Timothy Busfield Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Career, Movies, TV Shows, Net Worth & Shocking Legal Update

Timothy Busfield is an American actor, director, and producer best known for his Emmy-winning television work and decades-long presence in Hollywood. Widely recognized for roles in Thirtysomething, The West Wing, and Field of Dreams, Busfield built a reputation as a reliable character actor and television director. As of 2026, his legacy spans acting, directing, and producing—alongside recent legal developments that have placed him under public scrutiny.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

• Theatre blood – son of drama professor Roger Busfield and secretary Jean Busfield; staged living-room plays by age 8.
• High-school stages – East Lansing HS; captained baseball team, still acted in every school play.
• College & training – East Tennessee State University (drama); polished craft at Actors Theatre of Louisville; understudy to Matthew Broderick in Brighton Beach Memoirs on Broadway .

Career Journey

1975–1983 – Regional & Broadway Beginnings

• First paid gig at 18—children’s-theatre Midsummer Night’s Dream .
• Circle Repertory Company off-Broadway; replaced Tom Hulce as Lt. Daniel Kaffee in Aaron Sorkin’s A Few Good Men 1990 .

1984–1989 – Film & Break-Out TV

• Arnold Poindexter in cult hit Revenge of the Nerds (1984) and sequel .
• Dr. John “J.T.” McIntyre on Trapper John, M.D. until 1986 .
• Memorable cameo as Mark in Field of Dreams (1989)—“Don’t we need a catcher?” .

1987–1991 – thirtysomething Emmy Peak

• Cast as advertising exec Elliot Weston; grew beard to look older than 29 .
• Three Emmy noms; won 1991 Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama .

1992–2009 – Director-Producer Powerhouse

• Founded Fantasy Theatre & B Street Theatre Sacramento with brother Buck—250,000 kids/year reach .
• Directed 150+ TV episodes: Sports Night, ED, Without a Trace, Las Vegas, Damages, Studio 60, This Is Us, Chicago Med, The Rookie .
• Recurred as Danny Concannon on The West Wing—C.J. Cregg’s love interest throughout series .

2010–2026 – Indie Films, Podcasts & Mentorship

• Feature Guest Artist (2019) – directed Jeff Daniels; launched Grand River Productions .
• Marvel podcast Wastelanders: Star-Lord – voiced Peter Quill .
• Artist-in-residence Michigan State University 2016-17; honorary PhD from MSU & East Tennessee State .
• Sacramento Baseball Hall of Fame inductee 2024 (30-12 pitching record) .

Film Career Highlights

Notable films include:

• Field of Dreams (1989) – Mark, the protagonist’s brother
• Little Big League (1994)
• Sneakers (1992)
• Revenge of the Nerds (1984)

His work in Field of Dreams remains one of his most recognizable performances.

Television Career

Timothy Busfield has appeared in numerous high-profile TV series, including:

• The West Wing
• Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
• Without a Trace
• ER
• NCIS
• Designated Survivor

He also starred in The Byrds of Paradise and Once and Again, further solidifying his TV legacy.

Directing & Producing

In addition to acting, Busfield is a successful television director, directing episodes of:

• thirtysomething
• ER
• The West Wing
• Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

His behind-the-camera work is praised for strong character focus and narrative clarity.

Recent Activity (2024–2026)

In recent years, Busfield has focused on:

• Guest roles in television
• Theater performances
• Independent film projects
• Directing select episodes and stage productions

He remains active in creative and advocacy spaces.

Career Stats

Awards & Achievements

• Primetime Emmy – Outstanding Supporting Actor, Drama (1991) thirtysomething
• Three additional Emmy nominations – thirtysomething
• DGA nominations – Sports Night, Without a Trace
• Honorary PhD – Michigan State University; East Tennessee State University
• Sacramento Baseball Hall of Fame – inducted 2024

Physical Statistics

Iconic Quotes

1. “I’ve made a career out of being the third guy from the left—who somehow gets remembered.” – Studio 60 reunion panel
2. “Directing is acting, just without the makeup.” – Directors Guild interview
3. “Every kid needs a live play before they meet a touch-screen.” – B Street Theatre gala 2025

Controversies & Legal Issues (Updated 2026)

In January 2026, multiple major U.S. news outlets—including NBC News, ABC News, The New York Times, People, and Deadline—reported that Timothy Busfield became the subject of a criminal investigation in New Mexico.

According to publicly available court records and law-enforcement statements, authorities issued an arrest warrant alleging criminal sexual contact of a minor and child abuse. The allegations are reportedly connected to Busfield’s involvement with a television production he directed, where the alleged incidents occurred on set.

As of early 2026, no conviction has been reached, and the case remains ongoing. Busfield is presumed innocent under U.S. law, and all parties are entitled to due process. Neither Busfield nor his legal representatives have released a detailed public statement beyond initial reports.

The situation has drawn widespread media attention and may significantly impact his professional career depending on legal outcomes.

Favorites

Salary & Net Worth 2026

• Net worth – ≈$6 million (real-estate equity, residuals, directing fees)
• TV directing fee – $125–150 K/episode (industry average)
• Residuals – thirtysomething & West Wing syndication still pay 5-figure annuals
• Theatre non-profit salary – token $30 K; profits reinvested in B Street

Interesting Facts

1. Pitched 9 semi-pro seasons with a 30-12 record and a 3.35 ERA .
2. Co-wrote 40+ children’s plays performed by Fantasy Theatre.
3. Turned down the role of Billy Chapel in For Love of the Game; went to Kevin Costner.
4. Still uses the same Louisville Slugger glove he bought at 22.
5. Can juggle five balls—learned for A Christmas Carol street-performance gig.

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @tbusfield – unofficial fan page
• Twitter/X: @TimBusfield
• Facebook: Timothy Busfield Actor/Director
• IMDb: nm0124079
• B Street Theatre: bstreettheatre.org

FAQs

Q1: How old is Timothy Busfield in 2026?
A: 68 years old (born 12 June 1957).

Q2: Who is Timothy Busfield married to?
A: Actress/author Melissa Gilbert since 2013.

Q3: What is Busfield’s most famous role?
A: Elliot Weston on thirtysomething (Emmy-winning) and Danny Concannon on The West Wing.

Q4: Has he directed any episodes of This Is Us?
A: Yes—multiple episodes across seasons 2-5.

Q5: Did he really play baseball?
A: Yes—semi-pro pitcher for Sacramento Smokeys 1992-2000, 30-12 record.

Conclusion

Timothy Busfield’s career reflects decades of contribution to American television, marked by critical acclaim and creative versatility. While recent legal developments have reshaped public perception, his professional legacy remains significant. As events continue to unfold, audiences and industry observers alike await verified outcomes.

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