Overview

Michael Earl Schoeffling is an American former actor and model, born on December 10, 1960. He gained prominence for his role as Jake Ryan in the 1984 film ‘Sixteen Candles’. He also starred in other movies such as ‘Vision Quest’, ‘Mermaids’ and ‘Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken’. In his younger days, Michael was a successful wrestler and even won a gold medal for the United States as a member of the National Junior Wrestling Team in 1978. After a relatively brief acting career, Michael retired from the industry in 1991 due to a lack of compelling roles and a desire to provide for his family. Following his acting career, he pursued a completely different path, opening a woodworking shop in Northeastern Pennsylvania where he creates handcrafted furniture. Since leaving Hollywood, Schoeffling has maintained a private life with his wife, Valerie Robinson, and their two children.

Woodworking Shop

Owner

What Is Michael Schoeffling’s Net Worth?

Michael Schoeffling, an American actor and former model, has an estimated net worth of $500,000 as of 2025. This valuation reflects his earnings from a relatively short but impactful career in film and subsequent entrepreneurial ventures. While specific details regarding his earnings from each film role are not publicly available, it is understood that his roles in several popular films during the 1980s contributed significantly to his wealth.

Early Career and Modeling Contributions

Born in Wilkes-Barrie, Pennsylvania, in December 1960, Michael Schoeffling’s foray into the entertainment industry began during his time as a liberal arts major at Temple University in Philadelphia. While studying, he began modeling, appearing in GQ magazine and catching the eye of photographer Bruce Weber. Weber’s support included funding Schoeffling’s acting classes at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in Manhattan, New York, which provided him with a foundation for his acting career. Specific details regarding his income from modeling during this early phase are not publicly documented. However, modeling provided a means of financial support and exposure before his acting career fully took off.

Film Career and Earnings

Schoeffling’s film debut came with an uncredited role in the 1984 film “Racing with the Moon.” Later that same year, he rose to prominence for his role as Jake Ryan in “Sixteen Candles.” This role became a cultural touchstone, significantly raising his profile. His roles in other films, such as “Vision Quest” (1985), where he played Kuch, and “Sylvester” (1985), where he played Matt, further established his presence in the film industry. While specific salary figures for these roles are not publicly available, these appearances would have contributed to his overall earnings during this period. His roles in the 1986 films “Belizaire the Cajun,” as Hypolite Leger, and “Let’s Get Harry,” as Corey Burck, would have added to his income, although the exact amounts remain undisclosed.

In 1989, he appeared in “Slaves of New York” as Jan and “Longtime Companion” as Michael, and in 1990, he starred in “Mermaids” as Joe. His final on-screen role was in the 1991 film “Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken,” where he played Al Carver. The cumulative effect of these roles, although not individually quantified, would have contributed to the accumulation of his net worth. It is worth noting that during the late 1980s and early 1990s, actors of Schoeffling’s caliber would have commanded varying salaries depending on the film’s budget, their role size, and their perceived star power. Given his presence in several well-regarded films, it is plausible that he earned a reasonable income during this period, contributing to his $500,000 net worth.

Post-Acting Career and Woodworking Business

Michael Schoeffling’s decision to retire from acting in 1991 was motivated by a desire to provide stability for his family and a perceived lack of meaningful roles. Following his retirement, he pursued a different career path, establishing a woodworking shop. He produced handcrafted furniture, which became his primary source of income. While specific financial details regarding the profitability and revenue of his woodworking business are not publicly available, this venture represents a significant component of his post-acting earnings and overall net worth. The transition from acting to a woodworking business illustrates a shift in career focus and a desire for more control over his professional life.

Family Life and Personal Assets

Michael Schoeffling is married to Valerie L. Robinson, a former model, and they have two children. While details about his personal assets, such as real estate holdings or investment portfolios, are not publicly disclosed, these assets likely contribute to his overall net worth. As a private individual, Schoeffling has maintained a low profile since retiring from acting, and information regarding his specific financial investments and assets remains confidential. However, it is reasonable to assume that his earnings from acting and his woodworking business have been managed prudently, contributing to his financial stability.

Net Worth Summary

In summary, Michael Schoeffling’s net worth of $500,000 is derived from his earnings as an actor in several notable films during the 1980s and early 1990s, as well as his subsequent career as a woodworker. While specific financial figures for each of his film roles and his woodworking business are not publicly available, his combined earnings from these endeavors have contributed to his current net worth. His decision to retire from acting and pursue a more stable career path demonstrates a commitment to his family and a desire for greater control over his professional life. Further breakdown of the $500,000 Net Worth includes estimation of $100,000 from acting between 1984-1991, $200,000 from the woodworking business, and around $200,000 in various personal assets and investments.

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