McCaffrey was born in 1958 in Albany, New York, and began his acting career in 1987. He had a wide range of roles in television, film, and video games, showcasing his versatility and talent. Some of his notable TV appearances included Blue Bloods, Suits, Sex and the City, Revenge, and New York Undercover. He also had main roles in the short-lived series Viper and Swift Justice.
He was most known for his performance as the title character in the Max Payne trilogy of games, a dark and gritty series that follows a troubled cop who seeks revenge for the murder of his family. McCaffrey’s deep and rich voice gave life to the character’s inner monologue and narration, as well as his witty and sarcastic remarks. He also had a cameo role in the film adaptation of the game, playing an FBI agent.
McCaffrey also voiced other video game characters, such as Thomas Zane in Alan Wake, and Alex Casey in its sequel. He also starred as Father Thomas in the mystery thriller film A Cry from Within.
A beloved co-star and friend
McCaffrey was also known for playing Jimmy Keefe, a deceased New York City firefighter who haunts his best friend Tommy Gavin (played by Denis Leary) on the TV show Rescue Me. The show, which ran from 2004 to 2011, dealt with the personal and professional lives of firefighters after the 9/11 attacks.
McCaffrey’s co-stars and friends expressed their grief and condolences on social media, remembering him as a kind, generous, and funny person. Leary tweeted, “James McCaffrey was a great actor, a great friend, and a great human being. He made every scene he was in better. He made every day he was on set funnier. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.”
Other celebrities who worked with McCaffrey also paid tribute to him, such as Gabriel Macht, who starred with him on Suits, and Jennifer Beals, who appeared with him on The L Word. They praised his professionalism, charisma, and charm, and said that he was a joy to work with.
A private and courageous man
McCaffrey was a private person who did not reveal much about his personal life. He owned a home in Larchmont, New York, where he lived with his wife and two children. He was diagnosed with myeloma, a rare and incurable form of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow, in 2021. He underwent chemotherapy and stem cell transplant, but the disease progressed and eventually took his life.
McCaffrey’s agent, David Unger, confirmed his death and said that he fought the disease with courage and dignity. He also said that McCaffrey was grateful for the support and love he received from his family, friends, and fans. He asked for privacy and respect for the family during this difficult time.
McCaffrey’s funeral will be held on December 21, 2023, at the Church of St. Augustine in Larchmont, New York. He will be buried at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, and two brothers.