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Daniel SternAmerican actor, director and screenwriter
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Biography of Daniel Stern
- Theater Career
- Film Career
- Breakthrough with "Home Alone"
- Later Career and Personal Life
Biography of Daniel Stern
Early Life and EducationDaniel Jacob Stern was born on August 28, 1957, in Bethesda, Maryland. His father, Leonard Stern, was a social worker, and his mother was a daycare center manager. Raised in a Jewish family, Daniel and his brother David were encouraged to pursue careers in the arts. Daniel developed a passion for acting from a young age and actively participated in theater productions at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. He played notable roles such as Chuck Baxter in the musical "Promises, Promises" and Tevye the milkman in the musical "Fiddler on the Roof." Despite his early aspirations to become an actor, Stern took on various odd jobs, including working at a gas station, to support his family.
Theater Career
After high school, Stern applied to learn lighting direction at the Shakespeare Festival in Washington. Although he did not pursue a career in lighting, he fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming an actor by landing a role in a production of "As You Like It." Stern went on to study acting at the HB Studio in New York City and performed in numerous theater productions, including "Split," "Frankie and Annie," and "The Mandrake." He also worked with popular actor Bob Gunton in the theater company "Second Stage Theatre."
Film Career
Stern's film career began in 1979 when he was cast in the youth drama "Breaking Away." This debut role as one of the four teenagers organizing their own cycling team led to opportunities in Hollywood. Throughout the 1980s, Stern appeared in a variety of films, including Woody Allen's "Stardust Memories" and "A Fine Mess" with Claudia Wells, Michael Douglas, and Jill Clayburgh. In 1982, he landed his first major adult role in Barry Levinson's "Diner" alongside Mickey Rourke, Ellen Barkin, Steve Guttenberg, and Kevin Bacon. The film received critical acclaim and garnered several award nominations.
In 1984, Stern made his foray into the horror genre, playing the heroic Reverend Shepherd in "C.H.U.D." Two years later, he reunited with Woody Allen for the comedy "Hannah and Her Sisters." From the mid-1980s onwards, Stern also began appearing on television, starring in series such as "Hometown" and "The Wonder Years." He also directed several episodes of "The Wonder Years" and provided voice-over narration for the show.
Breakthrough with "Home Alone"
Stern's most iconic role came in 1990 when he portrayed the bumbling burglar Marv Merchants in the family comedy "Home Alone." Directed by Chris Columbus, the film was a massive success, grossing $467.7 million worldwide on a budget of $18 million. Stern's comedic chemistry with Joe Pesci, who played his partner Harry, was a highlight of the film, and their characters earned a nomination for inclusion in the American Film Institute's "100 Years...100 Heroes and Villains" list. The film also spawned a successful sequel, "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," released in 1992.
Later Career and Personal Life
In the 2000s, Stern's acting career slowed down, but he diversified his creative endeavors. He directed episodes of the television series "Manhattan" and wrote the Broadway play "Barbara's Wedding." Stern also ventured into voice acting, lending his voice to animated shows like "Hey Arnold!," "The Simpsons," and "Family Guy." Notable films from this period include "Very Bad Things" (1998), "Three Days to Vegas" (2010), and "A Christmas Story 2" (2012).
In his personal life, Stern married Laura Mattos in 1980, and they have three children together. Their eldest son, Henry, is a California state senator, their daughter, Sophie, is a musician, and their youngest daughter, Ella, is a healthcare professional. Stern has also pursued his passion for sculpting and works primarily with bronze. His sculptures have been featured in art exhibitions across the United States.
In recent years, Stern appeared in the comedy film "Game Over, Man!" (2018) and is set to star in the upcoming film "James vs His Future Self" (2019). He continues to showcase his comedic talents and pursue his artistic endeavors.
