Peter Killian Gallagher (born August 19, 1955) is an American actor, musician and writer whose career spans television, film and the stage. He has frequently combined dramatic and comedic work and is noted for several long-running television characters.
Career highlights
Gallagher rose to wider public attention in the early 2000s for playing a central parental figure on a popular teen drama. He went on to play senior law-enforcement and recurring roles on other high-profile series, while also appearing in movies and theatrical productions. In addition to acting, he performs as a singer and musician and has published writing.
- The O.C. (2003–2007) — he portrayed the principled father Sandy Cohen on the Fox series that followed the lives of families in Orange County.
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit — he played Deputy Chief William Dodds in a recurring capacity on the long-running NBC procedural.
- Showtime series Californication — Gallagher had a recurring role as Stacey Koons on the comedy-drama.
- Grace & Frankie — he appeared as Nick on the Netflix series that focuses on two women navigating major life changes.
Beyond television, Gallagher's work includes feature films and stage appearances; he continues to take on screen and stage projects while maintaining musical and writing pursuits.