Kevin Tighe
Biography
Kevin Tighe, born Jon Kevin Fishburn on August 13, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, is an American character actor and director. Of Czech-Bohemian and Irish ancestry, he was raised in Pasadena, where he became involved with the Pasadena Playhouse. With a career spanning more than five decades, Tighe has established himself as a veteran performer in television, film, and theater. He is recognized for his work portraying complex or authoritative characters. Tighe maintains a close friendship with his former co-star Randolph Mantooth. As of his most recent records, he holds 82 known acting credits. He continues to be identified by his birth name in professional archives and remains a notable figure in American television history.
Career overview
Tighe began his professional career in the late 1960s. He achieved widespread recognition for his role as senior paramedic Roy DeSoto on the NBC series Emergency!, which aired from 1972 to 1977. This long-running role remains his most well-known performance. Following his success on the series, Tighe continued to work extensively across various media. In the 2000s, he gained further prominence for his recurring role as Anthony Cooper, the father of John Locke, on the ABC series Lost. His television work has also included appearances on Law and Order: SVU for NBC and a guest role on Complications for the USA Network.
In addition to his television career, Tighe has appeared in feature films. His filmography includes a role in the feature film I Am I, directed by Jocelyn T. Throughout his career, Tighe has demonstrated versatility in both lead and supporting roles. His professional background includes experience in theater, contributing to a diverse body of work that has sustained his presence in the entertainment industry for over fifty years. He is noted for his ability to portray a wide range of characters, maintaining a consistent output of performances since his early beginnings in the industry.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
84 titles- One Battle After Another (2025) as Roy More
- Complications (2015) as Gary Ellison
- Salem (2014) as Giles Corey
- Hello (2014) as Donald
- I Am I (2013) as Gene
- Common Law (2012) as Fred Bendek
- The Mountain Runners (2012) as Narrator
- Lie to Me (2009) as Fletcher Bellwood
- My Bloody Valentine (2009) as Ben Foley
- Trauma (2009) as Capt. Cal Channing
- Leverage (2008) as Ian Blackpoole
- Numb3rs (2005) as Keith Watts
- The Deal (2005) as John Cortland
- Today You Die (2005) as Max Stevens
- A Life in Suitcases: A History of Tulse Luper (2005) as William Gottschalk
- Lost (2004) as Anthony Cooper
- The 4400 (2004) as Senator Lenhoff
- The Tulse Luper Suitcases: Antwerp (2003)
- Fast Food High (2003) as Dave Richter
- The Tulse Luper Suitcases, Part 1: The Moab Story (2003) as William Gottschalk
- Everwood (2002) as Joe Morris
- Rose Red (2002) as Victor Kandinsky
- Nancy Drew (2002) as Coach Jeffries
- Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001) as Edwin Lindgard
- The Sight (2000) as Jake
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) as Julian Cooper
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) as Gregory Searle
- The West Wing (1999) as Jack Buckland
- Family Law (1999)
- Freaks and Geeks (1999) as Mr. Andopolis
- The Darwin Conspiracy (1999) as Allan Hollingsworth
- Mumford (1999) as Mr. Crisp
- The Big Day (1999) as Joe
- The Wetonkawa Flash (1999)
- Winchell (1998) as William Randolph Hearst
- Scorpion Spring (1996) as California County Sheriff Rawley Gill
- Race the Sun (1996) as Jack Fryman
- In Cold Blood (1996) as Herbert Clutter
- Star Trek: Voyager (1995) as Henry Janeway
- The Outer Limits (1995) as General
- Murder One (1995) as David Blalock
- The Single Guy (1995) as Jack Blake
- Jade (1995) as D.A. Arnold Clifford
- Escape to Witch Mountain (1995) as Sheriff Bronson
- The Avenging Angel (1995) as Benjamin Rigby
- ER (1994) as Pete Mattimore
- Chicago Hope (1994) as Harry Kincaid
- Double Cross (1994) as Brian Cody
- Men of War (1994) as Colonel Merrick
- Betrayal of Trust (1994) as Bill Carroll
- What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) as Mr. Carver
- Geronimo: An American Legend (1993) as Brig. Gen. Nelson Miles
- Caught in the Act (1993) as Police Detective
- I Love a Man in Uniform (1993) as Frank
- Better Off Dead. (1993) as D.A. John Byron
- School Ties (1992) as Coach McDevitt
- Newsies (1992) as Snyder
- Face of a Stranger (1991) as Richard Foster
- City of Hope (1991) as O'Brien
- Another 48 Hrs. (1990) as Blake Wilson
- Bright Angel (1990) as Billy Abbott
- Perry Mason: The Case of the Defiant Daughter (1990) as Steven Elliott
- Tales from the Crypt (1989) as Sam Forney (segment "Cutting Cards")
- Road House (1989) as Frank Tilghman
- K-9 (1989) as Lyman
- Lost Angels (1989) as Dr. Gaeyl
- Eight Men Out (1988) as Sport Sullivan
- CBS Summer Playhouse (1987) as Insp John Fernack
- Matewan (1987) as Bill Hickey
- The Saint in Manhattan (1987) as Insp. John Fernack
- Murder, She Wrote (1984) as Lt. Moynihan
- The Rebels (1979) as Thomas Jefferson
- The Love Boat (1977) as Chris
- The Hardy Boys / Nancy Drew Mysteries (1977)
- Ellery Queen (1975) as Detective Jim Millay
- The Six Million Dollar Man (1974) as Root
- Emergency +4 (1973) as Fireman Roy DeSoto (voice)
- Emergency! (1972) as Roy DeSoto
- Emergency! (1972) Director
- Emergency! (1972) as Roy DeSoto
- Adam-12 (1968) as Roy DeSoto
- The Graduate (1967) as Carter (Showering Fraternity Brother) (uncredited)
- Narcotics: Pit of Despair (1967) as John Scott
- Bonanza (1959) as Krulak
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Kevin Tighe best known for?
Kevin Tighe is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including One Battle After Another (2025), Salem (2014), Common Law (2012), Lie to Me (2009).
When and where was Kevin Tighe born?
Kevin Tighe was born on August 13, 1944 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
How many credits does Kevin Tighe have?
Kevin Tighe has accumulated over 84 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1959 to 2025.
What is Kevin Tighe's background in cinema and television?
Kevin Tighe, born Jon Kevin Fishburn on August 13, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, is an American character actor and director. Of Czech-Bohemian and Irish ancestry, he was raised in Pasadena, where he became involved with the Pasadena Playhouse. With a career spanning more than five decades, Tighe has established hi...