"His life is the American dream," Chapman said. Lynch said Chapman is "the only celebrity I know."
DORCHESTER — Actor Kevin Chapman came to a rally on Thursday night to support Democratic Senate candidate Stephen Lynch.
Chapman, a Dorchester native, attended a $25-a-head fundraiser and campaign rally for the South Boston U.S. Representative.
Chapman said he is inspired by Lynch’s personal story, as an ironworker for 18 years who paid his way through school and worked his way up from union president to state representative to congressman. “His life alone is the American dream,” Chapman said. “Everything he’s achieved in life, he’s done the old-fashioned way – he earned it.”
Growing up in the inner city, Chapman said, “There are a lot of things that can divert you off your path ... Steve’s always kept his eye on the prize, and knew education was key.”
Chapman plays Detective Lionel Fusco on the CBS show "Person of Interest" and has 35 movie credits to his name, including roles in "Mystic River," "The Cider House Rules," "Ladder 49," "Unstoppable" and "Boondock Saints." He played Warden Mitchell in the TV show "24" and was a guest star on "Lost."
Chapman, who worked for Boston Mayor Thomas Menino 15 years ago, said this is the first political fundraiser he has attended in years. Chapman first met Lynch and his wife Margaret when Lynch was a state representative. He described the Lynch’s as a couple who are deeply involved in their community, pointing to Lynch’s work with Cushing House, which helps children deal with substance abuse problems, and Margaret Lynch’s job at the South Boston Community Health Center.
With the economy still recovering, Chapman said Lynch knows what it’s like to be unemployed, because of his personal experience. “He knows what the community needs because he’s part of the community,” he said.
Lynch, who frequently stresses his working class background on the campaign trail, said Chapman is an old friend, who used to hang out with Lynch’s roommates. “He’s the only celebrity I know,” Lynch said. And, Lynch added, “("Person of Interest") is about the only TV show I watch.”