James H. Harrington III, professionally known as Jay Harrington, (born November 15, 1971) is an American actor and director. He is known for his role as the title character in the ABC sitcom Better Off Ted in 2009–2010, and since 2017 as Sgt. David “Deacon” Kay in S.W.A.T. Harrington was born and raised in Wellesley, Massachusetts to Judy and Terry Harrington. He has two brothers, actor Adam and Matt. As a child, his family spent summers on Cape Cod up the road from The Harwich Junior Theater. He attended Wellesley High School and then studied theater at Syracuse University.
Harrington has been featured as Dr. Simon O’Keefe on the WB drama Summerland, FBI Special Agent Paul Ryan on FOX’s short-lived The Inside, and Steve on NBC’s version of Coupling. He appeared in a recurring role on the police drama series The Division. He has also had roles on A.U.S.A., The Shield, Time of Your Life, Private Practice, and Burn Notice.