Who is Gary Cole? (Introduction)
Gary Cole is an American actor and voice artist known for his versatile performances across film, television, stage, and animation. With a career spanning more than four decades, Cole has built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most reliable and transformative character actors.
He is widely recognized for roles in Office Space, Talladega Nights, Veep, The Brady Bunch Movie, and more recently as Alden Parker in NCIS. Whether in comedy, drama, animation, or action, Gary Cole brings depth, humor, and authenticity to every role.
Gary Cole Biography – Early Life & Family Background
Gary Cole Age & Date of Birth
Gary Michael Cole was born on September 20, 1956, in Park Ridge, Illinois, USA.
As of 2025, Gary Cole age is 68 years.
Family
Gary was raised in a supportive family with a creative environment.
Parents:
Father: Robert Cole (administrative assistant)
Mother: Margaret Cole (school director)
Siblings:
He has an older sister.
Gary Cole Height, Weight & Physical Stats
Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight: Approx. 78 kg
Build: Slim
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Blue
Nationality: American
Gary Cole Education & Acting Foundation
Gary graduated from Rolling Meadows High School, where he began acting in school plays.
He later studied theater at Illinois State University, alongside notable classmates like:
John Malkovich
Laurie Metcalf
He became an early member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, which shaped his serious acting career.
Gary Cole Career – From Stage to Hollywood
Stage Career Beginnings
Gary Cole began his career doing theatre productions across Chicago. His dedication to acting and strong stage presence helped him transition into television and film roles.
Breakthrough Roles in Television
Midnight Caller (1988–1991)
Gary Cole gained national attention playing Jack Killian, a former police officer turned radio talk show host.
This role made him a household name in American TV.
Success in Movies
Gary Cole has starred in numerous successful films, including:
Office Space (1999)
Played Bill Lumbergh, one of the most iconic corporate bosses in film history
Known for the famous line:
“Yeah… if you could go ahead and do that…”
Talladega Nights (2006)
Played Reese Bobby — a hilarious comedic performance.
The Brady Bunch Movie (1995)
Played Mike Brady, winning praise for his comedic timing.
Other Notable Films
Dodgeball
One Hour Photo
A Simple Plan
Kiss the Sky
The Gift
Major Television Roles
Veep (2013–2019)
Cole played Kent Davison, a political strategist — a role that earned him widespread acclaim and an Emmy nomination.
NCIS (2021–Present)
Gary Cole joined the long-running CBS series as Alden Parker, replacing Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon).
He became a central figure in the show’s new era.
Other Popular TV Roles
The Good Fight
Entourage
The West Wing
Suits
Chicago Fire
Archer (voice role)
Bob’s Burgers (voice role)
Voice Acting Career
Gary Cole is also a respected voice-over artist.
His voice roles include:
Kim Possible
Family Guy
Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law (as Harvey Birdman)
Justice League Unlimited
Batman: The Killing Joke
His distinctive voice makes him perfect for animated characters.
Gary Cole Awards & Achievements
Primetime Emmy Award Nominee (Veep)
Screen Actors Guild Award (Ensemble – Veep)
Multiple theatre awards and nominations
Honored by critics for decades of acting excellence
Gary Cole is regarded as one of Hollywood’s best character actors.
Gary Cole Wife, Relationships & Personal Life
First Marriage
Gary was married to actress Teddi Siddall from 1992 until her passing in 2018.
The couple has one daughter.
Second Marriage
He married Michelle Knapp in 2021.
Family Life
His daughter has autism, and Gary actively supports autism awareness causes.
Personality
He is known to be:
Private
Humble
Dedicated to acting
Supportive of social causes
Gary Cole Net Worth (2025)
Estimated Net Worth:
₹120 Crore – ₹160 Crore ($15–20 million USD)
Income sources include:
TV series
Movies
Voice acting
Theatre productions
Brand collaborations
His long-running career across multiple genres keeps his earnings strong.
Interesting Facts About Gary Cole
Started acting in 7th grade
Has portrayed both comedic and dramatic characters with equal brilliance
Known for his subtle, dry humor
His role in Office Space became a global pop-culture meme
One of the most consistently working actors in Hollywood
Gary Cole Social Media
Gary Cole is not very active on social media.
He prefers to maintain a private lifestyle.
Conclusion
Gary Cole is a versatile, respected, and accomplished actor whose career spans television, film, theatre, and voice acting. From comedy classics like Office Space to political dramas like Veep and mainstream hits like NCIS, Cole has proven his range and reliability time and again. With decades of memorable performances, he continues to be one of the most admired character actors in Hollywood.
FAQs – Gary Cole Biography
What is Gary Cole’s age?
68 years old (as of 2025).
How tall is Gary Cole?
5 ft 11 in (180 cm).
What is Gary Cole famous for?
Roles in Office Space, NCIS, Veep, The Brady Bunch Movie, and numerous TV series.
Is Gary Cole married?
Yes, he is married to Michelle Knapp.
What is Gary Cole’s net worth?
Approximately $15–20 million USD.
Disclaimer
This biography is written for informational and educational purposes only.
All information is collected from publicly available sources and may include estimated values.
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