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Michael Lombardi
Michael Lombardi first gained widespread attention for his role as a rookie firefighter in Denis Leary and Peter Tolan's gutsy firefighting drama, "Rescue Me" (FX, 2004-). His underwear model-good looks, combined with his FDNY uniform, turned a lot of heads when the show broke in 2004, at which time, the actor had been seen mostly in off-off-Broadway productions and small parts in earlier Denis Leary projects (the two were hockey buddies from way back). As "Rescue Me" progressed, Lombardi proved himself worthy of the show's impressive ensemble cast with his portrayal of a complex character whose struggle for identity off the job rivaled his difficulties finding acceptance at the engine house.