ACTOR · BORN 1961
Tim Roth
- Born
- 14 May 1961, London, England, UK
- Known for
- Pulp Fiction (1994), Reservoir Dogs (1992), Planet of the Apes (2001), Dark Water (2005)
81 archived facts 6 topics 1 source Last reviewed Nov 2026
Tim Roth (born 14 May 1961) is an actor best known for Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs and Planet of the Apes.
81 Interesting Facts About Tim Roth
Interesting Facts (11)
- #001
Tim Roth and Gary Oldman have been close friends since the days they worked together in London theatre. This friendship brought them together on both stage and screen. The pair appeared together in the 1983 film 'Meantime' and the 1990 film 'Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead', projects that further cemented their friendship.
- #002
Spoiler: Tim Roth was sexually abused in childhood by his father's father. He first shared this traumatic experience publicly during promotion for 'The War Zone' (1999), his first film as a director, which deals with incest and sexual violence within a family. Roth, who at the time avoided naming the perpetrator, admitted in a December 2016 interview with The Guardian that his abuser was his grandfather. This disclosure lays bare his courage and his determination to confront the pain he endured.
- #003
During his school years, Tim Roth developed his distinctive Cockney accent in order to fit in with his classmates and avoid being bullied. This accent became an inseparable part of his identity and played an important role in his career. Roth's experience demonstrates his ability to cope with difficulties and to adapt to his surroundings.
- #004
Tim Roth appeared on the cover of the Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers' 2010 album 'Postcards from a Young Man'. Roth's choice to appear in this image reveals his artistic range and his influence across different fields.
- #005
Tim Roth, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Daniel Day-Lewis, Bruce Payne and Paul McGann were part of a group of actors labelled the 'Brit pack' by the media in the mid-1980s. The name was coined as a nod to the American 'Brat Pack'. The group drew attention as the rising stars of British cinema, and many of them went on to achieve great success internationally.
- #006
Tim Roth turned down the role of Johnny Rotten in 'Sid and Nancy' (1986) because he felt the film told a history that was 'too recent'. By rejecting this role, Roth put his own values first.
- #007
Tim Roth apologised for appearing in 'United Passions' (2014) and admitted that he accepted the film only for the money. This statement shows Roth's sincerity and that he has at times acted out of commercial concerns in his career. Roth's admission reveals his artistic honesty and his courage in acknowledging his mistakes.
- #008
Tim Roth has a son, Jack Roth (b. 1984), from his relationship with Lori Baker. Jack Roth has followed his father into an acting career, but Tim Roth and Jack Roth have not yet appeared in a project together. This is notable in that the father's and son's careers have not intersected.
- #009
Tim Roth ranked 16th on Tropopkin's list of the '25 Most Interesting People'. The list shows that he draws attention not only as an actor but also as an interesting personality. His inclusion on the list reveals that there are many intriguing aspects to his career and personal life.
- #010
Tim Roth had to shoot a scene with Charlton Heston in 'Planet of the Apes' (2001). Because Roth supports gun control and has criticized the NRA, he was uncomfortable sharing a scene with Heston, who was president of the NRA at the time. Roth has said that although he did his job professionally, the experience was difficult for him and that he would not have accepted the film had he known he would have to shoot a scene with Heston.
- #011
Tim Roth was one of the first actors/models to get the fashionable 'tribal thorn' tattoo around his arm. The tattoo reflects how open he was to the trends of the time and his personal style. With this tattoo, Roth both created a visual statement and led the fashion of the era.
Behind the Scenes (40)
- #012
Tim Roth began his acting career without any formal training. Throughout his career, Roth more than compensated for this lack with the roles he took on, giving audiences unforgettable characters.
- #013
Tim Roth and Gary Oldman have been very close friends since the days they worked together in London theatre. This friendship brought them together in both the stage and film worlds. The pair appeared together in the 1983 film 'Meantime' and the 1990 film 'Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead', and these shared projects further cemented their friendship.
- #014
Spoiler: In his childhood, Tim Roth was sexually abused by his father's father. He first shared this traumatic experience with the public during the promotion of 'The War Zone' (1999), his first film as a director, which deals with incest and sexual violence within a family. At the time, Roth avoided disclosing the identity of the perpetrator, but in an interview with The Guardian in December 2016 he admitted that his abuser was his grandfather. This statement laid bare his courage and his determination to confront the pain he had experienced.
- #015
Although Tim Roth has achieved great fame in his acting career, he still tends bar from time to time. For Roth, bartending can perhaps be seen as a way of stepping away from the intensity that acting brings and opening the door to a different world.
- #016
When Anthony Hopkins was reluctant to reprise the role of Hannibal Lecter in 'Hannibal' (2001), the producers considered Tim Roth for this iconic character. In the end, however, Hopkins accepted the role and Roth missed out on the opportunity.
- #017
Tim Roth accepted the villain role of Emil Blonsky in 'The Incredible Hulk' (2008) in order to please his sons. This decision reveals the importance he places on family ties and how much his children's wishes can influence his career choices. Through this role, Roth both created a shared interest with his children and brought an unforgettable character to life in the Marvel universe.
- #018
Tim Roth was considered for the role of Severus Snape in 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' (2001). However, he turned down the offer, preferring to appear in Tim Burton's remake of 'Planet of the Apes' (1968). Roth's choice demonstrates his interest in projects across different genres and his willingness to take risks.
- #019
Tim Roth's acting career began entirely by coincidence. One day, while looking for a pump for his bicycle, he entered a theatre and saw that auditions were being held for the film 'Made in Britain' (1982), and he was asked to take part. On this unexpected invitation, Roth attended the audition, won the lead role and took his first step in his career.
- #020
During his school years, Tim Roth developed his distinctive Cockney accent in order to fit in with his classmates and avoid being bullied. This accent became an inseparable part of his identity and also played an important role in his career. Roth's experience demonstrates his ability to cope with difficulties and his capacity to adapt to his surroundings.
- #021
Tim Roth appeared on the cover of the Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers' 2010 album 'Postcards from a Young Man'. Roth's choice to appear in this image reveals his artistic versatility and his influence across different fields.
- #022
Tim Roth, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Daniel Day-Lewis, Bruce Payne and Paul McGann were part of a group of actors labelled the 'Brit pack' by the media in the mid-1980s. The name was coined as a nod to the American 'Brat Pack'. This group drew attention as the rising stars of British cinema, and many of them went on to achieve great success internationally.
- #023
Tim Roth's father was born in the Sheepshead Bay neighbourhood of Brooklyn, New York, into an English immigrant family of Irish origin. His mother is English. During World War II, Tim's father changed the family name from 'Smith' to 'Roth' as a show of solidarity with Jewish people. This name change was an important turning point in the family's history and played a part in shaping Tim Roth's identity.
- #024
On Tim Roth's right arm there are tattoos symbolising important events in his life. As of 2010, the number of these tattoos had reached eight. Each tattoo represents moments that left a mark on Roth's life and personal turning points. These tattoos are like a diary that tells the story of his life in a visual language.
- #025
Tim Roth turned down the role of Johnny Rotten in 'Sid and Nancy' (1986) because he felt the film dealt with a period that was 'too close' in time. By rejecting this role, Roth put his own values first.
- #026
Tim Roth was considered for the role of Lieutenant Archie Hilcox in Quentin Tarantino's 'Inglourious Basterds' (2009). The role ultimately went to Michael Fassbender. Roth's consideration for the part shows how highly Tarantino regarded him as an actor. Fassbender's performance, meanwhile, earned a significant place in the film.
- #027
Tim Roth, himself a former art student, has played artist characters at least three times over the course of his career. The first of these was Vincent Van Gogh in 'Vincent & Theo' (1990). He also brought to life Jack Craig in the 'Easel Kill Ya' episode of the series 'Tales from the Crypt' (1989) and Joey, a former convict with a talent for drawing, in 'No Way Home' (1996).
- #028
Tim Roth was offered the lead role in 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' (1994). The offer could have been a major opportunity in his career. Roth turned the role down, however, and Hugh Grant took the lead in the film. The decision set Roth on a different course in his career and shows how decisive his choices have been.
- #029
Tim Roth has two sons from his marriage to Nikki Butler: Timothy (b. 1995) and Cormac (b. 1996). These children are an important part of Roth's family life. Roth has taken on fatherhood as seriously as he has acting and has built a close relationship with his children.
- #030
Tim Roth was among the actors competing for the role of the young Obi-Wan Kenobi in 'Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace' (1999). The role ultimately went to Ewan McGregor. Roth's consideration for the part shows that he was a sought-after name for big-budget productions as well. Not landing the role, however, sent his career in a different direction.
- #031
Tim Roth apologised for appearing in 'United Passions' (2014) and admitted that he took the film only for the money. The statement shows Roth's candour and that he has at times been guided by commercial concerns in his career. His admission lays bare his artistic honesty and his courage in owning up to his mistakes.
- #032
Tim Roth was considered for the role of Dr. Frederick Chilton in 'Red Dragon' (2002). The role ultimately went to Anthony Heald. Roth's consideration for the part shows that he was seen as suited to characters in the Hannibal Lecter universe. Not landing the role, however, meant the loss of a significant opportunity in his career.
- #033
Tim Roth turned down the roles of Seth Gecko and Pete Bottoms in 'From Dusk Till Dawn' (1996) because of a scheduling conflict. The roles ultimately went to George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino. Roth's decision marked a major turning point in his career, and how his career might have taken shape had he appeared in the film remains a subject of curiosity.
- #034
Tim Roth has a son named Jack Roth (b. 1984) from his relationship with Lori Baker. Jack Roth has followed his father into an acting career. Tim Roth and Jack Roth have not yet appeared in a project together, however. The fact that the father's and son's careers have not intersected is an interesting one.
- #035
Tim Roth turned down the role of Professor Severus Snape in the 'Harry Potter' series in order to appear in 'Planet of the Apes' (2001). The role ultimately went to Alan Rickman, who delivered a legendary performance as Snape. Roth's decision marked a major turning point in his career and has become a subject frequently debated by Harry Potter fans.
- #036
Tim Roth placed 16th on Tropopkin's list of the '25 Most Interesting People'. The list shows that he draws attention not only as an actor but also as an interesting personality. Roth's inclusion on the list reveals that there are many intriguing aspects to his career and personal life.
- #037
Tim Roth served as a jury member for the 'Official Competition' section at the 59th Cannes International Film Festival, held in 2006. The duty demonstrates his standing and authority in the world of cinema. As a jury member at the festival, Roth had a say at one of the most important events in world cinema.
- #038
Tim Roth turned down the role of Jack Scagnetti in 'Natural Born Killers' (1994). The role ultimately went to Tom Sizemore. Roth's decision marked a major turning point in his career, and how his career might have taken shape had he appeared in the film remains a subject of curiosity. By turning the role down, Roth moved on to different projects.
- #039
In the 1980s, Tim Roth was one of the early candidates for the role of Arthur Dent in the adaptation of 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'. The role ultimately went to Simon Jones. Roth's consideration for the part shows his interest in science fiction and that he was seen as suited to projects in the genre. Not landing the role, however, sent his career in a different direction.
- #040
Tim Roth was considered for the role of Amon Goeth in 'Schindler's List' (1993). The role ultimately went to Ralph Fiennes. Roth's consideration for the part shows that his ability to portray dark and complex characters was recognised. Not landing the role, however, meant the loss of a significant opportunity in his career.
- #041
Tim Roth's eldest son, Jack Roth, is also an actor. The father and son have not yet appeared in a project together, however. The fact that the pair's careers have not intersected is an interesting one. Tim Roth supports his son's acting career and takes pride in his success.
- #042
Tim Roth had to shoot a scene with Charlton Heston in the film 'Planet of the Apes' (2001). However, Roth was uncomfortable appearing in the same scene as Heston because of his support for gun control and his criticism of the NRA. Heston was president of the NRA at the time. Roth has stated that although he did his job professionally, the experience was difficult for him and that he would not have accepted the film had he known he would have to shoot a scene with Heston.
- #043
Tim Roth served as president of the 'Camera d'Or' jury at the 57th Cannes International Film Festival in 2004. By serving as jury president at this festival, Roth had a say in one of the most important events in world cinema.
- #044
Tim Roth was considered for the role of Garland Greene in the film 'Con Air' (1997). The role ultimately went to Steve Buscemi. Roth's being considered for this role shows that he was seen as suited to action projects. However, not getting the role meant a significant opportunity slipped away in his career.
- #045
Tim Roth's middle name is Simon. This is a small but interesting detail about his personal life. Although he is generally known as Tim Roth, his full name is Tim Simon Roth. This name is a feature he has carried throughout his career as part of his identity.
- #046
Tim Roth served as president of the 'Un Certain Regard' jury at the 65th Cannes International Film Festival in 2012. By serving as jury president at this festival, Roth had a say in one of the most important events in world cinema.
- #047
Tim Roth is one of the first actors/models to get the fashionable 'tribal thorn' tattoo around his arm. With this tattoo, Roth both created a visual statement and led the fashion of the era.
- #048
Tim Roth was considered for the role of McStarley in the film 'The Condemned' (2007). The role ultimately went to Vinnie Jones. Roth's being considered for this role shows that he was seen as suited to action projects. However, not getting the role meant a significant opportunity slipped away in his career.
- #049
Tim Roth was considered for the role played by Mark Wahlberg in the film 'The Yards' (2000). The role ultimately went to Wahlberg. Roth's being considered for this role shows that he was also a sought-after name for dramatic productions. However, not getting the role led him to move in a different direction in his career.
- #050
Tim Roth has appeared in a film selected by the Library of Congress for the National Film Registry as 'culturally, historically, or aesthetically' significant: 'Pulp Fiction' (1994). This film is regarded as one of the most important works in cinema history. Roth's performance in this film was a major turning point in his career and made him an internationally recognized actor.
- #051
Tim Roth appeared alongside Tim Bentinck in the films 'Reg' (2016) and 'Rillington Place' (2016). Bentinck later worked with Tim Roth's son Jack Roth in the films 'Us and Them' (2017) and 'uk18' (2017). This shows one of the points where the careers of Tim Roth and his son Jack Roth intersect. By working with both generations, Bentinck reinforced this family's presence in the world of cinema.
Characters & Cast (10)
- #052
Tim Roth's acting career began entirely by coincidence. One day, while looking for a pump for his bicycle, he entered a theatre where auditions were being held for the film 'Made in Britain' (1982) and was asked to take part. On this unexpected invitation, Roth auditioned, won the lead role and took the first step of his career.
- #053
Tim Roth was considered for the role of Lieutenant Archie Hilcox in Quentin Tarantino's 'Inglourious Basterds' (2009). The role ultimately went to Michael Fassbender. Fassbender's performance earned a significant place in the film.
- #054
Tim Roth was offered the lead role in 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' (1994). The offer could have been an important opportunity in his career. However, Roth did not accept the part, and Hugh Grant took the lead in the film.
- #055
Tim Roth was among the actors competing for the role of the young Obi-Wan Kenobi in 'Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace' (1999). The role was ultimately given to Ewan McGregor. That Roth was considered for this part shows he was a sought-after name for big-budget productions as well. Missing out on the role led him to move in a different direction in his career.
- #056
Tim Roth was considered for the role of Dr. Frederick Chilton in 'Red Dragon' (2002). The role ultimately went to Anthony Heald. Roth's consideration for the part shows he was seen as suited to characters in the Hannibal Lecter universe, though missing out on the role meant losing a significant opportunity in his career.
- #057
In the 1980s, Tim Roth was one of the early candidates for the role of Arthur Dent in the film adaptation of 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'. The role ultimately went to Simon Jones. Roth's consideration for the part shows his interest in science fiction and that he was seen as suited to projects in the genre, though missing out on the role led him to move in a different direction in his career.
- #058
Tim Roth was considered for the role of Amon Goeth in 'Schindler's List' (1993). The role ultimately went to Ralph Fiennes. Roth's consideration for the part shows that his ability to portray dark and complex characters was recognized, though missing out on the role meant losing a significant opportunity in his career.
- #059
Tim Roth was considered for the role of Garland Greene in 'Con Air' (1997). The role ultimately went to Steve Buscemi. Roth's consideration for the part shows he was seen as suited to action projects, though missing out on the role meant losing a significant opportunity in his career.
- #060
Tim Roth was considered for the role of McStarley in 'The Condemned' (2007). The role ultimately went to Vinnie Jones. Roth's consideration for the part shows he was seen as suited to action projects, though missing out on the role meant losing a significant opportunity in his career.
- #061
Tim Roth was considered for the role played by Mark Wahlberg in 'The Yards' (2000). The role ultimately went to Wahlberg. Roth's consideration for the part shows he was also a sought-after name for dramatic productions, though missing out on the role led him to move in a different direction in his career.
Deeper Meaning (1)
- #062
Tim Roth has tattoos on his right arm symbolising important events in his life. As of 2010, the number of these tattoos had reached eight. Each tattoo represents a moment that left its mark on Roth's life and a personal turning point. These tattoos are like a diary that tells the story of his life in a visual language.
Career & Awards (14)
- #063
Tim Roth began his acting career without any formal training. Throughout his career, Roth more than compensated for this lack of training with the roles he took on, giving audiences unforgettable characters.
- #064
Although Tim Roth has achieved great fame in his acting career, he still tends bar from time to time. For Roth, bartending can perhaps be seen as a way of stepping away from the intensity that acting brings and opening the door to a different world.
- #065
When Anthony Hopkins was reluctant to reprise the role of Hannibal Lecter in 'Hannibal' (2001), the producers considered Tim Roth for this iconic character. In the end, however, Hopkins accepted the role and Roth missed out on the opportunity.
- #066
Tim Roth was considered for the role of Severus Snape in 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' (2001). However, he turned down the offer, choosing instead to appear in Tim Burton's remake of 'Planet of the Apes' (1968). Roth's choice demonstrates his interest in projects across different genres and his willingness to take risks.
- #067
Tim Roth, himself a former art student, has played artist characters at least three times over the course of his career. The first of these was Vincent van Gogh, whom he portrayed in 'Vincent & Theo' (1990). He also brought to life Jack Craig in the 'Tales from the Crypt' (1989) episode 'Easel Kill Ya' and Joey, a former convict with drawing talent, in 'No Way Home' (1996).
- #068
Tim Roth turned down the roles of Seth Gecko and Pete Bottoms in 'From Dusk Till Dawn' (1996) because of a scheduling conflict. The roles ultimately went to George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino. Roth's decision marked a significant turning point in his career, and how his career might have taken shape had he appeared in the film remains a subject of curiosity.
- #069
Tim Roth turned down the role of Professor Severus Snape in the 'Harry Potter' series in order to appear in 'Planet of the Apes' (2001). The role ultimately went to Alan Rickman, who delivered a legendary performance as Snape. Roth's decision marked a significant turning point in his career and has become a topic frequently debated by Harry Potter fans.
- #070
Tim Roth served as a jury member for the Official Competition section at the 59th Cannes International Film Festival in 2006. The appointment demonstrates his standing and authority in the world of cinema. As a jury member at the festival, Roth had a say in one of the most important events in world cinema.
- #071
Tim Roth turned down the role of Jack Scagnetti in 'Natural Born Killers' (1994). The role ultimately went to Tom Sizemore. Roth's decision marked a significant turning point in his career, and how his career might have taken shape had he appeared in the film remains a subject of curiosity; by declining the part, he moved on to different projects.
- #072
Tim Roth's eldest son, Jack Roth, is also an actor. The father and son have not yet appeared in a project together, which is notable in that their careers have not intersected. Tim Roth supports his son's acting career and takes pride in his success.
- #073
Tim Roth served as president of the Camera d'Or jury at the 57th Cannes International Film Festival in 2004. The appointment demonstrates his standing and authority in the world of cinema. As jury president at the festival, Roth had a say in one of the most important events in world cinema.
- #074
Tim Roth's middle name is Simon. This is a small but interesting detail about his personal life. Although he is generally known as Tim Roth, his full name is Tim Simon Roth, a feature he has carried throughout his career as part of his identity.
- #075
Tim Roth served as president of the Un Certain Regard jury at the 65th Cannes International Film Festival in 2012. The appointment demonstrates his standing and authority in the world of cinema. As jury president at the festival, Roth had a say in one of the most important events in world cinema.
- #076
Tim Roth appeared in a film selected by the Library of Congress for the National Film Registry as 'culturally, historically, or aesthetically' significant: 'Pulp Fiction' (1994). The film is regarded as one of the most important works in cinema history. Roth's performance in it marked a significant turning point in his career and made him an internationally recognized actor.
Life & Family (5)
- #077
Tim Roth accepted the villain role of Emil Blonsky in 'The Incredible Hulk' (2008) in order to please his sons. This decision reveals the importance he places on family ties and how influential his children's wishes can be in his career choices. Through this role, Roth both created a shared interest with his children and brought an unforgettable character to life in the Marvel universe.
- #078
Tim Roth's father was born in the Sheepshead Bay neighbourhood of Brooklyn, New York, into an English immigrant family of Irish origin. His mother is English. During the Second World War, Tim's father changed the family name from 'Smith' to 'Roth' as a show of solidarity with Jewish people. This name change was an important turning point in the family's history and helped shape Tim Roth's identity.
- #079
Tim Roth has two sons from his marriage to Nikki Butler: Timothy (b. 1995) and Cormac (b. 1996). These children are an important part of Roth's family life. Roth has taken on the role of father just as seriously as acting and has built a close relationship with his children.
- #080
Politically, Tim Roth supports the Green Party of England and Wales. This support shows the importance he places on environmental issues and sustainability. As an artist who openly expresses his political views, Roth also demonstrates his sensitivity to social issues.
- #081
Tim Roth appeared alongside Tim Bentinck in 'Reg' (2016) and 'Rillington Place' (2016). Bentinck later worked with Roth's son, Jack Roth, on 'Us and Them' (2017) and 'uk18' (2017). This marks one of the points where the careers of Tim Roth and his son Jack Roth intersect. By working with both generations, Bentinck reinforced the family's presence in the film world.
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Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
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