McLaughlin graduated from Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School in 1996 with a Diploma in Acting.
[2] McLaughlin has had roles in the TV series Jackson's Wharf, as Brian Peek, and Seven Periods with Mr Gormsby, as Principal Roger Dasent.
[citation needed] His stage credits include The Love of Humankind, The Bach, Drawer of Knoves, Peninsula and Te Karakia.
[citation needed] In 2004 he won the Chapman Tripp Theatre Award for Actor of the Year for the title role in Albert Speer.
Paul plays Mac a disgruntled banker who, after running up millions of dollars of debt, devises a plan to get out.