Michael Harney

Michael John Harney is an American actor whose career spans stage, film, and television, marked by a deep commitment to character work and a versatile range that has earned him both critical praise and a loyal fan base. Born on March 27, 1956 in New York City, Harney studied under renowned acting teachers William Esper and Phil Gushee, both of whom were protégés of Sanford Meisner at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater. After seven intensive years of training, he founded The Michael Harney Acting Studio in New York, where he taught and mentored aspiring performers for eight years while simultaneously appearing in and directing more than eighty stage productions. His Broadway debut came with the role of Charlie Malloy in On The Waterfront, showcasing his ability to tackle complex, gritty characters early in his career. Throughout his early years, Harney honed his craft in both leading and supporting roles, developing a reputation for delivering nuanced performances that blend emotional depth with a natural, grounded presence. In the second phase of his career, Harney transitioned seamlessly to screen, appearing in high‑profile films such as Erin Brockovich and Ocean’s Thirteen, and earning a recurring spot on the acclaimed police drama NYPD Blue as Detective Mike Roberts. He further cemented his television credentials with memorable roles in Deadwood (Steve Fields) and the dark comedy Weeds (Detective Mitch Ouellette), collaborating with creator Jenji Kohan before later joining her again on Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black as the intensely loyal Corrections Officer Sam Healy, a role that brought him widespread recognition. In recent years Harney continued to explore diverse projects, starring in the indie drama Bad Hurt at the Tribeca Film Festival and appearing in the Apple TV+ series For All Mankind in 2019. Off‑screen, he is a devoted father to his son, balancing his artistic pursuits with family life.