Stephen Root Net Worth

Stephen Root net worth is estimated at $6 million, earned through a decades-long career as one of Hollywood’s most prolific and respected character actors. With more than 260 film, television, stage, and voice-acting credits, Root has built a steady fortune by consistently working across comedy, drama, animation, and theater rather than relying on blockbuster stardom.

Stephen Root is widely recognized for his unforgettable roles as Jimmy James on NBC’s NewsRadio, Milton Waddams in the cult classic Office Space, and as the voice of Bill Dauterive and Buck Strickland on Fox’s animated hit King of the Hill. His career longevity, combined with his ability to transition seamlessly between genres, has made him one of the most reliable supporting actors in the entertainment industry.

Early Life

Stephen Root was born on November 17, 1951, in Sarasota, Florida, to parents Rolland Clair Root and Leona Estelle Root. His father worked as a site manager and project superintendent on major civil engineering projects across the United States and Mexico, which meant the family moved frequently during Stephen’s childhood.

Root attended Vero Beach High School in Florida before enrolling at the University of Florida, where he earned an associate degree and later joined the Bachelor of Fine Arts acting program. His commitment to the craft remained strong throughout his life, and in 2003, he donated $100,000 to the university to establish the Stephen Root Acting Studio. In recognition of his contributions and career achievements, the University of Florida honored him with its Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2008.

Career

Before becoming a familiar face on television and film, Stephen Root established himself on the stage. He appeared on Broadway in the mid-1980s, playing King Vaughnum III in So Long on Lonely Street and Frank Lubey in Arthur Miller’s All My Sons. These early theater roles helped sharpen his versatility and laid the foundation for his screen career.

Root made his feature film debut in 1988 with Crocodile Dundee II, followed by roles in films such as Monkey Shines, Black Rain, Stanley & Iris, and Ghost. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, he became a familiar guest star on popular television series including Night Court, L.A. Law, Murphy Brown, Quantum Leap, Roseanne, and Star Trek: The Next Generation.

NewsRadio and Office Space

Stephen Root’s major television breakthrough came in 1995 when he was cast as eccentric billionaire Jimmy James on NBC’s critically acclaimed sitcom NewsRadio. The show ran for five seasons and developed a devoted cult following, cementing Root as a standout ensemble performer alongside Dave Foley, Phil Hartman, Maura Tierney, and others.

In 1999, Root achieved iconic status with his portrayal of Milton Waddams in Office Space. Although the film underperformed at the box office upon release, it later became a cultural phenomenon on home video and television. Milton’s quiet rage and red-stapler obsession turned Root into one of the most quoted characters in modern comedy history, contributing significantly to Stephen Root’s net worth through residuals and long-term exposure.

Film Career

Stephen Root’s film résumé is extensive and remarkably diverse. He has appeared in major studio releases and critically acclaimed films such as:

• O Brother, Where Art Thou?
• DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story
• No Country for Old Men
• Red State
• Get Out
• The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
• On the Basis of Sex
• Selma

His role in Jordan Peele’s Get Out introduced him to a new generation of audiences and further enhanced his reputation as a dramatic actor capable of subtle menace and emotional depth.

Television Dominance

Beyond NewsRadio, Root has maintained a steady presence on television for decades. He held recurring or starring roles in acclaimed series such as:

• The West Wing
• Justified
• Boardwalk Empire
• True Blood
• The Man in the High Castle
• Perry Mason
• Barry

His performance as Monroe Fuches on HBO’s Barry earned him widespread critical praise and a Primetime Emmy nomination, further solidifying his status as a top-tier supporting actor.

Voice Acting and Animation Work

A significant portion of Stephen Root net worth comes from voice acting. He is best known for voicing Bill Dauterive and Buck Strickland on King of the Hill, which ran for over a decade. He has also lent his voice to major animated films and series, including:

• Finding Nemo and Finding Dory
• Ice Age and Ice Age: The Meltdown
• Rango
• Adventure Time
• Dragons: Riders of Berk

Voice work has provided Root with consistent income and long-term residual earnings.

Stephen Root Salary

While Stephen Root is not known for blockbuster-level paydays, his financial success stems from volume, longevity, and consistency. His earnings come from:

• Television salaries from recurring and series-regular roles
• Film appearances across studio and independent projects
• Long-term residuals from syndicated shows like King of the Hill and NewsRadio
• Voice-acting contracts and animation royalties
• Broadway and theater performances

This diversified career strategy has helped him accumulate an estimated $6 million net worth.

Personal Life

Stephen Root married Laura Joan Hase in 1984, and they had one son before divorcing in 1997. In 2008, he married actress Romy Rosemont, known for her role on Glee. The couple has appeared together in several television projects and lives a relatively private life in Los Angeles.

Stephen Root Awards

Stephen Root has received multiple industry honors, including:

• Primetime Emmy nomination for Barry
• Screen Actors Guild Award nominations as part of ensemble casts
• Gold Derby Award for No Country for Old Men
• GLAAD Media Award for Uncle Frank

Though rarely a leading man, Root’s consistent excellence has earned him immense respect within the industry.

Stephen Root Net Worth

Stephen Root net worth is estimated to be $6 million.