Kurtwood Smith: Age, Date of Birth & other info
Kurtwood Smith is a veteran American actor who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry through his versatile performances on both television and in film. Known for his compelling portrayals of tough, authoritative characters, Kurtwood Smith’s acting career spans decades, encompassing a wide range of genres and roles.
- Age: 81 years
- Date of Birth: July 3, 1943
- Birth Place: New Lisbon, Wisconsin, USA
- Weight: 154 pounds (70 kg)
- Height: 6 feet 1 inch tall (185 cm)
- Net Worth: $8 million
Early Life and Background
Kurtwood Larson Smith was born on July 3, 1943, in New Lisbon, Wisconsin, USA. He was raised in the small town of New Lisbon, where his family lived on a farm. Growing up in rural Wisconsin, Kurtwood was exposed to a variety of experiences that would later influence his acting career. His father, a farmer, and his mother, a homemaker, were of significant influence on his early life, instilling in him values of hard work and discipline. However, Smith was always interested in the arts, and it didn’t take long for him to develop a passion for acting.Kurtwood attended Harvard University, where he began to nurture his love for performance arts. He later transferred to San Jose State University in California, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts. His educational journey laid the foundation for what would become a highly successful career in the entertainment industry. Smith was not only interested in acting but also in exploring the intricacies of theater production, which gave him a well-rounded knowledge of the performance world.
Career Beginnings
Kurtwood Smith’s professional acting career began in the 1970s, though he initially took on small, often uncredited roles in TV shows and movies. His first major break came in the 1970s when he appeared on popular TV shows such as “The Rookies,” “Barnaby Jones,” and “The Waltons.” His performances during this period were solid, but it was his knack for playing complex, sometimes antagonistic roles that soon made him a recognizable face in Hollywood.One of his most significant early roles came in 1980, when he was cast in the television movie “The Final Countdown.” Although he had to fight for larger roles, his performances were always memorable, and it was clear he had the talent to tackle a wide range of characters. This laid the groundwork for his eventual rise to stardom.
Breakthrough Role: “That ’70s Show”
The real breakthrough in Kurtwood Smith’s career came when he was cast as Red Forman in the hit sitcom “That ’70s Show”. The show premiered in 1998 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, airing for eight successful seasons. Kurtwood played the role of Red Forman, a gruff, hard-nosed father figure who was both loved and feared by the teenagers in his home. His portrayal of Red was one of the defining features of the show, making him a household name.Smith’s ability to balance comedy with his more serious, no-nonsense demeanor was one of the key reasons his portrayal of Red became iconic. The character of Red Forman was memorable for his sharp humor, strict parenting style, and memorable catchphrases, such as “Dumbass” and “Get the hell out of my house.” Kurtwood Smith’s performance resonated with fans and helped elevate the series, ensuring its place in television history.Even though “That ’70s Show” ended in 2006, Kurtwood’s role as Red Forman remains one of the most recognizable in TV history, and it helped cement his status as one of Hollywood’s most reliable and respected actors.
Film Career
While Kurtwood Smith is perhaps best known for his television work, he has also built an extensive film career. Over the years, he has appeared in numerous movies, showcasing his versatility as an actor.In the early 1980s, Smith found success with the action-packed film “RoboCop” (1987), where he played the villainous character of Clarence Boddicker, a sadistic crime boss. His performance in this sci-fi classic earned him widespread recognition for his ability to play villainous characters with ease. The film’s success helped establish Kurtwood Smith as a versatile actor who could handle roles in both comedy and drama, as well as action and thriller genres.Kurtwood Smith also starred in other films such as “Dead Poets Society” (1989), where he played the role of a disciplinarian teacher, and “The Hunt for Red October” (1990), where he appeared as a CIA official. These films demonstrated Smith’s capacity to bring authority and intensity to each of his characters, regardless of the genre.In addition to his big-screen roles, Smith has lent his talents to voice acting in animated films and series. Notably, he voiced the character President X in the animated series “Futurama.” His involvement in the series allowed him to showcase his distinctive voice and further cemented his place in popular culture.
Later Work and Television Roles
As the years passed, Kurtwood Smith continued to work steadily in both television and film. After “That ‘70s Show,” Smith appeared in numerous TV series, showcasing his enduring talent. One of his prominent roles was in the critically acclaimed TV drama “24”, where he played Vice President John Keeler in the third season of the show. His portrayal of a principled yet conflicted political leader was well-received by critics and audiences alike.Kurtwood Smith’s television career didn’t stop there; he also appeared in shows such as “The X-Files,” “Boston Legal,” and “How I Met Your Mother.” His performances across these shows proved that he was capable of handling a wide array of roles, from lighthearted characters to more dramatic and complex ones.In more recent years, Smith has also made appearances in the hit Netflix series “The Ranch,” where he played the role of Sam, adding to his long-standing legacy as a versatile character actor in both comedy and drama.
Personal Life and Family
Kurtwood Smith is known to be a private individual when it comes to his personal life. He has been married twice in his lifetime. His first marriage was to Victoria Smith, and together they had two children. However, they eventually divorced, and Kurtwood remarried to Joan Pirkle, an actress, in 1988. Joan Pirkle and Kurtwood have one child together, further expanding his family.Kurtwood is extremely close to his family, and he has often mentioned in interviews how important they are to him. He has managed to maintain a relatively low-key lifestyle outside of his acting career, keeping his personal life separate from the public eye.Despite being a well-known figure in Hollywood, Smith maintains a down-to-earth demeanor and often focuses on his family and personal interests when not working. His background in a small, tight-knit family in Wisconsin appears to have greatly influenced his grounded attitude toward life and his career.
Net Worth
Kurtwood Smith’s decades-long career in both television and film has contributed significantly to his financial success. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is approximately $10 million. This wealth comes from his work in iconic roles, such as Red Forman on “That ‘70s Show” and his various film roles, including “RoboCop” and “The Hunt for Red October.”In addition to his acting career, Smith also likely enjoys earnings from his voice acting work, royalties, and the continued success of the projects he has worked on. His diversified career has allowed him to maintain a strong financial footing and sustain a comfortable lifestyle. Given his consistent work in the industry, it is expected that his net worth will continue to grow over time.
Conclusion
Kurtwood Smith’s career is a testament to his talent, versatility, and longevity in the entertainment industry. From his humble beginnings in Wisconsin to his rise as a beloved television and film actor, Smith has built a reputation for playing a wide range of roles, from the gruff Red Forman in “That ‘70s Show” to the villainous Clarence Boddicker in “RoboCop.”Throughout his career, Kurtwood has been admired for his professionalism, ability to inhabit complex characters, and his consistently strong performances. With a rich legacy in both television and film, and a net worth reflective of his dedication and success, Kurtwood Smith’s contributions to Hollywood are undeniable. His enduring popularity continues to prove that his talent knows no bounds, and he remains one of the most respected actors in the industry.
