Biography
Gil McKinney had already built a devoted audience through his acting work when he chose to channel his longstanding passion for singing into a recording career. Born Mark Gilbert McKinney on February 5, 1979, in Houston, Texas, he began performing in local community theater productions at the age of six, developing an early fascination with stage performance and theatrical life. While studying at the University of Southern California, he took part in multiple student-produced musicals that allowed him to pursue both acting and music simultaneously. Following graduation, additional community theater work preceded his decision to pursue acting professionally.
His first screen appearance came in 2003 with a minor part in the horror film Jeepers Creepers II, the same year he performed in the off-Broadway musical Sneaux. After several years of supporting parts across television and film, he secured his breakthrough role in 2007 as Dr. Paul Grady on the hit series ER, appearing in 23 episodes through the show’s conclusion in 2009. In 2010 he portrayed Derek Bishop across six episodes of the hit series Friday Night Lights. Two appearances as Henry Winchester on Supernatural began in 2013, while that same year he originated the role of Prince Eric on Once Upon a Time, returning for three additional episodes through 2017.
Regular attendance at fan conventions for Supernatural and Once Upon a Time led to karaoke sessions where McKinney developed a reputation for strong vocals and a preference for show tunes and standards. Supporters urged him to record an album, prompting a January 2017 crowdfunding campaign intended to raise $12,000; backers ultimately pledged $31,000. In collaboration with musician and friend Jason Manns, McKinney issued his seven-song debut EP, How Was I to Know, in July 2017.
His first screen appearance came in 2003 with a minor part in the horror film Jeepers Creepers II, the same year he performed in the off-Broadway musical Sneaux. After several years of supporting parts across television and film, he secured his breakthrough role in 2007 as Dr. Paul Grady on the hit series ER, appearing in 23 episodes through the show’s conclusion in 2009. In 2010 he portrayed Derek Bishop across six episodes of the hit series Friday Night Lights. Two appearances as Henry Winchester on Supernatural began in 2013, while that same year he originated the role of Prince Eric on Once Upon a Time, returning for three additional episodes through 2017.
Regular attendance at fan conventions for Supernatural and Once Upon a Time led to karaoke sessions where McKinney developed a reputation for strong vocals and a preference for show tunes and standards. Supporters urged him to record an album, prompting a January 2017 crowdfunding campaign intended to raise $12,000; backers ultimately pledged $31,000. In collaboration with musician and friend Jason Manns, McKinney issued his seven-song debut EP, How Was I to Know, in July 2017.
Albums
