The Canadian-born actor looks back at five seasons of playing crafty Irish immigrant Mickey McGinnis.
Can it really be an entire decade since Hell on Wheels — our choice for the greatest western of the 21st century (so far) — premiered on AMC?
Well, yes. So I reached out to actor Phil Burke to talk about the drama — which began its multi-season run on Nov. 6, 2011 — and his role as crafty Irish immigrant and amoral entrepreneur Mickey McGinnes.
We discussed his experiences working with (among others) Anson Mount, Ben Esler (who portrayed his character’s brother, Sean McGinnis) and series creators Joe and Tony Gayton — and why he thinks Mickey probably should have ridden off into the sunset with Eva (Robin McLeavy).
Consider yourself duly warned: Some of the language here gets a tad salty. But, hey, really no saltier than your average episode of Yellowstone.