Gary Cole Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

A Familiar Face with Lasting Staying Power

Gary Cole — born September 20, 1956 — represents a kind of actor whose face you recognize immediately even if you can’t always place the name. His journey, from stage work in Chicago to recurring roles across decades of television and film, reads like a masterclass in versatility. And while he may not headline tabloid covers, his steady career and loyal following have built a quietly respectable legacy.

The Numbers Behind the Name: Net Worth & What It Reflects

Estimates place Gary Cole's net worth at approximately US $5 million. That figure — modest compared to some blockbuster film stars — reflects a career built on consistency over flash. With more than 180 acting credits across film, television, and voice work, Cole’s wealth is the product of longevity rather than headline-making paydays. 

Still, in an industry where few enjoy long-term stability, Cole’s net worth speaks to a career defined by smart choices, range, and reliability. Roles in ensemble television casts, supporting film parts, and voice acting gigs collectively created a steady stream of income over decades.

Evolving Through Roles: A Career That Never Stood Still

Cole’s journey began in earnest at the prestigious Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, where he joined the ensemble in 1985.  On stage he honed a craft rooted in discipline and depth — skills that translated well when he crossed into screen acting.

His breakout on screen came as Jack “Nighthawk” Killian in the TV drama Midnight Caller (1988–1991).  Over the years, he would go on to inhabit a remarkable variety of roles — everything from the neurotic boss Bill Lumbergh in the cult classic Office Space (1999), to the patriarch Mike Brady in The Brady Bunch Movie (1995) and its sequels — and even Middle America satire in films like Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. 

On the small screen, his résumé speaks volumes: major parts in series such as The West Wing, The Good Wife / The Good Fight, Veep, and more recently NCIS. 

Cole also carved out a parallel career in voice acting. From the comedic animated series Family Guy to beloved shows like Bob's Burgers and Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law, his vocal talents added another layer to his creative output. 

In short: Cole never let himself be typecast. Whether comedy, drama, live-action, or animation — he adapted. That adaptability is perhaps his greatest professional asset.

Off-Screen: Personal Life and Relationships

Cole’s personal life has seen its share of changes and quiet resilience. On March 8, 1992, he married fellow actor Teddi Siddall. The couple welcomed a daughter, who has been described in media reports as autistic — a reality that reportedly inspired Cole’s involvement in autism-related charitable advocacy. 

In June 2017, Siddall filed for divorce.  She passed away the following year. Then, on July 7, 2021, Cole remarried, this time to interior designer Michelle Knapp. 

Though Cole seldom makes headlines for his personal life, this quieter chapter — marked by family devotion, personal generosity, and steadiness — blends with his professional identity. His choices reflect someone who values depth over spectacle.

More Than Hollywood: Legacy of a Steady Character Actor

Gary Cole’s story isn’t one of meteoric rises or tabloid drama. It’s a story of persistence, craft, and subtle influence. Like many character actors, his contributions are easy to overlook — but almost impossible to forget once you notice them.

His net worth and long résumé hint at a man who navigated Hollywood’s unpredictable tides with care and pragmatism. His personal life reveals a commitment to family, reinvention, and causes that matter to him.

In an industry fixated on flash, Gary Cole stands out for his quiet consistency. That, ultimately, may be his greatest legacy.