Person of the Week: Tim DeKay

Tim DeKay

With appearances on almost forty television programs and in twenty films, you’ve, no doubt, seen the talented Tim DeKay in something. Since 2009, he’s been known as Special Agent Peter Burke on USA’s White Collar in which he stars with Matt Bomer. DeKay’s portrayal of the steady and level-headed Agent Burke is proof of this talented actor’s vast range. Let’s remember that this is the same man who portrayed “Jonesy” on Carnivàle and who--as “Bizarro Jerry” on Seinfeld--flinched when Elaine Benes helped herself to some olives without asking. DeKay is one of those rare actors who slips into a character without leaving traces of himself on the surface. When you’re watching him, you are not constantly reminded, “This is Tim DeKay.” Instead, you believe that he’s truly the character that he’s portraying. That sort of ego-free acting is increasingly rare, the sign of an artist who is truly dedicated to his craft, and evidence of Mr. DeKay’s dedication and training.


Born in Lansing, New York, DeKay was an athletic youth who was a star on both the basketball court and the baseball field. In High School, he found himself attracted to theater and performed in several local productions. LeMoyne College was the next stop for Mr. DeKay who intended to study Business and Philosophy while also playing baseball. However, the lure of the theater was very strong, and, before long, Tim was back on stage. Upon his graduation, DeKay worked at a casket company. Training in direction at Syracuse University led DeKay to Rutgers where he pursued a Masters of Fine Arts in acting. While there, he also met his wife—Elisa Taylor—with whom he now has two children. In 2010, DeKay returned to his alma mater, LeMoyne University, where he was welcomed as a commencement speaker and given an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

For his contributions to the arts, his dedication to his craft, his winning charm and for continuing to entertain us, Tim DeKay is our “Person of the Week.” To learn more about the versatile Tim DeKay, visit his Web site. And, be sure to tune in to the new season of White Collar on the USA Network, Tuesday nights at 10:00/9:00 Central.