Eric Close Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

A Life in Spotlight: The Journey of Eric Close

Born on May 24, 1967, in Staten Island, New York, Eric Close entered the world as the eldest of three brothers, the son of a surgeon and an artist — a household where intellect and creativity intertwined.  His upbringing in Staten Island, followed by childhood moves to Indiana, Michigan, and eventually San Diego, shaped a broad perspective that would later inform his acting career.

Eric’s birthday — May 24 — marks the start of a story that would bridge local ambition and Hollywood screens.

From College Stage to TV Drama: Building a Career Brick by Brick

After earning a B.A. in Communications from the University of Southern California in 1989, where he was part of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, Close began to take acting seriously. 

His early career saw him treading the boards in a Los Angeles theater production titled Rat Songs. That stage appearance quickly led to screen opportunities, including a role in the 1992 film American Me and a string of television appearances. 

The early 1990s featured guest roles (e.g., in MacGyver) and a recurring part on the daytime soap Santa Barbara (1992–1993).  From there, he gradually transitioned into primetime television with roles in series such as Dark Skies (1996–1997), The Magnificent Seven (1998–2000), and Now and Again (1999–2000). 

When the World Watched: Breakthrough & Signature Roles

The real turning point came in 2002 when Close landed what would become his hallmark role: FBI agent Martin Fitzgerald in the crime-drama series Without a Trace. Over seven seasons, the show cemented his status as a reliable, lead-level television actor. 

Close didn’t slow down afterward. He took on recurring roles, including the charming (and sometimes antagonistic) Travis Tanner in Suits (2011–2015) and Michael Dorset in Chaos (2011).  Perhaps one of his most beloved later roles was as Teddy Conrad in the musical drama Nashville (2012–2017), where he portrayed a multifaceted character — initially husband, then mayor — adding depth and gravitas to his repertoire. 

Throughout his career, Close has received several nominations for his performances: a Soap Opera Digest Award nomination early on, Saturn Award nods, and an ensemble nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award during Without a Trace. 

Balancing Fame and Family: Relationships & Personal Life

Behind the scenes, Close has kept a steady, grounded personal life. He married his longtime partner, Keri Close, in 1995.  Together, they have two daughters. While Close generally maintains privacy about his family, this long-term marriage and his role as a father add a quiet steadiness to his public persona. 

Information about relationships beyond his marriage is not publicly substantiated — a reminder that Close seems to prioritize discretion over tabloid attention.

Estimating the Value of a Decades-Long Career: Net Worth and Legacy

According to publicly available sources, Close’s net worth is estimated to be around US $4 million. 

While this figure might not place him among Hollywood’s billionaire elite, it reflects a respectable — and stable — return on steady, decades-long work in television. Considering the recurring roles, lead parts, and longevity of series like Without a Trace and Nashville, that net worth suggests a career built on consistency and reliability rather than flashy spikes.

More than money, however, Close’s legacy lies in being a dependable character actor who has navigated between genres — crime drama, sci-fi, legal drama, and musical series — with adaptability and integrity.

A Quiet Professionalism With Lasting Impact

Eric Close’s story isn’t one of overnight stardom or sensational headlines — it’s one of gradual build, professional steadiness, and quiet dedication. From a Staten Island childhood to leading roles in major TV dramas, his journey illustrates how persistence, adaptability, and respect for the craft can build a durable career in Hollywood.

With a birthdate of May 24, 1967 and a personal life anchored by marriage and family, Close remains an actor who, even after decades, continues to remind audiences that good storytelling — and good performance — endures beyond hype.