Gordon Clapp American actor Date of Birth: 04.09.1948 Country: USA

1. Biography of Gordon Clapp
2. Early Life and Career
3. Television Career
4. Breakthrough Role in 'NYPD Blue'

Biography of Gordon Clapp

Gordon Clapp, born on September 4, 1948, is an American actor known for his role as Detective Greg Medavoy in all twelve seasons of the TV series 'NYPD Blue'. He is also a recipient of the 1998 Emmy Award.

Early Life and Career

Gordon was born in New Hampshire and pursued his acting career in Canada. He began his acting journey in Canadian theaters, performing in various Shakespearean plays and similar projects.

His debut on the big screen was in 1980, playing Senator Chip's assistant in John Sayles' film 'The Return of the Secaucus Seven', later released in Hollywood as 'Big Chill'. Gordon would go on to work on several other projects with Sayles, including the role of a union activist in the 1987 film 'Matewan', a nervous catcher in the sports drama 'Eight Men Out' in 1988, and a local activist in 'Sunshine State' in 2002. Although not many notable film projects followed, one worth mentioning is the Canadian family melodrama 'Termini Station'.

Television Career

Gordon's television career was significantly more successful. He began with a small but consistent role in the comedy series 'Check It Out!' on the USA Network. He went on to play in several TV movies and miniseries, often portraying military personnel, police officers, and blue-collar workers.

Some of his notable TV projects include 'The Right of the People', 'Blind Faith', 'Fever', 'Bonds of Love', and 'Small Sacrifices', which also featured his old acquaintance John Shea.

Breakthrough Role in 'NYPD Blue'

Gordon's breakthrough role came in 1993 when he was cast as Detective Medavoy in the TV series 'NYPD Blue'. Initially, his character was portrayed as insecure, going through a divorce, having a romance with a glamorous secretary, attempting get-rich-quick schemes, and going through various partners.

Gordon's ability to quickly turn his character's setbacks into life lessons for his overly aggressive partner, portrayed by Dennis Franz as Detective Sipowicz, became one of the defining traits of the series. Alongside Franz, Gordon was the only actor to remain in 'NYPD Blue' for all twelve seasons.