Antoine McKay

Antoine McKay, born August 10, 1970 in Inkster, Michigan, is a versatile American actor, director, and educator whose career spans stage, television, and film. The second of four children to Ivory and Jelena McKay, he cultivated an early fascination with performance, a passion that intensified when he watched his older brother onstage in a high‑school production of Oklahoma. After completing his primary education at St. Aloysius Elementary and graduating from Wayne Memorial High School, McKay pursued theater studies at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, laying the academic foundation for his future artistic endeavors. His early professional work took root in Detroit’s vibrant comedy scene, where he performed on Second City’s Main Stages, honing his improvisational skills alongside rising talents such as Keegan‑Michael Key. A subsequent move to Chicago expanded his network, as he shared the stage with performers like Nyima Funk, Josh Funk, and Marc Evan, and became a frequent contributor to the Under the Gun Theater, collaborating with Mishu Hilmy on cutting‑edge productions. Over the years, McKay’s on‑screen résumé grew steadily, featuring recurring roles such as “Bunkie” on the hit primetime drama Empire and “Uncle Spike” on the critically acclaimed series South Side. His film credits include Rogers Park (2018), Keeping Up with the Joneses (2016), and early appearances in The Weather Man and Prison Break. Beyond his artistic pursuits, McKay remains a dedicated educator, sharing his experience with emerging actors, and maintains a long‑time residence in Chicago. A proud father of six—Noah, Bailey, Zachary, Sadie, Hannah, and Elijah—he balances a bustling family life with his ongoing contributions to the entertainment industry, continuing to inspire audiences and peers alike.