Scott Bakula Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Scott Bakula is an American actor recognized for his breakout role in Quantum Leap and his memorable tenure in Star Trek: Enterprise.

Introduction

Scott Bakula, born October 9, 1954, has carved out a durable and influential career in television, film and theater, earning acclaim for his work as Dr. Sam Beckett and Captain Jonathan Archer, among other roles. His estimated net worth is reported to hover around $14 million.  In his personal life, Bakula is married to actress Chelsea Field (they wed in 2009 after a long relationship). 

Quick Facts (Table Summary)

From Local Ambition to Global Success

Scott Bakula’s journey began in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was born to Sally (née Zumwinkel) and Joseph Stewart Bakula, a lawyer.  In his youth he gravitated toward music and theatre, eventually enrolling at Jefferson College and briefly at the University of Kansas before leaving to pursue performance full-time. 

He relocated to New York in the mid-1970s, gaining early experience on Broadway and Off-Broadway. His breakthrough came when he took on the lead as Sam Beckett in Quantum Leap (1989-1993), a role that established his television star status.

Defining moments in Scott Bakula’s journey include:

• Landing the lead on Quantum Leap, which earned him major Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

• Transitioning to leading sci-fi franchise status as Captain Jonathan Archer in Star Trek: Enterprise (2001-2005).

• Leading the procedural series NCIS: New Orleans from 2014 to 2021, expanding his appeal to a new audience. 

His story reflects not just talent but adaptability: moving from musical theatre to television, from time-travel drama to intergalactic command to crime procedural lead.

The Core Pillars of Scott Bakula’s Wealth Include:

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

While numbers vary slightly across sources (some list ~$16 million), the consistent theme is a net worth in the low-tens of millions. His longevity and role-diversity support an income foundation that extends beyond single hit shows. Moreover, his quoted per-episode salary of $120,000 during NCIS: New Orleans underscores substantial earning during peak years. 

Relationships & Family Life

Scott Bakula’s personal life has evolved with care and longevity. His first marriage was to actress and stage performer Krista Neumann in 1981; they had two children before divorcing in 1995.  He then entered a long-term relationship with actress Chelsea Field beginning around the mid-1990s; the couple married in 2009 after 15 years together. 

Key insights into Scott Bakula’s relationships and personal life:

• He has four children across his two marriages: two with Krista Neumann and two with Chelsea Field.

• Bakula has openly acknowledged that his demanding work schedule on Quantum Leap—he was “hardly ever home for four and a half seasons”—left personal regrets and helped shape his choice to prioritize family later. 

• His marriage to Chelsea Field shares a professional as well as personal dimension: Field appeared on NCIS: New Orleans and the reality of their relationship echoed their onscreen roles. 

• Despite fame, he safeguards his private life: “Where do you stop?” he asked when approached by People for a home interview. 

Beyond Career Success, Scott Bakula Leads a Lifestyle That Reflects Both Passion and Purpose, Including:

• A continued commitment to theatre and live performance, returning to his roots even after decades in television. 

• A willingness to live and work outside the Hollywood bubble: during NCIS: New Orleans production, he made regular trips home to Los Angeles to maintain family connection. 

• Enthusiasm for genre conventions and fan engagement, particularly in science-fiction circles where his roles remain influential.

• Advocacy for balance: in interviews he noted the importance of presence and focus in his marriage rather than letting roles dominate life. 

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Scott Bakula has earned a reputation for dependability, respect for craft and versatility. He is less known for tabloid headlines and more for steady performance, making him a favorite in fan circles and among industry peers. His legacy includes:

• Being a defining face of televised science-fiction: from Quantum Leap to Star Trek: Enterprise, Bakula helped bring complex, morally grounded protagonists into mainstream TV.

• Demonstrating longevity: his career spans stage, film and television, across decades—with major roles in multiple eras.

• Influencing a new generation of actors and fans: his characters often carried emotional depth (the scientist solving time-travel dilemmas; the starship captain forging a new frontier) and have been referenced in fan culture and conventions.

• Maintaining personal integrity: his remarks on family choice and work-life balance underscore a mature approach to celebrity, enhancing his public image.

Conclusion

Scott Bakula’s career is the story of an ambitious Midwestern performer who embraced theatre, elevated television storytelling and embraced science-fiction fame with grace. Born on October 9, 1954, his birthday remains a celebrated occasion among fans of his work. His estimated net worth around $14 million reflects decades of acting, syndication and fan appeal. His relationships—marked by distinct chapters with Krista Neumann and later Chelsea Field—mirror an actor who values family and continuity as much as career milestones. Ultimately, Bakula’s story is one of navigating change without losing core purpose: to perform, to connect, and to leave a mark on screen and stage alike.