James McCaffrey, renowned for his voice role as Max Payne in the acclaimed video game series and his performances in the TV series “Rescue Me,” has died at the age of 65. His death was confirmed by his wife, actress Rochelle Boström, and reports indicate that he succumbed to multiple myeloma, a cancer that impacts bone marrow and white blood cells.
McCaffrey passed away surrounded by his family and friends at his home in Larchmont, New York on Sunday, December 17.
Kevin Dillon, a fellow actor and friend of McCaffrey, expressed his grief and admiration on social media. Similarly, Denis Leary, McCaffrey’s co-star on “Rescue Me,” shared his condolences online.
McCaffrey’s career in the entertainment industry spanned over 35 years, during which he became a recognized face on television. His notable roles included appearances in “New York Undercover,” “Viper,” “Sex and the City,” “Suits,” “Blue Bloods,” “As the World Turns,” and “Jessica Jones.” His most memorable television role was as Jimmy Keefe in “Rescue Me,” a New York firefighter who died on 9/11 and appeared as a ghost to his cousin, firefighter Tommy Gavin, portrayed by Denis Leary. McCaffrey’s performance as Jimmy Keefe was deeply impactful, providing a sense of conscience and emotional resonance across the show’s seven seasons.
In the gaming world, McCaffrey’s voice role as Max Payne, the former NYPD officer and DEA agent seeking justice, left a significant mark. He voiced the character in multiple installments of the series, released in 2001, 2003, 2008, and 2012.
McCaffrey is survived by his wife, Rochelle Boström, and their daughter, Tiernan.
