Overview

Cole Hauser is an American actor best known for his performances in films such as “Higher Learning,” “Dazed and Confused,” “Good Will Hunting,” “Tears of the Sun,” and “The Last Champion.” He received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Male for his role in the 2000 war drama “Tigerland.” Hauser has also had prominent roles in television series, including “High Incident,” “Chase,” “Rogue,” and the popular series “Yellowstone.” Born on March 22, 1975, in Santa Barbara, California, Hauser comes from a family deeply rooted in the film industry. His mother, Cass Warner, founded the film production company Warner Sisters, and his father, Wings Hauser, is also an actor. His paternal grandfather was Academy Award-winning screenwriter Dwight Hauser, and his maternal relatives include screenwriter and producer Milton Sperling and Harry Warner, one of the founders of Warner Bros. Studios. He is considered rich due to his family’s success in show business, Hauser also comes from considerable inherited wealth. Hauser reportedly earned $700,000 per episode on Yellowstone in 2024.

What Is Cole Hauser’s Net Worth?

Cole Hauser, the American actor known for his roles in films like “Higher Learning” and “Yellowstone,” has accumulated a net worth of $10 million as of 2025. This wealth is a culmination of his work in film and television over several decades.

Early Career and Film Roles

Hauser began his film career in the early 1990s, debuting in “School Ties” in 1992. His early roles included appearances in “Dazed and Confused” (1993) and “Higher Learning” (1995), where he played a neo-Nazi skinhead. These roles, while not immediately lucrative, helped establish him in the industry. In 1997, Hauser starred in “Good Will Hunting,” alongside Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, contributing to his rising profile and future opportunities.

In 2000, Hauser’s performance in “Tigerland” earned him an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Male. Although this nomination did not come with a specific monetary prize, it increased his visibility and demand in the industry. Later, he appeared in “Pitch Black” (2000) and “Hart’s War,” further diversifying his film credits.

Throughout the 2000s, Hauser continued to take on various roles, including “2 Fast 2 Furious” (2003), “Paparazzi” (2004), and “The Cave” (2005). While specific salary figures for these roles are not publicly available, his consistent work in action and thriller films contributed steadily to his income.

The 2010s saw Hauser appearing in films such as “A Good Day to Die Hard” (2013), “Olympus Has Fallen” (2013), and “Acts of Violence.” His involvement in these action films provided a consistent income stream, reinforcing his position as a reliable character actor.

Television Career and “Yellowstone”

Hauser’s television career includes roles in series such as “High Incident” (1996), where he played Officer Randy Willitz. Although the show was short-lived, it marked his entry into television acting. His recurring role on “ER” in 2004 also added to his television credits.

In 2007, Hauser starred in the Fox crime drama “K-Ville,” which aired ten episodes. Following this, he took on the main role of US Marshal Jimmy Godfrey in “Chase” (2010), which ran for 18 episodes. These roles helped sustain his career and provided additional income during the early 2010s.

From 2014 to 2017, Hauser played Ethan Kelly in “Rogue,” appearing in seasons two through four. This role provided consistent work and further established him as a television actor.

The turning point in Hauser’s television career came with his role as Rip Wheeler in the Paramount Network series “Yellowstone,” starting in 2018. Starring alongside Kevin Costner, Hauser’s portrayal of Rip Wheeler has been critically acclaimed. While specific salary details are not publicly disclosed, it is widely speculated that his role in “Yellowstone” has significantly boosted his earnings. Given the show’s popularity and Hauser’s prominent role, his salary per episode is likely substantial, contributing significantly to his $10 million net worth.

Real Estate Investments

In 2010, Cole and his wife, Cynthia Daniel, purchased a ranch property in Agoura Hills, California, for $2.33 million. This 3-acre property included a 5,300-square-foot mansion built in 2003, featuring a guest house, studio, and two garages. The property was listed for $4.55 million in late 2020 and sold for $4.375 million in December 2022, resulting in a significant profit.

In July 2021, Cole and Cynthia acquired a waterfront mansion in Stuart, Florida, for $4.2 million. This 7,000-square-foot mansion boasts 135 feet of water frontage, an expansive living room with 20-foot ceilings, a master wing with a balcony, four additional en-suite bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen, dining room, family room, wine cellar, two elevators, a 3-car garage with an attached guest suite, complete impact glass, and a pub-style bar room. This investment indicates Hauser’s strategy of diversifying his assets through real estate.

Net Worth Calculation

Cole Hauser’s estimated $10 million net worth is derived from several key sources: earnings from film roles spanning from the 1990s to the present, income from television series including “Yellowstone,” and profits from real estate investments. While precise figures for individual film and television contracts are not publicly available, consistent roles in popular productions have contributed significantly to his financial standing.

His early film roles in the 1990s, such as “School Ties,” “Dazed and Confused,” and “Good Will Hunting,” laid the foundation for his career. While these roles may not have been highly remunerated initially, they provided crucial exposure and experience that led to more substantial roles.

The consistent work in action films throughout the 2000s and 2010s, including “2 Fast 2 Furious,” “Olympus Has Fallen,” and “Acts of Violence,” ensured a steady income stream. The cumulative effect of these roles, along with his television work, contributed significantly to his net worth.

The success of “Yellowstone” has undoubtedly played a major role in boosting his earnings in recent years. While specific salary details are confidential, given the show’s popularity and his central role, it is reasonable to assume a substantial per-episode salary, adding significantly to his annual income. “Yellowstone” is a financial windfall for Cole Hauser.

The real estate transactions, particularly the sale of the Agoura Hills property and the purchase of the waterfront mansion in Florida, reflect a strategic approach to asset management. The profit from the Agoura Hills sale added directly to his net worth, while the Florida mansion represents a significant investment in a valuable asset.

In summary, Cole Hauser’s $10 million net worth is a result of consistent work in film and television, strategic real estate investments, and the financial success of his role in “Yellowstone.” As he continues to work on high-profile projects, his net worth is likely to continue to grow.

Details of Key Roles

In “School Ties” (1992), Hauser started his acting journey, joining a cast of rising stars. His role, though not a lead, offered invaluable exposure. The film, set in a 1950s boarding school, tackled themes of anti-Semitism, providing Hauser with an early opportunity to engage in meaningful storytelling. While his initial salary remains undisclosed, this role served as a critical stepping stone.

In “Dazed and Confused” (1993), Hauser appeared in Richard Linklater’s cult classic, which captured the spirit of 1970s youth. Sharing the screen with future stars like Ben Affleck and Matthew McConaughey, Hauser played a memorable character, contributing to the film’s authenticity. This role amplified his presence in the industry, leading to more substantial opportunities.

His role in John Singleton’s “Higher Learning” (1995) was particularly significant. Hauser played a neo-Nazi skinhead, a character that stirred controversy and showcased his range. The film addressed complex social issues, and Hauser’s performance was both unsettling and compelling. This role, while challenging, solidified his reputation as a serious actor capable of tackling difficult subjects. While his salary for “Higher Learning” has not been publicly disclosed, the role increased his visibility and demand.

Appearing in “Good Will Hunting” (1997) alongside Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, Hauser joined a critically acclaimed and commercially successful film. Although his role was supporting, the film’s success boosted his profile and opened doors to higher-profile projects. “Good Will Hunting” earned numerous awards, enhancing Hauser’s standing in the industry.

In “Pitch Black” (2000), Hauser ventured into science fiction, joining Vin Diesel in a thrilling battle against alien creatures. The film’s success spawned a franchise, demonstrating Hauser’s ability to contribute to commercially viable projects. While “Pitch Black” might not be his most critically acclaimed work, it expanded his audience and marketability.

“Tigerland” (2000), directed by Joel Schumacher, provided Hauser with a significant role as Staff Sergeant Cota. His performance earned him an Independent Spirit Award nomination, marking a high point in his early career. The film, which focused on the experiences of soldiers during the Vietnam War, showcased Hauser’s talent for portraying complex characters. This nomination enhanced his credibility and appeal.

In “2 Fast 2 Furious” (2003), Hauser joined the popular franchise, playing a mob boss. The film was a commercial success, reaching a wide audience and providing Hauser with further exposure. This role, though different from his more serious work, demonstrated his versatility and ability to adapt to different genres. While his earnings from “2 Fast 2 Furious” remain undisclosed, the film contributed positively to his financial portfolio.

Hauser’s role as Rip Wheeler in “Yellowstone” has been transformative. The series, created by Taylor Sheridan, has become a cultural phenomenon, drawing in millions of viewers. As Rip Wheeler, Hauser embodies toughness, loyalty, and a deep connection to the land. His portrayal has resonated with audiences, making him a fan favorite. This role has undoubtedly elevated his career to new heights, significantly boosting his net worth. While precise salary figures for “Yellowstone” are confidential, industry experts estimate that Hauser earns a substantial per-episode fee, reflecting his integral role in the show’s success. This financial windfall is a testament to his talent and the enduring appeal of “Yellowstone.”

Personal Life and Habits

Cole Hauser married Cynthia Daniel in 2006, an actress and photographer known for her role in the “Sweet Valley High” television adaptation. They have three children: sons Ryland and Colt, and daughter Steely Rose. Cynthia’s twin sister is actress Brittany Daniel.

Regarding personal habits, there is no public information available about specific daily routines, work habits, or private details. Hauser tends to maintain a low public profile outside of his professional engagements.

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