Gerald McRaney: Simon & Simon Star — Age, Career, Wife Delta Burke, and Net Worth

Gerald McRaney has been a fixture on American television for more than four decades. From his breakout role on Simon & Simon in the 1980s to his Emmy-winning turn on This Is Us, he’s proven that talent and persistence pay off in Hollywood. Born in Collins, Mississippi, McRaney built a career spanning over 150 film and television credits — and he’s still going. Off screen, his marriage to actress Delta Burke has lasted since 1989, making them one of the entertainment industry’s most enduring couples. At 78 years old, McRaney remains active in the business he’s loved since he was a young man in the Deep South.

Who Is Gerald McRaney?

Gerald Lee McRaney is an American actor best recognized for starring roles in several hit television series. He first gained widespread fame as Rick Simon on the CBS detective drama Simon & Simon, which ran from 1981 to 1988. He followed that success with Major Dad, a sitcom where he played a Marine Corps officer navigating family life. Over the years, McRaney has moved seamlessly between comedy, drama, and guest-starring roles, earning critical praise along the way. His portrayal of Dr. K on NBC’s This Is Us won him a Primetime Emmy Award in 2017, introducing him to a whole new generation of viewers. Whether he’s playing a tough military man or a tender father figure, McRaney brings a grounded authority to every role he takes on.

Early Life in Mississippi

McRaney was born on August 19, 1947, in Collins, Mississippi, a small town in Covington County. He grew up in the rural South during the 1950s and 1960s, a time and place that shaped his no-nonsense demeanor and strong work ethic. As a young man, he attended the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where he studied English and developed an interest in acting. He didn’t finish his degree — the pull of performing was too strong. McRaney moved to New Orleans and then Los Angeles, picking up stage work and small television parts throughout the 1970s. Those early years weren’t glamorous, but they gave him the foundation he’d need when bigger opportunities arrived.

Career Highlights

McRaney’s career took off in 1981 when he landed the role of Rick Simon alongside Jameson Parker in Simon & Simon. The detective series became a CBS staple, running for eight seasons and making McRaney a household name. He played the rugged, street-smart brother — a role that fit him like a glove.

After Simon & Simon ended, McRaney didn’t slow down. He starred in Major Dad from 1989 to 1993, playing Marine Major John MacGillis. The family sitcom was a ratings hit and showed a lighter, more comedic side of his abilities.

In 1996, he took on the lead in Promised Land, a drama spinoff of Touched by an Angel that ran until 1999. The show gave McRaney the chance to play a more reflective, emotionally complex character.

The 2000s and 2010s brought a string of memorable guest roles. He appeared in Deadwood as George Hearst, bringing a menacing intensity to the HBO western. He had a recurring part on 24 and later appeared on Longmire, the A&E and Netflix crime drama. Each role showcased his range and kept him firmly in demand.

Then came House of Cards. McRaney played Raymond Tusk, the wealthy businessman and political power player who goes toe-to-toe with Kevin Spacey’s Frank Underwood. The Netflix series was a cultural phenomenon, and McRaney’s performance as Tusk was widely praised.

But his biggest critical moment came with This Is Us. Cast as Dr. Nathan Katowski, the doctor who helps Jack and Rebecca Pearson during the birth of their children, McRaney delivered a performance so moving that it earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2017. It was a career-defining win that reminded everyone just how good he is.

Gerald McRaney and Delta Burke

McRaney married actress Delta Burke on May 28, 1989. The two met when McRaney guest-starred on Burke’s hit series Designing Women, and the connection was immediate. They’ve been together ever since — over 36 years and counting.

Their marriage has weathered plenty. Burke has been open about her struggles with depression and body image issues, and McRaney has stood beside her through all of it. He’s spoken publicly about how much he admires her strength and resilience. In an industry where marriages often last a few years at best, theirs stands out as genuinely solid.

McRaney also has a daughter, Kate McRaney, from a previous marriage. He’s kept his family life relatively private, but those who know him describe him as a devoted husband and father.

Health Battle

In the late 2010s, McRaney faced a serious health scare when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He underwent treatment and, thankfully, beat the disease. McRaney has since spoken about the importance of early detection and regular medical checkups. His recovery was a relief to fans and colleagues alike, and it hasn’t slowed his career one bit. If anything, it’s given him an even deeper appreciation for the work he gets to do and the life he’s built.

Gerald McRaney’s Net Worth

Gerald McRaney’s net worth is estimated at around $8 million. That figure reflects decades of steady work in television and film — from long-running series leads to high-profile guest spots on prestige dramas. His roles on Simon & Simon, Major Dad, House of Cards, and This Is Us all contributed to his earnings. McRaney has never been the flashiest star in Hollywood, but he’s been one of the most consistent, and that consistency has paid off both professionally and financially.

Where Is Gerald McRaney Now?

As of 2026, Gerald McRaney is 78 years old and still active in the entertainment business. He continues to take on roles that interest him, and his reputation as a reliable, talented actor keeps the offers coming. He lives with Delta Burke and maintains a relatively low profile outside of his work. After beating cancer and building a career that spans five decades, McRaney seems content — still working, still married to the woman he fell for on the set of Designing Women, and still doing what he loves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Gerald McRaney?

Gerald McRaney was born on August 19, 1947. He’s 78 years old as of 2026.

Is Gerald McRaney still married to Delta Burke?

Yes. McRaney and Delta Burke have been married since May 1989 — more than 36 years together.

What did Gerald McRaney win an Emmy for?

He won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2017 for his role as Dr. Nathan Katowski on NBC’s This Is Us.

What is Gerald McRaney’s net worth?

His estimated net worth is around $8 million, earned through decades of work in television and film.