Steve Guttenberg Net Worth 2025: Career, Movies, Salary & Real Estate

Steve Guttenberg, one of the most recognizable faces from 1980s cinema, has built a career that spans decades and genres. With a net worth of $12 million as of 2025, Guttenberg’s career includes blockbuster films, television appearances, stage work, and philanthropic efforts. He remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, with a legacy shaped by both commercial success and community service.

From Brooklyn to Box Office Stardom

Born Steven Robert Guttenberg on August 24, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York, he was raised in a Jewish household in Queens before moving to North Massapequa. His early interest in acting led him to a summer program at Juilliard, where he studied under John Houseman. That training soon paid off—he made his screen debut in the 1977 TV movie Something for Joey, and by the early 1980s, he was steadily booking roles.

Guttenberg’s breakout moment came with Barry Levinson’s 1982 film Diner. Though he was initially hesitant, his agent convinced him to take a $30,000 salary with top billing, rather than $35,000 with second billing. That decision paid off handsomely, launching him into stardom.

A Dominant Run in 1980s Blockbusters

Between 1980 and 1990, Guttenberg became one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. He famously led the Police Academy franchise from 1984 to 1987, appearing in four of the films. In 1985, he starred in Cocoon, another commercial hit, followed by Short Circuit (1986) and Three Men and a Baby (1987), which was the highest-grossing film of that year in the U.S.

His string of hits made him one of the busiest actors of the decade, reportedly second only to Gene Hackman in terms of number of projects during that time. Though his post-1980s work never quite matched the same commercial success, Guttenberg continued to work consistently across film, television, and stage.

Later Career and Continued Versatility

In the 1990s and early 2000s, Guttenberg took on a mix of television movies, comedies, and stage roles. He starred in It Takes Two (1995) alongside Kirstie Alley and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, as well as Zeus and Roxanne, Casper, and Tower of Terror. In 2002, he directed, produced, and starred in the indie film P.S. Your Cat Is Dead.

Guttenberg made his Broadway debut with Prelude to a Kiss in 1991 and returned to the stage several times, including London’s West End. In the 2000s, he took on memorable roles like Mayor Woody Goodman in Veronica Mars and even played himself on the cult hit Party Down.

In 2008, he appeared on Dancing with the Stars, partnered with Anna Trebunskaya. Though eliminated early, the appearance introduced him to a new generation of viewers. His recent appearances include The Goldbergs, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and the History Channel’s Sons of Liberty.

Philanthropy and Community Work

Guttenberg’s legacy extends well beyond the screen. He has long been active in charity, particularly in causes related to youth and homelessness. He established Guttenhouse, a housing initiative for young adults transitioning out of foster care. Additionally, he was named Ambassador for Children’s Issues by the Entertainment Industry Foundation.

After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, he volunteered at the Houston Astrodome, providing direct aid to those affected. In 2016, a trust was formed in his name to fund homeless services in Los Angeles. That same year, he joined the Honorary Board of the Lymphatic Education & Research Network.

Awards and Recognition

In 2008, Guttenberg received the Tony Randall Lifetime Achievement Award from the Fire Island Golden Wagon Film Festival for his work in entertainment and community service. He earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011 and received the key to the city of Miami in 2014 for his support of animal rights through the organization Fun Paw Care.

Real Estate and Lifestyle

Steve Guttenberg and his wife, Emily Smith, a reporter for CBS New York and WABC, maintain homes in New York City and Los Angeles. In NYC, they reside in a longtime Upper West Side rental apartment, close to Emily’s work.

In Los Angeles, Guttenberg owns a Spanish-style mansion in Pacific Palisades, purchased in 1985 for $355,000. Today, that home is worth approximately $5 million. Because the couple spends so much time in New York, they have made the property available as a luxury rental, ranging from $12,000 to $20,000 per month.

Personal Life

Guttenberg was married to model Denise Bixler from 1988 to 1991. In 2019, he married Emily Smith after a five-year relationship. The couple lives a relatively private life, dividing their time between both coasts. Despite his fame, Guttenberg has maintained a low-key, grounded lifestyle and continues to choose projects that resonate with him personally.

Final Thoughts

Steve Guttenberg’s estimated $12 million net worth reflects a career built on versatility, smart decisions, and consistency. While his peak fame may have come in the 1980s, he has continued to evolve—both as an actor and as a person committed to giving back.

Whether on screen, on stage, or in the community, Guttenberg remains a shining example of a celebrity who has managed both fame and life with purpose and humility. In 2025, his legacy as a performer and philanthropist continues to inspire across generations.