Doug Savant Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Movies, TV Shows, Career

Douglas Peter Savant, known professionally as Doug Savant, is an American actor best recognized for his role as Tom Scavo on the ABC hit series Desperate Housewives (2004–2012), where he portrayed the loving yet beleaguered husband of Lynette Scavo (Felicity Huffman).

He first gained prominence as Matt Fielding, one of television’s first openly gay characters, on Melrose Place (1992–1997).

Savant’s career spans over four decades, including early film roles in Teen Wolf (1985) and Masquerade (1988), and guest appearances on shows like NYPD Blue and 24.

Profile

• Full Name: Douglas Peter Savant
• Stage Name: Doug Savant
• Born: June 21, 1964
• Age: 61 years old
• Birthplace: Burbank, California, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor
• Height: 1.78m
• Parents: Daniel Louis Savant and Mary Bernadette Porterfield
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Laura Leighton (m. 1998), Dawn Marie Dunkin (m. 1983–1997)
• Children: Arianna Josephine Savant, Madeline Marie Savant, Jack Douglas Savant, Lucy Jane Leighton Savant
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $3 million

Early Life and Education

Douglas Peter Savant was born on June 21, 1964, in Burbank, California, to Daniel Louis Savant, a film producer, and Mary Bernadette Porterfield, a homemaker, growing up in the heart of Hollywood’s entertainment ecosystem.

He might have had siblings but details about them are unknown.

Savant attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he studied drama but left before graduating to pursue acting full-time after landing his first television role.

His formative years in Burbank exposed him to the industry, with childhood visits to studio lots shaping his career path.

His ethnicity is Caucasian, and he was raised Catholic.

Career

Doug Savant launched his acting career in the mid-1980s with a supporting role as Brad in the cult classic Teen Wolf (1985), followed by appearances in Trick or Treat (1986) and Masquerade (1988).

His breakthrough came in 1992 when cast as Matt Fielding on Melrose Place, a groundbreaking gay character whose storyline tackled homophobia and AIDS awareness, earning Savant praise for his sensitive portrayal.

The role ran for five seasons, establishing him as a reliable dramatic actor.

He followed with guest spots on The Outer Limits and Profiler, and a recurring role on NYPD Blue (1998).

His film work included Godzilla (1998) and Dropping Out (2000).

Savant’s career peaked with Desperate Housewives (2004–2012), where he played Tom Scavo, a devoted father navigating marriage and career challenges, earning two Screen Actors Guild Awards for ensemble performance in 2005 and 2006.

He reprised the role in the 2013 Devious Maids pilot.

Post-Housewives, Savant appeared in Criminal Minds, Rizzoli & Isles, and NCIS, while voicing characters in animated series.

He took a step back from heavy schedules to focus on family, returning selectively with roles in 9-1-1: Lone Star (2021) and The Rookie (2023).

His theater work includes regional productions of The Glass Menagerie.

Doug Savant remains active in television, with recent guest appearances and voice work in video games.

He advocates for LGBTQ+ representation in media, reflecting on his Melrose Place legacy.

Savant mentors young actors through UCLA workshops and supports autism awareness, inspired by family experiences.

His enduring appeal lies in his everyman charm and dedication to character-driven roles.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @dougsavant
• Facebook Handle: Unknown
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Doug Savant has been married to actress Laura Leighton since May 2, 1998; the couple share two children—Jack Douglas (born 2000) and Lucy Jane (born 2005).

From his first marriage to Dawn Marie Dunkin (1983–1997), he has two daughters—Arianna Josephine (born 1992) and Madeline Marie (born 1993).

Savant is a devoted father, often prioritizing family over high-profile projects.

His marriage to Leighton, a co-star from Melrose Place, is celebrated for its longevity in Hollywood.

Filmography

• Teen Wolf (1985)
• Melrose Place (1992–1997)
• Godzilla (1998)
• Desperate Housewives (2004–2012)
• 9-1-1: Lone Star (2021)

Net Worth

Doug Savant has an estimated net worth of $3 million.

His wealth primarily stems from his long-running roles on Melrose Place and Desperate Housewives, with residuals from syndication.

Guest appearances, voice work, and real estate investments in California contribute significantly.