What Is T. R. Knight’s Net Worth
T. R. Knight, the American actor recognized for his stage presence and television roles, has accumulated a net worth of $4 million. This financial standing reflects his diverse career, which spans Broadway, off-Broadway productions, and prominent roles in television dramas.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Theodore Raymond Knight on March 26, 1973, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, his early life laid the foundation for his future acting career. From kindergarten through eighth grade, he attended Annunciation Catholic School. At the age of 12, Knight’s involvement with the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis marked his formal introduction to the world of theatre. After completing eighth grade, he received the Connors Foundation Scholarship, which facilitated his apprenticeship at the Children’s Theatre Company. High school years were spent at the Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield. During this time, alongside his brother, he worked at the local Red Owl supermarket. While the specific wages earned at Red Owl aren’t publicly documented, these early jobs provided a sense of financial responsibility and supplemented his family’s income. Knight briefly attended the University of St. Thomas after high school, but he later dropped out. His early career breakthrough came with leading roles at the Guthrie Theater, solidifying his decision to pursue acting professionally.
Broadway and Off-Broadway Success
Knight’s career trajectory shifted significantly when he moved to New York City to pursue acting full-time. In 2001, he made his Broadway debut in the revival of “Noises Off,” where he starred opposite Patti LuPone. While specific financial details of his Broadway contracts are not publicly available, leading roles in such productions often command substantial salaries. In 2003, he played Damis in “Tartuffe.” That 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. These nominations and roles enhanced his reputation and marketability in the industry. Although precise earnings from “Scattergood” are not disclosed, Off-Broadway productions often pay competitive wages depending on the theatre and the production’s budget.
Breakthrough Role in “Grey’s Anatomy”
In 2005, T. R. Knight landed his most notable role as Dr. George O’Malley on the ABC medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy.” Originally slated for just one season, Knight’s character became a fan favorite, extending his tenure on the show for five seasons. He appeared in 103 episodes from 2005 to 2009. While precise salary details from his “Grey’s Anatomy” contract are not fully public, sources suggest that actors in major roles on successful network dramas can earn between $125,000 to $300,000 per episode, particularly as their tenure and popularity increase. Assuming an average of $200,000 per episode over 103 episodes, Knight’s earnings from “Grey’s Anatomy” could have totaled around $20.6 million before taxes and other deductions. It is critical to note that these figures are estimates based on industry standards and reports, and the actual amounts may vary.
Post-“Grey’s Anatomy” Career Ventures
Following his departure from “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2009, Knight continued to pursue various acting opportunities in theater, television, and film. In 2009, he starred as Leo Frank in a production of the musical “Parade” at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. His return to Broadway in 2010 saw him in “A Life in the Theatre” as John, opposite Patrick Stewart. In 2011, he made an appearance in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” From 2012 to 2013, he appeared in seven episodes of “The Good Wife” as Jordan Karahalios. In 2013, he appeared in the film “42,” a biographical sports drama. 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. While specific pay rates for these roles fluctuate, guest appearances in television shows generally range from a few thousand dollars per episode to tens of thousands for more prominent roles. His consistent work across these different platforms has ensured a steady income stream, contributing to his overall net worth.
Real Estate Investments
In 2007, T. R. Knight invested in a home in Los Angeles, purchasing it for $2.912 million. In September 2010, he listed the property for sale at just under $4 million. However, the real estate market downturn led to a sale in April 2011 for $2.7 million, resulting in a financial loss on the sale price. Furthermore, Knight had undertaken substantial renovations before moving in, reportedly living in a rental nearby for a year while the work was completed. The cost of these renovations would have added to the overall financial impact of the sale, exacerbating the loss. While the exact address of this property isn’t publicly available, real estate records confirm the purchase and sale details, demonstrating a significant financial transaction within his portfolio. Although this particular investment did not yield a profit, real estate remains a common strategy for wealth management and diversification among high-net-worth individuals.
Additional Income Streams and Personal Life
Beyond his acting roles, T. R. Knight’s income is also supplemented by residuals from his television appearances. Residuals are payments made to actors for the reuse of their work, providing a steady, albeit variable, income stream over time. The exact amount of residuals Knight receives annually is not public, but it contributes to his financial stability. Knight is openly gay and married Patrick B. Leahy, a ballet dancer and writer, in October 2013 in Hudson, New York. Prior to their marriage, they had been living together for six years. Before Leahy, Knight was linked to Mark Cornelsen from 2007 to 2009. These personal details do not directly impact his net worth, but they provide a holistic view of his life beyond his professional career.
Net Worth Summary
T. R. Knight’s net worth of $4 million is primarily derived from his earnings as an actor across various platforms. His early stage work, combined with his prominent role in “Grey’s Anatomy” and subsequent television and film appearances, have collectively contributed to his financial standing. While he experienced a loss in real estate investments, his consistent employment and potential residual income continue to support his net worth. The specific breakdown of his assets and liabilities is not publicly available, but his career trajectory and investment choices reflect a strategic approach to building and maintaining financial stability.