Michael Ontkean Biography: Movies, TV Shows, Age, Net Worth, Parents, Siblings, Wife, Children, Height

Michael Leonard Ontkean is a Canadian actor best known for his role as Sheriff Harry S. Truman in the iconic TV series Twin Peaks.

He built a successful career in both television and film, also starring in The Rookies and Slap Shot.

Profile

• Full Name: Michael Leonard Ontkean
• Stage Name: Michael Leonard Ontkean
• Born: January 24, 1946
• Age: 79 years old
• Birthplace: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian
• Occupation: Actor
• Height: 6 feet (183 cm)
• Parent: Leonard Ontkean, Muriel Ontkean
• Siblings: Sheri Ontkean
• Spouse: Jamie Smith Jackson
• Children: Jenna Millman, Sadie Sapphire Ontkean
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Michael Leonard Ontkean was born on January 24, 1946, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He is 79 years old. He was born to Leonard Ontkean and Muriel Ontkean. Michael grew up alongside his sister, Sheri Ontkean. Raised in a supportive family, his father, Leonard, was a professional hockey player, which influenced Michael‘s own early interest in sports.

Michael Ontkean is of Caucasian ethnicity and practices Christianity. He attended St. Michaels University School in Victoria, British Columbia, where he excelled academically and athletically, particularly in hockey.

Later, he pursued higher education at the University of New Hampshire on a hockey scholarship, where he balanced his love for sports with an emerging passion for acting, setting the stage for his future career in the entertainment industry.

Career

Michael Ontkean began his acting career in the late 1960s after moving to the United States. He initially appeared in guest roles on television shows before gaining major attention in the early 1970s. His breakthrough came when he was cast as Officer Willie Gillis on the TV series The Rookies (1972–1976), where his performance made him a familiar face on television.

In 1977, Ontkean starred in the sports comedy film Slap Shot alongside Paul Newman, playing a key role that highlighted both his acting talent and his hockey skills.

He continued to work steadily through the 1980s, appearing in films like Making Love (1982), where he earned praise for taking on a groundbreaking role in one of Hollywood’s early mainstream portrayals of a gay relationship.

His most iconic role came in 1990 when he starred as Sheriff Harry S. Truman in the cult classic TV series Twin Peaks, created by David Lynch. Ontkean‘s calm, steady presence was a perfect balance to the show’s strange and eerie atmosphere, and his performance remains one of his most celebrated.

Michael Ontkean retired from acting in the early 2010s after a career spanning over four decades, leaving behind a lasting impact through his memorable performances in both film and television.

Personal Life

Michael Ontkean has been married two times. His first marriage was to Frances E. Knight, but the relationship ended in divorce. He later married actress and design director Jamie Smith-Jackson.

Together, they had two daughters, Jenna Millman and Sadie Sapphire Ontkean. Regarding his height, Michael Ontkean stands at a height of 6 feet (183 cm).

Filmography

• Twin Peaks (1990-1991) – Sheriff Harry S. Truman
• Slap Shot (1977) – Dave “Killer” Carlson
• The Rookies (1972-1976) – Officer Mike Danko
• The Sacketts (1979) – William T. “Tate” Sackett

Net Worth

Michael Ontkean has an estimated net worth of $5 million. His wealth primarily comes from his long and successful acting career, which spanned over four decades.

He earned significant income from his starring roles in popular television series like The Rookies and Twin Peaks, as well as from films such as Slap Shot and Making Love.

Even after stepping away from acting, Ontkean‘s work continues to generate earnings through reruns, syndication, and continued fan interest in his classic projects.