Timothy Robert DeKay (born June 12, 1963) is an American actor. He starred in the USA Network series White Collar (2009–2014), which chronicled the partnership between a con artist (played by Matt Bomer) and an FBI agent (DeKay).
Tim DeKay was born June 12, 1963 to Jim DeKay and Jill Vaughn in Lansing, New York, where he and his brother Jamey grew up. Growing up DeKay enjoyed athletics, having played both varsity basketball and baseball, the latter of which is a generational tradition in his family. He also enjoyed the arts, and performed in his high school's production of Oliver!. He attended Le Moyne College to study Business and Philosophy, where he also played baseball, eventually deciding to pursue a career in theater. (DeKay returned to Le Moyne College in May 2010 as the commencement speaker, and he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa.)
DeKay planned for a career in business or law, and he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1985. However, he realized that he wanted to work in theater instead. After taking a few courses in directing at Syracuse University, he attended Rutgers University, where he received a Master of Fine Arts and met his wife, actress Elisa Taylor.