Kevin Tighe built a successful decades-long acting career in television, film, and theater, earning recognition for his memorable performances on both the small and big screen. Best known for starring as firefighter-paramedic Roy DeSoto on the hit NBC series Emergency!, Tighe has accumulated an estimated net worth of $2.5 million.
Over the years, he expanded his career beyond television, appearing in acclaimed films, stage productions, and popular drama series that helped establish him as one of Hollywood’s dependable character actors.
| Kevin Tighe Net Worth | $2.5 Million |
| Date of Birth | August 13, 1944 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California |
What Is Kevin Tighe’s Net Worth?
Kevin Tighe has an estimated net worth of $2.5 million. His earnings primarily came from acting in television series, films, theater productions, and occasional directing and writing work.
While he remains most associated with Emergency!, Tighe continued working steadily in Hollywood long after the show ended, appearing in critically acclaimed projects across several decades.
Early Life
Kevin Tighe was born Jon Kevin Fishburn on August 13, 1944, in Los Angeles, California. He comes from Irish and Czech-Bohemian ancestry.
At age five, his family relocated to Pasadena, where he first became interested in acting through the Pasadena Playhouse. After graduating from Pasadena High School in 1962, he attended Pasadena City College before transferring to California State University, Los Angeles, where he earned a bachelor’s degree.
Tighe later obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from the University of Southern California in 1967. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army.
Breakthrough on ‘Emergency!’
Tighe’s breakthrough arrived in 1972 when he was cast as Roy DeSoto on Emergency! alongside Randolph Mantooth.
The NBC drama followed firefighters and paramedics responding to emergencies and rescue situations. The series became highly influential and is often credited with helping popularize CPR awareness, emergency medical services, and fire safety education among the public.
The show ran for six seasons through 1977 and spawned several television films. Beyond acting, Tighe also directed four episodes and wrote one episode during the series’ run.
His portrayal of Roy DeSoto remains his most iconic role and helped establish him as a household name during the 1970s.
Television Career Beyond ‘Emergency!’
After Emergency! ended, Tighe continued appearing in television productions throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.
His television credits include appearances in:
- Murder, She Wrote
- Chicago Hope
- ER
- Star Trek: Voyager
- Freaks and Geeks
- Family Law
- The West Wing
- Lost
- Leverage
One of his most notable later-career roles came on Lost, where he portrayed Anthony Cooper between 2005 and 2010.
Film Career
Tighe’s film career also featured several acclaimed and commercially successful projects.
Although he appeared briefly in The Graduate as an uncredited extra, his first major credited film role came in Matewan.
He later appeared in films including:
- Road House
- Another 48 Hrs.
- School Ties
- What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
- Geronimo: An American Legend
- My Bloody Valentine 3D
Tighe earned critical acclaim for his role in I Love a Man in Uniform, winning the Genie Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Acclaimed Stage Career
Beyond television and film, Kevin Tighe has maintained a respected theater career.
He appeared in productions such as:
- The Night of the Iguana
- Hedda Gabler
- Buried Child
- Crime and Punishment
- Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
His stage work earned praise for its depth and versatility, helping him maintain credibility as a serious dramatic actor.
Personal Life
Kevin Tighe was previously married to Mary Lou Seaman, and the former couple share a daughter, Jennifer Tighe.
In 1985, he married artist Rebecca Fletcher. The couple has lived in Skagit County, Washington.
Despite decades in the entertainment industry, Tighe has largely maintained a private personal life while continuing to work steadily across television, film, and theater.
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