Michael Chiklis
Detective Vic Mackey

Michael Chiklis returns to series television in The Shield starring as “Detective Vic Mackey,” leader of the elite Strike Team unit, an effective cop, but one who operates under his own set of rules. A natural performer, Chiklis began entertaining his family with celebrity imitations when he was just five years old. As a child, Chiklis appeared in regional theater productions and earned his Equity card at age thirteen. He later attended Boston University’s School of Performing Arts where he received his B.F.A.

Days after graduation, Chiklis auditioned for the role of John Belushi in the controversial film Wired, a role that he would eventually earn three years later. He also guest starred in several popular series such as Miami Vice, L.A. Law, Murphy Brown, and Seinfeld.

In 1991 Chiklis captured the title role in The Commish, which aired on ABC from 1991--1996. Chiklis portrayed “Tony Scali,” the tough but fair-minded police commis-sioner who was beloved by his fellow officers. The role was based on an actual New York state police commissioner and originally called for an older man, but Chiklis won the producers over and made the role his own.

After The Commish wrapped, Chiklis went to Broadway and starred in the one-man show Defending the Caveman. His film credits include The Tax Man with Joe Pantoliano, Do Not Disturb opposite William Hurt and Jennifer Tilly, Last Request and Body and Soul. His additional television credits include a role as “Chris Woods,” the stay at home father on the NBC comedy Daddio as well as a starring role as “Curly” in the ABC movie The Three Stooges, which was executive produced by Mel Gibson.