Robert John Burke (born September 12, 1960) is an American actor known for his roles in the early films of Hal Hartley as well as his roles in RoboCop 3 (1993), Tombstone (1993), and Thinner (1996). Burke became well known for his portrayal of Mickey Gavin on Rescue Me (2004–11), Bart Bass in Gossip Girl (2007–12), Ed Tucker in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2002–20), Officer Patrick Simmons in Person of Interest (2011–2013), Seth in The Last of Us (2025), and a number of other film and television roles including Intrusion (2021).
Contents
Early life and education
Burke was born in Washington Heights, Manhattan, the son of immigrants from Galway, Ireland. Burke has a strong affinity for Ireland and his Irish heritage. He graduated from Northport High School in East Northport, New York, on Long Island, and attended the Acting Conservatory at State University of New York at Purchase.
Career
Burke's television roles include Mickey Gavin on Rescue Me, Bart Bass on Gossip Girl, Kidnapped, Six Degrees, Law & Order and IAB Captain Ed Tucker on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Officer Patrick Simmons on Person of Interest, Sex and the City, and The Sopranos.
