Due to his interest in acting, he attained an extra role in the Charles Bronson vehicle Hard Times (1975). There he met veteran character actor Strother Martin, who became a mentor for Gainey.
His given name "Mike Connor" is in memory of the first Irish governor
of Mississippi, his home state.
Studied Shakespeare before pursuing his screen acting career in Hollywood.
Attended the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS.
He is a huge fan of jazz music and regularly attends the New Orleans Jazz Festival.
This threatening-looking, usually-mustached actor frequently plays
hillbilly-type criminals.