Boris McGiver

Boris McGiver was a character actor who lent his imposing frame and working class visage to some of the most prestigious films and television series of the 21st century. Born in Cobleskill, NY, young Boris followed in the footsteps of his father, actor John McGiver. After studying acting at the Tisch School of the Arts in New York City, McGiver quickly scored a small part in the Jack Nicholson/Meryl Streep Depression-era drama "Ironweed" (1987). However, McGiver's career would not really take off for another two decades. His first television appearance is about as hallowed as they come, playing Charles Marimow on the 2006 season of David Simon's highly acclaimed crime drama "The Wire" (HBO, 2002-08). From there, McGiver stretched his comic chops as a member of Jack Donaghy's (Alec Baldwin) drunken, brawling Boston Irish family on a 2007 episode of "30 Rock" (NBC, 2006-2013), and embodied Robert Goddard in the Revolutionary-era drama "John Adams" (HBO, 2008). In 2012, McGiver was in yet another prestigious period piece, portraying Democratic Senator Alexander Hamilton Coffroth in Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" (2012). McGiver went on to enjoy meaty roles in the likes of Beau Willimon's political drama series "House of Cards" (Netflix, 2013-), and Terence Winter's prohibition era gangster series, "Boardwalk Empire" (HBO, 2010-14).