Trivia

Accomplished pianist and guitarist.

Was in the first episode (as Weird Ernie) and last episode (as Al the Bartender) of the series "Quantum Leap". They were the only two episodes he guested on.

Remains in close contact with his MacGyver (1985) co-star Richard Dean Anderson.

Was mistakenly cast for the Babylon 5 installment, Severed Dreams. The executive producer had actually wanted Everett McGill. Bruce McGill performed well, however, and the show remains a fan favorite.

His favorite roles to date have been National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) and The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000).

Has appeared in three different productions in which he played the supervisor (of one kind or another) of a time travel project: Quantum Leap (1989), Timecop (1994) and Star Trek: Voyager (1995).

Earned a B.F.A. in acting from The University of Texas at Austin, and later made his professional debut as a member of Rhode Island's Trinity Square Repertory Company, appearing in numerous theatrical productions.

He was inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame on March 11, 2010 at their 10th anniversary awards ceremony.

Enjoys sailing.

His love of acting began on stage at Wilshire Elementary School in San Antonio, Texas.

His middle name, Travis, is an homage to William B. Travis, who died defending The Alamo.

Played U.S. President Calvin Coolidge in For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada (2012). He has also played members of three Presidential Cabinets: Edwin Stanton in Lincoln (2012), George Tenet in W. (2008), and George Ball in 'Path to War (2002)(TV)'.

Served as the honorary grand marshal in San Antonio on April 25, 2009.

Among his many theatrical affiliations are the Ensemble Studio Theatre in New York and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and National Shakespeare Company in Washington, D.C.

Related to former Texas senator A. R. Babe Schwartz.

As of 2024, he has appeared in two films that were nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: The Insider (1999) and Lincoln (2012).

During the 2016 presidential election, McGill narrated a number of commercials promoting Donald Trump and the Republican Party.