Maxwell Trowbridge Gail Jr., born April 5, 1943, is an American actor, director, and documentary producer from Detroit, Michigan.
He earned two Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on General Hospital and spent seven years as a beloved cast member of Barney Miller.
Who is Max Gail?
Max Gail is an American actor who built one of television’s most durable careers, spanning more than five decades across stage, film, and TV.
He rose to national prominence playing Detective Stan “Wojo” Wojciehowicz on the ABC sitcom Barney Miller from 1975 to 1982. That role earned him two consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Later in his career, Gail won two Daytime Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Mike Corbin on General Hospital.
He is also a committed activist and documentary filmmaker. Through his production company, Full Circle, he has produced films focused on Native American rights, Agent Orange, and nuclear issues.
Early Life of Max Gail
Gail was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Mary Elizabeth (née Scanlon) and Maxwell Trowbridge Gail Sr., a businessman. His family raised him in Grosse Ile, Michigan.
He has a twin sister, Mary Gail, who pursued a career as a singer, songwriter, and music teacher. Gail grew up with a strong interest in both academics and the arts.
Max Gail’s Age
Max Gail is 83 years old as of June 23, 2026, born on April 5, 1943. His zodiac sign is Aries. He remains active in television and documentary work well into his eighties.
Max Gail’s Ethnicity and Nationality
Gail holds American nationality, born and raised in Michigan. His mother was of Irish descent, with her maiden name Scanlon confirmed across multiple sources.
His family background reflects a Midwestern, working-class heritage that shaped his grounded approach to his roles.
Max Gail’s Height and Weight
Gail stands at 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 meters) tall. His weight is reported at approximately 170 lbs (77 kg), though this figure is not publicly confirmed by Gail himself.
His physical presence contributed to the affable yet imposing quality he brought to Detective Wojo on Barney Miller.
Max Gail’s Education
Gail earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Williams College in 1965. He then completed a Master of Business Administration in international finance at the University of Michigan.
After graduating, he worked briefly as an instructor at the University Liggett School.
It was during this period that Gail began to explore theater, eventually stepping away from academia entirely to pursue acting.
Max Gail’s Career
Early Career
Gail made his professional acting debut in 1970 at the Little Fox Theatre in San Francisco, playing Chief Bromden in the original stage production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. He reprised this role in his New York stage debut in 1973.
His first television appearances came in the early 1970s, with small roles in series such as Ironside, Cannon, and Shaft. By 1975, he had landed the role that would define his early career.
Breakthrough: Barney Miller (1975–1982)
Gail joined the cast of Barney Miller in 1975 as Detective Stan “Wojo” Wojciehowicz, a big-hearted, earnest cop working in a New York City precinct. He appeared in 170 episodes across seven seasons.
The role earned him two consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Critics praised his balance of physical comedy and emotional sincerity.
Barney Miller ran until 1982 and remains one of the most acclaimed workplace comedies in American television history.
Post-Barney Miller Film and TV Work
After Barney Miller ended, Gail moved into film. His most notable feature role came in D.C. Cab (1983), playing Harold, the owner of the cab company.
In 1984, he performed the one-man Broadway show The Babe, a monodrama later aired on PBS.
He went on to appear in dozens of television series as a guest star, including Walker, Texas Ranger, Murder, She Wrote, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, Hawaii Five-0, NCIS, Quantum Leap, Scorpion, and Mad Men.
Recent Work
Gail joined the cast of General Hospital in 2018, taking on the recast role of Mike Corbin, the estranged father of crime boss Sonny Corinthos. His portrayal of a man living with Alzheimer’s disease drew widespread critical praise.
He won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in both 2019 and 2021 for this role. Mike Corbin passed away on-screen in September 2020.
Since then, Gail has returned to the show in a ghostly capacity, most recently appearing in the April 28, 2025, episode as Mike’s spirit.
He has also made appearances on Chicago Med, Blackout, and Magnum P.I., and has a short film, Dancing Home, currently in post-production.
Max Gail’s Selected Filmography
- Barney Miller (1975–1982) — Detective Stan “Wojo” Wojciehowicz
- D.C. Cab (1983) — Harold
- Whiz Kids (1983) — Llewellan Farley Jr.
- The Babe (Broadway/PBS, 1984)
- Normal Life (1990) — regular cast
- Gary Unmarried (2008–2010) — recurring role
- 42 (2013) — Burt Shotton
- General Hospital (2018–2020; guest 2021, 2025) — Mike Corbin
Max Gail’s Awards and Recognition
Gail earned two consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Barney Miller in the late 1970s.
He won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2019 and again in 2021 for his role on General Hospital.
In 2015, he received a Best Actor nomination at the Los Angeles International Film Festival for the short film In Memory.
Max Gail’s Partner
Gail’s romantic life has had several chapters. His first wife, Willie Bier, died of cancer in 1986 after three years of marriage. Following her death, Gail stepped away from acting temporarily to raise their daughter, India.
His second wife, Nan Harris, married him in 1989. They separated in 2000 but reportedly did not divorce. The separation was described as amicable.
Since 2007, Gail has been in a relationship with Chris Kaul. The two have appeared together at public events over the years.
Max Gail’s Children
Gail has three children. His daughter India was born in 1984 with his first wife, Willie Bier.
With his second wife, Nan Harris, he has two children: Maxwell, born in 1990, and Grace, born in 1993. Gail and Nan also raised Nan’s nephew, Delondon, born in 1979.
Grace Gail became a model and married actor Adam Rodriguez in 2016. The couple has three children together.
Max Gail’s Net Worth
Max Gail’s estimated net worth is $6 million as of 2026. His wealth comes from more than five decades of work across television, film, and stage, as well as income from his production company, Full Circle.
Full Circle has produced documentaries on subjects including Agent Orange, nuclear issues, and Native American rights, adding to both his income and his public profile as an activist.
Max Gail’s Social Media
Max Gail does not maintain a widely active personal social media presence. A Facebook page managed by a friend named Sue provides updates on his projects and appearances for fans.
His verified IMDb profile remains the most reliable public source for his filmography and career updates.
His most recent work and news has been shared through entertainment outlets covering General Hospital and his returning guest appearances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Max Gail’s net worth?
Max Gail’s estimated net worth is $6 million, built through decades of work in television, film, stage productions, and documentary filmmaking.
How old is Max Gail?
Gail is 83 years old as of June 23, 2026, born on April 5, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan.
Who is Max Gail dating?
Gail has been in a relationship with Chris Kaul since 2007. He was previously married to Willie Bier (who died in 1986) and Nan Harris (married 1989, separated 2000).
What is Max Gail famous for?
Gail is best known for playing Detective Stan “Wojo” Wojciehowicz on Barney Miller (1975–1982) and for his two Daytime Emmy Award-winning role as Mike Corbin on General Hospital (2018–2020).
Where was Max Gail born?
Gail was born in Detroit, Michigan, and raised in Grosse Ile, Michigan.
What awards has Max Gail won?
He won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2019 and 2021 for General Hospital, and received two Primetime Emmy nominations for Barney Miller.
The Bottom Line
Max Gail spent seven seasons as Detective Wojo on Barney Miller, earning two Emmy nominations and becoming one of the most recognizable faces of 1970s American television.
He later reinvented himself with a celebrated run on General Hospital, winning back-to-back Daytime Emmys in 2019 and 2021 for his sensitive portrayal of a father with Alzheimer’s disease.
Away from acting, Gail runs Full Circle, a production company dedicated to social and environmental documentaries, reflecting a career shaped by both storytelling and activism.
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