Kate Burton Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

A Legacy Forged, Not Inherited

Born on September 10, 1957 in Geneva, Switzerland, Kate Burton carries a name heavy with legacy — daughter of celebrated actor Richard Burton and theatre-influential mother Sybil Christopher. Yet, instead of leaning on lineage, she carved out her own path: she earned a BA in Russian studies and European history from Brown University in 1979, then honed her craft with an MFA from Yale School of Drama by 1982.

Over decades, Burton has transformed from “celebrity offspring” into a formidable actor, director, professor, and advocate — a name recognized not just because of her surname, but because of the skill, range, and integrity she brings to every role.

Quiet Depth on Stage and Screen

Kate Burton’s career stretches across theater, television, film, and voice — a tapestry woven with variety and persistence. She has appeared in over 70 television and film productions.

On stage, her résumé is rich: multiple Broadway performances, West-End productions, and regional theater work. Her talent earned her three Tony Award nominations for productions including Hedda Gabler, The Elephant Man and The Constant Wife.

On screen, she’s perhaps best-known to audiences for her haunting portrayal of Ellis Grey on the medical drama Grey's Anatomy — a part that garnered her critical acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations. Later, she captured a different kind of power as Sally Langston, the vice president of the United States on political thriller Scandal.

Beyond acting, Burton’s commitment to the arts continues: she serves as a professor of Theatre Practice at the University of Southern California School of Dramatic Arts, directing MFA productions of classics by Shakespeare, Chekhov, and more.

Home, Family & Foundation

In June 1985, Kate Burton married Michael Ritchie — then the Artistic Director of the Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles and later a noted Broadway producer. The couple share two children: a son, Morgan Ivor, and a daughter, Charlotte Frances.

While much of her life is spent under stage lights or behind the camera, Burton remains deeply connected to her roots. She retains British and American citizenship and has, over the years, emerged as a labor-rights advocate: she serves on the council of the Actors' Equity Association and was a key voice in efforts to merge with SAG‑AFTRA.

Financial Footing: What Her Career Adds Up To

Estimations of Kate Burton’s net worth vary slightly across sources. According to one widely cited figure, her net worth stands at approximately US $3 million.

Given her decades-spanning career — stage, screen, voice work, teaching — and the respect she commands in multiple facets of the entertainment world, that number reflects not just cash earnings but also the value of a sustained, versatile presence in a notoriously fickle industry.

A Birthday, A Story — September 10, 1957

Every September 10 marks more than just a birthday for Kate Burton. It’s a reminder of a journey begun in Geneva, a world shaped in New York, and a life built on reinvention. Her birthdate remains a touchstone that underscores a career defined by talent, integrity, and resilience.