Terry Kinney Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Terry Kinney is an American actor and theatre director best known as a co-founder of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and for his role as Tim McManus on HBO’s Oz.

Introduction

Terry Kinney, born January 29, 1954, is a veteran American actor and theatre director recognized for co-founding the influential Steppenwolf Theatre Company and for his memorable portrayal of Tim McManus on the HBO prison drama Oz. Estimates place Terry Kinney net worth at around US$4 million.  Over decades, his career has woven between stage, film, and television, establishing him as a respected figure in American acting and theatre direction. His relationship history includes two marriages, and he is a father of two children. 

Quick Facts

The Foundations of a Career in Acting

Long before the spotlight, Terry Kinney grew up in Lincoln, Illinois — the son of Elizabeth (née Eimer), a telephone operator, and Kenneth C. Kinney, who worked as a supervisor at a tractor company. His journey into performing arts began at Illinois State University, where he met peers who shared his passion for theatre.

A defining shift occurred in 1974 when Kinney, along with fellow actors and friends Gary Sinise and Jeff Perry, laid the groundwork for what would become the Steppenwolf Theatre Company.  What started as a humble ensemble soon evolved into a celebrated institution shaping American theatre.

Defining moments in Terry Kinney’s journey include:

• Founding Steppenwolf Theatre Company, bringing a fresh, film-inspired sensibility to stage productions.

• Transitioning from stage to screen, making his film debut in Seven Minutes in Heaven (1985).

• Landing the role of Tim McManus in Oz, a breakthrough that cemented his place in television history. 

Through these milestones, he shifted from aspiring college actor to a respected name in both theatre and screen.

The Core Pillars of Terry Kinney’s Wealth

Terry Kinney’s financial standing stems from multiple, overlapping facets of his long career:

• Theatre and Directing — As co-founder and longtime member of Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Kinney has directed major plays (some of which transferred to Broadway), providing steady income and industry prestige. 

• Television and Film Roles — From prominent roles like Tim McManus in Oz to recurring appearances in series such as Billions, and roles in films like Save the Last Dance, The Firm, and The Last of the Mohicans, his acting credits have contributed significantly to his net worth.

• Directing for Screen — Kinney expanded into directing — including his short film Kubuku Rides (This Is It) and feature film Diminished Capacity — diversifying his creative output and revenue streams. 

*Publicly available estimates do not break down components precisely; actual distributions are likely more complex given the mix of theatre, film, and directing work.

Relationships & Personal Life

Terry Kinney’s personal life has included two public marriages. From 1984 to 1988, he was married to actress Elizabeth Perkins. That marriage ended in divorce. 

In 1993 Kinney married his Oz co-star Kathryn Erbe; their union lasted until 2005. The couple had two children — a daughter and a son. 

Key insights into Terry Kinney’s relationships and personal life:

• His relationships have been largely private but documented, with both marriages ending without scandal.

• His family life — especially fatherhood — has seemingly been kept out of the tabloid spotlight, reflecting a preference for privacy.

• His co-founding of a theatre company and long career suggest deep friendships and professional bonds with colleagues, which may have served as a meaningful support network beyond romantic relationships.

Life Off-Stage: Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond curtain calls and film sets, Terry Kinney has maintained a life steeped in creative commitment and modest directorial ambition:

• As a longtime member of Steppenwolf Theatre Company, he has devoted decades to directing plays — many of which have gained recognition beyond Chicago.

• He extended his creative reach into film direction with projects like Kubuku Rides (This Is It) and Diminished Capacity, indicating a desire to explore complex themes through different mediums. 

• While details about his residences, cars, or material assets are not widely publicized, his involvement with theatre and film suggest a professional life where investments are tied more to creative ventures than ostentatious displays.

• His enduring presence in theatre and screen reflects a personal commitment to craft over showmanship.

Evaluating Terry Kinney Net Worth: Breakdown & What It Means

Assessing Kinney’s net worth involves considering the variety of his income streams — from stage and screen acting to directing theatre and film. Publicly available estimates assign him roughly US$4 million. 

This figure likely reflects: long-term theatre work (founding and running a company), recurring television roles (like in Oz and Billions), and additional income from film credits and directorial projects.

Because theatre companies — especially non-profits — rarely yield large monetary returns compared to blockbuster films or commercial TV, much of the value likely accrues from consistent, if modest, income over decades rather than sudden windfalls.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

In the entertainment world, Terry Kinney is regarded less as a tabloid celebrity and more as a respected, dedicated craftsman. Through founding the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, he helped nurture a generation of actors and directors under a model that elevated theatrical performance with cinematic sensibilities. 

His subscribers include theatre insiders, fellow actors, and a dedicated fan base that appreciates his commitment to authenticity and range — from stage revivals to gritty television roles. His impact lies not only in individual performances but in having helped shape a theatre company that remains influential decades after its founding.

In terms of legacy, Kinney represents a bridge between traditional theatre and modern screen acting — embodying versatility, discipline, and artistic integrity.

Conclusion

Terry Kinney’s journey from a young theatre enthusiast in Illinois to a co-founder of one of America’s most respected theatre companies — and a durable presence on screen — illustrates a life defined by artistry, perseverance, and quiet dignity. His estimated net worth of around US$4 million reflects consistent, decades-long work across stage, television, and film. Born January 29, 1954, his birthday stands as a marker of the life and legacy he continues to build.

In an industry often driven by fleeting fame, Terry Kinney stands out as an example of lasting influence — a performer-director whose work has quietly shaped American theatre and screen storytelling for generations.