James Keach Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

James Keach is an American actor, director, and producer best known for his work on classic Westerns and acclaimed films — blending cinematic acting with behind-the-camera influence.

Introduction

James Keach — born December 7, 1947 — has carved out a notable legacy in Hollywood as both a performer and a filmmaker. With an estimated net worth of $20 million, he remains known for his classic Western roles, his work behind the camera, and a personal life that has drawn public interest. His relationships — including a high-profile marriage — and family have often paralleled his career milestones, further shaping his story in the entertainment world.

Quick Facts

From Theatrical Roots to Hollywood Stardom

James Keach was born into a family steeped in the dramatic arts — his mother was an actress and his father a drama coach, actor, writer, and producer.  This upbringing immersed him early on in theater rehearsals, film sets, and dramatic training, planting the seeds for his future in entertainment.

He pursued formal education in the dramatic arts, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, followed by a Master of Fine Arts from Yale School of Drama, where he trained classically — a foundation that would serve him well in both stage and screen acting.

His early forays included minor roles in small films, but his trajectory shifted dramatically with the 1980 Western film The Long Riders, in which he portrayed outlaw Jesse James — also co-writing and co-producing the project — marking his breakout and cementing his foothold in Hollywood. 

Defining moments in James Keach’s journey include:

• Immersive early exposure to theater and performing arts through his family’s background in acting.

• Formal dramatic training at Northwestern and Yale, grounding his craft in classical acting traditions.

• Breakthrough with The Long Riders (1980) — stepping into both acting and production roles.

• Transition from actor to a respected director and producer, expanding his influence beyond on-screen appearances.

The Core Pillars of His Wealth

The foundation of James Keach’s estimated $20 million net worth rests on a mix of acting, directing, producing, and smart asset management. Key drivers include:

• Acting in Films & Television: Early and impactful roles — especially in Westerns and supporting parts in a variety of genres. 

• Producing and Directing Projects: Transitioning behind the camera led to more control over his work and revenue, including directing television shows and producing feature films. 

• Critical Success & Commercial Hits: Producing high-profile films such as Walk the Line — a major biopic that drew acclaim — contributed significant value. 

• Real Estate & Assets: Real estate holdings and potentially other behind-the-scenes investments have also underpinned his wealth.

Relationships & Personal Life

James Keach’s personal life has often attracted public interest, especially given his marriages within the entertainment industry.

• His first marriage was to Holly Collins (sister of singer Judy Collins), and together they had a son named Kalen Keach. 

• His second marriage was to actress Mimi Maynard — the union ended in divorce and did not produce children. 

• His third and perhaps most publicized marriage was to actress Jane Seymour, beginning May 15, 1993. Together they had twin sons: John Stacy Keach and Kristopher Steven Keach, born November 30, 1995. 

• Their marriage ended in separation in 2013 and divorce finalized December 10, 2015. 

Key insights into James Keach’s relationships and personal life:

• His family background in acting deeply influenced his career and life trajectory.

• Through his marriage to Jane Seymour, he shared both personal and professional collaboration.

• His role as a father — spanning three children from different relationships — reflects a life interwoven with complex personal and public identities.

Beyond the Spotlight: Lifestyle, Assets & Passions

Beyond career success, James Keach leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Real estate holdings reportedly including significant properties in Malibu and other locales, which have contributed to his long-term asset base. 

• Continued involvement in film and television production — a sign that his professional drive endures beyond acting roles.

• A commitment to storytelling — both through dramatic film projects and behind-the-camera work, demonstrating a deep-rooted dedication to craft and creative expression.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

While public sources (e.g., CelebrityNetWorth) peg James Keach’s net worth at around $20 million, the true value likely fluctuates based on ongoing royalties, residuals, and the real estate market. His sustained work in production and directing — rather than solely acting — helps stabilize his financial position and influence over time.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

James Keach is often viewed as a versatile asset in Hollywood: one who successfully transitioned from on-screen actor to a respected producer and director. His early Western roles — especially in The Long Riders — earned him a foothold in classic cinema, while his later work behind the camera showcased a deeper creative maturity.

Collaborations with major talents and films like Walk the Line — which gained widespread acclaim — elevated his status beyond character actor to a serious filmmaker. 

Though he may not dominate tabloid headlines, his name carries weight among film professionals who value longevity, adaptability, and craft. For many aspiring filmmakers and actors, his journey is instructive: showing how roots in traditional theater training and a willingness to evolve can lead to a lasting career.

Conclusion

James Keach’s life and career weave a compelling narrative — from a childhood steeped in performing arts, through classical training, to breakout roles in Westerns, and ultimately to meaningful work as a producer and director. With an estimated net worth of $20 million, a rich personal history marked by relationships and family, and a continuing commitment to creative storytelling, his legacy remains both steady and multifaceted. His birthdate (December 7, 1947) and birthday (December 7) mark the start of a journey that bridged generations of Hollywood, and his story stands as a testament to enduring talent, reinvention, and artistic dedication.