‘NCIS: Los Angeles‘ actor Gerald McRaney – who celebrated his 76th birthday earlier this month – has opened up about his lengthy career and how grateful he is for his wife, who he says stood by his side during his lowest moments.
McRaney has made a name for himself over the years with his roles in ‘Simon & Simon‘ and ‘Major Dad‘, as well as his portrayal of Admirable Hollace Kilbride on ‘NCIS: Los Angeles‘.
He began his memorable role as the Admirable in season six, with the character eventually progressing to the head of the Office of Special Projects as the show progressed.
And even though retirement may be on the horizon for the talented actor, he’s still feeling fulfilled in his work.
During an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, McRaney spoke fondly of his role as Admiral Kilbride, and also said that he has no plans to retire anytime soon… Though, he did quip that he would consider being “semi-retired”!
“I don’t think I could ever be completely retired; I could be semiretired, maybe,” he said, “I think as long as I can show up and remember my words, I’ll continue.”
Though, McRaney had some truly heartwarming things to say about his wife, Delta Burke, and the enduring bond they share.
McRaney met Burke in 1987, when she was appearing in ‘Designing Women‘ and he was making a name for himself in ‘Simon & Simon‘. Clearly, McRaney was smitten with Burke, as he has said that he proposed to her on their second date – eventually marrying two years later in 1989.
McRaney – who won an Emmy for his supporting role in ‘This Is Us‘ – has frequently expressed how grateful he is for Burke, telling People in 2017: “As a man, I’ve had the love of the finest woman I can possibly imagine.”
It’s no wonder McRaney holds his wife in such high regard, given that she has proved herself a constant source of strength and support during his frightening battle with lung cancer in 2004.
Burke has also praised her husband, telling Diabetic Living Magazine (via Eating Well) in 2018 that McRaney has never shamed her for her weight, and that he’s only ever encouraged her to eat healthy.
As a diabetic, Burke says that McRaney has helped keep her health in check by administering insulin shots to save her life, standing by his wife and offering assistance in managing her health, as well as providing a steady anchor.
As of now, McRaney has said he enjoys his role as a grandfather of six, living comfortably with Burke in their Central Florida home.
Now, that’s a love story if I ever did see one!
READ MORE
- Dad runs into burning home to save his twin babies – they never expected what happened next
- Richard Gere tried to change one of the best movie endings ever
