James McDonald

James Patrick McDonald was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Jeanne (Grandy) and Lloyd McDonald. He is of Scottish and Irish descent. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, James studied theater at Point Park University's Conservatory of Performing Arts and Regents University London. In 2011, he appeared in a staged production of Toyer (dir. Charlie Wein), starring alongside Morgan Wolk, which received critical acclaim and was revived for a second run later that year. Since graduating, James has appeared in regional and national commercials; notably PB Blaster, Dollar Bank, Chevrolet, Key Bank, Raymour & Flanigan, and the Pennsylvania Lottery. He continues to perform theater in the Pittsburgh area and volunteers with Riverfront Theater Company, a community theater in Aspinwall, PA, with their Young Artists program for high school aged kids in the area. James has had a passion for entertainment since grade school, playing piano and performing magic at birthday parties and for the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. Now he is an active member and leader of his theatrical community as well as an up-and-coming actor, making his feature film debut in a leading role as Ben in Baggage Claim (July 2023). James lives in Pittsburgh with his wife, Sarah, with their 3 cats (Ziggy, Ringo, Clementine) and dog (Shika).