Clifton Collins, Jr. Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Clifton Collins Jr.: A Quiet Force in Hollywood

From the barrios of Los Angeles to the studios of Hollywood, Clifton Collins Jr. has forged a career marked by transformation, grit, and understated influence. Born on June 16, 1970, Collins has spent decades reshaping the narrative of Latino actors in American cinema — and quietly building a legacy that blends craft, resilience, and authenticity.

A Legacy Carried Forward: Roots and Reinvention

Clifton Craig Collins Jr. grew up in Los Angeles, the grandson of character actor Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez — a performer known for humorous sidekick roles in John Wayne westerns. 

Early in his career, Collins sometimes went by the name Clifton Gonzalez-Gonzalez, a deliberate homage to his grandfather and his family’s artistic heritage.  Over time, however, he shifted to using his birth name, signaling a desire to chart his own path.

This dual identity isn’t just symbolic — it reflects Collins’s journey from roles shaped by stereotype to performances defined by depth, moral ambiguity, and humanity.

From Small Roles to Defining Performances

Collins’s trajectory wasn’t an overnight ascent. He started in the late 1980s with bit roles, appearing on television before moving into films.

His first noticeable turn came in 1997 with the gritty crime drama One Eight Seven, in which he portrayed a gang member opposite Samuel L. Jackson. That role opened the door for a string of increasingly prominent parts.

In 2000, he appeared in the Oscar-winning ensemble film Traffic, taking on a morally complex role that helped cement his reputation as a serious actor. 

Then came 2005’s Capote, where Collins delivered an intense, haunting portrayal of Perry Edward Smith — a performance that drew critical acclaim and spotlighted his ability to handle psychologically demanding material.

Over the years, his versatility became evident. From blockbusters like Star Trek (2009) and Pacific Rim (2013) to darker, character-driven works on television (such as roles on shows like Westworld), Collins has proved adept at moving between genres, mediums, and character archetypes.

Beyond acting, Collins co-authored a book, Prison Ramen: Recipes and Stories from Behind Bars (2015), a gritty, real-world collection of stories and recipes inspired by prison life — a testament to his willingness to explore unconventional creative outlets. 

Behind the Screen: Personal Life & Relationships

When it comes to personal life, Collins has largely maintained a low profile — but some details are known. According to publicly available sources, he was previously married to actress Megan Ozurovich. 

Earlier relationships (some reported by entertainment-news databases) include links to a few other public figures. However, Collins has not often spoken openly about his private life in mainstream media, allowing his work — not his tabloid history — to define public perception. 

Given his reputation for discretion, the actor seems to let his performances and creative choices speak louder than any personal headline.

What’s in the Vault: Net Worth and Industry Standing

Estimating an actor’s net worth often involves speculation — especially for character actors like Collins, whose career spans indie films, television, and occasional high-profile projects. Still, publicly available estimates place his net worth at around US $2 million. 

That figure, while modest compared to some Hollywood heavyweights, belies a broader success: a career spanning decades, hundreds of roles, and a steady pivot between mainstream and independent projects. In that sense, Collins’s wealth lies not just in dollars but in depth of craft, resilience, and steadily expanding influence.

The Subtle Power of a Character Actor

Clifton Collins Jr.’s story isn’t about overnight fame or tabloid drama. It’s about persistence, integrity, and quiet transformation. His journey — from early roles steeped in stereotype to complex, layered performances — reflects a broader evolution in Hollywood: one in which character actors, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, carve out space for nuance, dignity, and range.

His birthdate, June 16, 1970, remains a factual anchor, but what stands out more is his continuing willingness to take risks: in roles, in creative projects like his book, and in navigating a career that often demands reinvention.

In the tapestry of modern American cinema, Collins might not be the most visible thread — but he is one of the most resilient, enduring, and quietly influential. For fans of real craft, his story stands as a testament to what steady talent and personal resolve can build.