Gary Cole Biography

Early Life and Background

Gary Cole is an American actor and voice artist known for his wide-ranging performances in film, television, theater, and animation. He was born on September 20, 1956, in Park Ridge, Illinois, and grew up in Rolling Meadows. Cole studied theater at Illinois State University, where he began developing his acting skills alongside future notable performers.

Acting Career

Gary Cole’s professional career began in the early 1980s with stage performances and television appearances. His breakthrough role came when he portrayed Mike Brady in The Brady Bunch Movie (1995). He gained further attention for his roles in Office Space (1999) as Bill Lumbergh and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006).

In television, Cole has appeared in numerous acclaimed series, including The West Wing, Entourage, Veep, and NCIS. His versatility extends to voice acting, where he voiced key characters in animated shows like Family Guy, Kim Possible, and Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law.

Personal Life

Gary Cole married actress Teddi Siddall in 1992, and they had one daughter. Siddall passed away in 2018. Cole has been private about his personal life but is known for his advocacy for autism awareness, inspired by his daughter's condition.

Achievements and Recognition

Cole’s ability to perform both comedic and dramatic roles has made him one of Hollywood’s most dependable character actors. He has earned critical praise for his steady presence, nuanced performances, and professional adaptability across decades in the industry.

“If you’re lucky enough to keep working and doing what you love, that’s the real success,” — Gary Cole

Filmography Highlights

Office Space (1999)
The Brady Bunch Movie (1995)
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
Pineapple Express (2008)
American Gothic (1995–1996)
VEEP (2013–2019)
NCIS (2021–present)

Author’s Summary

Gary Cole, a versatile American actor, built a lasting career balancing humor, drama, and voice work, earning recognition as one of TV and film’s most consistent performers.

bioglance.in — 2025-11-29