Catherine Keener Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Catherine Keener is an acclaimed American actress recognized for her depth and versatility — a two-time Academy Award nominee whose performances in films like Being John Malkovich and Capote have shaped modern independent cinema.

Introduction

With a career spanning decades, Catherine Keener has built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most respected character actors. Born on March 23, 1959, she has delivered unforgettable performances in both independent films and mainstream successes. Her estimated net worth stands at around US$4 million, reflecting a career marked less by blockbuster glamour and more by steady, critically lauded work. 

Catherine Keener’s personal life remains relatively private: she was once married, has a son, and — since her divorce — has kept relationships out of the spotlight. This balance of privacy and professionalism has only added to her mystique and respect in the industry.

Quick Facts

From Humble Roots to Acting Acclaim

Catherine Keener’s journey to Hollywood started far from the glitz of film premieres. She was raised in Hialeah, Florida, the daughter of James (Jim) and Evelyn Keener. Her upbringing — shaped by Irish heritage on her father’s side and Lebanese heritage on her mother’s — laid a foundation of cultural richness and grounded values. 

She attended Catholic schools in Florida, eventually graduating from high school at Monsignor Edward Pace High School. Unsure of her path but curious about art, she enrolled at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, where she majored in English and American studies. It was there that a simple quirk of fate — a photography class she couldn’t get into — redirected her into a theater course, sparking her interest in acting. 

After graduating in 1983, Keener moved to New York. She initially worked as an assistant to a casting agent, but soon mustered the courage to audition for roles herself. Her first break came in 1986, when she landed a small role in About Last Night… Her journey from casting rooms to movie sets exemplifies persistence and passion. 

Defining moments in Catherine Keener’s journey include:

• Her first onscreen appearance in About Last Night… (1986) — a modest start that launched her acting career. 

• Leading role in the indie film Johnny Suede (1991), establishing her presence in independent cinema.

• Breakout performance as Maxine in Being John Malkovich (1999), earning her first Academy Award nomination. 

• Portrayal of Harper Lee in Capote (2005), which secured her second Oscar nomination and confirmed her breadth as an actress. 

Through each role, Keener carved out a niche as an actor unafraid to explore complexity — often choosing roles colored by depth, ambiguity, and emotional honesty rather than commercial appeal.

The Core Pillars of Catherine Keener’s Wealth Include:

While not known as a box-office diva, Catherine Keener’s financial standing rests on several stable foundations:

• Film and television acting — decades of roles in both independent and mainstream films.

• Steady supporting and character roles — her reputation for transformative, emotionally rich performances has kept demand for her talent consistent.

• Diverse portfolio across genres — from indie dramas to major studio films.

Although public records don’t highlight major business ventures or endorsements for Keener, her long-term presence in film and television has offered a stable financial foundation.

Relationships & Personal Life

Catherine Keener’s personal life has been marked by relatively quiet stability rather than tabloid sensationalism.

• She was married to Dermot Mulroney in a union begun after they met on the set of Survival Quest. 

• The couple welcomed a son, Clyde Mulroney, born June 21, 1999. 

• Catherine Keener and Dermot Mulroney separated in 2005; their divorce was finalized in December 2007. 

• Since the divorce, Keener has maintained a private personal life, with no widely publicized long-term relationships.

Key insights into Catherine Keener’s relationships and personal life:

• She has prioritized discretion and privacy, avoiding public drama despite her celebrity status.

• Her relationship history is straightforward: one marriage, one child, now divorced.

• Parenthood — as a mother to Clyde — remains a meaningful aspect of her life, though she seldom speaks publicly about family.

Beyond the Screen: Lifestyle, Interests & Character

Despite the fame that comes with decades of acting, Catherine Keener’s lifestyle remains unflashy — aligned with her grounded beginnings and personal values.

Beyond career success, Catherine Keener leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Living modestly and privately: Unlike many Hollywood peers, she does not court tabloid attention and seems to value normalcy. Sources note she has maintained homes in Los Angeles and North Carolina. 

• Selective about roles and public exposure: Her filmography suggests a careful, thoughtful selection of work — opting for meaningful stories over commercial hype. 

• Strong sense of craft over celebrity: Keener has commented on feeling more like a supporting actor than a “star,” focusing on challenging roles rather than glamour. 

Her personal discipline and low-key lifestyle underscore a consistent throughline: this is an artist devoted to her work, not the spotlight.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Publicly available estimates of Catherine Keener’s net worth vary. The figure often quoted is approximately US$4 million. 

Below is a conceptual breakdown of how that net worth likely distributes — based on her career profile. (These numbers are not from a single audited statement, but reflect plausible relative contributions.)

Because public sources diverge (some cite higher values like US$8 million), it is reasonable to view the lower figure as conservative and the higher as optimistic — depending on how inclusive one is of residuals, unreported assets, and non-film income.

Public Image, Legacy & Professional Impact

Catherine Keener commands respect not because of tabloid fanfare, but because of artistry, consistency, and quiet strength. In an industry often obsessed with celebrity and glamour, she stands out as a model of integrity.

Directors known for nuanced storytelling — such as Nicole Holofcener, Spike Jonze, and Tom DiCillo — have repeatedly sought her for roles, appreciating her ability to bring emotional honesty and complexity. 

Her influence manifests in several ways:

• Champion of independent cinema: By embracing smaller, emotionally rich projects rather than blockbuster stardom, she has helped define what modern indie filmmaking can achieve.

• A benchmark for character actors: Her career offers a blueprint for longevity — rooted in skill, versatility, and selectivity rather than fame.

• Inspiring privacy and professionalism: In an era of constant public scrutiny, her ability to maintain a personal life away from constant media attention speaks to discipline and self-respect.

Conclusion

Catherine Keener’s story is not one of sensational headlines or blockbuster bank accounts — but of steady dedication, artistic ambition, and a quietly powerful presence. From her humble beginnings in Miami and her formative years at Wheaton College, to her award-nominated performances and lasting influence on independent film, she has built a legacy based on craft and authenticity.

Her estimated net worth of around US$4 million reflects a career that may not dominate tabloids, but commands respect among filmmakers and fans alike. Her birthdate — March 23, 1959 — anchors a life devoted to the art of performance. And while her relationship history includes a marriage and a son, the prevailing narrative remains her profound commitment to acting.

In a world where many chase fame and fortune, Catherine Keener offers a quieter, perhaps more enduring, lesson: talent and integrity can build a legacy that matters.