Robert John Burke

Robert John Burke (born September 12, 1960) is an American actor known for his roles in the early films of Hal Hartley as well as his roles in RoboCop 3, Tombstone (1993), and Thinner (1996). Burke became well known for his portrayal of Mickey Gavin on Rescue Me (2004–11), Bart Bass in Gossip Girl (2007–12), Ed Tucker in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2002–20), Officer Patrick Simmons in Person of Interest (2011–2013), Seth in The Last of Us (2025), and a number of other film and television roles including Intrusion (2021).

Early life and education Burke was born in Washington Heights, Manhattan, the son of immigrants from Galway, Ireland. Burke has a strong affinity for Ireland and his Irish heritage. He graduated from Northport High School in East Northport, New York, on Long Island, and attended the Acting Conservatory at State University of New York at Purchase.

Career Burke's television roles include Mickey Gavin on Rescue Me, Bart Bass on Gossip Girl, Kidnapped, Six Degrees, Law & Order and IAB Captain Ed Tucker on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Officer Patrick Simmons on Person of Interest, Sex and the City, and The Sopranos.

Burke's film work began as a regular performer in fellow Purchase alumnus Hal Hartley's indie films, such as 1989's The Unbelievable Truth. and in 2001's No Such Thing. Burke is seen opposite Frieda Pinto in the Netflix thriller Intrusion. In 2022, he portrayed a CIA agent Smitty in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. He next appeared alongside Keira Knightly in a remake of the crime drama The Boston Strangler. In 2025, he guest-starred as Seth in the second season of The Last of Us.

Personal life Burke holds a second degree black belt in Matsubayashi, Shorin-ryu Okinawan karate. He is currently a volunteer firefighter as the captain of Engine 7 of the Ocean Beach Fire Department Suffolk County, Long Island NY.

Burke's decision to become a firefighter was informed by the loss of his best friend, FDNY Capt. Patrick J. Brown, Ladder-3, on 9/11, along with many of his other friends that day. Burke worked at the site and was present for weeks during recovery efforts. He dedicates his fire service to the memory of those who fell on that day and continue to succumb to sickness still.

Burke is also active with foundation work including VETHACK, Leary Firefighter Foundation (LFF), FDNY Foundation, FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation, Lt. Joseph DiBernardo Foundation for Fire Fighter Survival.

Filmography Film

Television