Early Life and Education
Clarence Linden Garnett Ashby III was born on May 23, 1960, in Atlantic Beach, Florida, which makes him 65 years old. He was born into a family with a strong professional background; his father, Clarence Linden Garnett Ashby Jr., was a pharmaceuticals manufacturer, and his mother, Eleanor, worked as a civic organizer. He grew up with two siblings, a brother named Stuart and a sister named Elizabeth.
| Real Name | Clarence Linden Garnett Ashby III |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 23, 1960 |
| Age | 65 years old |
| Birthplace | Atlantic Beach, Florida, USA |
| Education | The Bolles School, Fort Lewis College, Neighborhood Playhouse |
| Spouse | Susan Walters (m. 1986) |
| Children | 2 daughters (Frances Grace, Savannah Elizabeth) |
| Net Worth | $6 million (2025 estimate) |
For his education, Ashby attended The Bolles School, a private college preparatory school in Jacksonville, Florida. He then enrolled at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, where he studied psychology and business administration. However, the pull of acting was too strong, and he dropped out during his junior year to pursue his dream. He moved to New York City and honed his craft at the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse, studying for two years.
The Path to Stardom: Career Highlights
Linden Ashby’s career in entertainment began in 1983 with a guest appearance on the ABC soap opera Loving. Interestingly, this role would prove to be life-changing for reasons beyond his career, as it led to significant networking opportunities and opened doors for more prominent roles in television and film, including his later iconic role in the series Mortal Kombat and other major projects. Throughout the late 1980s, he built his resume with guest spots on shows like MacGyver and a role in the miniseries Poor Little Rich Girl: The Story of Barbara Hutton.
The 1990s were a major turning point. He appeared in the 1994 Western film Wyatt Earp, playing Morgan Earp opposite Kevin Costner. But it was in 1995 that he landed the role that would make him a cult icon: Johnny Cage in the film adaptation of the video game Mortal Kombat. To prepare for the part, the actor, who had studied martial arts like Karate, Taekwondo, and Kung Fu on and off since he was 21, trained rigorously for two months. The film was a massive box-office success and cemented his place in pop culture history. Decades later, he would return to the role, lending his voice and likeness to the character in the 2020 video game Mortal Kombat 11.
Following Mortal Kombat, Ashby continued to work prolifically. He joined the cast of the hit Fox primetime soap opera Melrose Place, first appearing in 1993 and later returning as a series regular, Dr. Brett “Coop” Cooper, from 1997 to 1998. He showed his versatility by taking on the role of the villainous Cameron Kirsten on the CBS daytime drama The Young and the Restless from 2003 to 2004, a performance that earned him a Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Favorite Villain. He also appeared in major films like Resident Evil: Extinction (2007) and Iron Man 3 (2013).
Linden Ashby as Johnny Cage in the 1995 film Mortal Kombat.
The Teen Wolf Era and Beyond
For a new generation of viewers, Linden Ashby is best known as Sheriff Noah Stilinski on the hit MTV supernatural drama Teen Wolf. He played the role from 2011 to 2017, appearing in all six seasons. As the father of the beloved character Stiles (Dylan O’Brien), Ashby brought warmth, authority, and humor to the role, becoming a fan favorite. His performance was so well-regarded that he was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor on Television in 2017. He also stepped behind the camera to direct an episode of the series titled “Face-to-Faceless.” His commitment to the role continued, as he reprised it for the 2023 Paramount+ reunion film, Teen Wolf: The Movie.
Recently, Ashby has remained active. He appeared in the Netflix series Trinkets (2019-2020) and the 2022 Netflix film Purple Hearts. He has also continued to explore directing, helming the television film Escaping My Stalker in 2020.
A Love Story for the Ages: Family Life
Linden Ashby’s personal life is a remarkable story of Hollywood longevity. He met actress Susan Walters in 1983 on the set of the soap opera Loving, where she was a regular cast member. They married on April 19, 1986, and have been together ever since, building one of the most enduring marriages in show business. They have two daughters: Frances Grace, born in 1991, and Savannah Elizabeth, born in 1992. His family life has remained stable and happy, a stark contrast to the often-turbulent personal lives of many in the industry, which may contribute positively to his overall well-being and career longevity, allowing him to focus on his work and maintain a successful career in acting.
What is Linden Ashby’s net worth?
As of 2025, Linden Ashby’s net worth is estimated to be $6 million. He has accumulated this wealth through his consistent work in film and television for over four decades. His annual income is estimated to be around $0.5 million or more. This financial success is a direct result of his long-running roles on popular series like Teen Wolf and The Young and the Restless, as well as his iconic turn in Mortal Kombat and numerous other film and television appearances.
Beyond acting, Ashby has diverse interests and talents. He is an avid surfer, having competed in high school and even qualified for the East Coast Championships three times. He is also a licensed pilot and owns a Piper Lance airplane.
Conclusion
Linden Ashby’s career is a masterclass in longevity and reinvention. From action hero to soap opera villain to beloved TV dad, he has navigated the changing tides of Hollywood with grace and skill. With a stable and loving family by his side and a net worth reflecting his hard work, Ashby continues to be a respected and admired figure in the entertainment world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How old is Linden Ashby?
A: He was born on May 23, 1960, making him 65 years old.
Q: What is Linden Ashby’s most famous role?
A: He is known for two major roles: Johnny Cage in the 1995 film Mortal Kombat and Sheriff Noah Stilinski in the MTV series Teen Wolf (2011-2017).
Q: Who is Linden Ashby married to?
A: He is married to actress Susan Walters. They met in 1983 and married in 1986.
Q: Does Linden Ashby have children?
A: Yes, he has two daughters: Grace (born 1991) and Savannah (born 1992).
Q: What is Linden Ashby’s net worth?
A: His net worth is estimated to be $6 million as of 2025.
Q: What martial arts does Linden Ashby know?
A: He has studied karate, taekwondo, and kung fu.
Q: Was Linden Ashby in the new Mortal Kombat video game?
A: Yes, he reprised his role as Johnny Cage in the 2020 video game Mortal Kombat 11, providing both his voice and likeness.
Q: Did Linden Ashby appear in the Teen Wolf movie?
A: Yes, he returned as Sheriff Noah Stilinski for the 2023 film Teen Wolf: The Movie on Paramount+.