Camelia Kath is an American actress and entertainment professional best known as the former wife of Terry Kath, the founding guitarist and vocalist of Chicago. She later married actor Kiefer Sutherland and musician Jeff Lynne. Beyond her well-known relationships, she appeared in several films, worked in television, and helped preserve Terry Kath’s musical legacy through a documentary created by their daughter.
Quick Bio of Camelia Kath
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Camelia Kath (birth name reported as Camillia Emily Ortiz) |
| Known As | Camelia Kath, Camelia Lynne |
| Profession | Actress and entertainment professional |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly confirmed; conflicting dates are reported |
| Age | Not publicly confirmed |
| Birthplace | Not publicly confirmed; sources report conflicting locations |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Not publicly confirmed |
| Marital Status | Reportedly married to Jeff Lynne since 2017 |
| Previous Husbands | Terry Kath (1974–1978, reportedly); Kiefer Sutherland (1987–1990) |
| Children | Two daughters: Michelle Kath Sinclair and Sarah Sutherland |
| Known Works | Terror on Tour (1980), Fake-Out (1982), The Killing Time (1987), The Nanny (1999), The Terry Kath Experience (2016) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Not publicly verified; online estimates are unofficial |
Who Is Camelia Kath?
Camelia Kath, also professionally credited as Camelia Lynne, worked in film and television during the 1980s and 1990s. Her acting credits include Terror on Tour, Fake-Out, and The Killing Time. She also contributed to the television sitcom The Nanny.
Her family connections span several generations of entertainment. Her first husband helped establish Chicago as a major American rock band, while her daughters, Michelle Kath Sinclair and Sarah Sutherland, pursued careers in filmmaking and acting.
Camelia Kath’s Early Life and Background
Reliable information about Camelia’s childhood and education remains limited. IMDb identifies her birth name as Camillia Emily Ortiz and lists September 22, 1953, as her birthday, with Puerto Rico as her birthplace. Other entertainment databases report December 10, 1954, and different birth locations.
These conflicting records make her exact age uncertain. A December 1988 Los Angeles Times profile described her as approximately 12 years older than Kiefer Sutherland, broadly suggesting a birth year in the mid-1950s.
Details about her parents, siblings, schooling, and professional training have not been independently established. Her documented entertainment credits provide a clearer account of her early adult life.
Camelia Kath and Terry Kath: Marriage and Family
Terry Kath’s Musical Career
Born on January 31, 1946, Terry Kath was a guitarist, singer, and founding member of Chicago. The band became known for combining rock music with jazz-influenced arrangements and a prominent brass section.
Terry contributed to Chicago’s influential early recordings, including songs such as “25 or 6 to 4,” “Make Me Smile,” and “Colour My World.” His distinctive guitar playing and vocals earned him lasting recognition among musicians and rock enthusiasts.
Their Marriage and Terry’s Death
Camelia and Terry reportedly married in 1974, although detailed wedding records are not readily available. Their daughter, Michelle Kath Sinclair, was born in 1976, during Chicago’s period of commercial success.
Their marriage ended tragically on January 23, 1978, when Terry died from an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound in Los Angeles. He was 31 years old, eight days away from his 32nd birthday.
Camelia was left raising their young daughter. Although online searches occasionally reference her involvement in Terry’s funeral, reliable accounts of her personal experiences during that period are limited.
Following his death, she continued her life and professional career. Decades later, she participated in a documentary exploring Terry’s musical achievements and family history.
Camelia Kath’s Movies and Acting Career
Early Film Roles
Camelia’s documented acting career began appearing in film credits during the early 1980s. She had a minor role in the 1980 horror film Terror on Tour and received a voice credit in Fake-Out (1982), under the name Camilla Kath.
Entertainment databases also associate her with Buchanan High (1984) and Deadline (1985). Although information about these appearances is limited, the credits establish her professional involvement in filmed entertainment.
The Killing Time (1987)
Her most significant feature-film role came in The Killing Time, a crime thriller directed by Rick King. Released theatrically in October 1987, the film starred Beau Bridges, Kiefer Sutherland, and Wayne Rogers.
Camelia portrayed Laura Winslow. The American Film Institute identifies the production as her first starring feature-film role, making it an important milestone in her acting career.
Filming began in September 1986, and the production also introduced her to Kiefer Sutherland, whom she subsequently married.
Television Work on The Nanny
Camelia later worked on the CBS sitcom The Nanny, starring Fran Drescher. During 1999, she received executive assistant credits associated with the series.
She also shared a story credit for “The Dummy Twins,” broadcast on June 16, 1999, alongside Rachel Chagall, Harriet Goldman, and Ivan Menchell. Menchell received the separate teleplay credit.
These contributions demonstrate her involvement in television beyond acting, although her position should not be confused with that of an executive producer or sole screenwriter.
Marriage to Kiefer Sutherland
Camelia married Kiefer Sutherland in 1987 as his Hollywood career was gaining momentum. Their daughter, Sarah Sutherland, was born on February 18, 1988. Kiefer also became stepfather to Michelle, Camelia’s daughter from her marriage to Terry Kath.
A December 1988 Los Angeles Times profile discussed their household and identified Camelia as an actress and producer. The interview also explored Kiefer’s responsibilities as a father and stepfather.
The relationship eventually ended. In February 1990, the Los Angeles Times reported that the couple had announced plans to divorce after approximately three years of marriage. Although some databases list a precise divorce date, 1990 is the more securely documented year.
Camelia Kath’s Daughters and Their Careers
Michelle Kath Sinclair
Michelle Kath Sinclair was born in 1976 and was still a toddler when her father died. As an adult, she became a filmmaker and began investigating Terry Kath’s life and musical legacy.
Her documentary, The Terry Kath Experience, brought together archival material, family memories, and interviews with musicians who knew her father. Camelia participated in the film, helping Michelle explore their shared family history.
Sarah Sutherland
Sarah Sutherland, born February 18, 1988, followed her father Kiefer into acting. She is best known for portraying Catherine Meyer, the daughter of Selina Meyer, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, in HBO’s political comedy Veep.
Through Michelle and Sarah, Camelia’s family remains connected to documentary filmmaking and contemporary television.
Camelia Kath and Jeff Lynne
Camelia later developed a relationship with Jeff Lynne, the English musician, songwriter, and producer who founded Electric Light Orchestra. Lynne also belonged to the Traveling Wilburys, alongside George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Roy Orbison.
The couple appeared together at a Los Angeles theater event in June 2010. A 2015 Billboard interview subsequently identified Camelia as Lynne’s romantic partner.
Biographical records indicate that they married in 2017, with IMDb listing September 19 as their wedding date. However, the precise date has not been independently confirmed through a marriage record.
On June 15, 2023, Camelia and Lynne attended the Songwriters Hall of Fame induction gala in New York City. Their appearance was documented through event photography.
The Terry Kath Experience and His Lasting Legacy
One of Camelia’s most meaningful later public contributions was her participation in The Terry Kath Experience, directed by her daughter Michelle.
The documentary premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2016 and later reached television and home-video audiences. It included interviews with Chicago musicians Peter Cetera, Robert Lamm, and Danny Seraphine, alongside Joe Walsh, Jeff Lynne, and family members.
Michelle also explored locations connected to her father’s career, including Caribou Ranch in Colorado, where Chicago recorded music. Camelia’s participation offered a family perspective on Terry’s life and influence.
Camelia Kath Net Worth and Income Sources
Camelia Kath’s personal net worth has not been independently verified. Although celebrity-biography websites sometimes publish estimates, the established research provides no reliable financial documentation supporting a specific dollar amount.
Her identifiable professional income sources include acting and television-related employment. The Killing Time represents her most notable feature-film milestone, while The Nanny documents her later production-related and writing work.
She also appeared in The Terry Kath Experience, although no reliable information establishes whether she received compensation.
Details about her properties, investments, business interests, or other significant assets are unavailable. Her financial circumstances should not be inferred from the success or wealth of Terry Kath, Kiefer Sutherland, or Jeff Lynne.
Public Life and Recent Appearances
Camelia has maintained a relatively limited independent public profile. Her professional credits, documentary participation, historical interviews, and occasional event appearances provide the clearest information about her activities.
Her June 2023 appearance with Jeff Lynne is among her more recent documented public engagements. As of October 2026, the reviewed records do not establish a new major acting project, award, or independent professional announcement.
This does not confirm retirement or complete withdrawal from entertainment. It simply reflects the limited publicly documented information about her recent activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Camelia Kath?
Camelia Kath is an American actress and entertainment professional best known as the former wife of Chicago guitarist Terry Kath. She also appeared in The Killing Time (1987).
How old is Camelia Kath?
Her exact age is uncertain. IMDb lists September 22, 1953, as her birth date, while other entertainment databases report December 10, 1954.
Who is Camelia Kath’s husband?
Camelia Kath reportedly married musician Jeff Lynne in 2017. She was previously married to Terry Kath and actor Kiefer Sutherland.
How many children does Camelia Kath have?
Camelia Kath has two daughters: Michelle Kath Sinclair, born in 1976, with Terry Kath, and Sarah Sutherland, born in 1988, with Kiefer Sutherland.
What is Camelia Kath’s net worth?
Camelia Kath’s net worth has not been independently verified. Figures published by celebrity-biography websites are unofficial estimates without confirmed financial documentation.
Conclusion
Camelia Kath’s life connects several important chapters of American entertainment history, from Terry Kath’s influential years with Chicago to her own acting career and later relationships with Kiefer Sutherland and Jeff Lynne.
Her work in The Killing Time and The Nanny, along with her participation in The Terry Kath Experience, establishes a professional identity beyond her marriages. Although questions about her early life, exact age, and personal finances remain unresolved, her documented story reflects enduring connections to music, film, television, and family legacy.
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