Joseph Anthony Cox (born March 31, 1958) is a retired American actor celebrated for his iconic comedic roles and remarkable versatility. Standing at 3 feet 6 inches tall, Cox carved a unique, highly successful path in Hollywood spanning over three decades. Best known for playing the clever criminal Marcus alongside Billy Bob Thornton in Bad Santa, as well as standout performances in Me, Myself & Irene, Friday, and various parody films, Tony Cox remains a beloved figure in modern comedy.
Quick Facts About Tony Cox
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Joseph Anthony Cox |
| Date of Birth | March 31, 1958 |
| Age | 68 Years Old |
| Place of Birth | Uniontown, Alabama, U.S. |
| Height | 3 feet 6 inches (107 cm) |
| Spouse | Otelia Cox (m. 1981) |
| Years Active | 1980–2016 |
Early Life and Background
Tony Cox was born in Uniontown, Alabama. Raised primarily by his grandparents, Lottie and Henry Jones, young Tony developed an early passion for music and became an avid drummer by the age of 10.
He attended Robert C. Hatch High School, graduating in 1976. Growing up, Cox was inspired to pursue acting after watching legendary little-person actor Billy Barty, who also founded the organization Little People of America. Encouraged by friends and relatives, an 18-year-old Cox packed his bags and moved to Los Angeles, California. He enrolled at the Merrick Studio School of Acting, studying under scriptwriter De De Tillman, which quickly paved the way for commercial and television work.
Breakthrough and Film Career
Cox made his feature film debut in the 1980 movie Dr. Heckyl and Mr. Hype. From there, his distinct look and sharp comedic timing secured him roles in major blockbusters and cult classics alike.
- Sci-Fi & Fantasy Classics: Early in his career, Cox appeared as an Ewok in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983), played roles in George Lucas’s Willow (1988), and featured as the Preacher in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (1988).
- Mainstream Comedies: Cox gained widespread recognition playing a Mensa-member limousine driver in the Jim Carrey comedy Me, Myself & Irene (2000). He also appeared as Mr. Parker in Ice Cube’s comedy classic Friday (1995).
- Bad Santa: His defining career breakthrough came in 2003 with the dark comedy Bad Santa, where he played Marcus, the brains behind a department-store safe-cracking duo. He later reprised the iconic role in the 2016 sequel, Bad Santa 2.
- Parody Films: Throughout the late 2000s, Cox became a staple of parody features, including Date Movie (2006), Epic Movie (2007), and Disaster Movie (2008).
With over 90 on-screen acting credits, Cox officially stepped away from the spotlight following the release of Bad Santa 2 and subsequent hip replacement surgeries, transitioning into a well-earned retirement.
Personal Life and Wife
Unlike many figures in the entertainment industry, Tony Cox has maintained a remarkably stable and private personal life.
- Marriage: Cox met his high school sweetheart, Otelia Cox, during their teenage years in Alabama. The couple married in 1981 and have remained together for decades.
- Family: They share one child together.
Net Worth
As of 2026, Tony Cox’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million to $3 million. This wealth was accumulated through decades of consistent television appearances, commercial work, and major box-office movie hits like Bad Santa and Date Movie.
