Theater has played an important part in cultivating Whitford's professional and personal relationships. After earning a master's degree from the prestigious acting program at Juilliard, the actor hit the New York stage, appearing in a myriad of productions including A Few Good Men and Measure for Measure. While he was in the latter, cast mate Kate Burton introduced him to his future wife, Jane Kaczmarek. The couple, who have three children, were married for 16 years before filing for divorce in 2009. During the run of A Few Good Men, Whitford became friendly with playwright Aaron Sorkin, who later cast him in his seminal, Emmy-winning West Wing role. Whitford has also appeared in a number of films, showcasing his range in both comedies (Billy Madison, My Fellow Americans) and dramas (Philadelphia, Scent of a Woman). In 2006, Whitford teamed with Sorkin again on the dramedy Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, though the series was canceled after one season. After several-years' hiatus from television, Whitford returned to series TV in 2010 with a starring role in the Fox buddy comedy The Good Guys.