Henry Rollins is one of the most influential and dynamic figures in contemporary music, activism, and entertainment. He is best known as the lead singer of the iconic punk rock band Black Flag, but his career has spanned a wide variety of fields, including spoken word performances, acting, writing, and social activism. Rollins has become a multi-faceted public figure whose influence goes beyond music into political commentary, social issues, and cultural critique.
This article delves into the details of Henry Rollins’ life, including his ethnicity, net worth, biography, career, family, personal life, and much more. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions to provide a well-rounded understanding of the man behind the myth.
Henry Rollins Biography
Full Name: Henry Lawrence Garfield
Born: February 13, 1961
Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States
Occupation: Musician, Actor, Writer, Social Activist, Spoken Word Artist
Genres: Punk Rock, Spoken Word, Post-Hardcore, Alternative Rock
Instruments: Vocals, Guitar, Bass Guitar
Years Active: 1980–present
Label: 2.13.61, American Recordings, and others
Early Life
Henry Rollins was born Henry Lawrence Garfield in Washington, D.C., to a mother, Iris, and a father, Paul, who was an auto mechanic. He grew up in a working-class neighborhood in the D.C. area and spent much of his youth struggling with personal issues, such as bullying and social alienation. Rollins has been open about his difficult childhood, which was marked by a strained relationship with his father and a sense of not fitting in with his peers.
Despite these challenges, Rollins developed an early interest in music. He was introduced to punk rock during his teenage years, a genre that would go on to shape his identity and career.
Henry Rollins Career
Rollins’ big break came in 1981 when he joined the legendary punk band Black Flag as their lead vocalist. He replaced original frontman Keith Morris and quickly became the band’s driving force. His intense energy, provocative lyrics, and passionate stage presence helped elevate Black Flag to the forefront of the punk rock movement. The band’s albums, including Damaged (1981) and My War (1984), are considered punk rock classics.
Rollins’ time with Black Flag was marked by controversy, chaos, and immense creative output. His aggressive style and uncompromising attitude made him a beloved figure among fans but also a divisive one. After leaving Black Flag in 1986, Rollins formed his own band, the Rollins Band, where he continued to explore his musical creativity, mixing elements of punk, hardcore, and alternative rock.
The Rollins Band enjoyed a successful run in the 1990s, with albums like End of Silence (1992) and Weight (1994) earning critical acclaim. The band’s sound evolved over the years, incorporating more experimental and industrial elements, but Rollins remained at the center of it all, both as a songwriter and as an enigmatic performer.
Spoken Word and Acting Career
In addition to his musical pursuits, Rollins developed a successful career as a spoken word artist. His live performances, which blend storytelling, social commentary, and humor, have garnered a significant following. Rollins’ spoken word pieces often focus on themes such as personal empowerment, politics, global issues, and his own experiences.
Rollins has also appeared in various television and film projects, most notably in roles that showcase his intensity and rebellious persona. His acting credits include appearances in films like The Chase (1994), Johnny Mnemonic (1995), and Heat (1995), as well as TV shows like The X-Files and Sons of Anarchy. His roles often tap into his punk rock ethos, portraying characters who embody strength, defiance, and resilience.
Rollins is also a prolific author, having written numerous books, including collections of his spoken word performances and personal essays, such as Get in the Van: On the Road with Black Flag (1994) and Black Coffee Blues (1999).
Activism and Political Views
Beyond his music and acting career, Henry Rollins is known for his strong stance on social and political issues. He is a vocal advocate for human rights, animal rights, and environmental causes, and he often uses his platform to speak out against war, inequality, and injustice.
Rollins has traveled to various parts of the world, particularly war-torn regions, to document and highlight the struggles of marginalized communities. His work as an activist has led him to meet with political leaders, activists, and humanitarian organizations, further solidifying his reputation as a socially conscious and globally aware figure.
Henry Rollins Ethnicity
Henry Rollins is of mixed European descent, primarily of English and German ancestry. Though not often discussed in the media, his ethnicity does play a minor role in his overall identity. He has never been particularly focused on his ethnicity or heritage in his public persona, instead focusing more on his experiences as an individual and his cultural contributions.
Henry Rollins Net Worth
As of 2025, Henry Rollins’ net worth is estimated to be around $14 million. This wealth has been accumulated over decades of work in multiple industries, including music, acting, writing, and speaking engagements. Rollins has consistently found new ways to express his artistic vision while also maintaining a strong presence in the media.
His net worth is the result of not only his successful career with Black Flag and the Rollins Band but also his solo projects, spoken word tours, acting roles, and writing endeavors. His diverse range of work has allowed him to remain financially successful while continuing to push creative boundaries.
Henry Rollins Family
Rollins has always been quite private about his personal life, particularly when it comes to his family. He was raised by his mother and father, and his relationship with them—especially his father—has been a recurring theme in his work. He has mentioned in interviews that his father was a difficult figure, and his experiences growing up with him informed much of the anger and intensity present in his music and performances.
Henry Rollins has not been married and does not have any children, as he has often spoken about his decision not to settle down or start a family. He has stated that his commitment to his career and activism leaves little room for such traditional life milestones. His life is characterized by a relentless pursuit of his passions, and he has never been interested in conforming to societal expectations in that regard.
Henry Rollins Wife, Girlfriend, and Children
Henry Rollins has never been married and has kept his romantic relationships very private. He has occasionally mentioned his love life in interviews, but he has never been publicly linked to any long-term partners or spouses. He has been very clear in the past about his decision to remain single, stating that he prefers to focus on his work and personal growth.
Similarly, Rollins does not have any children. His lifestyle, which includes frequent travel, public speaking, and activism, has meant that he has not prioritized having a family in the conventional sense. Rollins’ focus remains on his personal passions, his creative endeavors, and his activism.
Henry Rollins Age, Height, and Weight
Age: 63 years old (as of 2025)
Height: 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)
Weight: Approximately 190 pounds (86 kg)
Rollins’ physical appearance reflects his intense dedication to fitness and his active lifestyle. He has maintained a muscular physique, which he attributes to his rigorous workout regimen. Throughout his career, Rollins has been known for his endurance, both on stage and in his personal life, where he maintains an active schedule that involves travel, fitness, and work in various fields.
Henry Rollins House and Car Collection
Henry Rollins is known for his minimalist lifestyle. He has spoken about living in a modest home and maintaining a low-key existence despite his wealth. Rollins values experiences over material possessions, and he has often emphasized the importance of personal growth, mental well-being, and creativity over physical possessions.
As for his car collection, Rollins has not been known to indulge in extravagant luxury cars. He is not the type of celebrity who flaunts his wealth through expensive cars or homes. Instead, he focuses on traveling, engaging in activities that stimulate his creativity, and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.
FAQs
Q: What is Henry Rollins’ most famous album?
A: Rollins’ most famous album is likely Damaged by Black Flag, released in 1981. The album is regarded as one of the most influential punk records of all time.
Q: Is Henry Rollins married?
A: No, Henry Rollins has never been married and has not been publicly involved in any long-term relationships.
Q: Does Henry Rollins have children?
A: No, Henry Rollins does not have children. He has often spoken about his choice to remain single and focus on his career and activism.
Q: What is Henry Rollins’ net worth?
A: As of 2025, Henry Rollins’ estimated net worth is around $14 million.
Q: How old is Henry Rollins?
A: Henry Rollins is 63 years old (born February 13, 1961).
Q: What is Henry Rollins’ height and weight?
A: Henry Rollins stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and weighs around 190 pounds (86 kg).
Q: Is Henry Rollins active on social media?
A: Yes, Henry Rollins is active on social media, particularly Instagram, where he shares his thoughts, experiences, and occasional insights into his personal and professional life.
Q: What other projects does Henry Rollins work on?
A: In addition to his music career, Rollins is involved in spoken word performances, writing books, and acting in films and television shows. He is also known for his extensive activism and travel.
