Daniel Stern is an American actor and filmmaker who has been in the entertainment industry for more than four decades. He is best known for his roles in popular movies and TV series such as “Home Alone,” “The Wonder Years,” and “City Slickers.” In this article, we’ll take a closer look at his life and career.
Early Life and Education
Born on August 28, 1957, in Bethesda, Maryland, Daniel Jacob Stern is the youngest of three children. His father was a social worker, and his mother was a travel agent. Stern grew up in Maryland and attended Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, where he played in the school’s rock band. After high school, he enrolled at Hampshire College in Massachusetts but dropped out after two years to pursue a career in acting.
Career Beginnings
Stern’s acting career started in the late 1970s, where he performed in community theater productions in New York City. His big break came in 1979 when he was cast in the Broadway play “The Other Side of the Island.” He then landed his first film role in the 1980 comedy “Breaking Away,” which earned critical acclaim and became a box office hit.
Major Roles
Stern gained worldwide fame for his portrayal of Marv Merchants in “Home Alone” (1990) and its sequel, “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992). In both films, Stern’s character, alongside Joe Pesci, played the bumbling burglars trying to rob Kevin McCallister’s (Macaulay Culkin) home. The movies were commercial successes and are considered Christmas classics.
Another major role for Stern was on the TV series “The Wonder Years” (1988-1993). He played Kevin Arnold’s (Fred Savage) adult self-narrator and provided viewers with insight into his character’s thoughts and emotions. The show was a critical and commercial success and won several Emmy Awards.
In the early 1990s, Stern starred alongside Billy Crystal and Jack Palance in the comedy “City Slickers” (1991). The film was well-received and earned Stern a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Filmmaking Career
Aside from his acting career, Stern is also a filmmaker. He made his directorial debut with the film “Rookie of the Year” (1993), a family comedy about a 12-year-old boy who becomes a baseball pitcher. He also directed “Little Monsters” (1989) and “Diner” (2019), the latter being a live stage production.
Personal Life
Stern has been married twice. He first tied the knot with his high school sweetheart, Laure Mattos, in 1980, but they divorced in 1984. He later married actress-interior designer Lisa Sotto in 1985, and they have three children together.
In recent years, Stern has been vocal about his struggles with depression, which he wrote about in an essay published by the Huffington Post in 2016. In the essay, he offered words of encouragement and hope to others who were going through the same thing.
Conclusion
Daniel Stern is a talented actor and filmmaker who has left a significant mark on the entertainment industry. His iconic role in “Home Alone” and his narration on “The Wonder Years” have made him a household name. He continues to work in the industry, taking on various acting roles and directing projects, showing his passion for the craft of filmmaking.