Tim Roth – Biography, Movies, Net Worth & Career Highlights
Tim Roth built a career that spans gritty British social realism, Quentin Tarantino’s indie masterpieces, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From his breakthrough in Reservoir Dogs to his BAFTA-winning turn in Rob Roy, the English actor has consistently chosen roles that defy easy categorisation.
Born in London in 1961, Roth came up through the theatre and early television before finding international fame. His filmography includes cult classics, award-winning dramas, and blockbuster franchises – a versatility that keeps audiences curious about his life and work.
This article answers the most common questions about Tim Roth’s movies, personal details, and financial standing, drawing on verified sources.
Tim Roth: Career Highlights & Most Famous Movies and TV Shows
- Roth rose to prominence in the 1980s as part of the “Brit Pack” but gained worldwide fame through collaborations with Quentin Tarantino.
- He won a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor for Rob Roy and received an Academy Award nomination for the same role.
- His career moves seamlessly between independent dramas (Reservoir Dogs, Funny Games) and major studio productions (Planet of the Apes, Marvel films).
- Roth directed one feature – The War Zone (1999) – which earned critical praise.
- He spent three seasons as the lead in the TV series Lie to Me (2009–2011).
- He returned to the role of Emil Blonsky / Abomination in Shang‑Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) and She‑Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022).
- According to IMDb, Roth has amassed 20 wins and 29 nominations across his career.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Timothy Simon Roth (some sources list Timothy Simon Smith) |
| Birth Date | 14 May 1961 |
| Birth Place | Dulwich / Lambeth, London, England |
| Height | 5′ 8″ (1.73 m) |
| First Movie | The Hit (1984) |
| Famous Roles | Mr. Orange in Reservoir Dogs, Pumpkin in Pulp Fiction, Abomination in The Incredible Hulk |
| Notable Award | BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor (Rob Roy) |
| Spouse | Nikki Butler (married 1993) |
What was Tim Roth’s first movie?
Tim Roth’s first feature film was The Hit (1984), a British crime drama directed by Stephen Frears. Before that, his acting debut came in the television film Made in Britain (1982), which he made at age 21. Both roles established him as a compelling screen presence early in his career. For fans of British actors who crossed into Hollywood, the Benicio Del Toro biography and awards offers a similar trajectory.
Who did Tim Roth play in Pulp Fiction?
In Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction (1994), Roth played “Pumpkin” (also called Ringo), a small‑time robber who holds up a diner alongside his partner Yolanda (Amanda Plummer). The opening and closing scenes frame the entire film, and Roth’s performance is considered one of the most memorable cameos in modern cinema.
Who did Tim Roth play in the Hulk movies?
Roth portrayed Emil Blonsky / Abomination in The Incredible Hulk (2008). He reprised the role more than a decade later in Shang‑Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) and the Disney+ series She‑Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022). The character is a former soldier who transforms into a gamma‑powered monster, becoming one of the MCU’s earliest antagonists.
Key Facts: Tim Roth’s Early Life, Age, Height, and Family
Timothy Simon Roth was born on 14 May 1961 in Dulwich, London. His father, Ernie Roth, worked as a journalist and was a former member of the British Communist Party; his mother, Anne Roth, was a landscape painter and schoolteacher. Roth studied sculpture at Camberwell Art College before deciding to pursue acting. According to his IMDb biography, he stands 5 feet 8 inches tall.
Early life and rise
Growing up in a middle‑class household, Roth was drawn to the arts from an early age. He began acting in the early 1980s, making his television debut in Made in Britain and his film debut in The Hit. By 1990 he had earned critical acclaim for roles in Vincent & Theo and Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, the latter directed by Tom Stoppard.
Physical attributes
Roth stands 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) tall, according to his Rotten Tomatoes profile. This detail is often searched by fans curious about his on‑screen presence compared with co‑stars.
Roth married Nikki Butler in 1993. They have three sons: Timothy Hunter, Michael Cormac, and Jack. The names are drawn from public records and verified biographies, though the family keeps a relatively private profile.
Tim Roth: Net Worth & Financial Standing
Tim Roth’s net worth is a frequently asked question, but no single authoritative figure exists. Estimates – compiled from entertainment finance sites and interviews – typically range between $10 million and $15 million. This range accounts for his income from films, television (notably Lie to Me), directing, and voice work.
Net worth figures for actors are almost always estimates. Roth has not publicly disclosed his personal finances, and different sources may arrive at different numbers. The $10–15 million range should be treated as an informed guess rather than a confirmed fact.
Roth’s long career includes both high‑profile studio paydays (e.g., Marvel films) and smaller independent projects that may pay less upfront. Royalties from ongoing streaming of Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs also contribute. No reliable source has audited his total wealth.
Tim Roth’s Career Timeline: From The Hit to the MCU
- 1982 – Acting debut in the TV film Made in Britain.
- 1984 – First feature film role in The Hit.
- 1990 – Acclaimed performances in Vincent & Theo and Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead.
- 1992 – Plays Mr. Orange in Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs.
- 1994 – Stars as Pumpkin in Pulp Fiction.
- 1995 – Wins BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor in Rob Roy; receives Oscar nomination. His Britannica entry details this period.
- 1999 – Directs his first and only feature film, The War Zone.
- 2001 – Plays the ape general Thade in Planet of the Apes.
- 2008 – Debuts as Emil Blonsky / Abomination in The Incredible Hulk.
- 2021–2022 – Returns as Abomination in Shang‑Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and She‑Hulk: Attorney at Law.
What We Know for Sure and What Remains Unclear About Tim Roth
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Tim Roth is a British actor born in 1961. | His exact net worth is not publicly verified; estimates range from $10–15 million. |
| He played Mr. Orange in Reservoir Dogs and Pumpkin in Pulp Fiction. | Some personal details about his children (e.g., their careers) are not widely reported. |
| He won a BAFTA and was nominated for an Academy Award for Rob Roy. | His birth surname is sometimes listed as Smith instead of Roth, with no definitive public explanation. |
| He is married to Nikki Butler since 1993 and has three sons. | Future MCU appearances as Abomination have not been officially confirmed. |
Understanding Tim Roth’s Place in Film History
Roth’s career became a case study in how actors navigate the shift from physical media to streaming. He came of age during the VHS era, when independent films like Reservoir Dogs found cult audiences on tape. Today, his work reaches new viewers through platforms such as Netflix and Disney+. As Wikipedia notes, he has been a prominent member of the Brit Pack.
His roles often subvert genre expectations. Playing a sympathetic villain in a superhero film (The Incredible Hulk) while also being known for complex anti‑heroes in Tarantino’s movies shows a deliberate choice to blend character work with mainstream appeal. The “Brit Pack” label that followed him in the 1980s provides a cultural lens to understand his early film choices and his lasting impact on British cinema.
Key Sources and Quotes on Tim Roth’s Career
“Timothy Simon Roth (/rɒθ/; born 14 May 1961) is an English actor. A prominent member of the Brit Pack group, his accolades include a BAFTA Award…”
“Actor: Rob Roy. Actor Tim Roth was born Timothy Simon Roth on May 14, 1961 in Lambeth, London, England.”
– IMDb
“Birthday: May 14, 1961. Birthplace: Dulwich, London, UK – budget Hollywood with major roles in Planet of the Apes (2001) and The Incredible Hulk (2008).”
Tim Roth’s Legacy and Continuing Career
Tim Roth remains a distinctive figure in film and television, equally at home in a Tarantino classic, a Marvel blockbuster, or a quiet indie drama. His willingness to take risks has kept his career fresh across four decades. For fans of similar actors, the biography of Benicio Del Toro – Biography, Movies, Awards & Facts offers a comparable journey through the independent and mainstream film worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tim Roth’s height?
Tim Roth is approximately 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) tall, based on his IMDb biography.
What was Tim Roth’s first movie?
His first feature film was The Hit (1984). He made his acting debut earlier in the TV film Made in Britain (1982).
Who are Tim Roth’s children?
He has three sons: Timothy Hunter, Michael Cormac, and Jack, according to public records.
What is Tim Roth’s net worth?
Estimates put his net worth between $10 million and $15 million. This is an unverified range based on industry reports.
What is Tim Roth known for?
He is best known for his roles in Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Rob Roy, and as Abomination in Marvel’s The Incredible Hulk and later MCU projects.
Did Tim Roth win an Oscar?
He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Rob Roy (1995) but did not win.
Is Tim Roth still acting?
Yes. He recently appeared in She‑Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022) and continues to take film and television roles.
Why is Tim Roth’s last name sometimes Smith?
Some sources list his birth name as Timothy Simon Smith. Roth himself has used the name Roth professionally; the exact reason for the discrepancy is not publicly documented.
What is Tim Roth’s most famous role?
Many fans point to Mr. Orange in Reservoir Dogs or Pumpkin in Pulp Fiction as his most iconic parts.
Has Tim Roth directed any films?
He directed one feature: The War Zone (1999), which received critical praise.
More related posts
Douglas Murray – Biography, Books, and Political Views in 2025
Eddie Munson – The Stranger Things Character Guide
Charles De Gaulle – The Leader Who Shaped Modern France
Carol Smillie – Biography, Net Worth, and Life After Television
Aisha Tyler: Biography, Personal Life, and Career
Benicio Del Toro – Biography, Movies, Awards & Facts
Bernard Bresslaw – Full Biography of the Carry On Star
Dennis Cleveland Stewart – Cause of Death, Partner and Grease Role
