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Entertainment • Actor

Stephen Root

Stephen Root is an American actor known for character roles in film, television, stage, and voice acting.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Stephen Root is an American actor known for character roles in film, television, stage, and voice acting. He is widely recognized for roles such as Jimmy James in *NewsRadio*, Milton Waddams in *Office Space*, and Bill Dauterive in *King of the Hill*.

Early life and training

Stephen Root was born in Sarasota, Florida, in 1951 and studied at the University of Florida. He later worked in theatre before moving into Broadway, off-Broadway, film, and television roles.

Career

Root built a long career as a character actor across comedy and drama in live action and animation. His best-known screen roles include *NewsRadio*, *Office Space*, *King of the Hill*, and *Barry*.

Voice acting

Root has had an extensive voice-acting career, including recurring work on *King of the Hill*. His animated credits also include major films such as *Finding Nemo*, *Ice Age*, and *Rango*.

Recognition

Root has received award recognition for his television work, including an Emmy nomination for *Barry*. He is frequently noted for his versatility in supporting roles.

Key facts

  • Root began his career on stage in 1980 and made his Broadway debut in *Journey’s End*.
  • His film debut was in *Crocodile Dundee II* (1988).
  • He gained wide recognition for playing Jimmy James on *NewsRadio*.
  • He is known for portraying Milton Waddams in *Office Space*.
  • He has voiced Bill Dauterive and other characters on *King of the Hill*.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Stephen Root?
Stephen Root is an American actor known for supporting and character roles in film, television, stage, and voice acting.
What is Stephen Root best known for?
He is best known for Jimmy James in *NewsRadio*, Milton Waddams in *Office Space*, and Bill Dauterive in *King of the Hill*.
When was Stephen Root born?
He was born on November 17, 1951.
Where is Stephen Root from?
He was born in Sarasota, Florida, United States.
Has Stephen Root done voice acting?
Yes. He has voiced characters in *King of the Hill* and appeared in animated films including *Finding Nemo*, *Ice Age*, and *Rango*.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Root
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, stage debut, film debut, and major screen roles including *NewsRadio*, *Office Space*, and *Barry*.
  2. Warner Bros. Discovery Pressroom — https://www.wbd.com/press/stephen-root-bio
    Supports: Career overview, major credits, and Emmy nomination for *Barry*.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0740535/bio/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, and biographical overview.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/stephen-root
    Supports: Notable roles in *NewsRadio*, *Office Space*, *King of the Hill*, and other film and television credits.