A native of Union City, New Jersey, Bobby Cannavale brings varied film and stage experience to his role as paramedic Bobby Caffey.

"Bobby is a great paramedic," says Cannavale. "He's the kind of guy everyone relies on. He's 100 percent there for his patients, his co-workers and his family. That's a lot of pressure. And at the end of the day, there isn't anyone who is 100 percent there for him."

Cannavale says he always knew that he wanted to be an actor, and as a child seeking refuge from his bad neighborhood started performing in a church theater company.

Cannavale has appeared in such films as "Gloria" with Sharon Stone and "Night Falls on Manhattan" (both by acclaimed director Sidney Lumet), and Kevin Costner's "The Postman."

He was seen in the HBO war film "When Trumpets Fade" and had a recurring role on NBC's "Trinity," from John Wells Productions.

Cannavale's stage credits include Paul Rudnick's "The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told" at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and the world premiere of Lanford Wilson's "Virgil Is Still the Frog Boy" at the Bay Street Theatre. He also performed in the world premiere of "The Young Man and the World" at Circle in the Square in New York. With numerous other theatrical credits, he counts his role in Feydeau's farce "A Flea in Her Ear" at the Roundabout Theater as one of his favorites. He is a member of the Circle Repertory Theatre and the Lab Theatre Company, both based in New York City.

Cannavale's favorite role, however, is father to his four-year-old son. Cannavale and family live in New York City. His birthday is May 3.