Net Worth Ranker
What Is Steve Guttenberg’s Net Worth?
Steve Guttenberg, a celebrated American actor and comedian, boasts a net worth of $12 million. This substantial wealth is primarily attributed to his successful acting career, which took off in the 1980s with leading roles in iconic franchises and films. His financial achievements are a testament to his enduring presence in the entertainment industry and strategic career choices over the decades.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Born Steven Robert Guttenberg on August 24, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York, Steve’s journey to stardom began with early exposure to the arts. He grew up in Queens and later North Massapequa, New York, nurtured by his parents, Ann Iris, a surgical assistant, and Jerome Stanley Guttenberg, an electrical engineer. His foray into acting started during his high school years when he attended a summer program at Juilliard, studying under John Houseman. This experience led to an off-Broadway role in “The Lion in Winter,” setting the stage for his future success. After graduating from Plainedge High School in 1976, Guttenberg briefly attended the State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany before moving to California to pursue his acting dreams. Within weeks, he landed a role in a Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial, playing Colonel Sanders, which marked the beginning of his on-screen career.
Guttenberg’s early roles included a credit in the TV movie “Something for Joey” in 1977. The early 1980s saw his career take off, culminating in his role in the 1982 classic comedy “Diner.” According to Guttenberg, the film’s producers relayed a message to his agents which explained that he had two salary options: #1) Take $35,000 but receive second billing below co-star Mickey Rourke. #2) Take $30,000 and get top billing. Despite the initial temptation to take the higher salary, he accepted a $30,000 paycheck for top billing, a decision that proved pivotal for his career. His role in 1984’s “Police Academy” cemented his status as a leading man, catapulting him to international fame. Over the next four years, he starred in nine leading roles, making him one of the busiest actors in the industry.
In 1985, he starred in “Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment.” That same year, Guttenberg played the romantic lead in “Cocoon,” another box office success. In 1986, he starred in “Police Academy 3: Back in Training,” and also in “Short Circuit.” In 1987, he appeared in “Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol,” and starred in “Three Men and a Baby,” alongside Tom Selleck and Ted Danson, which became the biggest financial success of his career to date.
Post-1980s Career and Earnings
While Guttenberg’s momentum slowed somewhat after the 1980s, with films like “High Spirits,” “Don’t Tell Her It’s Me,” and “Cocoon: The Return” experiencing commercial disappointment, he remained active in the industry. “Three Men and a Little Lady” in 1990 was a notable success, demonstrating his continued appeal. In 1991, Guttenberg made his Broadway debut in “Prelude to a Kiss,” which was followed by roles in “The Boys Next Door” and “Furthest From the Sun.” His later film credits include “It Takes Two” (1995), where he starred alongside Kristie Alley and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, “Zeus and Roxanne,” “Casper,” and “Tower of Terror.”
Guttenberg’s role as Mayor Woody Goodman in the 2004 mystery series “Veronica Mars” stands out among his television appearances. In 2002, he directed, produced, co-wrote, and acted in the film adaptation of “P.S. Your Cat is Dead.” He also executive produced the Emmy-winning CBS “Schoolbreak Special.” In 2008, he joined the cast of “Dancing with the Stars,” partnered with Anna Trebunskaya. The same year, he released “Steve Guttenberg’s Steak House” on funnyordie.com. In May 2010, Guttenberg played himself in an episode of the Starz comedy “Party Down” and also appeared in an episode of “Law & Order.” He returned to Broadway in 2012 for Woody Allen’s “Honeymoon Hotel.” In 2015, he appeared in the History Channel miniseries “Sons of Liberty.” More recently, in 2020, he was seen in “The Goldbergs,” “Paper Empire,” and “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.” While specific salary details for these later projects are not publicly available, they have undoubtedly contributed to his financial stability and continued relevance in the entertainment world. Steve Guttenberg’s net worth reflects not just the high-earning roles of his early career but also his ability to adapt and remain active in various facets of the industry.
Awards, Recognition, and Philanthropy
Steve Guttenberg’s career has been marked by significant recognition. In 2008, he received the Tony Randall Lifetime Achievement Award at the Fire Island Golden Wagon Film Festival for his contributions to the entertainment industry, community service, and charitable endeavors. A particularly notable honor was the unveiling of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in December 2011, a testament to his enduring impact on film. In October 2014, he received a key to the city of Miami for his work with Fun Paw Care, a charity dedicated to animal rights. These accolades underscore his professional success and commitment to philanthropy.
Outside of his acting career, Guttenberg is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, particularly those focused on helping the homeless and creating opportunities for young people. He established Guttenhouse, an apartment complex providing housing for individuals who have aged out of the foster care system. He was also named Ambassador for Children’s Issues by the Entertainment Industry Foundation. In 2005, he volunteered at the Houston Astrodome following Hurricane Katrina. In 2016, a trust was set up in his honor to support the homeless population of Los Angeles, and he joined the Lymphatic Education & Research Network’s Honorary Board. These activities reflect his dedication to social causes and contribute to his public image as a compassionate and engaged celebrity. Steve Guttenberg’s net worth allows him to support these philanthropic efforts, further enhancing his legacy.
Personal Life and Real Estate Assets
Steve Guttenberg’s personal life includes a marriage to reporter Emily Smith on January 19, 2019, following an engagement in December 2016. Previously, he was married to model Denise Bixler for three years, separating in June 1991 and divorcing in 1992. Steve and Emily live in an Upper West Side apartment in New York, which Steve has rented for decades.
In Los Angeles, the couple owns a Spanish-style mansion in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. Steve purchased this home in August 1985 for $355,000, and it is now valued at $5 million. The property has been offered for rent at prices ranging from $12,000 to $20,000 per month, given the amount of time they spend away from Los Angeles. Steve Guttenberg’s net worth is reflected in his real estate holdings.
The Pacific Palisades home’s address and specific features are not publicly disclosed, it is understood to be a large Spanish-style mansion typical of the area’s upscale residences. The rental income and appreciation in value of this property contribute to his overall net worth and financial stability. Steve Guttenberg’s net worth is supported by his real estate investments, which complement his earnings from acting and other ventures.
