What Is Brent Spiner’s Net Worth?
Brent Spiner, the American actor renowned for his portrayal of Data in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” has accumulated a substantial net worth of $16 million. This financial standing reflects his successful career spanning television, film, stage, and music.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on February 2, 1949, in Houston, Texas, Brent Jay Spiner’s early life was marked by the loss of his father to kidney failure. He was later adopted by his mother’s second husband. During his high school years, Spiner’s talent for dramatic interpretation shone through as he became a key member of the school’s speech team, ultimately winning a national championship. Following high school, he attended the University of Houston and became involved in the local theater scene.
In the 1970s, Spiner moved to New York City to pursue a career as a stage actor. He quickly secured roles in Broadway and off-Broadway productions, including “The Three Musketeers” and “Sunday in the Park with George.” While he initially had a role in the movie “Stardust Memories,” Spiner’s career gravitated towards television work. Securing a role in “The Paper Chase” prompted his move to Los Angeles in 1984. After establishing himself in Hollywood, Spiner secured roles in television pilots and made-for-TV movies. He then landed a recurring role in “Night Court” and subsequently appeared in “The Twilight Zone,” “Mama’s Family,” “Tales from the Darkside,” and “Cheers.” During this period, Spiner also took on a starring role in the film “Rent Control.”
“Star Trek” and Beyond: A Detailed Look at Brent Spiner’s Career
Spiner’s career reached new heights in 1987 when he was cast as Data in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” This role would define much of his career over the next 15 years. During this time, Spiner also appeared in four feature films based on the Star Trek universe: “Star Trek Generations,” “Star Trek: First Contact,” “Star Trek: Insurrection,” and “Star Trek: Nemesis.” The latter marked the end of Spiner’s time as Data, as the actor was concerned about his age impacting the portrayal of the ageless android. However, he reprised the role one last time in 2020 in the series “Star Trek: Picard.”
Despite the aging factor for on-screen roles, Spiner continued to lend his voice to Data in various Star Trek video games, including “Star Trek: Generations,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation – A Final Unity,” “Star Trek: Hidden Evil,” and “Star Trek: Bridge Commander.” He also portrayed Data’s creator, Dr. Noonien Soong, in multiple episodes of the series, showcasing his versatility.
In 1997, ten years after his “Star Trek” breakthrough, Spiner returned to Broadway as John Adams in the musical “1776,” earning a Tony Award Nomination along with the rest of the cast. During his run on “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” he appeared in the 1996 film “Independence Day” and later reprised this role in “Independence Day: Resurgence.” Other notable film roles include appearances in “I Am Sam,” “Dude, Where’s My Car?,” “The Aviator,” “The Master of Disguise,” “Out to Sea,” and “Phenomenon.” He also made appearances in television shows such as “Deadly Games,” “The Blacklist,” “Dream On,” “Gargoyles,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “Mad About You,” “The Outer Limits,” and “Friends.”
Even after his “Star Trek” days, Spiner has remained active in various projects. In 2005, he appeared in the sci-fi series “Threshold,” which was eventually canceled. In 2006, he starred in “Material Girls” alongside Hilary Duff. He has also taken on roles in series such as “Frasier,” “Family Guy,” “Alphas,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Young Justice,” and “Warehouse 13.” Additionally, he appeared in the 2008 film “Superhero Movie.” Brent Spiner’s ability to secure diverse roles across various platforms has substantially contributed to his financial success and net worth.
Musical Ventures and Real Estate Investments
Beyond acting, Brent Spiner has also pursued a career in music. In 1991, he released an album titled “Ol’ Yellow Eyes Is Back,” a reference to Frank Sinatra’s “Ol’ Blue Eyes is Back” and Spiner’s use of yellow contact lenses as Data. The album featured primarily pop songs from the 1940s, showcasing his musical talents. While specific sales figures or streaming data for the album are not publicly available, this endeavor adds another dimension to his career and overall net worth.
In 2003, Spiner invested in real estate, purchasing an estate in the Point Dume area of Malibu for $4.6 million. The 5,000-square-foot home, situated on over 1.6 acres, was originally built in 1960. The property features beamed ceilings, tile risers, a fireplace, and French doors. The exterior includes lush landscaping, palm trees, ocean views, fountains, a two-car garage, and a swimming pool with a waterfall feature. Most notably, the property comes with a key that unlocks a gate to a private path leading to an exclusive beach. In 2016, Spiner listed the property for $11 million but ultimately did not find a buyer. This real estate investment contributes to his overall net worth.
Brent Spiner’s Net Worth: Summary
Brent Spiner’s $16 million net worth is a testament to his decades-long career as an actor, musician, and voice actor. His iconic role as Data in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and subsequent films remains his most recognizable work, but he has also enjoyed success in other film and television roles, as well as on stage. In addition to his acting career, Spiner’s real estate investments have also contributed to his net worth.