Few actors possess the quiet authority and enduring presence of Gerald McRaney, a veteran of television whose career spans over five decades. As of December 2025, McRaney continues to solidify his status as a television legend, moving seamlessly from classic detective shows to Emmy-winning dramatic roles and, most recently, to true-crime limited series and a highly anticipated reunion with a celebrated showrunner. This article dives deep into the definitive television shows that have marked his career, culminating in the exciting new projects that prove his versatility remains unmatched.

Gerald McRaney’s ability to portray characters ranging from the disciplined military officer to the compassionate doctor and the ruthless political operative is a testament to his skill. His television journey is a masterclass in adapting to the changing landscape of primetime and streaming, ensuring his work remains current and captivating for new generations of viewers.

Gerald McRaney: Complete Biography and Profile

Gerald Lee McRaney has cultivated a prolific career in Hollywood, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in American television. His professional life is characterized by a string of successful, long-running series and critically acclaimed guest roles that have earned him top industry honors.

• Full Name: Gerald Lee McRaney
• Date of Birth: August 19, 1947
• Place of Birth: Collins, Mississippi, U.S.
• Spouse: Delta Burke (m. 1989)
• Career Start: Late 1960s, with early roles in films like Night of Bloody Horror (1969).
• Breakthrough Role: Rick Simon on the detective series Simon & Simon (1981–1989).
• Notable Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series (2017) for his role as Dr. Nathan Katowski in This Is Us.
• Signature Roles: Rick Simon, Major John D. MacGillis, Raymond Tusk, Dr. Nathan Katowski, Admiral Hollace Kilbride.
• Current/Latest Projects (2025): Role in the Hulu limited series Murdaugh: Death in the Family and a new, currently untitled series from This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman, starring Sterling K. Brown.

The Golden Age: McRaney’s Definitive Classic TV Shows

Before the prestige dramas of the 21st century, Gerald McRaney built his reputation on two cornerstone series that cemented his place in television history: the buddy detective show and the military sitcom. These roles showcased his early range, transitioning from a rugged, casual private investigator to a stern but lovable Marine.

1. Simon & Simon (1981–1989) as Rick Simon

This iconic CBS series was McRaney’s first major success, running for eight seasons. McRaney played Rick Simon, the older, more rugged, and down-to-earth brother to Jameson "J.D." Simon, played by Jameson Parker. Rick was known for his cowboy boots, pickup truck, and a preference for the "low-tech" approach to crime-solving, often clashing humorously with his brother's clean-cut, sophisticated style. The show was a staple of the 1980s, defining the 'buddy detective' genre alongside other hits of the era.

2. Major Dad (1989–1993) as Major John D. MacGillis

Following the conclusion of Simon & Simon, McRaney immediately transitioned to the family sitcom Major Dad. He starred as Major John D. MacGillis, a disciplined Marine Corps officer who marries a liberal journalist (played by his real-life wife, Delta Burke). The series explored the comedic and heartfelt challenges of blending a military life with a civilian family, showcasing McRaney’s ability to command a scene while also delivering genuine comedic timing. The role was a stark, successful shift from his detective persona.

While these two shows are his most famous long-running series, McRaney also anchored the family drama Promised Land (1996–1999) as Russell Greene, further establishing his versatility in different genres.

The Prestige Era: Emmy Wins and Political Thrillers

The 2010s marked a significant career resurgence for McRaney, as he took on complex, often morally ambiguous roles in the new landscape of prestige cable and streaming television. This period delivered his most critically acclaimed work, earning him an Emmy Award and a reputation for scene-stealing performances.

3. This Is Us (2016–2022) as Dr. Nathan Katowski (Dr. K)

McRaney’s recurring role as Dr. Nathan Katowski, affectionately known as Dr. K, is arguably his most beloved of the modern era. The character was the compassionate doctor who delivered the Pearson triplets and offered the grieving Jack Pearson the pivotal advice: "There's no lemon so sour that you can't make something resembling lemonade." His performance, though limited to a few episodes across the series, was so impactful that it earned him the 2017 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. This role perfectly showcased his depth and warmth, a stark contrast to some of his other contemporary characters.

4. House of Cards (2013–2017) as Raymond Tusk

In a complete pivot from the beloved Dr. K, McRaney delivered a chilling performance as Raymond Tusk, a billionaire businessman and nuclear power mogul in the Netflix political thriller, House of Cards. Tusk was a major antagonist to Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), a shadowy figure who wielded immense power and influence behind the scenes in Washington D.C. This role highlighted McRaney's ability to play a powerful, cunning, and ruthless entity, adding a layer of gravitas and menace to the series’ political intrigue.

5. Deadwood (2004–2006) as George Hearst

While his time on the critically acclaimed HBO Western Deadwood was shorter, his character, George Hearst, was a monumental figure. A ruthless capitalist and mining magnate, Hearst was a historical figure who came to the town of Deadwood to assert his dominance. McRaney played him with cold, calculating intensity, making him one of the most formidable and memorable villains in the series. He later reprised the role in Deadwood: The Movie (2019), bringing a satisfying conclusion to the character’s arc.

The Latest Chapter: Current and Upcoming TV Shows (2023–2025)

As McRaney moves into the mid-2020s, his career shows no signs of slowing down. His final major network role concluded in 2023, and his move to high-profile limited series demonstrates his continued relevance in the streaming-first landscape.

6. NCIS: Los Angeles (2014–2023) as Admiral Hollace Kilbride

For nearly a decade, McRaney was a reliable presence in the world of naval crime investigation. He joined the CBS procedural NCIS: Los Angeles as Admiral Hollace Kilbride, a high-ranking officer who provided a mix of bureaucratic oversight and grudging respect for the team’s unconventional methods. His role was elevated to a series regular in Season 13, a testament to his popularity with the audience and the production team. The series concluded its successful run in 2023, marking the end of McRaney's longest continuous role since Major Dad.

7. Murdaugh: Death in the Family (2025) as [Role Name Pending]

The most current and exciting project on McRaney’s slate is the Hulu limited series based on the sensational Murdaugh Murders case. This true-crime drama, which details the downfall of the powerful South Carolina legal family, is set to be a major event in 2025. While specific character details are often under wraps before release, McRaney’s casting suggests a pivotal role, likely one of the influential, older figures caught in the web of the family’s dark secrets. This move into the true-crime genre is a fresh direction for the veteran actor.

Bonus: The Dan Fogelman Reunion Series (TBA)

Adding to his upcoming schedule, McRaney is set to reunite with This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman and co-star Sterling K. Brown on a new NBC action-spy series. This collaboration is highly anticipated, promising the same blend of sharp writing and compelling character work that defined their Emmy-winning partnership. The new show, which focuses on Brown as a Secret Service agent, will likely see McRaney in a mentor or high-ranking government role, further expanding his repertoire of powerful authority figures.

Gerald McRaney’s Enduring Topical Authority

Gerald McRaney's television career serves as a roadmap of American television history. From his early guest spots on classic Westerns like Gunsmoke and police dramas like The F.B.I., to his modern-day roles in complex narratives, he has consistently delivered performances that resonate. His ability to embody both the humble hero (Dr. K) and the formidable adversary (Raymond Tusk) ensures he remains a sought-after talent. His recent projects in 2025, particularly the Hulu Murdaugh series and the Fogelman reunion, confirm that his golden age of television is far from over, offering fans plenty of fresh, compelling work to look forward to.