Millburn High Alumn Portrays Famous Broadcaster In Jackie Robinson Movie

John C. McGinley is well known for his role in 'Scrubs' as the sharp-tongued Dr. Perry, but had to switch his acting up as he takes to the silver screen as a play-by-play announcer in the new baseball biopic '42.' 

The movie, which opens Friday, April 12, follows Jackie Robinson as he breaks the color barrier during the historic 1947 Major League Baseball season. The movie gets its title from Robinson’s uniform number 42. 

In McGinley's portrayal of the iconic Red Barber, the 53-year-old former Millburn resident told Canada.com while promoting the film in Toronto, he "didn't ab lib a syllable," and actually had to audition for the role. 

Although, McGinley doesn't normally audition he just wanted a part in the movie, the website reported. 

His character adds a few lighter moments to the serious tone of the movie, which depicts the racism and bigotry Robinson faced. After the 1947 season, Barber was named “the voice of the Dodgers” after already being celebrated for his catchphrases.  

Chadwick Boseman stars as Robinson. Harrison Ford co-stars in the movie as well.