Jonny Lee Miller (born 15 November 1972) is a British performer recognized for his varied roles in cinema, television, and theatre. He garnered worldwide attention in the 1990s for parts in Hackers and Trainspotting, receiving accolades in subsequent endeavors such as Afterglow, Mansfield Park, The Flying Scotsman, and T2 Trainspotting. On television, he featured in Eli Stone, Dexter, Elementary, and The Crown portraying John Major. Miller has earned a Laurence Olivier Award for his performance in Frankenstein. As of early 2026, he continues to be active in film and theatre, recognized for his powerful interpretations of intricate characters.
Below is a brief summary of essential details about Jonny Lee Miller:
| Full Name | Jonathan Lee Miller |
| Date of Birth | 15 November 1972 |
| Age (as of January 2026) | 53 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) |
| Birthplace | Kingston-upon-Thames, Greater London, England |
| Occupation | Actor (film, television, theatre) |
| Family | Son of Alan Miller (stage actor) and Ann Lee (theatre actress); maternal grandfather Bernard Lee (actor recognized as M in early James Bond films); married to Angelina Jolie (1996–1999), Michele Hicks (2008–2018); one son, Buster Timothy Miller (born 2008) |
| Net Worth (2025–2026 estimate) | Approximately $8–$12 million |
Biography of Jonny Lee Miller
Jonny Lee Miller was born Jonathan Lee Miller on 15 November 1972 in Kingston-upon-Thames, Greater London, England. He was raised in southwest London within a family deeply involved in the performing arts. His father, Alan Miller, was a stage actor, director, and educator, while his mother, Ann Lee, was associated with theatre. His maternal grandfather, Bernard Lee, was most noted for portraying M in the initial eleven James Bond films (from Dr. No in 1962 to Moonraker in 1979). This rich theatrical lineage propelled Jonny to start acting at an early age.
During his childhood, Miller attended Tiffin School in Kingston-upon-Thames, where he participated in school productions, including The Ragged Child, and played with the Tiffin Swing Band. He later joined the National Youth Music Theatre, where he met fellow actor Jude Law. At the age of 16, after completing his GCSEs, Miller departed from school to concentrate on his acting career full-time.
Miller made his television debut at nine years old with an uncredited role in the BBC series Doctor Who (episode “Kinda,” 1982). He appeared in Jemima Shore Investigates in 1983 and played Charles Price in the BBC adaptation of Mansfield Park. Throughout the early 1990s, he guest-starred in various British television series, such as Keeping Up Appearances (1990), Inspector Morse (1991), Minder (1991), The Bill (1991 and 1993), Between the Lines (1992), and Casualty (1992). In 1993, he briefly appeared in the soap opera EastEnders as Jonathan Hewitt, but declined a contract extension to explore other avenues.
Additional Information
Miller’s significant breakthrough occurred in 1995 with Hackers, in which he portrayed Dade Murphy (“Zero Cool”/”Crash Override”) alongside Angelina Jolie. The film attained cult status, particularly among tech-savvy audiences. In 1996, he depicted Sick Boy in Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting, a role that brought him worldwide acclaim. To master the Scottish accent, he immersed himself in Glasgow, spending time in pubs and on the streets to perfect the dialect. This performance was highly praised, and many viewers believed he was Scottish.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Miller established a diverse film career with roles in Afterglow (1997), Regeneration (1997), Plunkett & Macleane (1999), Mansfield Park (1999), Love, Honour and Obey (2000), Complicity (2000), Dracula 2000 (2000), The Escapist (2002), Mindhunters (2004), Melinda and Melinda (2004), Æon Flux (2005), The Flying Scotsman (2006), Endgame (2009), Dark Shadows (2012), Byzantium (2013), and T2 Trainspotting (2017).
As of early 2026, Miller continues to engage in theatre and film roles while leading a discreet personal life. He became a U.S. citizen in November 2014 and volunteers as a firefighter in New York. He also advocates for research concerning Sanfilippo syndrome and addressed a Congressional caucus in Washington, D.C., in 2014.
Stature
Jonny Lee Miller measures 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 meters) tall.
Family Background
Jonny Lee Miller was born to Alan Miller (stage actor, director, educator) and Ann Lee (theatre actress), with Bernard Lee, recognized for portraying M in the James Bond films, as his maternal grandfather.
Miller wed actress Angelina Jolie on March 28, 1996, after meeting during the filming of Hackers. Jude Law stood as best man. The couple separated in September 1997 and finalized their divorce in 1999, remaining amicable.
In 2006, Miller commenced a relationship with actress Michele Hicks. They tied the knot in July 2008 in Malibu, California. Their son, Buster Timothy Miller, arrived in December 2008. The pair divorced in 2018.
As of early 2026, Miller keeps his personal life away from the spotlight and has no additional children or reported marriages.
Films and Television Series
Jonny Lee Miller has featured in numerous films and television series throughout British and American productions. Notable credits include:
Films:
- Hackers (1995) – Dade Murphy (“Zero Cool”/”Crash Override”)
- Trainspotting (1996) – Simon “Sick Boy” Williamson
- Afterglow (1997) – Jeffrey Byron
- Regeneration (1997) – 2nd Lt. Billy Prior
- Plunkett & Macleane (1999) – Macleane
- Mansfield Park (1999) – Edmund Bertram
- Love, Honour and Obey (2000) – Jonny
- Complicity (2000) – Cameron Colley
- Dracula 2000 (2000) – Simon Sheppard
- The Escapist (2002) – Denis Hopkins
- Mindhunters (2004) – Lucas Harper
- Melinda and Melinda (2004) – Lee
- Æon Flux (2005) – Oren Goodchild
- The Flying Scotsman (2006) – Graeme Obree
- Endgame (2009) – Michael Young
- Dark Shadows (2012) – Roger Collins
- Byzantium (2013) – The Captain
- T2 Trainspotting (2017) – Sick Boy
- Funny Face (2020) – Developer
- Settlers (2021) – Reza
- Alice (2022) – Paul Bennet
- The Covenant (2023) – Colonel Vokes
- The Uprising (TBA) – Filming
TV Series:
- Doctor Who (1982) – Uncredited child role
- Jemima Shore Investigates (1983)
- Mansfield Park (1983) – Charles Price
- Keeping Up Appearances (1990)
- The Bill (1991, 1993)
- EastEnders (1993) – Jonathan Hewitt
- Prime Suspect 3 (1993)
- Cadfael (1994)
- Dead Man’s Walk (1996)
- Smith (2006–2007)
- Eli Stone (2008–2009) – Title role
- Emma (2009) – Mr. Knightley
- Dexter (2010) – Jordan Chase
- Elementary (2012–2019) – Sherlock Holmes
- The Crown (2022) – John Major (Season 5)
Miller has also taken part in stage productions, including Frankenstein (2011, Olivier Award winner), Ink (2019), and A Mirror (2023–2024).
Financial Status
As of early 2026, Jonny Lee Miller’s wealth is estimated at $8–$12 million. His fortune arises from a lengthy career in film, television, and theatre. Major income sources consist of:
- Prominent roles in films such as Trainspotting, Hackers, The Flying Scotsman, Dark Shadows, and T2 Trainspotting.
- Lead role as Sherlock Holmes in Elementary (2012–2019, 154 episodes).
- Theatre work, featuring award-winning performances in Frankenstein (2011) and recent productions like A Mirror.
- Guest and supporting roles in television series like Dexter and The Crown.
- Royalties and residuals from streaming platforms and home media sales of his films from the 1990s and 2000s.
Miller has lived more frugally than many of his Hollywood contemporaries, with no significant financial controversies or major debts reported. He possesses properties in both the U.S. and the U.K. and supports charitable causes, including participating in marathons for Mencap and advocating for research into Sanfilippo syndrome. As of early 2026, his wealth remains consistent due to ongoing residuals, thoughtful project choices, and prudent financial management.
