McIlroy first appeared in various productions with the Forest Youth Theatre Company, acting in musicals from the age of 16 to 18.
After starring in a Year 11 musical production with his high school, McIlroy decided that he wanted to become an actor.
His acting career spanned various plays and guest roles in television: Water Rats (1996), All Saints (1998), as Brent Duffy for four episodes of the ABC TV drama Love Is a Four-Letter Word (2001), also as Bertie Jenkins in the ABC mini series Changi (2001) and as Chook in the feature film, Angst (2000).
On 23 October 2019, McIlroy also appeared in court after allegedly assaulting a female police officer in an unprovoked attack.
In a statement, NSW Police said the 29-year-old senior constable was left with injuries to her face, neck and shoulder after she was allegedly punched repeatedly by McIlroy.