Zachary Knighton Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts
Discover key facts about Zachary Knighton net worth, relationships, age/birthdate and birthday — from his Hollywood rise to family life and career highlights.
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Zachary Knighton Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday
Zachary Knighton is an American actor celebrated for his starring roles in hit TV series and a solid film career. He is perhaps best known for playing Dave Rose on the sitcom Happy Endings and Rick Wright on the rebooted Magnum P.I. His estimated net worth hovers around US$8 million, and his birthdate — October 25, 1978 — places his birthday on October 25.
Quick Facts (Table Summary)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zachary Andrew Knighton |
| Age/Birthdate | October 25, 1978 |
| Birthday | October 25 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor (Television & Film) |
| Estimated Net Worth | US$8 Million |
| Relationship Status | Married to Betsy Phillips (since August 27, 2018) |
| Known For | Roles in Happy Endings, FlashForward, Magnum P.I. |
From Virginia Beaches to TV Spotlight
Raised in Northern Virginia and later moving to Virginia Beach with his father, Zachary Knighton’s early environment blended suburban comfort with a touch of coastal freedom. He discovered his passion for performance during high school and was accepted into the Governor’s School for the Arts. After graduating from Frank W. Cox High School in 1996, he enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). There, a formative moment came during conversations about literature and life, notably inspired by the book The Prophet — a gift following the passing of a mentor at VCU that Knighton described as “one of the most prized possessions” he owns.
It was at VCU where Knighton embraced acting seriously. Leaving behind prior ambitions of music, he committed to acting — a decision that set him on the path to Hollywood.
Defining moments in Zachary Knighton’s journey include:
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Earning admission to the Governor’s School for the Arts — a turning point in pursuing acting professionally.
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Studying theatre at VCU, which he called “the perfect gateway” to his career.
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Landing his breakout role as Dave Rose on the sitcom Happy Endings, which brought him recognition and a cult fan base.
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Transitioning successfully to dramatic roles, culminating in his casting as Rick Wright on the rebooted Magnum P.I. — a role that fused his acting chops with real-world physicality (including surfing skills).
The Core Pillars of His Wealth
Although public details on Knighton’s finances beyond net worth are limited, analyses suggest a few core sources behind his wealth:
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| Television & Film Acting | Earnings from long-running shows like Happy Endings and Magnum P.I., as well as film roles in projects like The Hitcher. |
| Recurring & Guest Roles | Involvement in series like FlashForward, other TV appearances, and guest arcs that add to his income stream. |
| Residuals / Syndication / Streaming Revenue | Ongoing royalties from reruns and streaming distribution—common for actors with established TV credentials (though exact numbers aren't public). |
Because his publicly reported net worth stands at US$8 million, these entertainment-based earnings constitute the primary foundation of his wealth.
Note: Some online sources claim much higher net worth figures (e.g., claims of US$185 million), but such figures lack credible evidence and appear speculative or satirical.
Relationships & Family Life
Zachary Knighton has navigated his personal life with relative discretion. Key insights include:
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He is married to actress Betsy Phillips, with the pair tying the knot on August 27, 2018.
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Together they have children, and Knighton has publicly described fatherhood as a grounding, humbling force — calling it “pure love … humility and learning about patience.”
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Knighton previously was married to a private individual named Hang Knighton (married 2008–2015), and the couple share one daughter.
Key insights into Zachary Knighton’s relationships and personal life:
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His family — wife and children — remains a central priority in his life.
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Although he commands public attention, Knighton seems intentional about balancing career demands with fatherhood and family time.
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Even as a public figure, he tends to lead a relatively private personal life, sharing details selectively.
Lifestyle & Passions Off-Screen
Beyond the roles and the spotlight, Zachary Knighton embraces a lifestyle that reflects both his roots and his passions:
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His time on Magnum P.I. — shot in Hawaii — allowed him to indulge a long-standing love of surfing, cultivated since his Virginia Beach youth.
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He has spoken about appreciating family life and the slower rhythms of parenthood when not on set, indicating a grounding, family-oriented lifestyle.
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Sources do not support extravagant or sensational claims about luxury homes, chain businesses, or lifestyle brands tied to his name — suggesting his public image remains grounded and focused on his craft rather than extremes of celebrity excess.
Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis
Because public data on Zachary Knighton’s finances are limited, the following is a reasoned approximation — with emphasis on his primary wealth drivers:
| Category | Estimated Value* | Source / Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Television & Film Acting | ≈ US$6–7 Million | Long-running shows + multiple film credits. |
| Residuals / Streaming / Royalties | US$0.5–1 Million (lifetime, variable) | Ongoing income from reruns and streaming (common for actors with TV back catalog). |
| Other Ventures / Endorsements / Assets | Minimal / Not publicly verifiable | No credible public records of large-scale outside investments or ventures attributed to him. |
*These are educated estimates based on publicly available data; actual values could vary.
The widely circulated figure of US$185 million appears unfounded. It originates from a source whose claims (e.g., ownership of restaurants, a vodka brand, a football team) are uncorroborated by any reliable media outlet — strongly suggesting that figure is speculative or fictional.
Thus, a more conservative, evidence-based net worth estimate remains US$8 million, aligning with recognized public value assessments.
Public Image, Legacy & Influence
Zachary Knighton’s public image blends reliability, versatility, and a relatable charm. Over two decades, he has built a steady career — moving from guest appearances to leading roles — demonstrating that consistent work often trumps flash-in-the-pan fame.
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In the comedy Happy Endings, he helped craft a character that resonated with fans long after the show ended — earning him cult status among sitcom lovers.
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His transition to drama and action, with Magnum P.I., showed range and adaptability, helping him avoid the “typecast” trap many sitcom actors fall into.
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Off-screen, his grounded attitude toward family and fatherhood — coupled with his preference for privacy — contributes to a perception of him as not just a working actor, but a thoughtful, down-to-earth person.
In industry conversations and fan communities alike, Knighton is often cited as a quietly successful actor who values craft over celebrity — and manageability over spectacle.
The Mark of a Modest Star
Zachary Knighton’s journey underscores a simple yet powerful story: consistent dedication, steady work, and quiet professionalism can build a meaningful and lasting career. Born on October 25, 1978, he remains active in film and television, balancing his life as a husband and father with roles that challenge and evolve.
His estimated US$8 million net worth, established television legacy, and solid family foundation reflect a career built not on hype, but on commitment and craft. For fans and aspiring actors alike, his story serves as a reminder: success in entertainment doesn’t always come with loud headlines — sometimes, it comes quietly, steadily, and with integrity.
