Born in Greenwich Village, New York, McGinley's love for acting began as an undergraduate at New York University. In 1984 he received a masters of fine arts degree from the prestigious New York University theater school. His first big break in theater came when he took over the role played by actor John Turturro in the Circle in the Square's "Danny Deep Blue Sea." He went on to perform in numerous theatrical productions, including "Requiem for a Heavyweight" on Broadway, and off-Broadway in "The Ballad of Soapy Smith" and "Talk Radio," both at Joseph Papp's renowned Public Theater.

McGinley has also had an impressive career in film, portraying a diverse range of characters. He has appeared in over 50 feature films, which include "The Animal," "Any Given Sunday," "The Rock," "Nothing To Lose," "Set It Off," "Seven," "Office Space," "Wall Street" and "Platoon." He has also served as producer on a number of films, including "Colin Fitz" and "Watch It." During his summer hiatus, McGinley filmed a co-starring role opposite John Cusack and Ray Liotta in the psychological thriller, "Identity." He also appears in the upcoming comedy, "Stealing Harvard," and in Eriq La Salle's "Crazy in Hell."

On television he starred in the highly-rated Dean Koontz miniseries "Intensity." He also starred in and produced the television movie "The Jack Bull."

McGinley resides in Los Angeles and enjoys surfing, weightlifting, golf and softball. As the father of a young son with Down syndrome, he is committed to building awareness and acceptance of people with Down syndrome. He is the 2002/2003 national spokesperson for the Buddy Walk, an advocacy walk organized by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).