Rex Linn is a character actor who found success later than most Hollywood stars. Born November 13, 1956, in Perryton, Texas, he didn’t pursue acting seriously until age 32. His estimated net worth of $5 million comes from nearly 40 years of steady work in film and television.
The 6’4″ actor gained recognition through roles in CSI: Miami, Better Call Saul, and Young Sheldon. His 2024 engagement to country music legend Reba McEntire brought him into the spotlight in new ways. At 68, Rex Linn continues working on the NBC sitcom Happy’s Place alongside his fiancée.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Rex Maynard Linn |
| Date of Birth | November 13, 1956 |
| Age | 68 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Perryton, Texas, USA |
| Height | 6’4″ (1.93 m) |
| Net Worth | $5 million (estimated) |
| Fiancée | Reba McEntire (engaged December 2024) |
| Children | None |
| Education | Oklahoma State University (Radio, Television and Film, 1980) |
| Notable TV Roles | CSI: Miami, Better Call Saul, Young Sheldon, Happy’s Place |
| Notable Films | Cliffhanger, Rush Hour, Django Unchained, Wyatt Earp |
| Years Active | 1986–present |
| Residence | Sherman Oaks, California |
| Pets | Dogs named Jack and Choctaw |
Early Life Background
Rex Maynard Linn grew up in Spearman, Texas, after being born in nearby Perryton on November 13, 1956. His parents, Darlene Linn (née Deere) and James Paul Linn, raised him alongside his siblings James Paul Linn II and Rhonda Lou Linn. The family relocated to Oklahoma City in August 1969, where Rex would eventually attend Heritage Hall and Casady School.
His high school years included an early setback in acting. During a production of “Fiddler on the Roof” at Casady School, Rex accidentally demolished part of the set during a performance. His drama coach kicked him off the production and told him to direct his energy elsewhere.
Rex Linn later enrolled at Oklahoma State University, graduating in 1980 with a degree in Radio, Television and Film. He worked part-time at the Oklahoma City Zoo during his college years. Despite his media education, he chose a completely different path after graduation.
Banking to Acting
After college, Rex Linn climbed the corporate ladder at Lakeshore Bank in Oklahoma. He worked his way up to vice president of energy lending. His banking career seemed secure until July 5, 1982, when the bank went insolvent.
The bank’s closure forced Rex to reconsider his life direction. He took work with an oil company overseeing field operations in western Oklahoma. During this transition, he persuaded a talent agent to represent him while maintaining his oil industry job.
Rex Linn has cited watching Jack Nicholson in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” in November 1975 as his acting inspiration. “After seeing Jack Nicholson in that film, I announced I was an actor,” Linn recalled in interviews. His first film opportunity came through personal connections when his best friend Edward K. Gaylord II produced “Dark Before Dawn.”
Hollywood Breakthrough Years
Rex Linn’s first substantial role came in 1989 playing serial killer Floyd Epps in “Night Game” alongside Roy Scheider. His imposing 6’4″ frame and distinctive raspy voice made him perfect for authoritative characters. Breaking into Hollywood at age 32 was challenging, but his physical presence opened doors.
His breakthrough arrived with 1993’s “Cliffhanger” where he played Richard Travers opposite Sylvester Stallone. The action thriller gave him international recognition. His performance as the villain in a mountain-climbing heist film showcased his ability to command the screen without being the lead.
Rex Linn quickly became known for playing law enforcement officers and military figures. His bald head, muscular build, and authoritative presence made casting directors think of him for stern cop roles. He embraced this typecasting rather than fighting it.
Television Career Dominance
CSI: Miami became Rex Linn’s most iconic television role starting in 2002. He played Sergeant Frank Tripp for 187 episodes across ten seasons until 2012. According to reports, Linn was initially “tricked” into auditioning during the show’s first season.
The role provided financial stability and household name recognition. His character became a fan favorite as the no-nonsense sergeant working alongside the Miami crime lab. The show ran successfully throughout the 2000s, giving Rex Linn the kind of career consistency most character actors only dream about.
Beyond Miami, Rex Linn secured recurring roles in prestige television. He appeared as banker Kevin Wachtell in 13 episodes of Better Call Saul (2016-2022). He also played Principal Tom Petersen in 26 episodes of Young Sheldon (2017-2024), which would later prove significant for his personal life.
Notable Film Collaborations
Kevin Costner cast Rex Linn in three separate films during the 1990s. He played Frank McLaury in “Wyatt Earp” (1994), Dewey in “Tin Cup” (1996), and Mercer in “The Postman” (1997). Working repeatedly with an A-list star like Costner demonstrated Linn’s reliability on set.
Tom Selleck also became a frequent collaborator, particularly in Western television films. Rex Linn appeared in “Last Stand at Saber River” (1997), “Crossfire Trail” (2001) as Luke Taggart, and “Monte Walsh” (2003). These Westerns aligned perfectly with his Texas roots.
His film range extended beyond Westerns and action movies. Rex Linn appeared in “Rush Hour” (1998) as Agent Dan Whitney, “Django Unchained” in Quentin Tarantino’s revisionist Western, and the comedy “A Million Ways to Die in the West.” His versatility across genres kept him working consistently throughout multiple decades.
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Awards and Recognition
Rex Linn received a star on the Carpenter’s Square Theatre Walk of Fame in Oklahoma City on June 29, 1994. This early recognition from his home state acknowledged his growing success in Hollywood. The honor came just five years after his first major film role.
Before his acting career took off, Rex won the Oklahoma state duck-calling competition in 1986. He placed fourth in the national duck-calling competition the same year. He later served as chairman of the Oklahoma City chapter of Ducks Unlimited.
Rex Linn also contributed his voice to several audiobooks and documentaries. He narrated “One Ranger” (2005), “A Man Called Cash” (2005) about Johnny Cash, and “Missing Persons” (2006). In May 2007, he presented at the National Association of Police Organizations TOP COPS award ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Reba McEntire Romance
Rex Linn and Reba McEntire first met in 1991 on the set of Kenny Rogers’ television film “The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw.” Both had supporting roles in the Western TV movie. They maintained a casual friendship for nearly three decades.
Their relationship transformed in early 2020 when McEntire’s mother, Jacqueline, fell ill. Linn reached out to offer support. As the COVID-19 pandemic forced quarantine in March 2020, the two began daily phone conversations that evolved into what they call “Coffee Camp.”
“Coffee Camp” started on March 16, 2020, with daily morning video chats over coffee. “It was a very special relationship, us getting to know each other without any physical aspect to it at all,” McEntire explained in an October 2021 podcast appearance according to People. They finally met in person in June 2020.
Professional Partnership Together
Rex Linn nicknamed Reba McEntire “Tater Tot” after she enthusiastically ordered tater tots during a night out with the Young Sheldon cast at a wine bar. She reciprocated with “Sugar Tot,” and the couple refers to themselves collectively as “the Tots”. In March 2023, McEntire revealed the nickname’s origin on “The Jennifer Hudson Show.”
The couple made their red carpet debut at the CMA Awards on November 11, 2020. They both contracted COVID-19 in August 2021 despite being vaccinated. Their relationship continued to strengthen through shared interests in the “cowboy way of life” and their devotion to the University of Texas Longhorns.
In 2024, Rex Linn and Reba McEntire extended their partnership to NBC’s sitcom “Happy’s Place.” Linn plays Emmett, the love interest of McEntire’s character Bobbie. “To come to work and laugh with your partner, it really is a dream come true,” Linn told Entertainment Tonight.
Personal Life Details
Rex Linn has never been married before his engagement to Reba McEntire. He has no children. The couple became engaged in December 2024, though the news wasn’t publicly confirmed until September 14, 2025, during the Emmy Awards red carpet, as reported by People Magazine.
“We are best friends. We wanna cross the finish line with each other in a relationship,” Linn told WBIR Channel 10 in November 2024. At 70 and 68 respectively, McEntire and Linn represent a refreshing narrative about finding love later in life.
Rex Linn currently resides in Sherman Oaks, California, with his dogs Jack and Choctaw. He frequently travels to Nashville for filming Happy’s Place. Their co-star Melissa Peterman observed that during breaks, “you look over and they’re in a booth at the bar, and it looks like they’re legitimately on a date.”
Current Status & Legacy
At 68 years old, Rex Linn shows no signs of slowing down professionally. Happy’s Place premiered in October 2024 with Season 2 confirmed for November 7, 2025. The show marks his third on-screen collaboration with Reba McEntire after Young Sheldon and Big Sky.
Rex Linn’s career demonstrates the financial viability of character acting in Hollywood. While he may not command leading man salaries, consistent work across television and film has provided substantial earnings. According to Celebrity Net Worth his estimated $5 million net worth reflects decades of steady employment.
His recent visibility, amplified by his relationship with one of country music’s biggest stars, has introduced him to new audiences. From Cliffhanger’s mountain-climbing villain to CSI: Miami’s steadfast sergeant to Better Call Saul’s corporate banker, Linn has created memorable characters across genres. His four-decade career proves that character actors who show up and bring authenticity to every role can build lasting careers.
Conclusion
Rex Linn’s journey from bank vice president to respected Hollywood character actor illustrates that success doesn’t always follow a traditional timeline. His late start at 32, combined with his willingness to embrace typecasting in authority roles, created a sustainable 40-year career. His 6’4″ frame and distinctive raspy voice became his trademark assets.
The relationship with Reba McEntire adds another chapter to his compelling life story. Their “Coffee Camp” tradition, which began during the pandemic and continues daily, shows how genuine connection can develop at any age. Working together on Happy’s Place allows them to combine professional fulfillment with personal happiness.
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FAQ About Rex Linn
How tall is Rex Linn?
Rex Linn stands 6’4″ (1.93 meters) tall, which has influenced his casting in authority roles.
What is Rex Linn’s net worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth Rex Linn’s estimated net worth is $5 million as of 2025 from his four-decade acting career.
Is Rex Linn married to Reba McEntire?
They are engaged (announced September 2025) but not yet married.
How old is Rex Linn?
Rex Linn is 68 years old, born November 13, 1956.
What is Rex Linn’s most famous role?
Sergeant Frank Tripp on CSI: Miami (2002-2012) with 187 episodes.
Does Rex Linn have children?
No, Rex Linn has no children.
How did Rex Linn and Reba McEntire meet?
They met in 1991 on “The Gambler Returns” set and reconnected in 2020.
What shows has Rex Linn been in?
CSI: Miami, Better Call Saul, Young Sheldon, Big Sky, and Happy’s Place.
Hello, I’m Serena Flores, a passionate writer with over 4 years of experience in lifestyle, biography, and internet culture content. I specialize in creating engaging, easy-to-read articles that simplify modern trends, slang, and real-life stories for every reader. My goal is to make complex topics relatable, offering well-researched insights and fresh perspectives that keep readers informed, inspired, and connected.