McGinley was born in Newport Beach, California, the son of Bob and Emily McGinley, of Irish descent. At Newport Harbor High School, he focused on Athletics and Swimming and a star player in the water polo team, also working as a lifeguard at the beach during summers. After graduation, McGinley attended USC on a water polo scholarship, majoring in urban planning and real estate. \n', '

At USC, McGinley was captain and two time MVP of the water polo team as well as a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. However, in his sophomore year, following recommendation from his girlfriend, McGinley began modeling as a way to break onto the acting scene. With his scholarship not renewed, he dropped out from USC and, in 1979, moved to New York. \n', '

After a casting director spotted a picture of him in GQ, McGinley was cast on the comedy series Happy Days as Roger Phillips (nephew of the Cunninghams), a role he played from 1980-1984. During the run of Happy Days, he landed a role in the comedy film Young Doctors in Love (1982).\n', '

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