Steve Guttenberg, an American actor and comedian, boasts a net worth of approximately $12 million as of 2025. Known as one of the most prominent faces in the entertainment industry during the 1980s, Guttenberg’s diverse career spans over four decades, encompassing blockbuster films, television, and stage performances. His contribution to Hollywood is marked by starring roles in beloved films such as Police Academy, Cocoon, Three Men and a Baby, and Diner.
Early Life and Background
Born Steven Robert Guttenberg on August 24, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York, Guttenberg grew up in a Jewish household. His parents, Ann Iris, a surgical assistant, and Jerome Stanley Guttenberg, an electrical engineer, nurtured him alongside his siblings in Queens. The family later relocated to North Massapequa, New York. Now aged 66, Steve’s early interest in performance led him to attend a summer program at Julliard during high school, where he studied under the legendary John Houseman. This training paved the way for his first acting opportunity in an off-Broadway production of The Lion in Winter.
After graduating from Plainedge High School in 1976, Guttenberg briefly attended the State University of New York at Albany. However, his passion for acting prompted him to move to California. Within weeks of arriving, he landed a commercial for Kentucky Fried Chicken, portraying Colonel Sanders.
Breakout Roles and Film Success
Guttenberg’s initial screen credit came in 1977 with the television movie Something for Joey. He gradually built his portfolio with minor roles throughout the late ’70s and early ’80s. His major breakthrough came in 1982 when he starred in Barry Levinson’s comedy Diner. This role catapulted him into stardom, and soon after, he became the face of one of the biggest comedy franchises of the decade—Police Academy.
Police Academy, released in 1984, was a box office sensation, leading to three successful sequels that solidified Guttenberg’s reputation as a comedic powerhouse. His performances in Cocoon (1985), Short Circuit (1986), and Three Men and a Baby (1987) contributed to his status as one of Hollywood’s busiest actors of the era. Three Men and a Baby, where he starred alongside Tom Selleck and Ted Danson, became the highest-grossing film of 1987.
Despite the occasional commercial failure, such as High Spirits and Cocoon: The Return, Guttenberg bounced back with Three Men and a Little Lady in 1990, further cementing his popularity.
Television and Stage Appearances
Beyond film, Guttenberg made his mark on television. One of his notable roles was Mayor Woody Goodman in the hit series Veronica Mars (2004). He also directed, produced, and acted in the 2002 adaptation of P.S. Your Cat is Dead. Guttenberg appeared in several TV movies and reality shows, including Dancing with the Stars in 2008.
On stage, Guttenberg made his Broadway debut in 1991 with Prelude to a Kiss. He continued performing in theater productions in London’s West End and regional theaters. In 2012, he starred in Woody Allen’s Honeymoon Hotel.
In recent years, Guttenberg has made guest appearances on shows like The Goldbergs, Paper Empire, and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, demonstrating his enduring presence in entertainment.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Guttenberg’s personal life reflects his dedication to philanthropy and social causes. He married model Denise Bixler in 1988, but the couple divorced in 1992. In 2019, Steve married reporter Emily Smith, a CBS New York and WABC journalist, after dating for five years. They currently divide their time between their Upper West Side apartment in New York and a mansion in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles.
Guttenberg is deeply involved in charitable work. He founded Guttenhouse, a housing initiative aimed at providing shelter for young adults aging out of the foster care system. His involvement in aiding Hurricane Katrina victims in 2005 and support for animal rights organizations like Fun Paw Care highlights his commitment to community service. In 2016, he established a trust to provide assistance to Los Angeles’ homeless population.
Awards and Recognition
In 2008, Guttenberg received the Tony Randall Lifetime Achievement Award from the Fire Island Golden Wagon Film Festival, acknowledging his extensive contributions to entertainment and philanthropy. In December 2011, his career achievements were immortalized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was honored with the key to the city of Miami in 2014 for his work with Fun Paw Care.
Real Estate and Current Ventures
Guttenberg’s real estate portfolio reflects his success. His primary residence in Pacific Palisades, LA, is occasionally rented out for $12,000 to $20,000 per month, providing an additional revenue stream. Meanwhile, his long-held New York apartment places him in close proximity to his wife’s professional base.
Despite having accumulated significant wealth, Guttenberg remains active in the entertainment industry. His recent roles in streaming series and independent projects underscore his adaptability in an evolving industry. As of 2025, his net worth stands at $12 million, with ongoing ventures likely to add to his legacy.
Steve Guttenberg’s career epitomizes resilience, humor, and dedication. Whether through his unforgettable on-screen performances or his off-screen philanthropic efforts, Guttenberg continues to leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
