Net Worth Ranker
What Is Paul Michael Glaser’s Net Worth?
Paul Michael Glaser, an accomplished American actor, director, producer, and writer, has accumulated a net worth of $4 million. This figure reflects his multifaceted career in the entertainment industry, spanning acting roles, directorial ventures, production credits, and writing contributions.
Early Life and Education
Born on March 25, 1943, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Paul Manfred Glaser spent his formative years in Newton and Brookline. He was raised in a Jewish household, despite his mother Dorothy’s agnostic views. Glaser attended the Buckingham Browne & Nichols School and later the Cambridge School of Weston, laying the foundation for his future academic pursuits. He pursued higher education at Tulane University, where he majored in English and theater, also minoring in architecture, demonstrating a broad range of intellectual interests. During his time at Tulane, he shared a living space with Bruce Paltrow, who would later become a renowned director. Glaser further honed his skills at Boston University, earning an MFA degree in acting and directing in 1967, which provided him with the necessary tools to embark on a successful career in the performing arts.
Acting Career Highlights
Glaser’s acting career began with appearances in several episodes of “The Doctors” from 1967 to 1968. Following this, he secured a role as Dr. Peter Chernak on the CBS soap opera “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing,” where he worked from 1969 to 1970. His first foray into film was in the 1971 adaptation of the musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” a film that achieved significant critical acclaim, winning a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. Glaser then appeared in the films “Butterflies Are Free” (1972), “Aces Up” (1974), and “Trapped Beneath the Sea” (1976), and he portrayed famed magician Harry Houdini in 1976’s “The Great Houdini.” He guest-starred on “The Streets of San Francisco” (1972), “Cannon” (1972), “The Waltons” (1973), “The Rockford Files” (1974), and “Kojak” (1974). However, his most recognizable role came with the ABC series “Starsky and Hutch,” where he portrayed Detective David Starsky from 1975 to 1979. This series, which aired 93 episodes across four seasons, garnered a Golden Globe nomination for Best Television Series – Drama (1978) and People’s Choice Awards for Favorite Overall New TV Program (1976) and Favorite TV Dramatic Program (1977). In 2004, Glaser reprised his role with a brief cameo in the film version of “Starsky & Hutch,” further cementing his association with the character.
After “Starsky and Hutch” ended, Paul appeared in the films “Phobia” (1980), “Wait till Your Mother Gets Home!” (1983), “Princess Daisy” (1983), “Single Bars, Single Women” (1984), “Jealousy” (1984), and “Attack on Fear” (1984). Returning to acting in the early 2000s, Glaser appeared in the TV movie “And Never Let Her Go” (2001) and the film “Live!” (2007). He co-starred in “Something’s Gotta Give” (2003), alongside Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton, Keanu Reeves, Amanda Peet, and Frances McDormand, which grossed $266.7 million at the box office.
Directorial Ventures
Glaser transitioned into directing, showcasing his versatility within the entertainment industry. His directorial debut came with episodes of “Miami Vice” (1984–1985), “Amazons” (1984), “Otherworld” (1985), and “Amazing Stories” (1987). He then directed the 1986 crime thriller “Band of the Hand,” demonstrating his ability to handle suspenseful narratives. Glaser further showcased his range with the 1992 figure skating romantic comedy “The Cutting Edge,” proving his competence in directing lighter, more heartwarming stories. In 1994, he directed the Kevin Bacon sports comedy “The Air Up There,” adding another diverse project to his directorial portfolio. He also directed the 1987 Stephen King movie “The Running Man,” which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the 1996 fantasy film “Kazaam,” in which Shaquille O’Neal played a genie.
Glaser directed episodes of “Judging Amy” (2001; 2003), “The Agency” (2002), “Robbery Homicide Division” (2002–2003), “The Lyon’s Den” (2003), “Third Watch” (2004–2005), “Las Vegas” (2005–2008), and “Criminal Minds” (2008). Notably, he also directed five episodes of “Starsky and Hutch,” further contributing to the series that propelled him to stardom. His directorial work extended to the 1979 episode “Ballad for a Blue Lady,” which he also wrote. Additionally, he is credited with the story for “Kazaam,” highlighting his creative contributions beyond directing.
Production Credits
In addition to his work as an actor and director, Glaser has also contributed as a producer to various projects. He produced “Kazaam,” taking on a more significant role in the film’s creation. He also served as a producer on the films “Double Impact” (1991) and “The Gospel of Lou” (2003), broadening his involvement in the cinematic process. Glaser’s production credits also include the TV series “Shark Tank,” where he worked as a producer from 2010 to 2014, showcasing his interest in supporting entrepreneurial ventures.
Other Notable Works
Glaser’s career extends beyond film and television. He performed on Broadway in “The Man in the Glass Booth” (1968) and “Butterflies Are Free” (1969–1972), demonstrating his versatility as a performer. In 2011, he published the children’s fantasy novel “Chrystallia and the Source of Light,” adding author to his list of accomplishments. His later television roles include recurring appearances on Showtime’s “Ray Donovan” (2013–2019) and Netflix’s “Grace and Frankie” (2019), showing his continued presence in the industry. In April 2018, Cosmo Lofts in Hollywood hosted an exhibition of Glaser’s paintings and digital art titled “Act 111,” marking his transition into the world of visual arts.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Paul Michael Glaser’s personal life has been marked by both joy and tragedy. He married Elizabeth Meyer on August 24, 1980. Elizabeth contracted HIV in August 1981 after receiving a blood transfusion during the birth of their daughter, Ariel. The diagnosis of HIV in Elizabeth, Ariel, and their son Jake led to the establishment of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation in 1988. This foundation has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for AIDS causes and research, a testament to the Glaser family’s commitment to fighting the disease. In a 2021 interview with “People” magazine, Jake spoke about his work as an ambassador for the foundation, emphasizing their progress in combating pediatric AIDS. Glaser married Tracy Barone on November 24, 1996, and she adopted Jake. The couple welcomed daughter Zoe before divorcing in 2007.
Awards and Nominations
Throughout his career, Glaser has received numerous accolades and nominations. In 1985, he earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series for the “Miami Vice” episode “Smuggler’s Blues.” The following year, he received a Directors Guild of America Award nomination for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series – Night for the same episode. He earned two Bravo Otto nominations for Best Male TV Star, winning in 1978, and he shared a Golden Apple Award with his “Starsky & Hutch” co-star David Soul that year. Glaser and Soul won a TV Land Award for Favorite “Casual Friday” Cop in 2005, a year after they were nominated for Favorite Crimestopper Duo. They also earned an MTV Movie Award nomination for Best Cameo for the “Starsky & Hutch” film in 2004, and Paul received a TP de Oro nomination for Best Foreign Actor in 1978.
Real Estate
In 2005, Glaser purchased a 4,362 square foot home in Agoura, California, for $1.84 million. This five-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence, built in 1983, sits on a .98-acre lot featuring a swimming pool, spa, and gazebo. Glaser put the home on the market for $2.424 million in 2008, indicating a potential investment in real estate.
