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 (1993), Tombstone (1993), and Thinner (1996). During the 2000s 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), 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 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. Burke appeared opposite Laura Dern's Academy Award nominated performance in the 1991 feature Rambling Rose. He returned to work with Hartley again in 1992 in the Cannes Film Festival, Palme d'Or nominated Simple Men. He also appeared in Hartley's 1995 film Flirt. Burke took over the lead from Peter Weller in RoboCop 3.