Actor Billy Burke was born on November 25, 1966 in Bellingham, Washington. His love for performing began when he was nine years old, later joining a band at age 15. He continued pursuing his musical interests while studying drama at the Western Washington University. His initial stints in stage, both in Seattle and in New York City, led to his first film, the 1990 independent release Daredreamer. This was followed by many other films, as well as guest roles in television series such as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Party of Five.
Burke’s career took an upswing in 2000, when he took a recurring role in the drama series Wonderland. Later, he took a couple more recurring roles: one in 24, as abusive employer Gary Matheson; and another on Gilmore Girls. During the time, he took several other film roles, appearing in Ladder 49, Forfeit, Fracture, and Twilight. Burke was later cast on the TNT drama series Rizzoli & Isles, as well as on the 2011 film Red Riding Hood.