Denis Leary

Denis Leary
Name	Denis Leary
Caption	Leary in 2012
Birth date	18 August 1957
Birth place	Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.
Occupation	Actor, comedian, writer, producer, director, musician
Years active	1987–present
Spouse	Ann Lembeck, 1990
Alma mater	Emerson College (BFA)

Denis Leary is an American actor, stand-up comedian, writer, and producer known for his caustic, fast-talking persona and roles in film and television. He first gained major recognition through his stand-up specials on Comedy Central and his starring role in the FX series Rescue Me, which he also co-created. His career spans acclaimed dramatic performances, voice work in major animated franchises, and prolific work as a writer and producer for television.

Early life and education

Denis Colin Leary was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Irish immigrant parents Nora and John Leary. He was raised in a working-class, Roman Catholic household alongside his older sister. After graduating from Saint Peter-Marian High School, he attended Emerson College in Boston, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting. At Emerson, he befriended fellow student and future collaborator Mario Cantone and became involved in the college's comedy and theater scene, which solidified his career ambitions in performance.

Career

Leary began his career performing stand-up comedy in Boston and New York City, developing his signature angry, chain-smoking stage persona. His breakthrough came with the Comedy Central special No Cure for Cancer (1993), which spawned a successful off-Broadway show and album. He transitioned to film with roles in projects like The Ref (1994), Wag the Dog (1997), and the voice of Diego in the Blue Sky Studios franchise Ice Age. His television career was defined by creating and starring as Tommy Gavin in the critically acclaimed drama Rescue Me (2004–2011) on FX, for which he received an Emmy Award nomination. He later created and starred in the series Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll and served as a creator and executive producer on shows like Sirens and The Moodys. He has also directed episodes of his series and the film The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014).

Personal life

Leary has been married to writer Ann Lembeck since 1990; they have two children, son Jack and daughter Devin. A longtime resident of New York City, he is a dedicated fan of the Boston Red Sox and co-founded the Leary Firefighters Foundation following the death of his cousin, Boston Fire Department firefighter Jerry Lucey, in the 1999 Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse Company fire. The foundation has raised millions for fire departments' equipment and training needs. He is also a board member of the New York City Police Foundation.

Filmography

A selection of his film work includes Demolition Man (1993), The Ref (1994), Operation Dumbo Drop (1995), Wag the Dog (1997), The Thomas Crown Affair (1999), Ice Age (2002) and its sequels, The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), and The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019). His notable television roles include the series Rescue Me (2004–2011), Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll (2015–2016), and guest appearances on The Job and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Discography

His comedy albums include No Cure for Cancer (1993) and Lock 'n Load (1997), released on A&M Records. He also released music with his band, The Enablers, including the album Merry F#%$in' Christmas (2005). His stand-up material often features original musical parodies and satirical songs.

Awards and nominations

Leary has received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Rescue Me. He has also been nominated for multiple Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Writers Guild of America Awards for his work on that series. In 2006, he won a Satellite Award for Best Actor in a Series, Drama. His voice work on the Ice Age films has been recognized with nominations at the Annie Awards and Kids' Choice Awards.

Category:American male film actors Category:American male television actors Category:American stand-up comedians Category:American television writers Category:Emerson College alumni