Julia Stiles is a talented American actress with an estimated net worth of $12 million. She has built a successful career in Hollywood through diverse roles in films, television, and stage productions. Her breakthrough performance in 10 Things I Hate About You catapulted her to fame, leading to a career filled with critically acclaimed and commercially successful projects.
Early Life and Education
Julia O’Hara Stiles was born on March 28, 1981, in New York City. She is the daughter of Judith Newcomb Stiles, an artist, and John O’Hara, an elementary school teacher. Stiles has two siblings, Jane and John Junior.
Growing up in New York, she attended the Professional Children’s School before enrolling at Columbia University, where she earned a degree in English Literature in 2005. Her passion for acting developed at an early age, and at 11 years old, she started performing with La MaMa Theatre Company.
Acting Career
Early Television and Film Roles
Stiles made her television debut in 1993 with a recurring role on the PBS children’s mystery series Ghostwriter, appearing in six episodes. Throughout the late 1990s, she took on roles in various films, including:
- I Love You, I Love You Not (1996)
- The Devil’s Own (1997)
- Wide Awake (1998)
- Wicked (1998), which won her the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival Award for Best Actress
Breakthrough with 10 Things I Hate About You
In 1999, Stiles landed the role of Kat Stratford in the hit teen romantic comedy 10 Things I Hate About You, a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Her performance won her multiple awards, including the Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Most Promising Actress and an MTV Movie Award for Breakthrough Female Performance.
Continued Success in Film
Building on her 10 Things I Hate About You success, Stiles took on several leading roles in major films, such as:
- Down to You (2000)
- Hamlet (2000)
- State and Main (2000)
- Save the Last Dance (2001), which grossed $131.7 million worldwide and earned her an MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss
- The Prince and Me (2004)
- Mona Lisa Smile (2003) alongside Julia Roberts
The Bourne Franchise
Stiles gained international recognition for her portrayal of Nicolette “Nicky” Parsons in The Bourne Identity (2002) and its sequels:
- The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
- The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
- Jason Bourne (2016)
The Bourne series has collectively grossed over $1.6 billion at the box office, further solidifying Stiles’ presence in Hollywood.
Television Success: Dexter and Riviera
In 2010, Stiles joined the critically acclaimed Showtime series Dexter as Lumen Pierce, earning Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her performance. She later starred in the Sky Atlantic drama Riviera (2017–2020), playing Georgina Clios, the lead character in the series.
Other Film and TV Appearances
Beyond her major roles, Stiles has appeared in various films and TV shows, including:
- Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
- It’s a Disaster (2012)
- The Mindy Project (2014)
- Hustlers (2019) alongside Jennifer Lopez
Directing and Writing Career
In addition to acting, Stiles has explored directing and writing. She wrote and directed the 2007 short film Raving and the 2013 web series Paloma.
Personal Life
Julia Stiles has been in high-profile relationships, including dating Joseph Gordon-Levitt in college and later David Harbour (Stranger Things) from 2011 to 2015.
In 2017, she married Preston J. Cook, a camera assistant, and they have three children together. The couple resides in Brooklyn, New York.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Stiles is deeply involved in charitable causes. She has worked with:
- Habitat for Humanity, helping build housing in Costa Rica
- Amnesty International, where she visited children in immigration detention centers
Additionally, Stiles is a feminist activist and a passionate supporter of the New York Mets and New York Red Bulls. In 2006, she threw the ceremonial first pitch at a Mets game.
Awards and Recognition
Stiles has received numerous accolades for her work, including:
- MTV Movie Awards (10 Things I Hate About You, Save the Last Dance)
- Teen Choice Awards (Save the Last Dance, The Omen)
- Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe nominations (Dexter)
- Gold Derby Award and Capri Ensemble Cast Award (Silver Linings Playbook)
Real Estate Investments
Stiles has also made significant real estate investments.
- In June 2004, she purchased a three-bedroom apartment in New York City for $1.995 million.
- She sold the property in 2014 for $2.7 million, though she initially listed it for $3.5 million.
- Today, she and her family live in a multi-level apartment in Brooklyn.
Conclusion
Julia Stiles has built an impressive career spanning over two decades, balancing mainstream Hollywood success with independent and television projects. With a $12 million net worth, a legacy of iconic roles, and continued work in acting and directing, she remains a dynamic force in the entertainment industry.
