From Louisiana oil fields to an Emmy-winning television career
In short: Before becoming a staple of American television, Gerald McRaney worked in the Louisiana oil fields. His journey from manual labor to portraying high-ranking military officials and billionaires highlights a versatile career defined by a commitment to veteran advocacy and a distinct political evolution.
McRaney's career began in the late 1960s with a role in the low-budget slasher film Night of Bloody Horror. He quickly transitioned into television, appearing in classic series like Gunsmoke and The Incredible Hulk. He achieved significant recognition as Rick Simon in the detective series Simon & Simon (1981–1989), which also served as the meeting ground for his wife, actress Delta Burke. This era established his ability to carry long-running dramas, a skill he refined in roles such as Major John McGillis in Major Dad and Russell Greene in Promised Land.
His range expanded into prestigious prestige television and film, where he often portrayed authoritative figures. He played gold prospector George Hearst in the HBO series Deadwood and a billionaire energy mogul in House of Cards. Notably, his portrayal of Dr. Nathan Katowski in This Is Us earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for his guest performance. Even in his film work, he has frequently occupied positions of power, portraying General George S. Patton in Ike: Countdown to D-Day and General Luntz in Red Tails.
Beyond the screen, McRaney is known for his active involvement in veteran support and his public political shifts. Despite not being a veteran himself, he visited troops in France, Somalia, and Haiti during the 1990s and chaired a 2002 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans campaign. Politically, he famously shifted from a lifelong Democrat to a Republican in 1992, a transition he publicly acknowledged while endorsing George H. W. Bush. His diverse interests also include hosting hunting series and appearing in NRA commercials since 1987.
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