[1] He was perhaps best known for playing the recurring role of fire marshal Dobbins in the American sitcom television series Cheers.

[2][3] His stage career included numerous major roles at Shakespeare festivals, and major roles with companies such as the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera, Hartford Stage and Playwrights Horizons, among others.

[4] Machray guest-starred in television programs including Cheers, Roseanne, Life Goes On, The Drew Carey Show, Suddenly Susan, Profiler and Three's Company.

[4] He retired in 2011, last appearing in the satirical television mockumentary sitcom Parks and Recreation.

[5] Machray lived in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, with his husband, Luigi Camperchioli.