Michael Harney

A prolific character actor on television since the early 1990s, Michael Harney frequently essayed tough men with deeply complicated interior lives in such acclaimed series as "NYPD Blue" (ABC 1993-2005), "Deadwood" (HBO 2005-2006) and "Weeds" (Showtime 2005-2012). Harney's ability to tap into the emotional and spiritual elements of his characters was the result of substantial training and work on the New York theater scene, as well as his early career path as a social worker and prison reform advocate. After years of anonymity on the Off-Broadway circuit, Harney earned his big break as a morally compromised police officer on "Blue," which led to steady work as a guest performer on countless series. In 2005, he played a hateful townsperson who received a dreadful comeuppance on "Deadwood," which further increased his profile; he successful transitioned from recurring turns on various series, including an alcoholic detective on "Weeds," to his first turn as a series regular on "Orange is the New Black" (Netflix 2013- ). His character, a tough-talking but soft-hearted prison guard, played to Harney's core strengths as an actor, and provided him with a critically acclaimed showcase for his talents while underscoring his status as one of television's most dependable supporting actors.