Robert John Burke

**Robert John Burke**, born on September 12, 1960, is an renowned American actor who gained fame through his performances in the early films of Hal Hartley as well as his roles in RoboCop 3 (1993), Tombstone (1993), and Thinner (1996). He was born in Washington Heights, Manhattan, to immigrants from Galway, Ireland and developed a strong affinity for Ireland and his Irish heritage. His breakout moment came by portraying Mickey Gavin on _Rescue Me_ (2004–11), Bart Bass in _Gossip Girl_ (2007–12), Ed Tucker in _Law & Order: Special Victims Unit_ (2002–20), and a series of other film and television works such as _Intrusion_ (2021). Burke's career started off as a regular performer in fellow Purchase alumnus Hal Hartley's indie films, such as 1989's _The Unbelievable Truth_. He has performed in movie industry's top-nominated films like _Munich_ directed by Steven Spielberg and _Good Night, and Good Luck_, directed by George Clooney. He was seen in the Netflix thriller Intrusion and more recently, in 2022, appeared alongside Keira Knightly in a remake of the crime drama _The Boston Strangler_. Apart from his illustrious acting career, Burke also holds a second degree black belt in Matsubayashi, Shorin-ryu Okinawan karate and is an active New York State firefighter and currently serving as a captain of an engine. His decision to become a firefighter was a tribute to his lost friends, especially his best friend, on 9/11.