Tommy Lee Jones
Actor, director
Born
September 15, 1946
Birthplace
San Saba, Texas, USA
Nationality
American
Net Worth
$100 million (2026 est.)
Known For
The Fugitive; Men in Black; No Country for Old Men; Lonesome Dove
Tommy Lee Jones Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Tommy Lee Jones |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 15, 1946 |
| Age | 79 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | San Saba, Texas, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, director |
| Years Active | 1969-present |
| Height | 6 ft (1.83 m) |
| Spouse | Married to Dawn Laurel-Jones (2001-present) |
| Children | 2 |
| Net Worth | ~$100 million |
| Known For | Deadpan intensity and authoritative screen presence |
Early Life & Background
Jones grew up in Texas, earned a scholarship to St. Mark's School of Texas, and later graduated cum laude from Harvard College, where he roomed with future Vice President Al Gore. He played guard on Harvard's undefeated 1968 football team before moving to New York to pursue acting.
Career Journey
Stage and Television Beginnings
Jones debuted on Broadway in A Patriot for Me (1969) and gained TV recognition on the soap opera One Life to Live. His portrayal of Howard Hughes in the 1980 TV film The Amazing Howard Hughes drew critical praise.
Film Stardom & Oscar Win
He became a household name with Coal Miner's Daughter, JFK, and Under Siege. His performance as U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard in The Fugitive (1993) earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Franchise and Dramatic Work
Jones co-led Men in Black alongside Will Smith, starred in No Country for Old Men, In the Valley of Elah, and the miniseries Lonesome Dove. He directed and starred in The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada and the 2014 western The Homesman.
Recent Projects
Jones appeared in Wander (2020), The Comeback Trail (2021), and narrated National Geographic's The Long Ride Home. He continues to act selectively while managing cattle ranches.
Current Work
In 2026 Jones is filming the legal drama Verdict's Edge opposite Viola Davis, directing a neo-western miniseries Barbed Wire Sky for Paramount+, and lending his voice to a Ken Burns documentary about Texas history.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Coal Miner's Daughter | Doolittle Lynn | Golden Globe nomination |
| 1993 | The Fugitive | Sam Gerard | Academy Award win |
| 1995 | Batman Forever | Two-Face | Comic book role |
| 1997-2012 | Men in Black Series | Agent K | Sci-fi comedy |
| 2007 | No Country for Old Men | Sheriff Ed Tom Bell | Best Picture winner |
| 2005 | The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada | Pete Perkins | Cannes award for directing |
| 2012 | Lincoln | Thaddeus Stevens | Oscar nomination |
| 2026 | Verdict's Edge | Judge Calhoun | Upcoming drama |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actor | The Fugitive | Won |
| 2006 | Cannes Film Festival | Best Actor | The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada | Won |
| 2008 | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Cast | No Country for Old Men | Won |
| 2013 | Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Lincoln | Nominated |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$100 million (2026)
Jones earns from film salaries, directing fees, ranching operations in Texas and Argentina, polo horses, and real estate holdings in Wellington, Florida.
Personal Life
He resides on a 3,000-acre ranch near San Antonio, speaking fluent Spanish and Portuguese with ranch staff. Jones is passionate about polo, often competing in charity matches, and prefers a quiet life away from Hollywood.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
Jones supports the International League for the Protection of Horses, Texas cultural institutions, and Harvard scholarships. He donates to conservation groups preserving the Rio Grande watershed.
Social Media Presence
Jones avoids social media entirely; official announcements come via publicists or studio press releases.
Lesser-Known Facts
- He helped design parts of the San Antonio polo fields he owns.
- Jones portrayed Al Gore in a collegiate production, foreshadowing their lifelong friendship.
- He directed a Lonesome Dove sequel for TV in 1995.
- Jones loves welding and crafts ranch gates himself.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Jones is wrapping Verdict's Edge in New Orleans, scouting Texas locations for Barbed Wire Sky, and preparing to host the 2026 San Antonio Polo Classic benefiting veterans' medical centers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Tommy Lee Jones?
Tommy Lee Jones is an American actor and director known for The Fugitive, Men in Black, No Country for Old Men, and numerous westerns.
What is Tommy Lee Jones most famous for?
He is most famous for his Oscar-winning role in The Fugitive and for playing Agent K in Men in Black.
Is Tommy Lee Jones active on social media?
No. Jones stays off social media; fans rely on official press releases for updates.