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Denis Leary Biography

Birth Name:Denis Colin Leary

Birth Place:Worcester, Massachusetts, United States

Profession Actor, Producer, Writer, Soundtrack, Director, Music department

Fast Facts

  • In 2000, he founded the Leary Firefighters Foundation to help support fire departments in the Worcester, Boston, and New York City areas
  • Graduated from Emerson College in 1981 and founded the Emerson Comedy Workshop
  • Met future wife Ann Lembeck when he was her English teacher at Emerson College
  • Had early success with his comedy special "No Cure for Cancer," which he debuted at the Edinburgh International Arts Festival in 1990
  • Got his start as a comedy writer for the local Boston series "The Late, Late Show․"
  • Quote: "The things that make me angry still make me angry․ George Carlin is 67, and he's as funny as he's ever been, and he's still angry․ And that makes me feel good, because I feel like if I stick around long enough, I'll still be able to work․"
  • Quote: "Why hate someone for the color of their skin when there are much better reasons to hate them?"
  • Best known for creating and starring as Tommy Gavin in "Rescue Me" and for voicing Diego in the animated film series "Ice Age․"
  • Co-founded the production company Apostle with Jim Serpico in 1994
  • Holds dual citizenships in both the United States and Ireland

Awards

  • 1996CableACE-Directing a Comedy Special: winner
  • 2000Blockbuster Entertainment Award-Favorite Supporting Actor - Drama/Romance: winner
  • 2001OFTA Television Award-Best Actor in a New Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2002TCA Award-Individual Achievement in Comedy: nominated
  • 2003DVD Premiere Award-Best Actor: nominated
  • 2003Blimp Award-Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie: nominated
  • 2004OFTA Television Award-Best Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2005Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Drama: nominated
  • 2005OFTA Television Award-Best Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2005Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2005Satellite Award-Outstanding Actor in a Series, Drama: nominated
  • 2006Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2006Prism Award-Performance in a Drama Series Storyline: nominated
  • 2006Satellite Award-Best Actor in a Series, Drama: nominated
  • 2007Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2007Prism Award-Performance in a Drama Series, Multi-Episode Storyline: nominated
  • 2007Satellite Award-Best Actor in a Series, Drama: nominated
  • 2008Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie: nominated
  • 2009Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
  • 2012Humanitas Prize-60 Minute Category: winner
  • 2012Prism Award-Performance in a Drama Episode: nominated
  • 2013BTVA Feature Film Voice Acting Award-Best Vocal Ensemble in a Feature Film: nominated