Kathryn Erbe is a name that resonates with fans of both television and film. Known for her captivating performances, particularly as Detective Alexandra Eames on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Erbe has carved a niche for herself in the entertainment industry.
Let’s explore how she amassed this wealth and delve into her illustrious career.
Kathryn Erbe’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Kathryn Erbe, the American actress best known for her role as Detective Alexandra Eames on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, has an estimated net worth of around $8 million.
Erbe’s long-running role on the hit TV series significantly contributed to her wealth, along with her appearances in other TV shows, films, and theater productions.
Her career spans over three decades, and she has earned critical acclaim for her work in both television and stage performances, adding to her financial success and maintaining her presence in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
Kathryn Elsbeth Erbe was born on July 5, 1965, in Newton, Massachusetts. From a young age, Erbe showed a keen interest in acting.
She pursued this passion academically by attending New York University (NYU), where she honed her craft and prepared for a career in the performing arts.
Breakthrough Roles and Career Highlights
Erbe’s career took off when she was cast as the daughter of Lynn Redgrave’s character on the sitcom Chicken Soup. This role marked the beginning of her journey in television.
However, it was her role as Detective Alexandra Eames on Law & Order: Criminal Intent that truly catapulted her to fame.
She starred in this series from 2001 to 2011, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.
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Film Contributions
In addition to her television success, Erbe has appeared in several films that contributed to her net worth:
- What About Bob? (1991): A comedy where she played Anna Marvin alongside Bill Murray.
- Stir of Echoes (1999): A thriller where she starred opposite Kevin Bacon.
- Rich in Love (1993) and Kiss of Death (1995) are other notable films that showcased her versatility.
Theater Involvement
Erbe is also a seasoned theater actress. She became a member of the prestigious Steppenwolf Theatre Company, where she performed in numerous productions, including A Streetcar Named Desire and The Grapes of Wrath. Her stage work earned her a Tony Award nomination for her role in The Speed of Darkness.
Television Success Beyond Law & Order
While Law & Order: Criminal Intent remains her most iconic role, Erbe has made significant contributions to other television series:
- Oz: Played Shirley Bellinger, a death row inmate, from 1998 to 2003.
- Homicide: Life on the Street: Guest appearance in 1997.
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Reprised her role as Detective Eames in guest appearances.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Kathryn Erbe was married to actor Terry Kinney from 1993 until their divorce in 2006. They have two children together.
Beyond her professional life, Erbe is known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly advocating for autism awareness through organizations like Autism Speaks.
FAQs
1. What is Kathryn Erbe best known for?
Kathryn Erbe is best known for her role as Detective Alexandra Eames on Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001–2011), where she starred alongside Vincent D’Onofrio. She also gained recognition for playing Shirley Bellinger in HBO’s Oz (1998–2003) and Fay Ambrose in The Sinner (2017–2018).
2. When and where was Kathryn Erbe born?
Kathryn Erbe was born on July 5, 1965, in Newton, Massachusetts. She graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 1989 and began her acting career shortly after.
3. Has Kathryn Erbe won any major awards?
Erbe earned a Tony Award nomination in 1991 for her role as Mary in The Speed of Darkness. She was also part of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s production of The Grapes of Wrath, which won the 1990 Tony Award for Best Play.
4. What are Kathryn Erbe’s notable film roles?
Her film credits include What About Bob? (1991), Stir of Echoes (1999), Kiss of Death (1995), and D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994). She also appeared in independent films like Dream with the Fishes (1997) and Entropy (1999).
5. Is Kathryn Erbe married?
Erbe was married to actor Terry Kinney from 1993 to 2006. They have two children: daughter Maeve (born 1995) and son Carson (born 2003). Kinney co-founded the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, where Erbe is an ensemble member.
6. What theater work has Kathryn Erbe done?
A Steppenwolf Theatre Company member since 1993, Erbe starred in productions like A Streetcar Named Desire, Curse of the Starving Class, and The Grapes of Wrath. She also performed on Broadway in The Father (2016) and The Speed of Darkness (1991).
7. What TV shows has Kathryn Erbe appeared in besides Criminal Intent?
She guest-starred in Law & Order: SVU, How to Get Away with Murder, Blue Bloods, and The Good Fight. Earlier roles include the sitcom Chicken Soup (1989) and HBO’s Oz. She also parodied her Criminal Intent role on Last Week Tonight (2014).
8. How tall is Kathryn Erbe?
Kathryn Erbe is 5 feet 2 inches (1.57 meters) tall. Her petite stature became a trademark in her roles, including her long-running portrayal of Detective Eames.
9. What is Kathryn Erbe’s net worth?
Estimates suggest Kathryn Erbe’s net worth is around $8 million, accumulated through her extensive work in television, film, and theater over three decades.
10. What recent projects has Kathryn Erbe worked on?
Erbe starred in the off-Broadway play Ashes & Ink and the short film Don’t Pick Up. She also appeared in The Good House (2021) and Alex Strangelove (2018), maintaining an active career in both stage and screen.
