Jonny Lee Miller has built a solid name in the film and television world. Known for his intense performances and sharp on-screen presence, Miller has become a respected figure in the entertainment industry. As of now, his net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, built through a long career in both film and television.
At 51 years old, Miller continues to work on big projects, balancing his love for theatre, TV, and movies. Whether it’s cult films like Trainspotting or long-running TV shows like Elementary, he has consistently delivered strong performances that have earned him both critical and commercial success.
Early Life and Background
Jonny Lee Miller was born Jonathan Lee Miller on November 15, 1972, in Kingston upon Thames, Greater London, England. Acting runs in his blood—his grandfather was Bernard Lee, who famously played M in the early James Bond films. This connection to classic cinema likely helped spark his interest in performance from a young age.
Miller studied at the Tiffin School in Kingston, where he participated in school plays. He later attended the National Youth Music Theatre, sharing time there with other future stars like Jude Law. These early experiences laid the foundation for what would become a successful acting career.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Jonny’s professional acting journey began with guest roles in British TV dramas. One of his earliest appearances was on the legendary soap opera EastEnders, where he played Jonathan Hewitt in two episodes. Though short, these early gigs gave him exposure and experience in front of the camera.
His breakthrough role came in 1995 when he starred in the cult classic Hackers alongside Angelina Jolie. While the film wasn’t a big box office hit at the time, it later became a favorite among fans of cyberpunk culture and 90s cinema. The film didn’t just shape his career—it also led to a brief marriage with Jolie. The two were married from 1996 to 1999.
A year later, Miller’s career took off when he starred as Sick Boy in Danny Boyle’s iconic film Trainspotting. The movie was a critical and commercial success, putting Miller in the global spotlight and giving him a role that fans still associate him with.
Diverse Roles and Continued Growth
Jonny Lee Miller’s career didn’t slow down after Trainspotting. He moved between film and TV, taking roles that showed off his range as an actor. His work in The Flying Scotsman, where he portrayed cyclist Graeme Obree, earned strong reviews. He also starred in Endgame, Dark Shadows, and the vampire drama Byzantium.
On the small screen, Miller built a steady career. He appeared in seven episodes of Smith as Tom and played Jordan Chase in Season 5 of Dexter, appearing in eight episodes. These roles kept him visible to audiences in both the UK and the US.
However, it was his leading role in the ABC series Eli Stone (2008–2009) that solidified his status as a television star. He played the title character, a lawyer who begins having visions, across 26 episodes. The show mixed legal drama with fantasy elements and built a loyal fanbase.
Success with Elementary
In 2012, Jonny Lee Miller took on one of his most recognized roles—Sherlock Holmes in the CBS crime drama Elementary. Co-starring Lucy Liu as Dr. Joan Watson, the show put a modern twist on the legendary detective story.
The series ran for seven seasons, and Miller appeared in every episode, with the show eventually totaling 154 episodes. His performance was praised for offering a new take on Sherlock—less cold, more human, but still brilliant.
During the show’s run, it was reported that Miller earned $100,000 per episode, which significantly boosted his financial standing. This steady income over several seasons played a big part in building his current $10 million net worth.
Real Estate and Lifestyle
In 2012, Miller sold a three-bedroom property in Hollywood Hills, California. While the exact sale price wasn’t publicly disclosed, it was reported to be in line with the market value at the time, which contributed to his financial profile.
Miller has always lived a relatively low-key lifestyle compared to many Hollywood stars. He’s not known for extravagant spending or public controversy. Instead, he seems to prefer focusing on his work and personal life.
Family and Personal Life
As mentioned earlier, Miller was briefly married to Angelina Jolie from 1996 to 1999. The two met while filming Hackers, and though their marriage was short, they remained on good terms after the divorce.
In 2008, Jonny married Michelle Hicks, an actress and former model. The couple has a son together. Despite being in the public eye for most of his life, Miller has managed to keep his personal life private. He rarely shares details about his family, choosing instead to let his work speak for itself.
Theatre and Artistic Depth
While known mostly for his film and TV roles, Miller has a strong passion for theatre. In 2011, he starred in Danny Boyle’s stage production of Frankenstein at the National Theatre in London. What made this production unique was that Miller and co-star Benedict Cumberbatch alternated roles each night—one playing Dr. Frankenstein and the other playing the Creature.
The performance earned both actors critical acclaim and helped show off Miller’s ability to take on physically and emotionally demanding roles on stage.
Final Thoughts
Jonny Lee Miller might not chase the spotlight, but his career is a great example of long-term success in entertainment. He’s played cult heroes, classic characters, and even real-life figures—with each role adding depth to his portfolio.
With a current net worth of $10 million, a career that spans over three decades, and roles that continue to evolve, Miller remains one of the most respected talents in both British and American acting circles. Whether he’s cracking cases as Sherlock or lighting up the theatre stage, Jonny Lee Miller is far from done.
