Why Jake McCoy From Chicago P.D. Looks So Familiar
Police procedurals are often filled to the brim with guest appearances. You always have your main cast, but seeing how there's a new crime every week to solve, new characters get added to the mix all the time. They often only last for a single episode, but with the right actor in the right role, it can make for an instantly memorable appearance that leaves viewers talking long after the storyline has aired.
You could argue that's the case with Jake McCoy (Billy Burke) on the "Some Friend" episode of "Chicago P.D." Jake's a former MLB star and also a long-time friend to Detective Alvin Olinsky (Elias Koteas). As such, Olinsky has a vested interest in getting his friend out of trouble when he gets pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence. However, when a dead girl winds up at Jake's house, it's safe to say Olinsky's more invested than ever before.
Billy Burke expertly plays the smarmy character, which should come as no surprise. He has an extensive filmography, playing all kinds of characters in the past, and whether you're into Young Adult properties or other procedurals, you've likely seen him before.
He had a recurring role on 24
Billy Burke's filmography goes back to the 1980s, landing minor roles in movies and one-off appearances in TV series. The 2000s really saw the actor begin to break out with recurring roles on "Wonderland" and "Gilmore Girls." However, he broke out to a broader audience when he landed a part in the second season of "24" as Gary Matheson, the abusive husband to Carla (Tracy Middendorf) and the employer to Kim Bauer (Elisha Cuthbert). When Kim recognizes the danger Gary and Carla's daughter is in living with him, she takes her to a safe location, drawing the ire of Gary, who insists Kim informs him of where she's keeping his daughter.
It's a dark role, and according to Billy Burke, that's precisely what was so enticing to take on the part. Burke spoke about a litany of his roles to The AV Club, including Gary on "24." He brought up, "It was dark and dripping with stuff that you love to just get your teeth into as an actor. I remember at the end ... it said in the script, 'Gary goes to his hiding place, which is a lab someplace, and takes out a baggie of what we think is crystal meth.' So I found out that during this whole run, I was high on crystal meth. I had no idea!" Fortunately, Burke would prove he could play a much more loving father during his next big role.
Billy Burke plays Charlie Swan in the Twilight series
Bella (Kristen Stewart) may not think too much of her father, particularly in the first "Twilight" film, but it's apparent that he's ultimately a good guy just trying to do right by his her, even if he doesn't fully understand her. Of course, over the course of the franchise, the two become closer, particularly when Charlie gives Bella his permission to start dating Edward (Robert Pattinson).
Even though Charlie has a vastly different demeanor than Gary, Billy Burke spoke about what draws him to these types of characters in an interview with Twilight Lexicon. He elaborated, "I tend to gravitate towards characters that carry their damage in their hip pocket. When I read the script, even though I've never been married and don't have kids yet, I felt pretty sure I could invoke the regrets and failures Charlie must feel. I know a little about not being there when I was needed most."
Burke carried on with the role all through the franchise until the final film — "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 2" — offering some of the most emotional moments in the series as he learns to accept Bella as a vampire.
Billy Burke could most recently be seen on 9-1-1: Lone Star
Billy Burke certainly hasn't been short on work since the "Twilight" series ended. He's continued appearing in all sorts of films and TV shows, including recurring roles on the likes of "Rizzoli & Isles," "Revolution," and "Maid." The actor's kicking off 2022 on the right foot by continuing to appear in procedurals after "Chicago P.D." with the part of Billy Tyson on "9-1-1: Lone Star."
Burke's been on the series since Season 1, serving as a natural foil to Owen Strand (Rob Lowe). Tyson used to be the captain of the 126 before Owen showed up, and they remain frenemies throughout their time on the series together. They may get along at certain points, but ultimately, Tyson puts himself before anyone else in stark contrast to how Owen operates.
It's safe to say Billy Burke's time on "9-1-1" isn't over yet, so fans should get ready for more of the Tyson/Strand feud for the foreseeable future.