Person biography:
Mark Anthony McDermott, professionally known as Dylan McDermott, was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, to Diane (Marino) and Richard McDermott. His mother was 15 and father was 17 when he was born. His parents separated during his early years, and his mother was murdered by her live-in boyfriend when Dylan was five. He was taken in by his grandmother, Avis (Rogers) Marino, along with his six-month-old sister Robin.
Dylan's father later married playwright/activist Eve Ensler, who adopted him. Eve encouraged him to pursue acting and attend Fordham University in New York City. He met his ex-wife, Shiva Rose, at a coffee shop in Venice, California, and attended a dinner honoring Clint Eastwood, where he met Jeffrey Kramer, who became his mentor.