If you just saw a clip of FBI: Most Wanted or caught a rerun of The Practice and thought, "Wait, how is this the same guy?" you aren't alone. It’s one of those Hollywood mysteries that honestly defies the laws of physics. People have been asking about how old is Dylan McDermott for years, mostly because the man looks like he found a fountain of youth back in the late '90s and just decided to set up camp there.
As of right now, in early 2026, Dylan McDermott is 64 years old.
He was born on October 26, 1961. That’s right—he’s officially entered his mid-sixties. But if you look at him, he’s still got the same lean build and sharp jawline that made him a household name decades ago. It’s kinda wild. Most of us are just trying to get through a Tuesday without our backs hurting, and here he is, leading a high-octane procedural drama and looking like he’s barely hit 45.
The Timeline: From Waterbury to Hollywood
To really get why his age is such a talking point, you have to look at the sheer length of his career. He didn't just pop up yesterday. Dylan—born Mark Anthony McDermott—grew up in Waterbury, Connecticut. His story isn't your typical "child star" narrative either. It’s actually pretty heavy and, honestly, quite inspiring.
His mother, Diane, was only 15 when he was born, and his father, Richard, was 17. By the time he was five, his life changed forever when his mother passed away under incredibly tragic circumstances. He and his sister were raised by their grandmother, Avis Marino. This isn't just trivia; it’s the grit that defines him. You can see that intensity in almost every role he takes on.
He eventually found his way to New York City as a teenager. He worked at his dad's bar, the West Fourth Street Saloon, in Greenwich Village. Imagine a young Dylan McDermott breaking up fights and serving drinks in the gritty NYC of the late '70s. That’ll age you—or, in his case, maybe it just made him tougher.
The Eve Ensler Connection
One of the most fascinating parts of his life is his relationship with the legendary playwright Eve Ensler (now known as V). She was his father's third wife. Even though they weren't related by blood, she adopted him when he was 15. She was only 23 herself at the time!
She’s the one who really pushed him into acting. She wrote roles for him and encouraged him to study at Fordham and the Neighborhood Playhouse under Sanford Meisner. He even took the name "Dylan" from a name she had intended for a child she lost. That’s a deep, meaningful bond that clearly shaped the man he became.
How Old Is Dylan McDermott in His Most Famous Roles?
Because he's been around so long, we tend to categorize him by "eras." It’s a good way to track the passage of time—or the lack thereof.
- Steel Magnolias (1989): He played Julia Roberts' husband, Jackson Latcherie. He was about 28 here. Total heartthrob era.
- The Practice (1997–2004): This was the big one. Bobby Donnell. When the show started, he was 35. When it ended, he was 42. He won a Golden Globe and basically became the face of legal dramas for a generation.
- American Horror Story (2011): When he appeared as Ben Harmon (and that scene in the house), he was 50. This is where the internet collectively lost its mind because, again, he didn't look 50.
- FBI: Most Wanted (2022–Present): Taking over for Julian McMahon as Remy Scott, he entered the show at 60. Now at 64, he’s still doing his own stunts and carrying the series.
The Secret to Staying Ageless
People always want to know the "trick." Is it just good genes? Is it some secret Hollywood serum? Honestly, from what he’s shared in interviews with places like Men’s Health, it’s just boringly disciplined.
He’s a big proponent of a "clean" life. No smoking. Very little alcohol. He’s been a practitioner of yoga and Transcendental Meditation for years. He also stays incredibly active. You don't get that "action hero" physique at 64 by sitting on the couch. He’s often talked about his "blood type diet" and staying consistent with his workouts, even when he’s on a grueling filming schedule for network TV.
But there’s also a mental component. He’s survived a lot of trauma. He’s been through a high-profile divorce (from Shiva Rose in 2009) and a long engagement to Maggie Q that ended in 2019. Through it all, he seems to keep a pretty stoic, grounded perspective. Maybe the secret to not aging is just not letting the stress of Hollywood get under your skin.
Why 64 is the New 40 for McDermott
In 2026, the definition of "old" in Hollywood is shifting. We see actors like Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves pushing the boundaries of what an "older" leading man can do. Dylan McDermott is right there with them.
He’s not playing the "grandfather" roles yet. He’s still the lead. He’s still the romantic interest. He’s still the guy kicking down doors. It’s a testament to his versatility. He can play the charming hero, but he can also play a terrifying villain, like his stint as Richard Wheatley on Law & Order: Organized Crime.
The fact that he’s 64 doesn't really matter to casting directors or audiences because he still brings a high level of energy to the screen. He’s proof that the "expiration date" for male actors in Hollywood is getting pushed further and further back—as long as you take care of yourself.
Notable Recent Projects
If you're looking to see what he's up to right now, keep an eye on these:
- FBI: Most Wanted: Still going strong on CBS.
- Potential Film Projects: Rumors are always swirling about him returning to the American Horror Story universe or taking on new indie film roles that allow him to flex his dramatic muscles.
- Directing: He’s expressed interest in getting behind the camera more as he gets older.
What You Should Know
If you're a fan or just a casual observer, the takeaway here is that age is just a number—but only if you put in the work. Dylan McDermott at 64 is arguably more successful and in better shape than many actors half his age.
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- Check his early work: If you've only seen him in FBI, go back and watch In the Line of Fire (1993). He holds his own against Clint Eastwood.
- Follow his fitness tips: Even if you aren't an actor, his focus on meditation and clean eating is a solid blueprint for anyone.
- Don't call him "retired": He’s clearly just getting started on a new chapter of his career.
Next time you see him on screen and wonder about his age, just remember: he's 64, he's thriving, and he probably hasn't eaten a carb since the Bush administration. That’s the Dylan McDermott way.
To stay updated on his latest roles, keep an eye on the Friday night TV lineups or check out his recent interviews where he often discusses his approach to longevity and his passion for the craft. Focusing on his consistency is probably the best lesson any of us can take from his long-standing career.