For the first time history, Henry McCord has been named the First Gentleman of the United States! When his wife and former Secretary of State, Elizabeth McCord gets elected President, the two become the country's First Couple. From secret ops investigation to teaching and being a father, Henry McCord does it all, not to mention supporting his wife in everything she does.
American actor Tim Daly has become a late-night favorite to see on Madam Secretary. A series regular since Season 1, Daly's humor and portrayal of a father and husband with an undying love for his family and country have made Madam Secretary the show that so many people now love. Here are 10 things you didn't know about Henry McCord.
Tim Daly's parents were also actors
Whether you know him for his former role as Joe Hackett on NBC's Wings or his voice role as J.T. Dolan on The Sopranos, or as Henry McCord, Tim Daly has never been a stranger to working in the entertainment industry. In fact, you could probably argue that it's in his bloodline.
Growing up in Manhattan, New York, Daly is the youngest out of four children. His parents are the actor James Daly and actress Mary Hope Daly. His sister Tyne Daly is also an actress! After studying theater and literature at Vermont's Bennington College, Daly's acting experience ranges from the NY stage to late-night TV.
Henry McCord is a retired United States Marine Corps captain and pilot
When we first meet Henry McCord on the series, he's teaching Theology to a class of college students. However, McCord's origin story is way more intricate than most television audiences realize. He is a retired United States Marine Corps captain and pilot and uses his experience from his time in the service to help aide not only his wife in making decisions about national security but President Dalton as well.
While he may not talk about it much, McCord does open up about his experience as a marine when talking to Elizabeth about their time in the field or telling his son, Jason, about what it was like to serve your country.
He was voted third hottest D.C. spouse on the show
Early on in the series when Elizabeth began to gain more media attention as a public figure, it's revealed that Henry's been getting more attention too. On TMI Magazine's Top 10 List of Arm-Candy: US Government Edition, Henry McCord ranks all the way at Number Three.
In this episode, the McCord children poke fun at their father, laughing, and saying that he's being out shadowed by their mom. The best part about it is that neither parent really cared, and made light of Henry's new title all throughout the rest of the season.
He never compromises his morals
While his children think he's simply an Ethics Professor at Georgetown University, that's actually McCord's cover story for what he actually does - work for the NSA. McCord's work with the NSA, and later on with the DIA many times put him in dangerous positions.
From having to get rid of bombs to negotiating with religious cult leaders in war-torn countries, McCord has never compromised his own morals. Perhaps it's his dedication to studying ethics and theology but not even heavy gun-fire can influence him to sacrifice doing what he believes is right in turn for only what's good at the moment.
Daly's commitment to public service goes beyond playing McCord on screen
While Daly plays a man who's dedicated his life to public service on screen, he also does a lot to make a difference in the world when he's not acting. From being an activist in multiple political and social causes to working on John Kerry's presidential candidacy campaign, Daly is no stranger to helping communities.
Since 2008, Daly has served as President of The Creative Coalition, a nonprofit, liberal, politically active organization involving members of the American film and entertainment industry. They fight for equal worker's rights and educate their communities on the importance and necessity of art.
Henry McCord's favorite show as a child was Gunsmoke
Just like his military past, there are so many more details about Henry McCord than TV audiences realize. Only the most die-hard fans know that McCord's favorite show as a child was Gunsmoke. Maybe that's where he gets his dry sense of humor and bravery from!
Finding out about the details of McCord before he became a father or an undercover NSA agent is a little bit challenging, but if you're paying attention to the moments that McCord has when he's talking to his children, Stevie, Alison, and Jason, you just might find that he reveals way more about himself than he lets on.
McCord went to school in Australia before moving to the United States
Ever wonder how a character like McCord can even handle the jobs he's had to juggle? Smart enough to be a college professor? Quick and fearless enough to be a marine? Cunning enough to go undercover? It makes you wonder exactly where he's learned all his skills.
Most fans might be surprised to remember that McCord actually went to school in Australia before he moved to the United States, met Elizabeth in college and married her. While we'll never know why he's so interested in ethics or theology, it's easy to imagine that perhaps his studies in these subjects started back in Australia.
He's the only theologian ever to have personal meetings with POTUS
Being a religious ethics professor won't usually land yourself a job in the White House, but for Henry McCord, that's certainly not the case. While the show continuously tears down the idea of nepotism (in regards to Stevie landing her White House internship), without his wife as Secretary of State, there's no way McCord would ever have the chance to sit down with President Dalton to discuss matters of national security.
However, his dedication to his country and willingness to always to the thing that's best for the greater good speaks volumes of his character - a character the Dalton White House knew they would need, and rightfully so.
Daly loves the show's intimate look at the characters' lives rather than its politics
After playing the role of Henry McCord for almost six years now and being politically active in his community's organizations, Daly recently revealed that his favorite part about being on Madam Secretary isn't the story about the politics - it's the story about the characters and their lives.
What makes Madam Secretary special is that not only does it show the things that go on in the White House, it also doesn't shy away from the personal lives of each White House staff member - the McCord family at the center of it all. "The politics of the show are the least interesting parts for me," he states. "That glimpse into the lives of people we think are icons is what makes it special."
Daly + Leoni = real-life love story
Fans of the show (and those who love watching the strong marriage between Elizabeth and Henry persevere on-screen) might be delighted to learn that Téa Leoni (Elizabeth McCord) and Tim Daly are currently dating in real life.
Just a little bit after they worked on the show together in 2014, the two actors officially became a couple. While they keep their relationship on the down-low from the public eye, it's easy to see how easy they play off each other as actors on screen. Their chemistry is undeniable. We'll miss this TV couple!