What Is Daniel Stern’s Net Worth?
Daniel Stern, a versatile American actor renowned for his roles in film and television, has accumulated a net worth of $20 million. This substantial net worth reflects his successful career spanning several decades, with significant contributions to iconic movies and TV shows.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Born on August 28, 1957, in Bethesda, Maryland, Daniel Stern’s early life laid the foundation for his future success. Raised in a Jewish household, his father worked as a social worker, and his mother managed a daycare center. He attended Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, where he discovered his passion for acting, participating in theater productions such as “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Promises, Promises.” To support his budding interests, he worked as a gas station attendant. Deciding to pursue his acting dreams, Stern left high school during his senior year and moved to New York, where he studied with esteemed acting coaches Austin Pendleton and Herbert Berghof. This early dedication helped him secure roles in Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, including “True West,” “How I Got That Story,” “Split,” and “The Mandrake.”
Stern’s film career began in 1979 with “Breaking Away,” where he played Cyril. This role marked a significant milestone, propelling him into the spotlight and contributing to the film’s Academy Award win for Best Original Screenplay. His role as Laurence “Shrevie” Schreiber in Barry Levinson’s “Diner” further solidified his reputation. “Diner” garnered critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, enhancing Stern’s profile in Hollywood.
Iconic Roles and Box Office Success
Throughout the 1980s, Stern built a steady career, securing roles in notable films like the action thriller “Blue Thunder” and Woody Allen’s “Stardust Memories” and “Hannah and Her Sisters.” His transition into comedic roles brought him wider recognition. His portrayal of Phil Berquist in “City Slickers” earned him an American Comedy Award nomination for Funniest Supporting Actor. “City Slickers” has since been recognized by the American Film Institute and included in Bravo’s “100 Funniest Movies” list. Stern reprised his role in “City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly’s Gold,” further cementing his status as a comedic actor.
In 1990, Stern starred in “Home Alone” alongside Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, and Catherine O’Hara. “Home Alone” was a massive box office success, holding the number-one spot for 12 consecutive weeks and remaining the highest-grossing Christmas film as of 2018. Stern played Marv Merchants, one of the bumbling burglars outsmarted by Culkin’s character, a role that remains one of his most iconic. He returned to the role in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” in 1992. His work in comedy continued with roles in “Bushwacked” and “Very Bad Things.”
Stern also narrated the popular television series “The Wonder Years,” voicing the adult version of Kevin Arnold. This role allowed him to collaborate with his brother, David Stern, a screenwriter for the show. Additionally, he voiced the main character Dilbert in the animated series based on the Scott Adams comic strip. His ventures into directing include episodes of “The Wonder Years” and the film “Rookie of the Year.” In 2001, Stern created and starred in the series “Danny,” though it was short-lived. He returned to his theater roots by writing “Barbra’s Wedding,” which enjoyed a successful six-month off-Broadway run. Stern had a role in the 2018 comedy “Game Over, Man!” and the 2019 film “James vs. His Future Self,” where he played a time-travel researching scientist, earning a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He also had a recurring role in the streaming comedy series “Shrill.” These diverse roles contributed to Daniel Stern’s net worth.
Real Estate and Personal Life
Daniel Stern and his wife, Laure Mattos, whom he married in 1980, enjoyed life on a two-acre property in Malibu’s Point Dume area for nearly 30 years. They purchased the 4,300-square-foot home, featuring five bedrooms and five bathrooms, for $1.15 million in 1993. In April 2022, they listed the property for $14.95 million and ultimately sold it in August 2022 for $14.35 million, reflecting a significant gain over their initial investment. Daniel and Laure have three children: Henry, who became a California State Senator; Sophie, a musician; and Ella, a health worker.
Beyond acting, Stern has a strong interest in fine arts, particularly bronze sculpture. His work has been displayed in numerous galleries and art fairs, and he has created sculptures for cities such as Pasadena, San Diego, and Palm Desert. He is currently an artist in residence at the Studio Channel Islands Art Centre in Camarillo, California. These artistic endeavors and successful real estate transactions add to Daniel Stern’s net worth and financial stability.