken Flowers” (2005), “Takedown” (2005), “Rumor Has It” (2005), “American Pie” (2006), “Kickin’ It Old Skool” (2007), “My Sexiest Year” (2007), “Mad Money” (2008), “Superhero Movie” (2008), “Fanboys” (2008), “The House Bunny” (2008), “Spooner” (2009), “The Best and The Brightest” (2010). “Balls to the Wall” (2011), “Not Fade Away” (2012), “The Collection” (2012), “About Last Night” (2014), “The Squeeze” (2015), “Don’t Worry Baby” (2015), “The Crash” (2016), “Wetlands” (2017) and “Abruptio” (2019).
McDonald’s long held respect for the stage led him to return to New York to star as Billy Flynn, the nefarious self serving lawyer in Kander and Ebb’s “Chicago.” The show toured major markets nationwide with McDonald’s leading performance embraced by critics and audiences alike. His other Broadway successes include “Lucky Guy” opposite Tom Hanks and the hit revival of “The Front Page” with Nathan Lane. Other regional theater credits include “Nightclub Cantina,” “Hay Fever,” “Bouncers,” and The Los Angeles Theatre Center’s productions of “Hamlet,” “Othello” and “The Taming of the Shrew.” He is also the recipient of a Drama-logue Award for Best Actor (“Final Touches”).
McDonald’s TV credits also include regular appearances on the series “Cracking Up,” (Fox), “Kim Possible” (Disney), “North Shore” (Fox), “Family Law” (CBS) “Veronica’s Closet.” (NBC) and “Harry’s Law” (NBC) opposite Kathy Bates.
Some recent projects include feature films “Walking With Herb” with Edward James Olmos and George Lopez and “The Stand at Paxton County,” plus streaming shows “Ballers” (HBO), Gabriel Iglasias starrer “Mr. Iglasias” (Netflix), “Hacks” (HBO Max—season 2 starts Dec 2021) and “Impeachment: American Crime Story” (FX). McDonald is currently shooting Ryan Murphy’s “The Watcher,” and then the upcoming Marvel Universe film with Samuel L. Jackson.
Born and raised in New York City, McDonald is one of seven children. Originally, a pre-med major at Hobart College, McDonald decided to pursue an acting career in his senior year. In addition to his theater studies in London, McDonald also attended the Stella Adler Acting Conservatory in New York. McDonald and his wife, Lupe, are the proud parents of 3 daughters and a son and they reside in Los Angeles.