Tim Roth is the Father of Three Boys and Tragically Lost One of Them
Tim Roth, the British actor known for his powerful performances in films such as Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, and Rob Roy, is not only a respected figure in the world of cinema but also a devoted father. Over the years, fans have admired his talent, his raw portrayals of complex characters, and his ability to bring intensity to every role he plays. But behind the scenes, Roth has lived through profound personal tragedy—one that reshaped his life forever. He is the father of three sons, but heartbreakingly, he lost one of them far too soon.
A Private Man with a Deep Love for His Family
Tim Roth has always been somewhat of a private figure. While he has appeared in countless high-profile movies and series, including Lie to Me and The Incredible Hulk, he’s rarely been one to chase the spotlight off-screen. Despite his fame, he’s chosen to keep much of his personal life away from the media. That being said, he has never hidden the deep love and pride he feels for his family.
Roth has three sons: Jack, Timothy Hunter, and Michael Cormac. Jack, his eldest, is from a previous relationship and has followed in his father’s footsteps to become an actor himself. His younger sons, Hunter and Cormac, are from Roth’s long-time marriage to Nikki Butler, whom he married in 1993.
To the public, the Roth family has often appeared strong and united, bonded by mutual respect and artistic passion. But in October 2022, Tim Roth shared heartbreaking news that no parent should ever have to deliver—the death of his youngest son, Cormac.
The Life and Passion of Cormac Roth
Cormac Roth was born in 1996 and quickly became known among his circle not just for being the son of a famous actor, but for his own talents and gentle spirit. Cormac was a gifted musician, composer, and producer. He studied at Bennington College, where he honed his craft, and went on to create music that blended genres with fearless experimentation. His work was often deeply emotional, exploring themes of love, loss, and human vulnerability.
Cormac was described by those who knew him as incredibly kind, humble, and full of life. He had a unique way of connecting with people and an undeniable spark that drew others to him. In his music and interactions alike, Cormac exuded authenticity.
Unfortunately, his promising life was cut short by cancer. In November 2021, Cormac revealed he had been diagnosed with Stage 3 germ cell cancer. He was only 25 years old at the time. Despite undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy, surgeries, and transplants, the disease proved to be aggressive and relentless.
Cormac continued to create music throughout his battle, using art as both an outlet and a form of resistance. In one of his final posts, he wrote, “It hasn’t taken away my will to survive, or my love of making music. It hasn’t taken me down yet.” These words offered a glimpse into his spirit—fierce, resilient, and full of purpose.
The Announcement No Parent Wants to Make
On October 31, 2022, the Roth family issued a statement announcing the devastating news of Cormac’s passing. He had died on October 16, surrounded by love, at the age of 25.
The statement read:
“He was a wild and electric ball of energy and his spirit was filled with light and goodness. As wild as he was, Cormac was also the embodiment of kindness. A gentle soul who brought so much joy to those around him. The grief comes in waves, as do the tears and laughter, when we think of that beautiful boy throughout the 25 years and 10 months we knew him.”
The pain in these words was palpable. For Tim Roth and his family, Cormac’s death was a loss that left a hole that could never truly be filled.
Coping with Grief in the Public Eye
For celebrities like Tim Roth, grief is often complicated by public attention. While mourning is an intimate and deeply personal process, the presence of fans and the media can make it difficult to navigate. In Roth’s case, the actor chose to step back from the limelight for a period following his son’s death, focusing on healing and supporting his family.
He has not spoken extensively about the loss in interviews, but those close to the family have noted how the tragedy has profoundly affected him. As a father, losing a child is the kind of heartbreak that redefines life. It’s not something one “gets over,” but rather something one learns to live with, moment by moment.
Remembering Cormac Through His Music
Cormac may be gone, but his legacy lives on—especially through his music. Fans, friends, and fellow musicians have continued to share his songs, praising the emotion, vulnerability, and creative fire that burn through every track.
Tim Roth and his family have expressed their gratitude for the support they’ve received and have encouraged fans to remember Cormac not by his illness, but by the light he brought into the world. His music, now listened to with fresh ears, carries the weight of a life both fully lived and painfully abbreviated.
Many of his songs are available online, and listeners often leave heartfelt comments, expressing how much his work means to them. It’s a testament to the power of art, and how the soul of an artist can live on through their creations, even after they’re gone.
A Father’s Love, A Son’s Legacy
Tim Roth has played many roles on screen—hero, villain, lover, fighter—but none more meaningful than the role he played in real life: father. Despite the devastating loss of his son, Roth’s strength and love for his family remain evident. It’s a reminder that behind every celebrity is a human being, with the same joys, struggles, and heartbreaks as the rest of us.
As fans, we often admire celebrities for their talent and charisma, but it’s moments like these—raw, real, and full of emotion—that bring a deeper appreciation of who they truly are. Tim Roth, the actor, is a powerhouse. But Tim Roth, the father, is a man who has faced unimaginable sorrow with quiet courage and unwavering love.
Cormac’s death is a tragic chapter in the Roth family’s story, but his memory lives on—not just in the hearts of those who knew him, but in every note of music he left behind.
