What Is T. R. Knight’s Net Worth?
T. R. Knight, a celebrated American actor, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $4 million as of 2024. This financial standing reflects his successful career spanning theatre, television, and film. His journey began on stage and evolved into a prominent role in a hit television series, followed by continued work in various media.
Early Life and Education
Theodore Raymond Knight, born on March 26, 1973, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, laid the foundation for his acting career early in life. He attended Annunciation Catholic School from kindergarten through eighth grade, immersing himself in the local arts scene. At age 12, T.R. Knight began his journey at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. His early involvement in theatre earned him the Connors Foundation Scholarship, leading to an apprenticeship at the Children’s Theatre Company after finishing eighth grade. Knight then attended the Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield for high school, concurrently working at the Red Owl supermarket with his brother. After high school, he briefly enrolled at the University of St. Thomas before dropping out to pursue acting roles at the Guthrie Theater. Although specific financial details regarding scholarships or early earnings aren’t publicly available, these experiences provided invaluable groundwork for his future career.
Early Career and Broadway Debut
Knight’s relocation to New York City marked a significant step in his professional journey. His talent quickly garnered attention, leading to his Broadway debut in the 2001 revival of “Noises Off,” where he starred alongside Patti LuPone. While the exact salary for this role remains undisclosed, Broadway performances typically offer a substantial income for leading actors. In 2003, he played Damis in “Tartuffe”. The same year, he also appeared in the Off-Broadway production of “Scattergood,” earning a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play. Furthermore, Knight secured a regular cast member role in the CBS television series “Charlie Lawrence” and guest-starred on an episode of “Frasier” that same year. The financial details of these roles are not explicitly known. This early success set the stage for his breakthrough role in television. The following year, he starred in the Off-Broadway production of the drama “Boy” at Primary Stages. Additionally, he appeared in episodes of “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”.
“Grey’s Anatomy” and Television Stardom
In 2005, T. R. Knight landed the role of Dr. George O’Malley on ABC’s medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” a pivotal moment that significantly boosted his net worth. Initially contracted for a single season, Knight’s character resonated with audiences, extending his tenure to five seasons and 103 episodes. While his initial salary per episode is not publicly documented, it’s reasonable to assume that his compensation increased substantially over the years as the show gained popularity and his character became integral to the storyline. Leading actors in successful prime-time dramas can command substantial fees per episode, contributing significantly to their overall net worth. Although specific financial figures regarding his “Grey’s Anatomy” earnings have not been officially released, industry insiders suggest that his salary would have grown from tens of thousands to potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars per episode by the end of his run on the show. During a taping of an episode in 2007, T.R. was allegedly called a homophobic slur by his co-star Isaiah Washington. The incident also involved a physical altercation between Washington and Patrick Dempsey. In the end, Washington was fired from the show.
Post-“Grey’s Anatomy” Career
Following his departure from “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2009, T. R. Knight continued to diversify his acting portfolio, maintaining a steady stream of income through various roles in theatre, television, and film. He starred as Leo Frank in the musical “Parade” at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles in 2009, earning critical acclaim. In 2010, he returned to Broadway in “A Life in the Theatre” opposite Patrick Stewart; while specific box office earnings or individual actor salaries are not typically disclosed, these roles undoubtedly contributed to his income. Subsequent television appearances included “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” in 2011 and a recurring role on “The Good Wife” from 2012 to 2013, where he played Jordan Karahalios in seven episodes. Additionally, he appeared in the film “42” in 2013. These roles ensured consistent earnings, adding to his net worth. The specific amount he earned per episode or film appearance can vary widely depending on the project’s budget, his role size, and his negotiation skills. In 2016, he appeared in four episodes of “11.22.63” followed by six episodes of “The Catch” in 2017. The same year, he also appeared in “When We Rise” and “Genius: Einstein”. In 2018, he appeared in “Genius: Picasso”. The next year, he appeared in both “God Friended Me” and “The Bravest Knight,” voicing the main character. In 2020, T.R. remained busy, booking roles in “Will & Grace” and the miniseries “The Comey Rule.” He also landed a main role in the first season of “The Flight Attendant” and returned as a recurring cast member in the show’s second season. The cast of the show received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination in the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series category.
Real Estate Investments
In 2007, at the height of his “Grey’s Anatomy” fame, T. R. Knight invested $2.912 million in a Los Angeles home, reflecting his growing financial success. However, he listed the property for sale in September 2010 for just under $4 million but ultimately sold it in April 2011 for $2.7 million, incurring a loss. This sale price reflects a nearly $212,000 loss, which doesn’t include renovation costs. Knight reportedly invested a significant sum in renovations and lived in a rental nearby while the work was completed. This illustrates the potential risks associated with real estate investments, even for high-income individuals. Information on other real estate holdings is not available publicly.
Personal Life and Marriage
T. R. Knight is openly gay and has been married to Patrick B. Leahy, a ballet dancer and writer, since October 2013. The couple, who had been living together for six years prior, wed in Hudson, New York. While personal financial details are not publicly available, it is common for married couples to share financial responsibilities and benefits, which could indirectly impact their individual net worth. Prior to his marriage, T.R. was romantically linked to Mark Cornelsen from 2007 to 2009. Further details regarding their personal finances are not publicly accessible.
Summary of Net Worth
T. R. Knight’s estimated net worth of $4 million is the result of his successful acting career, primarily driven by his role in “Grey’s Anatomy” and supplemented by his work in theatre, film, and other television shows. While real estate investments have presented some financial setbacks, his consistent work in the entertainment industry has solidified his financial standing. It’s important to note that net worth estimations are often based on publicly available information and industry insights, and the actual figures may vary.