Denis Leary Biography

A stand-up comic and actor since the 1980s, Denis Leary became instantly famous after appearing on MTV commercials ranting about everything from Cindy Crawford to smoking.

Growing up with many firefighters among his family and friends, his life was changed forever by a tragedy in 1999 when his cousin and five other firefighters died in a fire.

He set up the Leary Firefighters Foundation which to date has distributed nearly $3 million worth of equipment and safety materials to firehouses.

After 9/11 he also set up the Fund for New York's Bravest, distributing funds to the family members of firefighters who died on 9/11. His close relationship with firefighters led him to create his current hit show "Rescue Me." Tackling both difficult and humorous issues, Leary has created a showcase for his complex persona which has led to his best performances as an actor.