James Roday: Net Worth, Quick Bio, Age, Height, Relationships, Family, and More
James Roday is a name synonymous with charm, wit, and talent in the entertainment industry. Known primarily for his role as Shawn Spencer in the USA Network’s hit television show Psych, Roday has successfully carved a niche for himself not just as an actor, but also as a director and screenwriter. Over the years, fans have grown curious not only about his on-screen life but also his personal journey—including his net worth, age, height, relationships, education, and family background.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into James Roday’s life and career. From his early beginnings to his current lifestyle, this article covers it all—including details about his father, mother, children, and current life. So, if you’ve ever wondered “Who is James Roday?” or wanted to learn more about him, you’re in the right place.
Quick Bio: James Roday
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James David Rodriguez (Professionally known as James Roday) |
| Date of Birth | April 4, 1976 |
| Age | 49 years (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | San Antonio, Texas, USA |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, Director, Screenwriter |
| Famous For | Role of Shawn Spencer in Psych |
| Net Worth | Estimated $10 million (2025) |
| Education | New York University (BFA in Theater) |
| Relationship Status | Single (Previously dated Maggie Lawson) |
| Children | None |
Who Is James Roday?
James Roday is an American actor, director, and screenwriter best known for his starring role as Shawn Spencer on the popular television series Psych. His quick wit, comedic timing, and unconventional detective work made him a fan favorite.
Beyond acting, James has directed episodes of television shows, written scripts, and even lent his voice to video game characters. His versatility as an entertainer has made him one of the most respected talents in Hollywood.
Early Life and Background
James Roday was born James David Rodriguez on April 4, 1976, in San Antonio, Texas. He later adopted the stage name James Roday to avoid being typecast in ethnic roles—a decision that sparked later discussions around diversity in Hollywood.
He grew up in a household that balanced discipline and creativity. From a young age, James showed an inclination toward the arts. He was particularly interested in performance and storytelling, which would eventually lead him to pursue a career in theater and film.
Education
James Roday attended Taft High School in San Antonio, where he was actively involved in theater and school productions. Recognizing his passion and potential, he decided to pursue formal training in acting.
He enrolled at the Experimental Theatre Wing of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theater. During his time at NYU, he honed his skills in both acting and directing, setting the foundation for a multi-faceted career in the entertainment industry.
His Father: Jaime “Jim” Rodriguez
James Roday’s father, Jaime “Jim” Rodriguez, is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant and has Mexican heritage. He later transitioned into a career in the trucking industry. Known for his strong work ethic and support for his son’s career, Jim was instrumental in instilling values of discipline, responsibility, and integrity in James.
James often credits his father for being a grounding force in his life. Their close relationship has been a recurring theme in interviews and public appearances.
His Mother: Deborah Collins
James Roday’s mother, Deborah Collins, worked as a schoolteacher. Of English, Irish, and Scottish descent, she brought a different cultural perspective into James’s upbringing. Known for her nurturing nature, she encouraged his creative interests from a young age.
James has spoken about how both his parents supported him in his decision to pursue acting—a path that is often met with skepticism. Their combined influence helped him grow into the well-rounded performer he is today.
Children
As of 2025, James Roday does not have any children. Despite being in the public eye for over two decades, Roday has maintained a relatively private personal life. While he has been in a few high-profile relationships (most notably with Psych co-star Maggie Lawson), he has not yet started a family of his own.
In interviews, James has expressed admiration for his friends and co-stars who are parents but has not shared specific plans regarding having children himself.
Age and Physical Appearance
As of April 2025, James Roday is 49 years old. Over the years, he has aged gracefully, maintaining a youthful appearance and energetic demeanor that fans have come to love.
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
- Hair Color: Dark Brown (with some graying as he’s aged)
- Eye Color: Hazel
Roday has always had a charismatic screen presence, and his unique look sets him apart from other Hollywood actors.
Net Worth
As of 2025, James Roday’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
Sources of Income:
- Television Acting: His long-running role in Psych significantly contributed to his earnings.
- Film Roles: Roday has appeared in movies like Gravy and The Dukes of Hazzard.
- Directing and Writing: He has directed episodes for shows like The Resident, Psych, and more.
- Voice Acting: He has done voice work in video games and animated series.
- Production Work: As a co-writer and director, he has earned residuals and backend payments from multiple projects.
Despite not being one of the biggest A-list names in Hollywood, Roday’s diverse skill set has made him a steady earner over the years.
Relationships
Maggie Lawson: His Most Notable Relationship
James Roday’s most well-known relationship was with his Psych co-star Maggie Lawson. The couple began dating in 2006, shortly after the show started. Fans of the show loved the on-screen chemistry between Shawn (Roday) and Juliet (Lawson), and many were thrilled to learn their romance extended into real life.
Unfortunately, the couple split in 2014, but they remain on good terms. They’ve worked together since their breakup and often speak positively of one another in interviews.
Is James Roday Married?
As of now, James Roday is not married and appears to be single. He keeps his dating life very private and rarely discusses relationships in public.
Career Highlights
James Roday began his career in the early 2000s with small film roles but shot to fame with Psych in 2006. The show ran for eight seasons and spawned several TV movies due to its cult following.
Other Notable Works:
- The Dukes of Hazzard (2005)
- Gravy (2015) – also directed and co-wrote
- Pushing Dead (2016)
- The Resident (2018–2023) – recurring role and director
- Psych: The Movie series (2017, 2020, 2021)
His talents behind the camera have also flourished. He’s directed episodes for The Resident, Blood Drive, and Psych among others.
Current Life
Currently, James Roday lives in Los Angeles, where he continues to work as a director, writer, and occasional actor. He’s focused more on his behind-the-camera roles in recent years, though fans are always excited whenever he returns to the screen.
He is also involved in various philanthropic efforts and uses his platform to advocate for mental health awareness—a cause close to his heart.
Despite his fame, Roday leads a relatively low-key lifestyle, choosing to stay out of the tabloids and focus on his craft.
Fun Facts About James Roday
- He’s a huge fan of horror movies and even directed a horror-comedy (Gravy).
- He co-founded the Red Dog Squadron, a Los Angeles-based theater company.
- Roday changed his last name professionally because casting directors often stereotyped him based on “Rodriguez.”
- He reunited with Maggie Lawson for the Psych movies post-breakup.
- He is an avid sports fan and supports Texas-based teams.
Conclusion
James Roday is far more than just the quirky psychic detective he portrayed in Psych. From his humble beginnings in San Antonio to his status as a respected actor-director in Hollywood, Roday’s journey is one of perseverance, talent, and versatility.
With a net worth of $10 million, a rich body of work, and a dedicated fan base, James Roday continues to be a cherished figure in entertainment. His story, marked by thoughtful decisions and genuine passion for the arts, serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors and creators everywhere.
Whether you’re interested in his early life, education, family background, or just wondering “Who is James Roday?”—now you know the full picture.
FAQ’s: James Roday
1. What is James Roday’s real name?
His full birth name is James David Rodriguez.
2. Why did he change his name to James Roday?
He changed it for professional reasons to avoid typecasting in ethnic roles. The name “Roday” was borrowed from a character in a play he admired.
3. How old is James Roday?
As of 2025, he is 49 years old.
4. What is James Roday’s height?
He stands at 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm).
5. Is James Roday married?
No, he is currently not married.
6. Who is James Roday dating now?
As of now, he is single and has not publicly announced any current relationships.
7. Does James Roday have children?
No, he does not have any children.
8. What is James Roday’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is $10 million.
9. Who are James Roday’s parents?
- Father: Jaime “Jim” Rodriguez, retired Air Force Sergeant.
- Mother: Deborah Collins, former schoolteacher.
10. What is James Roday doing now?
He currently works as a director, writer, and occasional actor, mostly in television projects.
