Wes Bentley Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Wes Bentley is an American actor renowned for his breakthrough in American Beauty and his versatility across blockbuster films and prestige television.

From critical acclaim in early roles to a hard-won comeback and enduring television success, his journey reflects both talent and resilience. Below you’ll find a detailed look at his estimated net worth, personal life, and career path — all grounded in public records and reliable sources.

Introduction

Wes Bentley, born September 4, 1978, rose from humble beginnings in Arkansas to become a recognizable name in Hollywood. His career — marked by stunning highs and turbulent lows — has shaped an actor with nuance, depth, and staying power. With an estimated net worth around US$4 million, he remains a respected figure in film and television, while his stable family life with wife Jacqui Swedberg speaks to his personal resilience and grounding. 

Quick Facts

From Arkansas Roots to Hollywood Spotlight

Wes Bentley’s story begins in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where he was born and raised before moving with his family to Little Rock. Growing up in a devout Methodist household — his father a minister and his mother a chaplain — Bentley was one of four sons. 

In high school, his early affinity for performance surfaced through drama programs and musical involvement. After graduating from Sylvan Hills High School in 1996, he earned a place at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. However, determined to pursue practical acting opportunities, Bentley left Juilliard after a year and started navigating the unpredictable world of auditions and small roles. 

His break came with the film American Beauty (1999), where his portrayal of Ricky Fitts — a troubled teenager yearning for escape — earned him instant acclaim and set the tone for a career defined by intensity, vulnerability, and complexity. 

Defining moments in Wes Bentley’s journey include:

• Landing his first major role in American Beauty, which won multiple Academy Awards and launched his career.

• Battling addiction and a career downturn after early success — a personal low that led to self-reflection and rehabilitation. 

• Making a comeback via theatre (notably in Venus in Fur off-Broadway) and gradually returning to major film and TV roles. 

• Reinventing himself as a consistent character actor in blockbusters (e.g., Interstellar, The Hunger Games) and long-running TV series (e.g., Yellowstone). 

This arc — from vulnerability to resilience, from breakout youth to seasoned professionalism — defines Bentley’s public narrative: a story of talent, hardship, and rebirth.

The Core Pillars of Wes Bentley’s Wealth

While Bentley may not have amassed billionaire-level wealth, his career has generated sustainable income and value through multiple streams:

• Film Roles — Earnings from major films, especially early success with American Beauty and high-profile franchises like The Hunger Games.

• Television Work — Recurring roles, particularly his long tenure on Yellowstone, which provided stability and visibility.

• Theatre & Independent Projects — Periodic engagements in theatre and smaller productions that underscore his continued dedication to acting craft.

His estimated net worth — approximately US$4 million — reflects cumulative earnings from decades in the industry, albeit moderated by periods of personal struggle and career uncertainty. 

Relationships & Family Life: Stability After Turmoil

Bentley’s personal life has been closely tied to his journey of recovery and growth.

• In 2001, he married actress Jennifer Quanz. That relationship ended in divorce by 2009, during a period when Bentley was grappling with substance abuse. 

• In 2010, he married producer Jacqui Swedberg. The two reportedly met at a concert, and she has since played a key role in his recovery and stability. 

• The couple share two children, a son born in 2010 and a daughter born in 2014. 

Key insights into Wes Bentley’s relationships and personal life:

• His marriage to Jacqui Swedberg coincided with his decision to pursue sobriety and rebuild his career. 

• He preserves a relatively private life, rarely sharing personal details publicly — a contrast to many of his Hollywood peers. 

• The support from his partner and family appears to have provided both emotional grounding and stability, enabling his long-term career resurgence.

Beyond the Screen: Lifestyle, Interests & Resilience

Beyond his acting credits, Wes Bentley’s story speaks to personal reinvention and quiet strength:

• After early success followed by serious personal struggles with addiction, Bentley confronted these challenges openly, seeking treatment and turning his life around. 

• His marriage appears to have contributed significantly to that turnaround; in interviews he has credited his wife with helping him regain his footing and find meaning beyond fame. 

• Though not known for flashy displays of wealth or ostentation, Bentley values privacy and family — a lifestyle aligned with long-term well-being rather than fleeting fame.

While information about specific assets (homes, cars, investments) remains limited, his consistent work in film and television suggests a career built on endurance, not extravagance.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Here is a simplified breakdown of how Wes Bentley’s wealth is believed to be structured — based on publicly available estimates.

It’s worth noting that these figures are approximate. Because much of Hollywood accounting is private, publicly available estimates may understate or overstate actual wealth — particularly for actors whose careers have ups and downs. In Bentley’s case, his comeback trajectory suggests that — while modest compared with Hollywood megastars — he has built a stable and sustainable career over decades.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Wes Bentley’s public perception is shaped by both his artistic talent and personal journey. Early in his career, he gained acclaim for delivering emotionally resonant performances — particularly in roles that explored alienation, vulnerability, and moral complexity. 

When personal struggles threatened to derail his career, Bentley’s openness and subsequent recovery added an element of authenticity to his public image. Many view him not just as a talented actor, but as a figure of resilience — someone who confronted adversity, took responsibility, and rebuilt his life.

In the industry, he is respected for his versatility: transitioning from independent dramas to big-budget blockbusters, episodic television, and stage work. Fans appreciate the quiet consistency of his career — a steady presence rather than flash-in-the-pan fame.

Though not known as a celebrity who courts publicity or social media attention, Bentley’s legacy lies in steady professionalism, ability to adapt, and refusal to be defined solely by early success or hardship.

Conclusion

Wes Bentley’s journey — from a young man in Arkansas to a recognized Hollywood actor — is one marked by ambition, talent, turbulence, and redemption. With his birthdate on September 4, 1978 and a stable personal life with wife Jacqui Swedberg, he exemplifies both resilience and commitment to his craft. Even if his net worth (~US$4 million) seems modest in the sea of Hollywood fortunes, the value he’s built goes beyond dollars: it lies in enduring artistry, quiet integrity, and the respect of peers and fans alike.

In a world often defined by excess, Bentley stands out for proving that sometimes the most compelling story is the one of steady growth, personal recovery, and a lifelong dedication to doing what you love — on your own terms.