Billy Crudup Biography William Gaither Crudup born July 8, 1968 is an American actor known for his versatile performances in both lead and supporting roles. He gained recognition for his role in Jesus’ Son (1999), earning a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead. Over the years, Crudup has starred in numerous high-profile films, including Almost Famous (2000), Big Fish (2003), Mission: Impossible III (2006), Watchmen (2009), Public Enemies (2009), The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015), Jackie (2016), and Alien: Covenant (2017). In addition to his film career, Crudup is a four-time Tony Award nominee and won once for his role in Tom Stoppard’s The Coast of Utopia (2007).
Billy Crudup Biography
Billy Crudup is known for his distinct career choices and his remarkable talent, often balancing the roles of a serious actor and a leading man with undeniable charm. In addition to his professional success, he is the father of 20-year-old William Atticus Parker, who has followed in his father’s footsteps as a director, writer, and actor. Born in 1968 in Manhasset, New York, a suburb of Long Island, Crudup was the middle child in a family of three boys. He is the son of Georgann (Gaither) and Thomas Henry Crudup III, and the grandson of the well-known attorney William Cotter “Billy” Gaither, Jr. Crudup’s early years were spent in Florida and Texas as his family moved frequently. Being the new kid at school, he learned to adapt by using humor to gain acceptance, often entertaining family and friends with impersonations and performing in school pageants.
Billy Crudup Biography Details
| Born |
William Gaither Crudup
July 8, 1968 Manhasset, New York, U.S.
|
|---|---|
| Education | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (BA) New York University (MFA) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Spouse |
Naomi Watts
(m. 2023) |
| Partner(s) | Mary-Louise Parker (1996–2003) Claire Danes (2003–2006) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Billy Crudup
William Gaither Crudup is an American actor. He was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead for his performance in Jesus’ Son.
- Born: 8 July 1968 (age 56 years), Manhasset, New York, United States
- Spouse: Naomi Watts (m. 2023)
- Children: William Atticus Parker
- Height: 1.74 m
- Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series · See more
- Parents: Thomas Henry Crudup III, Georganne Gaither
Early Life
Crudup was born in Manhasset, New York, to Georgann (née Gaither) and Thomas Henry Crudup III. His parents divorced twice during his childhood. He has spoken about his late father, who was known for his gambling and hustling nature. On his father’s side, he is a descendant of Congressman Josiah Crudup of North Carolina, while his maternal grandfather, William Cotter “Billy” Gaither, Jr., was a prominent Florida trial lawyer. His maternal grandmother later remarried Episcopal bishop James Duncan.
The middle child of three brothers, Crudup’s siblings, Tommy and Brooks, are both producers. The family moved frequently during his childhood, first to Texas and then to Florida, where he graduated from Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale in 1986. Crudup attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned an undergraduate degree and participated in the university’s LAB! Theatre acting company. He also appeared in UNC-STV’s popular show General College.
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Key Details at a Glance
- Full Name: William Gaither Crudup
- Date of Birth: July 8, 1968
- Place of Birth: Manhasset, New York, USA
- Nationality: American
- Education: University of North Carolina; NYU Tisch School of the Arts (MFA)
- Notable Works: Almost Famous, Watchmen, The Morning Show, Big Fish
- Relationship Status: Married
- Spouse: Naomi Watts (married June 2023)
- Children: 1 son, William Atticus Parker
- Net Worth: Estimated $8 million
Family Background
Billy Crudup was born in Manhasset, a suburban area on Long Island, New York, and is the middle child of Georgann (née Gaither) and Thomas Henry Crudup III. Raised in a family that moved frequently between Florida, Texas, and New York, Billy developed resilience and a knack for humor to adapt to new environments. His interest in acting began in school, where he entertained friends and family with impersonations. After graduating from Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in Florida, Crudup pursued his passion for acting at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, before earning his MFA in acting from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts in 1994.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Crudup made his Broadway debut in 1995 with Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia, winning an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Newcomer. His first film role was in Grind (1997), but his performance as Olympic athlete Steve Prefontaine in Without Limits (1998) garnered significant acclaim. In 2000, Crudup became widely known for his portrayal of the charismatic rock star Russell Hammond in Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous, solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor. He later starred in films like Big Fish (2003), Watchmen (2009), and Spotlight (2015), and won a Tony Award for his role in The Coast of Utopia (2007).
Current Relevance and Recent Updates
In recent years, Crudup has seen a resurgence in television with his celebrated role in The Morning Show, showcasing his ability to bring complexity to his characters. He also starred in the sci-fi dramedy Hello Tomorrow! (2023), continuing to demonstrate his versatility. His marriage to actress Naomi Watts in June 2023 has also garnered significant media attention, adding to his public profile.
Personal Life and Relationships
Billy Crudup shares a son, William Atticus Parker (born 2004), with actress Mary-Louise Parker. Their relationship ended amid controversy when Crudup began dating Claire Danes during Parker’s pregnancy. After several years of lower-profile relationships, he began dating Naomi Watts in the late 2010s, and they married in 2023.
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Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Billy Crudup was once considered for the lead role in Titanicbut declined in favor of other opportunities.
- He voiced Ashitaka in the English-dubbed version of the animated classic Princess Mononoke(1997).
- Despite his fame, Crudup values a low-key lifestyle away from Hollywood’s spotlight.
- He is known for taking on roles that defy traditional star-power conventions, prioritizing authenticity over fame.
Charitable Work and Legacy
While his charitable contributions are not widely publicized, Crudup has supported causes related to arts education and mental health awareness. His legacy as an actor is defined by his commitment to choosing roles that challenge the norm and bring depth to the characters he portrays.
Future Plans and Impact on Culture
Looking ahead, Billy Crudup remains committed to exploring diverse roles that push the boundaries of traditional acting. As he continues to make waves in both television and film, his influence on pop culture is undeniable. His dedication to his craft continues to inspire both audiences and aspiring actors alike.
Billy Crudup Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Crudup’s net worth is estimated at $8 million, stemming from his successful career across film, television, and theater. He enjoys a comfortable lifestyle, with significant assets, including a luxurious New York City home and investments tied to his prosperous career.