Best known to film audiences as the teenage biker Tim in James Cameron’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Danny Cooksey is an American actor and voice performer recognized for his work in film and television. He played Tim, a friend of John Connor, in the Oscar-winning science-fiction sequel that became one of the most influential action films of its era. Beyond that iconic appearance, Cooksey is widely acknowledged for his long-running contributions to screen and voice acting, making him a familiar name to both moviegoers and TV audiences.
Early Life
Danny Cooksey was born on November 2, 1975, in Moore, Oklahoma. He is the son of Melody Ann (née Wagner) and Daniel Ray Allen Cooksey Sr. Cooksey spent his early childhood growing up in Moore.
He developed an early passion for music, particularly country music. In interviews Cooksey has said that he “first dreamed of singing country music” during his childhood. In 1980, when Cooksey was five years old, his family relocated from Oklahoma to Los Angeles.
Cooksey also enjoyed playing guitar and singing from a young age. Later he pursued higher education at California State University, Northridge.
Danny Cooksey – Key Facts
| Fact | Verified Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Danny Cooksey |
| Date of Birth | November 2, 1975 |
| Birthplace | Moore, Oklahoma, USA |
| Profession | Actor, voice actor, and musician |
| Known For | Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) |
| TV Breakout Role | Budnick on Salute Your Shorts |
| Voice Acting | Tiny Toon Adventures, Xiaolin Showdown |
| Music Career | Lead singer of Bad4Good |
| Education | California State University, Northridge |
| Net Worth (2026) | Estimated $500K–$1M (unverified) |
Professional Beginnings
Danny Cooksey began his career as a child performer on American television. In the mid-1980s he secured a recurring role as Sam McKinney on the NBC sitcom Diff’rent Strokes, appearing during the show’s final seasons.
He also co-starred in family programs like The Cavanaughs and became known to young audiences through his role as Bobby “Bud” Budnick on Nickelodeon’s summer camp comedy Salute Your Shorts.
Indeed, a country-music news outlet refers to Cooksey as a “former child actor,” reflecting the prominence of his early TV roles. These early credits established him as a familiar face on family-oriented series and set the stage for a long-running entertainment career.
Role Progression & Industry Contributions
As Cooksey grew older, he transitioned smoothly into voice acting and music. He lent his voice to a wide range of animated characters, for example, he voiced Montana Max on Tiny Toon Adventures, Milo on Disney’s Pepper Ann, Hotstreak on Static Shock, and Jack Spicer on Xiaolin Showdown.
In parallel, Cooksey pursued music projects: in the early 1990s he was lead singer of the rock band Bad4Good (with a Steve Vai produced album on Interscope), and later he fronted the alternative band Arbuckle.
He has continued to balance both fields, as noted by an entertainment interview which observes that Cooksey “is a voice actor who also makes music”. This dual career has made him a versatile contributor across both the animation and music industries, with his work appearing on television, film soundtracks, and concert stages.
Notable Career Milestones
Several high-profile roles stand out in Cooksey’s résumé. In 1991 he appeared in the blockbuster feature Terminator 2: Judgment Day, playing Tim, a friend of the young John Connor, a role remembered by fans of the franchise.
On television, leading a Nickelodeon series in Salute Your Shorts (1991–92) remains a signature role, as does his voice work as the title character in Disney’s cartoon Dave the Barbarian (2004).
He has also voiced supporting characters in many series, such as the villainous Jack Spicer in Xiaolin Showdown (2003–06) and the wise Stoop Kid in Hey Arnold! (both the original series and the 2017 TV movie). These milestones illustrate Cooksey’s impact in both live-action and animated entertainment, he has been a child sitcom star, a feature-film actor, and a regular on children’s cartoon shows.
Current Position & Ongoing Initiatives
As of 2026, Cooksey continues to work in entertainment, focusing on voice acting and music. He regularly attends fan events and conventions, maintaining a connection with audiences from his earlier roles.
In recent years he has appeared on projects alongside other artists; for example, country artist Shooter Jennings featured Cooksey in a 2018 music video, where Cooksey delivers a humorous cameo line (“Hey Shooter, I heard you quit drinking for good!”).
This and similar appearances show that he remains active in creative collaborations. Meanwhile, he still provides voice work for animation (reprising characters or taking on new ones) and performs live with his band when possible. In short, Cooksey’s current career is a continuation of his longstanding dual path as a voice actor and musician, keeping him engaged in the entertainment industry to this day.
Danny Cooksey Net Worth
As of 2026, Danny Cooksey’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1,000,000. He built this through a decades-long career in entertainment, first as a child actor on TV (e.g., Diff’Rent Strokes) and in films like Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Cooksey later worked extensively as a voice actor (voicing Montana “Monty” Max in Tiny Toon Adventures) and pursued music, serving as lead singer of the band Bad4Good. These estimates come from celebrity net-worth tracking sites and are not confirmed by mainstream financial outlets.
