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Holt McCallany

Holt McCallany is an American actor and producer, best known for his prominent roles in the Netflix psychological crime thriller Mindhunter and the cult classic film Fight Club.

Related Biography: Jonathan Groff

Early Life and Education

Holt McCallany was born on September 3, 1963, in New York City. His mother, Julie Wilson, was a renowned American singer and actress, while his father, Michael McAloney, was a Tony Award-winning Irish actor and producer. During his childhood, McCallany moved between Ireland and the United States, attending schools in both countries. He later graduated from Creighton Preparatory School, a Jesuit institution located in Omaha, Nebraska.

Inspired by his parents’ achievements in the performing arts, McCallany aspired to become an actor from an early age. At the age of 14, he ran away to Los Angeles to pursue his dream but found work instead unloading trucks in a screwdriver factory. After returning to Europe and studying in France, he spent a summer at Oxford University studying Shakespeare. He also performed in a production of Twelfth Night at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Soon after, he relocated to New York City, where he officially launched his professional acting career.

Film and Television Career

McCallany made his stage debut in the Broadway production of Biloxi Blues. From there, he transitioned to film and television, gradually building a diverse portfolio. In 1995, he portrayed boxing trainer Teddy Atlas in the television movie Tyson, based on the life of heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson. He continued to appear in supporting roles throughout the 1990s, including a notable part as Captain Van Meter in the 1999 war satire film Three Kings.

Throughout the 2000s, McCallany established himself as a versatile actor on television. His guest appearances on popular series such as CSI: Miami, Heroes, and Monk solidified his reputation as a dependable and dynamic performer capable of portraying complex characters.

Breakthrough with Mindhunter and Lights Out

In 2011, McCallany took on one of his most acclaimed roles as former heavyweight boxing champion Patrick 'Lights' Leary in the FX drama series Lights Out. Although the show ran for only one season, it received critical praise and contributed to McCallany’s rising profile.

His most high-profile role came in 2017 when he was cast as FBI Special Agent Bill Tench in the Netflix series Mindhunter. Developed by David Fincher, the show explores the early days of criminal profiling at the FBI. McCallany’s performance earned widespread acclaim for its depth and nuance. The show’s second season premiered in August 2019.

With decades of experience across film, television, and stage, McCallany continues to be a sought-after actor known for his commanding screen presence. As of recent estimates, his net worth is reported to be in the multi-million-dollar range, reflecting a successful and sustained career in the entertainment industry.

Personal Life and Marriage to Nicole Wilson

In 2006, Holt McCallany married Nicole Wilson, an actress with a background in film, television, and theater. Born on June 21, 1985, in New York City, Wilson is the daughter of an actor and a therapist. In addition to her work as an actress, she is also a trained dancer. Her on-screen credits include popular series such as All My Children, As the World Turns, Law & Order, and The Good Wife.


Quick Facts
Birth Date: 3 Sep, 1963
Age: 57 yrs
Citizenship: United States of America
Birth Place: New York City
Gender: Male
Description: American actor, writer, and producer
Net Worth 2021: 3 million
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Last Modified: Mar 19 2025
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