Tim Daly’s Best Roles in TV Shows from ‘Wings’ to ‘Madam Secretary’
What's not to like about Tim Daly? Here are the handsome 66-year-old actor's best TV show performances that catapulted him to stardom and led him to meet the love of his life.
Tim Daly, born on March 1, 1956, in New York City, is one of Hollywood's most recognized actors. His love of the arts runs deep. In 1979, he graduated from Bennington College with a Bachelor of Arts in theatre.
The TV star, who is dating actress Téa Leoni, is the president of The Creative Coalition, composed of actors, writers, producers, directors, agents, designers, and lawyers.
Tim Daly attend the "Before You Know It" Premiere at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2019, in Park City, Utah. | Source: Getty Images
TIM DALY'S FIRST BREAK: "WINGS"
Daly shot to fame for his superb performances in four iconic TV series: the sitcom "Wings," the drama series "The Sopranos," "Private Practice," and "Madam Secretary."
Of the four TV shows, the sitcom "Wings" was Daly's big acting break. He portrayed Joe Montgomery Hackett, a pilot who owns the one-plane airline Sandpiper Air on Nantucket Island.
Daly's character in the eight-season sitcom, which aired from 1990 to 1997, planned to create Sandpiper Air with his fiancée Carol. Unfortunately, his brother Brian and his fiancée ditched him.
In 2017, Daly recalled filming the Season 4 premiere in a huge, cold water tank outside the Paramount Lot in Hollywood, where he and his co-stars acted. He said of the funny, memorable scene:
"I said one of the funniest things I've ever said on 'Wings'. I was so hoping it would make it into the show. Somebody said, 'How you doing?' I said, 'My nipples feel like the snaps on a Western shirt.'"
TIM DALY LOVED HIS DEATH ON "THE SOPRANOS"
"The Sopranos," a 1999 drama series, is another of Daly's favorite TV shows. He appeared alongside the late star James Gandolfini, actors Michael Imperioli and Tony Sirico, with actresses Edie Falco and Lorraine Bracco.
It's no surprise that Daly and Leoni's on-screen chemistry blossomed into real-life love.
Daly played J.T. Dolan, a screenwriter, recovering drug addict, and compulsive gambler. He landed the role through his friend and show creator, David Chase, who encouraged him to be a part of it.
The dramatic demise of his character was one of Daly's memorable scenes. His dramatic performance in the series earned him an Emmy nomination in 2007.
THE ROLE THAT BROUGHT HIM LOVE: DR. HENRY MCCORD IN "MADAM SECRETARY"
The ABC drama "Madam Secretary" is Daly's best-loved show. The Creative Coalition president portrayed Dr. Henry McCord, a retired U.S. former Marine Corps captain who became a military ethics professor.
The New York native said he enjoyed playing his character, who strived to correct his ethical and moral journey. His character is married to Leoni's character, Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord.
It's no surprise that Daly and Leoni's on-screen chemistry blossomed into real-life love. Daly is now dating his co-star, and said their personal lives don't interfere with their work as actors.
One of the things that drew the couple together was the series' emphasis on family. They made their romance public at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in 2015.