The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of James McCaffrey, a versatile actor who lent his voice to the iconic video game character Max Payne and played Jimmy Keefe on the FX firefighter drama Rescue Me. McCaffrey died on Sunday from multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood at the age of 65.
McCaffrey began his acting career in 1987, appearing in various television shows and movies. He gained recognition for his roles as Michael Payton / Joe Astor in the crime series Viper, Captain Arthur O’Breun in New York Undercover, and Roy in The Truth About Cats & Dogs. He also had guest appearances on As the World Turns, Sex and the City, Revenge, and Blue Bloods.
However, McCaffrey was most known for his performance as the title character in the Max Payne trilogy of games, a gritty and dark series that follows a troubled cop who seeks revenge for the murder of his family. McCaffrey’s voice and likeness gave life to the character, who became a cult favorite among gamers. McCaffrey also had a cameo role in the film adaptation of the video game, playing an FBI agent.
McCaffrey also starred as Jimmy Keefe on Rescue Me, a comedy-drama that follows the lives of a group of New York City firefighters after the 9/11 attacks. Jimmy was the cousin and best friend of the protagonist Tommy Gavin (Denis Leary), who died in the World Trade Center. Jimmy frequently visited Tommy in ghostly dreams, offering advice, comfort, or criticism. McCaffrey’s portrayal of Jimmy was praised for its realism and emotion, as he captured the trauma and guilt that many firefighters faced after the tragedy.
McCaffrey’s colleagues and fans have expressed their condolences and tributes on social media, remembering him as a talented and kind person who will be greatly missed. McCaffrey is survived by his wife, two children, and two grandchildren.
