Jay Harrington

James H. Harrington III (born November 15, 1971), professionally known as Jay Harrington, is an American actor and director. He is known for his role as the title character in the ABC sitcom Better Off Ted (2009–2010), and as Sgt. David "Deacon" Kay in S.W.A.T. from 2017 to 2025.

Early life Harrington was born and raised in Wellesley, Massachusetts to Judy and Terry Harrington. He has two brothers, actor Adam and Matt. As a child, his family spent summers on Cape Cod up the road from The Harwich Junior Theater. He attended Wellesley High School and then studied theater at Syracuse University.

Career Harrington has been featured as Dr. Simon O'Keefe on the WB drama Summerland, FBI Special Agent Paul Ryan on FOX's short-lived The Inside, and Steve on NBC's version of Coupling. He appeared in a recurring role on the police drama series The Division. He has also had roles on A.U.S.A., The Shield, Time of Your Life, Private Practice, and Burn Notice.

In 2006, Harrington began appearing as Dr. Ron McCready on the series Desperate Housewives. He starred as Ted Crisp in the comedy series Better Off Ted from March 2009 to January 2010. He had a recurring role in Season 4 of the TV Land comedy series Hot in Cleveland. In 2014, he co-starred on the short-lived USA Network comedy series Benched. In 2017, he had a guest role on Suits as Mark Meadows, Donna's ex-boyfriend. He starred as Sergeant II David "Deacon" Kay on S.W.A.T., based on the 1975 television series and 2003 movie of the same name, and was a series regular for all eight seasons.

Harrington has appeared in films such as American Reunion (with his character again – like in Desperate Housewives – being called "Dr. Ron"), Whatever It Takes, Anywhere but Here, Catalina Trust, A Little Inside, and Partner(s). He has also performed on stage, starring as Jack in Boy's Life and appearing in the off-Broadway productions Barefoot in the Park and Tony and Tina's Wedding, Harrington is an avid sports fan who plays in the Entertainment League, a private celebrity basketball league (formerly the NBA-E League), and skates for a local amateur ice hockey team.

Filmography Film

Television +YearShowRoleNotes 1998 Pacific Blue Mitch 1 episode 1998 The Pretender Det. Maxwell 1 episode 1999 Nash Bridges Scott Episode: "Gimme Shelter" 2001 Star Trek: Voyager Ravoc Episode: "Workforce Part 2" 2002 The Shield Tom Ross 1 episode 2003 Coupling Steve Taylor Main role2004Without a TraceWill SterlingEpisode: "Life Rules" 2004 Las Vegas Cole Helmsley 1 episode 2004–2005 Summerland Simon Recurring role 2005 Ghost Whisperer Mark Episode: "Ghost Bride" 2005 The Inside Paul Ryan Main role 2005–2006 Desperate Housewives Dr. Ron McCready 7 episodes 2008–2009 Private Practice Wyatt Lockhart 5 episodes 2009 Burn Notice Erik Luna Episode: "Shot in the Dark" 2009–2010 Better Off Ted Ted Main role 2012–2014 Hot in Cleveland Alec Recurring role 2014 Benched Phil Quinlan Main role 2016 Code Black Dr. Leo Fields 3 episodes 2017 Suits Mark Meadows Recurring role (season 7) 2017–2025 S.W.A.T. Sergeant II David "Deacon" Kay Main role

Director +YearShowNotes 2023–2025 S.W.A.T. Episodes: "All That Glitters", "Allegiance", "Open Season"