Back in 2001, the creators of Scrubs were on the hunt for an actor to embody the role of the sarcastic, no-nonsense Dr. Perry Cox. They were looking for someone with a vibe similar to John C. McGinley. Here's the twist—John C. McGinley himself auditioned five times for the role. "I kept auditioning for this 'John C. McGinley type,'" he told Closer. "It always struck me as funny." Eventually, he landed the gig, and for nine seasons, McGinley became a household name as the unforgettable Dr. Perry Cox.
Fast forward to today, and McGinley is starring in Holidazed, a delightful new limited comedy series from Hallmark. This holiday-themed show follows five families living in the same Oregon cul-de-sac as they navigate the highs and lows of the season. "Each family has its own quirks and dysfunctions," McGinley explains. "My character’s house? It’s a complete madhouse. But it’s hilariously fun to watch."
Meet Chuck: McGinley's Character in Holidazed
Chuck, the character McGinley plays in Holidazed, is a man dealing with the challenges of aging and relevance. "Chuck's kids are all grown up now, and he's feeling like he's fading into the background," McGinley shares. "So, he overcompensates in every way possible. One of his quirks? He insists on having the most dazzling Christmas lights in the neighborhood. But it's not really about the lights—it's about proving he still matters. It's such a rich, flawed character, and it’s a blast to bring him to life."
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Working with Virginia Madsen
Another exciting aspect of Holidazed was the opportunity for McGinley to collaborate with Virginia Madsen. "I had a say in who would play my wife, and I couldn't have been happier when Virginia came on board," he says. "We’ve known each other for years—we worked together on Highlander with Sean Connery back in the day. There’s a genuine connection between us, and it shows on screen. When the camera captures real chemistry, you can’t fake that."
The Roots of McGinley's Acting Passion
For McGinley, the desire to act was always a part of him. "It felt like it was in my DNA," he recalls. "I was always drawn to storytelling in some form. When I went to grad school, it was like diving headfirst into a theater boot camp, and I loved every second of it. At NYU, we were fortunate to have Olympia Dukakis as our mentor. She was a drill sergeant, a poet, and a mother figure all rolled into one. She shaped me as an actor in ways I’ll always be grateful for."
Breaking Into Hollywood with Platoon
McGinley’s big break came when director Oliver Stone saw him while he was understudying John Turturro in a play called Danny and the Deep Blue Sea. "John was off filming Desperately Seeking Susan, so the casting director saw me instead," McGinley explains. "That led to my audition for Platoon. It was a life-changing moment."
The Intensity of Filming Platoon
The experience of filming Platoon in the Philippines was both challenging and transformative. "It was an intense environment," McGinley says. "There was a revolution happening, and the shoot was delayed for six months. The poverty was overwhelming, and there were kids carrying weapons. But going to work was one of the safest things we could do. Oliver Stone captured all that chaos and uncertainty on film—it added a raw, authentic edge to the movie."
Learning from the Best
Throughout his career, McGinley has had the privilege of working with some of the industry’s most respected talents. "One of my first Broadway experiences was with John Lithgow in Requiem for a Heavyweight," he says. "His professionalism and dedication to his craft were inspiring. Watching him work validated everything I’d learned in school. It set the bar high for me."
Working with Paul Newman
Another unforgettable experience was working with Paul Newman on Fat Man and Little Boy. "Paul was everything you hoped he would be," McGinley reflects. "He was gracious, humble, and incredibly talented. We’d ride up this treacherous road with him to the set every day. Paramount eventually intervened, worried about the danger, but Paul was just like us—he wanted to drive himself to work."
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A Career Highlight: Glengarry Glen Ross
One of McGinley’s proudest moments came during his time on Broadway in a revival of Glengarry Glen Ross. "Performing alongside Al Pacino, Bobby Cannavale, and David Harbour was a dream come true," he says. "It’s one of the toughest plays out there, with its complex, repetitive language. But our ensemble was incredible, and we put on a show that was tight and powerful. Doing 125 performances of Glengarry was a highlight of my career."
Family Comes First
After the disruptions of the pandemic and industry strikes, McGinley found himself reevaluating his priorities. "I realized how much I love being home with my family," he says. "I’m the Papa Bear around here, driving the kids around and being involved in their lives. It’s a shift from earlier in my career when work often pulled me away. Now, I choose to step back from certain opportunities to be more present for my family. It’s not about ego—it’s about what feels right for me now."
Family Life
McGinley’s three children—Kate, Billie, and Max—each have their own unique paths. "None of them are interested in acting, and that’s perfectly fine," he says. "Max, who has Down syndrome, is a joy to watch. He’s part of a band called Spec Labs, where all the members are on the spectrum. He’s the rhythm guitarist, and he loves it. Seeing him thrive is incredibly fulfilling."
Marriage and Partnership
McGinley and his wife, Nichole, have been together for 17 years, and their relationship is built on open communication and mutual respect. "You have to be able to talk about everything, even the small things," he explains. "It’s important to respect each other’s feelings, no matter how insignificant they might seem to someone else. Relationships can become stagnant if you’re not careful. We work hard to keep the spark alive. I don’t want a roommate—I want the love of my life."
