Daniel Stern Net Worth

What is Daniel Stern's net worth?

Daniel Stern is an American film and television actor who has a net worth of $20 million. Daniel Stern's career has spanned more than four decades, marked by an unusual balance of mainstream comedy, dramatic film work, and behind-the-camera projects. He first gained wide recognition in the late 1970s and early 1980s with roles in character-driven films that showcased his lanky physicality and offbeat comedic timing. Early appearances in movies like "Breaking Away" and "Diner" positioned Stern as a reliable ensemble player during a period when Hollywood favored naturalistic, dialogue-heavy storytelling.

Stern achieved lasting mainstream fame in the 1990s as Marv Merchants, one half of the hapless criminal duo in "Home Alone" and "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York." The films were massive box-office successes and became cultural staples, cementing Stern's place in pop culture history. Around the same time, he expanded his television presence by starring as narrator Kevin Arnold's adult voice on "The Wonder Years," a role that further broadened his appeal and showcased his warm, reflective delivery.

Beyond acting, Stern built a substantial career as a director. He directed episodes of major television series, including "The Wonder Years," "Parker Lewis Can't Lose," "Dilbert," and "Manhattan," often focusing on character-focused storytelling rather than visual spectacle. He also directed the feature film "Rookie of the Year," another family-oriented hit of the 1990s.

In later years, Stern continued working steadily in film and television while also pursuing interests outside entertainment, including sculpture and public art. His career stands out for its durability and versatility. Rather than chasing leading-man stardom, Stern carved out a long-term niche as a character actor, voice performer, and director whose work remains widely recognized across multiple generations.

Malibu Mansion

For just under 30 years, Daniel and Laure enjoyed life on a two-acre property in an area in Malibu called Point Dume. They bought the 4,300-square-foot home, which has five bedrooms and five bathrooms, for $1.15 million in 1993. Daniel and Laure listed the home in April 2022 for $14.95 million. That would be a significant gain over the $1.15 million they paid in 1993. They sold this property in Aug 2022 for $14.35 million.

Early Life

Daniel Stern was born on August 28, 1957, in Bethesda, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C., and was raised in a Jewish household. His father worked as a social worker, while his mother ran a daycare center out of their home, providing Stern with a grounded, working-class upbringing. He grew up alongside his brother David Stern, who would later build a successful career as a television writer and producer.

Stern developed an interest in acting during his teenage years at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, where he appeared in stage productions including "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Promises, Promises." Outside of school, he held a series of part-time jobs, including working as a gas station attendant pumping fuel and cleaning windshields, long before he had any realistic expectation of earning a living as an actor.

While still in high school, Stern landed a walk-on role in the Washington, D.C. Shakespeare Festival's production of "The Taming of the Shrew," which starred Glenn Close. The experience proved decisive. During his senior year, Stern made the unconventional choice to drop out of high school in order to pursue acting full-time. He moved to New York City, where he studied under respected acting teachers Austin Pendleton and Herbert Berghof and began building a résumé through stage work. His early theater credits included Broadway and Off-Broadway productions such as "True West," "How I Got That Story," "Split," and "The Mandrake," establishing him as a serious young actor with strong dramatic instincts.

Film Breakthrough and Early Recognition

Stern made his feature film debut in 1979 with "Breaking Away," playing the role of Cyril. The coming-of-age film received widespread critical acclaim and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, instantly placing Stern on Hollywood's radar. He followed that success with another critically praised performance in Barry Levinson's ensemble drama "Diner," portraying Laurence "Shrevie" Schreiber. The film earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay and became a defining entry in the wave of character-driven American films of the early 1980s.

These early roles established Stern as a naturalistic actor well suited to ensemble storytelling, a reputation that would shape much of his subsequent career.

1980s Film Career and Rising Profile

Throughout the 1980s, Stern worked steadily across a wide range of films. He appeared in the action thriller "Blue Thunder" and collaborated with Woody Allen on "Stardust Memories" and "Hannah and Her Sisters," the latter of which won three Academy Awards. As the decade progressed, Stern became increasingly associated with comedy, thanks in part to his expressive physicality and understated delivery.

His profile rose significantly with "City Slickers," in which he played Phil Berquist alongside Billy Crystal and Bruno Kirby. The film was both a commercial and critical success and has since appeared on multiple American Film Institute lists recognizing great comedy films. Stern earned an American Comedy Award nomination for Funniest Supporting Actor and later reprised the role in "City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold."

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"Home Alone" and Mainstream Fame

Stern reached peak mainstream visibility in 1990 with "Home Alone," starring opposite Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, and Catherine O'Hara. Playing Marv Merchants, one half of the film's famously inept burglar duo, "The Wet Bandits," Stern helped anchor one of the most successful comedies in film history. "Home Alone" spent 12 consecutive weeks at number one at the box office and remains one of the highest-grossing Christmas films of all time.

He returned for "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" in 1992, further cementing the characters' place in pop culture. During the 1990s, Stern continued appearing in comedies such as "Bushwhacked" and the dark ensemble satire "Very Bad Things," demonstrating a willingness to take tonal risks even after achieving commercial success.

Television, Voice Work, and Directing

Alongside his film career, Stern built a significant presence on television. He served as the narrator of "The Wonder Years," providing the voice of the adult Kevin Arnold throughout the series' run. The role became one of his most recognizable performances and allowed him to collaborate with his brother David Stern, who was part of the show's writing staff. Stern also voiced the title character on the animated series "Dilbert," based on the popular comic strip.

Behind the camera, Stern directed multiple episodes of "The Wonder Years" and later directed the family sports comedy "Rookie of the Year." In 2001, he created and starred in the television series "Danny," though the show was cancelled midway through its first season.

Later Career and Continued Work

In later years, Stern returned periodically to theater, writing the stage play "Barbra's Wedding," which enjoyed a successful six-month Off-Broadway run. His film work continued into the streaming era, including appearances in the comedy "Game Over, Man!" and the Canadian science-fiction film "James vs. His Future Self." The latter was well received by critics and earned multiple Canadian Screen Award nominations, including a Best Supporting Actor nomination for Stern.

He also appeared in a recurring role on the streaming comedy series "Shrill," starring Aidy Bryant. Across film, television, voice work, directing, and theater, Daniel Stern's career has been defined by versatility, longevity, and an ability to move fluidly between mainstream success and character-driven projects.

(Photo by Michael Tran/Getty Images)

Personal Life and Hobbies

In 1980, Stern married Laure Mattos. They have three children – one son and two daughters. Their son, Henry, went on to become a California State Senator, while his daughter Sophie became a musician, and his youngest daughter, Ella, a health worker.

Stern developed a strong interest in fine arts as well, particularly bronze sculpture. His work has been featured in a number of galleries and art fairs, and he has also created sculptures for the cities of Pasadena, San Diego, and Palm Desert, among others. He is now an artist in residence at the Studio Channel Islands Art Centre in Camarillo, California.

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