Introduction
William Joseph McCormack Jr. (born January 13, 1974) is an American actor and television producer. Along with writing partner Rashida Jones, he was a co-writer for the 2019 Pixar animated film, Toy Story 4.
Early life and education
William Joseph McCormack Jr. was born on January 13, 1974 in Plainfield, New Jersey, to William Sr. and Norah Magdalene (née Ross) McCormack. He has two older sisters, Mary, an actress, and Bridget, a Michigan Supreme Court Justice and former University of Michigan law professor. He graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.
Career
McCormack's key television roles include Jason La Penna on The Sopranos (1999–2001). More recently, he played the role of Leo Spiller, brother of lead character Lucy Spiller (Courteney Cox), in the FX series Dirt. He also played a recurring role as the FBI agent in the television drama In Plain Sight, which stars his older sister, Mary.
In 1996, McCormack appeared on Broadway at the Criterion Center Stage Right as a member of the ensemble in a revival of the drama play Summer and Smoke (1948) by Tennessee Williams, produced by The Roundabout Theatre Company. He has also appeared in two Off-Broadway theatre productions, Chinese Friends and The Long Christmas Ride Home. McCormack and Rashida Jones worked on the script of Toy Story 4. They ultimately withdrew from the project in November 2017, and received "story by" credit.
Personal life
As of 2018, he is engaged to actress Emily Arlook.
Filmography and television work
(films, except as noted)
| Year | Title | Genre | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999–2001 | The Sopranos | drama | Jason La Penna | television series |
| 2001 | American Outlaws | action, drama Western | Bob Younger | |
| 2002 | Abandon | thriller | August | |
| 2002 | A Midsummer Night's Rave | comedy-drama | Greg | |
| 2002 | The Shield | drama | Steve Hanratty | television series |
| 2005 | Prime | romantic comedy-drama | Palmer | |
| 2005 | Must Love Dogs | romantic comedy | Jason | |
| 2005 | Syriana | political thriller | Willy | |
| 2006 | Right at Your Door | thriller | Jason | |
| 2006 | CSI: NY | police procedural | Todd Miller | television series |
| 2007–2008 | Dirt | drama | Leo Spiller | television series |
| 2008 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | police procedural | Langston Weller | television series |
| 2008–2009 | Brothers & Sisters | comedy-drama | Ethan Tavis | television series |
| 2008–2012 | In Plain Sight | comedy-drama | Robert O'Conner | television series |
| 2010 | Medium | drama | William Gerwin | television series |
| 2011 | Paul the Male Matchmaker | comedy | Harry | television series |
| 2011 | Alphas | science fiction | Marcus Ayers | television series |
| 2012 | Celeste and Jesse Forever | comedy-drama | Skillz | also credited as co-screenwriter |
| 2012 | Mob City | crime mystery | Gunman | television series; post-production |
| 2013 | The Office | comedy | Wolf | television series |
| 2014 | Among Ravens | comedy-drama | Chad Whitlock | |
| 2018 | A Wrinkle in Time | fantasy | Mr. Teacher | |
| 2019 | Toy Story 4 | animation | N/A | co-story writer |
Stage work
| Year | Title | Genre | Role | Theatre | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Summer and Smoke | drama | Ensemble (member) | Criterion Center Stage Right | New York City, New York | Broadway revival by The Roundabout Theatre Company |
| 2003 | The Long Christmas Ride Home | drama | Stephen | Vineyard Theatre | New York City, New York | Off-Broadway; recipient, 2004 Lucille Lortel Award, Outstanding Featured Actor |
| 2004 | Chinese Friends | Stephan | Playwrights Horizons | New York City, New York | Off-Broadway |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 13th Black Reel Awards | Best Screenplay, Adapted or Original (shared with Rashida Jones) | Nominated | |
| 28th Independent Spirit Awards | Best First Screenplay (shared with Rashida Jones) | Nominated |