The Biography

Guy Van Swearingen (born 31 August 1963, Chicago, Illinois) is an American actor and retired Chicago firefighter (Lieutenant) who is the founding artistic director of A Red Orchid Theatre. He is a Senn High School dropout who studied theatre before entering the fire academy in 1987, then returned to the stage. His film credits include Mad Dog and Glory (1993), The Negotiator (1998), Ali (2001), Public Enemies (2009), Take Shelter (2011), and Captive State (2019). On television he has appeared in Chicago Fire, Fargo, Power Book IV: Force (15 episodes), and The Bear (2026). He received Joseph Jefferson Award and Jeff Award nominations for his theatre work. He has also worked with Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, and Court Theatre.