Bilgore graduated with a degree in Theatre from Dartmouth College, marking the beginning of his esteemed theatre career. His early journey included training at the National Theater Institute at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, where renowned Group Theater founding member Morris Carnovsky affectionately nicknamed him "The Voice!" This prestigious training experience was followed by his selection by the esteemed Sir Ralph Richardson to perform in a summer season with the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain at the Shaw Theatre in London.
Subsequent to his London stint, Bilgore pursued graduate training at the esteemed Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London. His exceptional talent and dedication earned him the admiration of legendary Royal Shakespeare Company director Sir Trevor Nunn, who praised him, saying, "He is what I understand to be an actor; he is detailed, he is truthful, he is insightful, he is original, he is multiple."
After relocating to Los Angeles, Bilgore received critical acclaim and a "Best Ensemble" Dramalogue Award for his performance as "J.J." opposite Patricia Heaton in her stage production of The Johnstown Vindicator. He then went on to star alongside notable actors, including Bob Newhart in the CBS series BOB, Steve Harvey in the ABC series Me & the Boys, Shelley Long and Robert Hayes in Kelly Kelly for the WB, and made guest appearances on numerous top shows.
One of his most notable roles was as "Wayne", the delusional robot creator, in the fan-favorite "Mac & C.H.E.E.S.E" storyline on Friends. Prolific TV and Oscar-nominated producer Michael Jacobs, known for Quiz Show, cast him in two of his shows and praised him as "the best deadpan in town!" Jeff Nathanson, writer of Catch Me If You Can, created the role of "Kilgore" specifically for Bilgore in his Fox pilot, The 900 Lives of Jackie Frye.
Furthermore, Kathleen Turner proclaimed that Bilgore's portrayal of "Walt" was her favorite in her ABC pilot, Style & Substance. Additionally, Paul Simms, creator of News Radio and executive producer of Girls, alongside legendary comedy director James Burrows, selected Bilgore to star as the bumbling science teacher, "Peterson", for their ABC pilot Dexter Prep.
