Bruce McGill's early life was marked by his upbringing in San Antonio, Texas, where he was born and raised. His mother, Adriel Rose (Jacobs),a talented artist, and his father, Woodrow Wilson McGill, a real estate and insurance agent, instilled in him a strong foundation for his future endeavors. McGill's passion for acting began to take shape during his elementary school days, a spark that would eventually lead him to pursue a career in the performing arts.
After graduating from Douglas MacArthur High School, San Antonio, where he was an active member of the theatre department, McGill went on to earn a degree in drama from The University of Texas at Austin. His academic pursuits were guided by a strong sense of purpose, fueled by his early love for acting.
McGill's connection to politics is evident through his familial ties to former Texas State Senator A.R. Schwartz. This background would later influence his choice of roles, as he began to make a name for himself in the film industry. His breakout role as "D-Day" in National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) was a turning point in his career, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Throughout his long and distinguished career, McGill has appeared in a wide range of films, including Wildcats, The Last Boy Scout, My Cousin Vinny, Cliffhanger, Timecop, The Legend of Bagger Vance, The Sum of All Fears, and many others. His impressive filmography is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.
In addition to his work in film, McGill has also made a significant impact on television. He portrayed the Boston Police Homicide Detective Vince Korsak in the TNT television crime drama Rizzoli & Isles, a character who served as the mentor and friend of Detective Jane Rizzoli, played by Angie Harmon.
Director Michael Mann has praised McGill's work, having collaborated with him on several projects, including The Insider, Ali, and Collateral. McGill has also appeared in four HBO TV films and has lent his talents to Oliver Stone's W and Steven Spielberg's Lincoln, playing the roles of CIA Director George Tenet and Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, respectively.
In his personal life, McGill has been married to his wife Gloria since 1994, a union that has endured for over two decades.