Bridget Rooney’s name may not immediately ring a bell, but this actress, socialite, and mother has led an intriguing life worthy of the spotlight.
She was born in California on April 26, 1962, to actor parents Tim and June Rooney. Her grandfather, Art Rooney, founded the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers. But Bridget carved her path.
After a brief acting stint in the 2011 zombie film “Zombie or Not Zombie,” she focused on philanthropy and mingling among the elite.
Yet she also made headlines for her high-profile relationships with Kevin Costner, with whom she shares a son, and billionaire Bill Koch, now her husband.
Though she shuns fame, Bridget’s connections ensure she remains in the public eye.
Early Life and Family Legacy
Hailing from Hollywood royalty, Bridget grew up surrounded by stars. Her father, Tim, is a Steelers executive and dabbled in acting. Meanwhile, her mother, June, enjoyed a career before the cameras.
Bridget has two siblings – sisters Kathleen Mara and Margaret Galterio. The Rooneys boast deep Pittsburgh ties and a sports legacy.
Her grandfather Art, nicknamed “The Chief,” founded the Steelers franchise in 1933. Decades later, the team remains in family hands. This dynasty afforded Bridget wealth and status from birth.
After graduating college, Bridget could have rested on her laurels. Instead, she chose her path in acting, if only briefly.
Bridget Rooney Acting Career: Acting Debut and Retirement
While Bridget showed little early interest in acting like her parents, she decided to give it a go later in life. In 2011, at age 49, she landed a leading role in the obscure film “Zombie or Not Zombie.” Why she chose this offbeat flick remains unclear, but it allowed her to dip her toes in Hollywood.
Rather than pursue more acting gigs, however, Bridget retreated from the screen after this lone credit. She decided celebrity didn’t suit her and focused her energy elsewhere. Still, starring in even one movie elevated her public profile.
Foray Into Philanthropy and Being a Socialite
Though acting didn’t capture Bridget’s passion, philanthropy, and societal affairs did. She began devoting time to charitable foundations and causes she cared about. This also offered more chances to mingle with high society.
One major endeavor Bridget and her husband Bill Koch spearheaded was founding the Oxbridge Academy, a private school in Florida, in 2011. The school has educated children of the rich and powerful, like Donald Trump’s son Barron.
As a fixture on the social scene who organizes elite gatherings, Bridget receives significant media attention. She leverages this spotlight to promote her philanthropic initiatives and maintain her family’s legacy.
Bridget Rooney’s Net Worth
Authoritative sources place Bridget Rooney’s net worth at about $2,000,000. If that figure changes, we will keep this section updated.
Bridget Rooney Motherhood and Co-Parenting With Kevin Costner
Kevin Costner had a relationship with Rooney, and the two welcomed a son named Liam in 1996 before eventually splitting. They never officially married, however.
Kevin initially denied paternity, challenging Rooney’s maternity claims. But a DNA test proved Liam was Costner’s biological child.
Kevin and Bridget struggled to co-parent amicably at first. But they managed to reconcile their differences later on for Liam’s sake. Both eventually married other people.
Marriage to Billionaire Bill Koch
In 2005, Bridget wed her current husband, billionaire Bill Koch. Their lavish Colorado ceremony raised eyebrows, given the couple’s 22-year age gap. Yet 18 years later, they continue defying skeptics.
Bill Koch inhabits the elite business world, co-founding his energy conglomerate after a bitter feud with his billionaire oil tycoon brothers.
Little-Known Facts About Bridget Rooney
While Bridget generally avoids the spotlight, she can’t escape public intrigue completely, given her background. Here are some lesser-known tidbits about this celebrity scion.
- She studied business administration in college before dropping acting after just one weird zombie movie role.
- Bridget enjoys sailing and maritime history like her seafaring husband—no surprise given her family’s Pittsburgh naval roots.
- Her billionaire father-in-law, Fred Koch, fiercely opposed her marrying Bill, his third-eldest son. The two eventually reconciled.
Conclusion
Bridget Rooney shows us how fame can be leveraged for good, from acting to philanthropy to motherhood.
The Steelers heiress continues to balance roles as a wife, mom, activist, and socialite in her unassuming style.
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