Tim Roth Biography: Timothy Simon Roth born May 14, 1961 is a renowned English actor, recognized as part of the influential group of British performers dubbed the “Brit Pack.” He rose to prominence with his breakout performances in the television films Made in Britain (1982) and Meantime (1983). His feature film debut in The Hit (1984) earned him a BAFTA nomination for Most Promising Newcomer.
Tim Roth Biography
Often mistaken for an American due to his impressive command of accents, Tim Roth was born Timothy Simon Roth on May 14, 1961, in Lambeth, London, England. His mother, Ann, was both a teacher and a landscape painter, while his father, Ernie Roth, was a journalist who changed the family’s surname from “Smith” to “Roth.”
Tim Roth Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Timothy Simon Roth
14 May 1961 Dulwich, London, England
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|---|---|
| Education |
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| Alma mater |
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| Occupation(s) | Actor, producer, director |
| Years active | 1982–present |
| Works | Full list |
| Spouse |
Nikki Butler
(m. 1993) |
| Children | 3 |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Tim Roth
Timothy Simon Roth is an English actor. He was among a group of prominent British actors known as the “Brit Pack”. After garnering attention in television productions Made in Britain and Meantime, Roth was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer in his theatrical film debut The Hit.
Tim Roth Achievements
Roth gained widespread acclaim through memorable roles in films such as The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989), Vincent & Theo (1990), and Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (1990). He became known for his collaborations with Quentin Tarantino, appearing in Reservoir Dogs (1992), Pulp Fiction (1994), Four Rooms (1995), and The Hateful Eight (2015). His portrayal of Archibald Cunningham in Rob Roy (1995) won him a BAFTA Award and earned him nominations for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.
Tim Roth Personal Life
Ernie was originally from Brooklyn, New York, and came from an Irish immigrant background. Roth was raised in Dulwich, a middle-class neighborhood in South London. As a child, he demonstrated a natural talent for mimicking voices and accents—a skill he honed while attending school in Brixton. Facing teasing for his more privileged upbringing, he adopted a Cockney accent to better fit in with his peers. Initially pursuing visual arts, Roth studied sculpture at Camberwell Art College before leaving to follow a career in acting.
Tim Roth Wiki
- Born: 14 May 1961 (age 64 years), Dulwich, London, United Kingdom
- Spouse: Nikki Butler (m. 1993)
- Children: Jack Roth, Michael Cormac Roth, Timothy Hunter Roth
- Height: 1.73 m
- Parents: Ernie Roth, Ann Roth
- Education: > Croydon College; Strand School
Early Life
Tim Roth was born in Dulwich, London, to Ann, a painter and teacher, and Ernie Roth, a journalist and artist. His father, originally named Ernie Smith, changed his surname to “Roth” during the 1940s in protest against Nazism, though the family has no Jewish heritage. Roth’s father, a World War II veteran, was born in Brooklyn, New York, and had Irish roots.
Tragically, Roth has spoken openly about being a survivor of child sexual abuse by his paternal grandfather, who also abused Roth’s father. He first alluded to this while promoting The War Zone, a film dealing with incest and abuse, but did not publicly name his abuser until a 2016 interview with The Guardian. Roth grew up in various parts of London and attended several schools, including Strand School in Tulse Hill. After experiencing bullying, he transferred to Croydon Technical School. Originally aspiring to be a sculptor, he later studied at Camberwell College of Arts in London before turning to acting.
Key Details
- Full Name: Timothy Simon Roth
- Date of Birth: May 14, 1961
- Place of Birth: Dulwich, London, England
- Nationality: British
- Spouse: Nikki Butler (married in 1993)
- Children: Jack Roth, Timothy Hunter Roth, Michael Cormac Roth
- Estimated Net Worth: $8 million
Tim Roth Family
Tim Roth was born to Ann, a teacher and landscape painter, and Ernie Roth, a journalist who changed the family name from “Smith” to “Roth” as a political statement. His father, originally from Brooklyn and of Irish descent, served in World War II. Raised in the middle-class neighborhood of Dulwich in South London, Roth attended Strand School in Tulse Hill before studying sculpture at Camberwell College of Arts. However, his interest eventually shifted to acting.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Roth launched his acting career with his critically acclaimed performance in the television film Made in Britain (1982), playing a rebellious skinhead named Trevor. His film debut came with The Hit (1984), earning him a BAFTA nomination for Most Promising Newcomer. By the late 1980s, Roth had built a strong reputation through performances in films like The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989) and Vincent & Theo (1990), where he portrayed Vincent van Gogh.
Notable Roles and Recognition
Roth’s career reached new heights with his collaborations with Quentin Tarantino. He played Mr. Orange in Reservoir Dogs (1992) and Pumpkin in Pulp Fiction (1994), roles that became defining moments in his career. In Rob Roy (1995), his role as the cruel Archibald Cunningham earned him a BAFTA win for Best Supporting Actor and nominations for both an Oscar and a Golden Globe. His film credits also include Planet of the Apes (2001) and The Incredible Hulk (2008), where he portrayed the villain Emil Blonsky, also known as Abomination.
Recent Work and Ongoing Projects
In more recent years, Roth has remained active with prominent roles in television and film. He starred in the crime drama Tin Star (2017–2020) and returned to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) and the Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022). In 2024, it was announced that he would join the cast of the highly anticipated Peaky Blinders film, continuing to diversify his on-screen presence.
Personal Life
Tim Roth has been married to fashion designer Nikki Butler since 1993. They have two sons together, Timothy Hunter Roth and Michael Cormac Roth. He also has an older son, actor Jack Roth, from a previous relationship with Lori Baker. Tragically, Roth’s son Cormac passed away in 2022 at the age of 25 after a battle with cancer.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Roth was originally considered for the role of Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series but turned it down in favor of portraying General Thade in Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes (2001).
- His directorial debut, The War Zone (1999), tackled the heavy subject of familial abuse and received widespread critical acclaim.
- Beyond acting, Roth is multilingual, speaking French, German, and Italian fluently.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Tim Roth is active in charitable work, particularly supporting cancer-related organizations—a cause that became especially personal after the illness and passing of his son, Cormac. His legacy is defined by a fearless approach to acting, consistently taking on emotionally and morally complex roles. Roth’s body of work has had a profound influence on both indie cinema and blockbuster filmmaking.
Future Plans and Cultural Influence
Looking ahead, Roth is set to appear in the highly anticipated Peaky Blinders feature film, continuing his trend of taking on challenging and dynamic roles. His career has helped shape modern character acting, and his collaborations with influential directors have made him a lasting presence in global cinema.
Tim Roth Net Worth 2025
Tim Roth’s net worth is estimated at $8 million, accumulated through decades of acclaimed work in both television and film. A significant portion of his earnings stems from leading roles, high-profile supporting characters, and directing projects. Roth owns a Mediterranean-style villa in Pasadena, California, reportedly valued at around $1.9 million, reflecting his preference for a private yet comfortable lifestyle.
FAQs
What is Tim Roth best known for in his acting career?
Tim Roth is widely recognize for his roles in Quentin Tarantino films like Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, as well as for his performance in Rob Roy, which earned him a BAFTA Award. He’s also known for playing Emil Blonsky/Abomination in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and starring in the series Lie to Me and Tin Star.
Did Tim Roth ever turn down a major film role?
Yes, Tim Roth was originally considere for the role of Severus Snape in the Harry Potter franchise but turned it down to take on the role of General Thade in Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes (2001).
What languages does Tim Roth speak?
Tim Roth is multilingual and fluent in several languages, including French, German, and Italian, which has added depth to some of his international and multilingual roles.
What is the value of Tim Roth’s home?
Tim Roth owns a Mediterranean-style villa in Pasadena, California, which is estimate to be worth approximately $1.9 million, reflecting his low-profile yet elegant lifestyle.
Has Tim Roth directed any films?
Yes, Tim Roth made his directorial debut with The War Zone (1999), a critically acclaimed drama that dealt with themes of incest and abuse, inspired in part by his personal experiences.
How has Tim Roth contributed to charitable causes?
Tim Roth has supported various charitable efforts, especially those focused on cancer research, following the illness and death of his son. His advocacy extends beyond donations, often using his platform to raise awareness.