Michael McGrady
Motivational Speaker, Theater, Film & Television Actor; Best Known for "Ray Donovan"
Michael Steven McGrady is an actor, artist, musician, and motivational speaker.
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Full Bio
Michael Steven McGrady is an actor, artist, musician, and motivational speaker. Utilizing his wide-ranging career path and rich life experiences, McGrady is a sought after speaker addressing issues of thriving after surviving; life/work balance; ‘character’ ethics at work in personal growth and goal setting as well as mentorship in the acting profession and beyond.
Born to George and Gloria McGrady with Irish, British, German and French heritage, McGrady was raised in the Washington state area of the Pacific Northwest and studied Business Administration at The University of Washington, with plans to attend law school. However, after overcoming a life-changing bout with malignant melanoma at the age of 19 – the same cancer that took his father’s life only one year earlier – with an uncertain health future, he decided to leave university for a leap of faith and pursued his passion of an acting career. With his sister Shari’s prompting and support, $180 cash and a backpack, McGrady moved to Los Angeles in 1983 and never looked back.
McGrady quickly rose through the ranks of working actors to become a prominent mainstay in Hollywood, working steadily for over 30 years in the top tier television programs of the 80’s and 90’s, as well as supporting role performances in studio films such those with Academy Award winners James Woods and Lou Gossett Jr (Diggstown), Kevin Cosner (Wyatt Earp), Oscar nominee, Michelle Pfeiffer in Deep End of The Ocean as well as several independent films such as Rage, with Oscar winner, Nicholas Cage.
A prolific actor, McGrady can be recognized as Captain Herrington on CBS’ “Seal Team.” Other notable credits include: NBC’s, “Chicago PD;” critically acclaimed FX event series and Emmy winner, “American Crime Story: The People Vs. OJ,” Showtime’s Emmy nominated series “Ray Donovan,” as well as NBC’s Emmy winning television series, “Southland” as Detective Daniel “Sal” Salinger.
Well known as a stage, film and screen actor, McGrady is also founder of the successful Actors Workshop in Los Angeles, addressing the acting profession from both behind and in front of the camera as well as an accomplished fine artist with his work currently represented in several galleries across the country.
When not filming, McGrady can be found with his wife, Ilka at the McGrady Fine Art gallery or performing with his band, Michael McGrady’s Sonic Groove Band in and around the Los Angeles area. You might also spot him outdoors sailing, surfing, riding his Harley or soaring his hang glider above the mountains of beautiful Santa Barbara.
He spends his time in Thousand Oaks, California and at his vacation home in the beautiful Olympic Peninsula of Washington state.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Be a Thriver not just a Survivor
The Actors Workshop
Michael McGrady: Other Popular Speaking Topics
Videos
"Ray Donovan's" Michael McGrady On Finally Playing a Father
This is me... Hunter and Michael McGrady
Books
News
Testimonials
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