Steve Guttenberg: A Hollywood Journey

What’s Up with Steve Guttenberg’s Net Worth?

Let’s talk about Steve Guttenberg, a guy who’s been lighting up screens for decades. With a net worth of $12 million, this Brooklyn-born actor has carved out quite the legacy in Hollywood. Steve’s career skyrocketed in the 1980s, thanks to some iconic roles in blockbuster franchises like "Police Academy" (1984-1987), "Cocoon" (1985, 1988), "Short Circuit" (1986), and "Three Men and a Baby" (1987). Early on, he made waves in films like "Diner" (1982) and "The Boys from Brazil" (1978). His rise was nothing short of meteoric, and his charm and talent made him a household name.

After the '80s, Steve pivoted to television and independent films, continuing to make a name for himself. Some of his standout projects include "It Takes Two" (1995) and "P.S. Your Cat Is Dead" (2002), which he also directed. He even dipped his toes into reality TV, appearing on "Dancing with the Stars" in 2008. Steve hasn’t slowed down, consistently working on television and film projects while making the occasional Broadway appearance.

Here’s a fun fact: Steve Guttenberg appeared in more film projects between 1980 and 1990 than almost any other actor, except for the legendary Gene Hackman. That’s saying something!

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Early Days: Growing Up Guttenberg

Steve Guttenberg’s story begins in Brooklyn, New York, where he was born Steven Robert Guttenberg on August 24, 1958. His parents, Ann Iris and Jerome Stanley Guttenberg, gave him a strong foundation—his mom was a surgical assistant, and his dad was an electrical engineer. Raised in Queens with a Jewish upbringing, Steve eventually moved to North Massapequa, New York, where he developed his love for the arts.

During high school, Steve attended a summer program at Juilliard, studying under the legendary John Houseman. This experience led to his big break in an Off-Broadway production of "The Lion in Winter." After graduating from Plainedge High School in 1976, Steve attended SUNY Albany for a year before heading west to chase his dreams in California. Within weeks of arriving, he landed a role as Colonel Sanders in a Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial. Talk about a fast start!

A Career in the Spotlight

Breaking Into Hollywood

Steve Guttenberg’s first big screen credit came in 1977 with the TV movie "Something for Joey." Over the next few years, he took on small roles while honing his craft. By the time he landed a role in Barry Levinson’s 1982 comedy "Diner," he was just 24 years old but already making waves. This film turned Guttenberg into one of the biggest comedic and dramatic box-office draws of the era.

In 1984, Steve blew up with "Police Academy," a role that would become synonymous with his name. Over the next four years, he starred in nine films, cementing his status as one of the busiest actors in Hollywood. In 1985 alone, he delivered memorable performances in "Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment" and "Cocoon," both of which were box office hits.

The Hits Keep Coming

Steve continued to dominate the box office throughout the late '80s. In 1986, he starred in "Police Academy 3: Back in Training" and "Short Circuit," and in 1987, he wrapped up the "Police Academy" franchise with "Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol." But his biggest success came in 1987 with "Three Men and a Baby," co-starring Tom Selleck and Ted Danson. This film became a cultural phenomenon and remains one of the highest-grossing comedies of all time.

While some of his later films didn’t match that success, Steve kept pushing forward. He made his Broadway debut in 1991 with "Prelude to a Kiss" and continued to explore theater, starring in productions like "The Boys Next Door" and "Furthest From the Sun." His TV roles included memorable performances in "Veronica Mars" and "Dancing with the Stars," where he showed off his dancing skills alongside partner Anna Trebunskaya.

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A Multifaceted Talent

Steve Guttenberg isn’t just an actor—he’s also a director, producer, and writer. In 2002, he directed and produced the film "P.S. Your Cat Is Dead," showcasing his versatility behind the camera. He’s also been involved in several charitable endeavors, including producing the Emmy-winning "Schoolbreak Special," a show that tackled issues affecting high school students.

The Diner Decision: A Career-Changing Choice

In a candid 2023 interview with radio hosts Jim Norton and Sam Roberts, Steve shared an interesting story about his role in "Diner." Back in 1982, the producers offered him two salary options: $35,000 with second billing or $30,000 with top billing. As a struggling actor, Steve initially wanted the extra cash, but his agent convinced him to take the lower amount for top billing. It was a decision that paid off in spades. "Diner" was a massive hit, grossing $15 million against a $5 million budget, and Steve’s star power soared.

Honors and Recognition

Steve Guttenberg’s contributions to entertainment and charity have earned him numerous accolades. In 2008, he received the Tony Randall Lifetime Achievement Award at the Fire Island Golden Wagon Film Festival. A year later, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2014, the city of Miami recognized his work with the charity Fun Paw Care by presenting him with a key to the city.

Giving Back: Steve’s Philanthropy

When Steve isn’t in front of the camera, he’s often giving back to his community. One of his proudest achievements is Guttenhouse, an apartment complex that provides housing for individuals who have aged out of foster care. He’s also been deeply involved with the Entertainment Industry Foundation, where he serves as Ambassador for Children’s Issues. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Steve spent a week volunteering at the Houston Astrodome to assist those affected by the disaster.

In 2016, a trust was established in his name to support homeless individuals in Los Angeles. That same year, he joined the Lymphatic Education & Research Network’s Honorary Board, further demonstrating his commitment to making a difference.

Life Beyond the Spotlight

Steve Guttenberg’s personal life has been just as fascinating as his career. He was married to model Denise Bixler from 1988 to 1992, and since 2014, he’s been with journalist Emily Smith. The couple tied the knot in 2019, and their lives are a blend of New York City and Los Angeles. In NYC, they live in an Upper West Side apartment that Steve has called home for decades. In LA, they own a stunning Spanish-style mansion in the exclusive Pacific Palisades neighborhood, which they occasionally rent out for $12,000 to $20,000 per month.

Steve purchased the Pacific Palisades home back in 1985 for $355,000. Today, it’s worth an estimated $5 million—a testament to both his savvy real estate investments and his enduring presence in Hollywood.