Summer Glau (/ɡlaʊ/; born July 24, 1981) is an American actress best known for her roles in science fiction and fantasy television series: as River Tam in Firefly (2002) and its film Serenity (2005), as Tess Doerner in The 4400 (2005–2007), as Cameron in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (2008–2009), and as Isabel Rochev / Ravager in Arrow (2013–2014).
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Summer Glau Net Worth
Summer Glau has a net worth of $4 million. She is best known for playing River Tam on the Fox space Western. In 2011, Glau starred as Orwell in NBC’s The Cape, a mysterious blogger who aided the hero in crime-fighting.

On July 11, 2011, she joined Alphas as Skylar Adams, a brilliant Alpha, mother to Zoe Adams, and a former acquaintance of Dr. Rosen and Nina. Additionally, Glau voiced Kara Zor-El in the DC Comics animated film Superman/Batman: Apocalypse.
Early Life
Summer Glau was born in San Antonio, Texas, and grew up with her two younger sisters, Kaitlin and Christie. She is of Scots-Irish and German ancestry.
Glau earned a scholarship to a ballet company and was homeschooled from grades 3 to 12 to support her ballet training. Along with classical ballet, she also studied tango and flamenco.
Career
Summer Glau’s first television credit was a guest role on a 2002 episode of Angel, portraying a prima ballerina performing Giselle by Adolphe Adam.
After meeting director Joss Whedon on Angel, Glau was cast as River Tam in Whedon’s acclaimed but short-lived series Firefly, a role she later reprised in the feature film Serenity.
Personal Life
Summer Glau’s first television credit was a guest role on a 2002 episode of Angel, portraying a prima ballerina performing Giselle by Adolphe Adam.

After meeting director Joss Whedon on Angel, Glau was cast as River Tam in Whedon’s acclaimed but short-lived series Firefly, a role she later reprised in the feature film Serenity.
Was Summer Glau in Supernatural?
Contrary to some listings, Summer Glau was not in “Supernatural.” A mix-up in episode descriptions led to this common misconception, showcasing her pervasive presence in the genre despite not being part of the series.
Conclusion
Summer Glau’s financial journey is intertwined with her career as a sci-fi icon. From ballet dancer to beloved actress, her net worth of $4 million encapsulates a career filled with memorable roles, personal milestones, and a lasting legacy in the genre.
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FAQs about Summer Glau
- How did Summer Glau transition from ballet to acting?
- An injury ended her dance career, prompting Glau to pursue acting, where she quickly found success.
- What are some of Summer Glau’s most iconic roles?
- Glau is best known for “Firefly,” “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles,” and “The 4400.”
- How has Summer Glau contributed to the sci-fi genre?
- Through her nuanced performances and ability to bring depth to complex characters, Glau has become a staple in sci-fi storytelling.
- What is Summer Glau’s approach to selecting roles?
- Glau chooses roles that challenge her and allow her to explore different facets of her acting prowess.
- How does Summer Glau balance her career and personal life?
- Glau prioritizes her family, selecting projects that allow her to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
