Peter Gallagher

Peter Killian Gallagher, born on August 19, 1955, is an accomplished American actor, renowned for his roles in an array of Hollywood films since the 1980s. He gained prominence with his role as Sandy Cohen in the popular television drama series, The O.C. from 2003 to 2007. Apart from this, his recurring roles in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Californication, Grace & Frankie, and Covert Affairs are acclaimed. He has done his share of roles for the silver screen as well, with memorable performances in films like Bob Roberts (1992), The Player (1992), Short Cuts (1993), American Beauty (1999), Mr. Deeds (2002), and Palm Springs (2020). Broadening his artistic landscape, he also dabbled in musical theatre, noted chiefly for playing Sky Masterson in the 1992 Broadway revival of Guys and Dolls.

Born and raised in New York City, Gallagher is the youngest of three children of Mary Ann and Thomas Francis Gallagher, Jr. he graduated from Tufts University, majoring in acting. Remarkably, he gained stage experience participating in productions like Stephen Sondheim's Company and sang with the all-male a cappella group the Beelzebubs. Gallagher's debut film was The Idolmaker, followed by his famous role in sex, lies, and videotape (1989). From 2003 to 2007, he was seen as Sandy Cohen in the Fox's The O.C.. Not just limited to acting, he released an album titled 7 Days in Memphis in 2005. In recognition of his talent, Gallagher received awards from Tufts University and continued his journey with roles in Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, Grey's Anatomy, and Grace and Frankie. As of 2024, Gallagher is announced to return to Broadway with a new play based on Delia Ephron's life, titled Left on Tenth.