Bill Brochtrup was raised in Tacoma, Washington, attending New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and NYU. he has proven his acting talent in a variety of roles on TV, film and on the stage. His first television role was in the series "Hot Pursuit" (1984) and he went on to appear in such series as "Dharma & Greg" (1997), "Picket Fences" (1992) and "Murder, She Wrote" (1984). Bill's movie credits include Ravenous (1999), in which he starred opposite Robert Carlyle and Guy Pearce.

He was originally cast for just two episodes of "NYPD Blue" (1993) during the show's second season. However, when his splendid portrayal of "P.A.A. John Irvin" won over the show's producers and audience alike, he was invited to reprise the very same role in comedy series "Public Morals" (1996). In 1998, Bill returned to "NYPD Blue" as Irvin, who continues to be a much-loved character.

He devotes himself to various charitable organizations, including Rock the Vote, AIDS Walks, and the SPCA.

He has toured the Middle East, Far East, Balkans, and Mediterranean on USO "meet and greet" tours.