Wayne Knight Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Wayne Knight is an American actor and voice artist celebrated for his iconic roles in television and film — best known as Newman on Seinfeld and Dennis Nedry in Jurassic Park.

Introduction

Wayne Elliot Knight, born on August 7, 1955, has carved out a distinguished career as a character actor, voice artist, and comedic presence. With a career spanning decades and memorable roles in blockbuster films and beloved sitcoms, Knight’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $10 million, reflecting the breadth and longevity of his work. Today he remains a respected figure in Hollywood, quietly maintaining a family life away from the limelight while his legacy endures.

Quick Facts

From Stage Dreams to Hollywood Spotlight

Wayne Knight’s story begins in New York City, born to Grace (née Monti) and William Knight. His early years took a turn when his family relocated to Cartersville, Georgia — a modest upbringing, far from Hollywood glamour.  As a teenager, Knight played high-school football, yet even then, the performing arts beckoned.

He went on to attend the University of Georgia, distinguishing himself academically — but he left just one credit shy of graduation to pursue his true calling: acting. Knight’s early acting journey began at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia, where an internship led to a professional Equity actor slot. From there, a move to New York — and eventually Broadway — set the stage for his future success. 

Over time, Knight honed his craft across theatre, television, film, and voice acting. His perseverance paid off, transforming a budding stage actor into a household name.

Defining moments in Wayne Knight’s journey include:

• Landing his first Broadway role in the comedy Gemini, which established him as a working theater actor.

• Transition to film in supporting roles during the late 1980s and early 1990s, laying groundwork for bigger breakthroughs. 

• Being cast in Jurassic Park (1993) as Dennis Nedry — a performance that remains among his most iconic.

• Landing the recurring role of Newman on Seinfeld (1992–1998), which transformed him into a pop-culture fixture. 

The Core Pillars of Wayne Knight’s Wealth

Wayne Knight’s net worth didn’t come from a single blockbuster, but from a diversified and sustained career.

• Television and Film Acting: Recurring roles on major network sitcoms and supporting roles in blockbusters.

• Voice Acting: Work in animated films and series — including major titles — has provided additional revenue streams.

• Residuals & Syndication: Given the enduring popularity of Seinfeld, royalties from syndication likely contribute substantially. 

• Long-term Industry Presence: Decades of consistent work — film, TV, theater, voice — ensuring steady income over time.

Wayne Knight Relationships & Personal Life

Away from cameras and spotlights, Wayne Knight has built a quieter, stable personal life.

He first married makeup artist Paula Sutor on May 26, 1996; the marriage ended in divorce by December 2003.  Then, on October 15, 2006, he wed Clare de Chenu, with whom he has a son.

Key insights into Wayne Knight’s relationships and personal life:

• He has been married twice, and his second marriage to Clare de Chenu appears stable.

• Father to one son, a detail kept relatively private over the years.

• Despite his fame, Knight maintains a low-key personal profile, balancing family life with a long career.

Beyond Fame: Lifestyle, Interests & Residence

Beyond acting, Knight seems to value stability — a trait often evident from his choice to live quietly away from Hollywood’s chaotic glare.

• He resides in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles — a residential enclave that offers privacy and calm, befitting someone of his stature. 

• Through decades of residuals and steady acting jobs, Knight has maintained financial security without needing flashy displays of wealth — indicating a lifestyle anchored more in comfort and longevity than in ostentation.

• His body of work reflects a passion for variety: stage, TV, film, voice-overs — suggesting a dedication not just to fame, but to craft.

Why His Net Worth Matters: A Balanced Measurement

Estimates consistently place Wayne Knight’s net worth around $10 million.  While some sources suggest a lower figure (around $8 million) depending on what’s included.

What these figures reveal is a broader truth: for many character actors and supporting performers, wealth is often built gradually — not via one megahit but through sustained work, residuals, and versatility. Knight’s career trajectory showcases how consistent performance across mediums can yield long-term stability.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Wayne Knight holds a special place in pop culture. His portrayal of Newman on Seinfeld became one of television’s most memorable antagonists — a role that cemented his popularity with both casual viewers and devoted fans. Because of that, he remains instantly recognizable decades after the show’s finale.

Moreover, his performance in Jurassic Park — as Dennis Nedry — linked him to one of cinema’s landmark blockbusters. The combination of comedic and dramatic roles, along with voice acting in animated classics like Toy Story 2 and Tarzan, demonstrates his adaptability and range. 

Knight’s legacy is that of a consummate character actor: not always in the spotlight, but reliably delivering performances that stick with audiences. His longevity and the breadth of his roles contribute to a respectable and enduring presence in Hollywood.

Conclusion

Wayne Elliot Knight’s journey — from a modest upbringing in New York and Georgia, to theater stages, to sitcom fame, blockbuster films, and a steady voice acting career — is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and craft. With an estimated net worth of around $10 million, a stable family life, and a legacy of memorable characters, Knight stands as a model for career longevity in a volatile industry.

Born on August 7, 1955, his birthday remains a quiet milestone, marking the life of an artist who turned persistence into prosperity. For fans and fellow actors alike, his story offers a timeless lesson: in show business, steady work — not just flash — can build lasting success.