Steven Spielberg
Director, producer, screenwriter
Born
December 18, 1946
Birthplace
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Nationality
American
Net Worth
$8 billion (2026 est.)
Known For
Jaws; E.T.; Jurassic Park; Schindler's List; Saving Private Ryan
Steven Spielberg Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Steven Allan Spielberg |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 18, 1946 |
| Age | 79 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Director, producer |
| Years Active | 1963-present |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Spouse | Married to Kate Capshaw (1991-present) |
| Children | 7 |
| Net Worth | ~$8 billion |
| Known For | Pioneering modern blockbusters and historical dramas |
Early Life & Background
Spielberg grew up in Arizona making 8 mm adventure films. After brief enrollment at California State University, Long Beach, he became the youngest director signed to a long-term deal at Universal Television, directing episodes of Columbo and Night Gallery before breaking into features.
Career Journey
Blockbuster Revolution
His 1975 thriller Jaws introduced the modern summer blockbuster. Spielberg followed with cultural milestones Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Jurassic Park, blending spectacle with emotional storytelling.
Awards and Prestige
Spielberg earned Academy Awards for Schindler's List (Best Director, Best Picture) and Saving Private Ryan (Best Director). He continues to tackle historical dramas like Munich, Lincoln, Bridge of Spies, and The Post.
Producing Empire
He co-founded Amblin Entertainment and DreamWorks SKG, producing franchises such as Back to the Future, Men in Black, and Transformers. Spielberg also mentors emerging directors through Amblin Partners.
Recent Work
Spielberg directed the semi-autobiographical The Fabelmans (2022), earning his ninth Best Director nomination, and produced Maestro (2023). He continues exploring limited series and immersive storytelling via Amblin Television.
Upcoming Projects
In 2026 Spielberg is directing a new original sci-fi film under the working title The Ark Project, executive producing Jurassic World: Origins, and collaborating with Apple Vision Pro on an interactive Close Encounters experience.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Jaws | Director | Birth of the blockbuster |
| 1981 | Raiders of the Lost Ark | Director | Introduced Indiana Jones |
| 1982 | E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial | Director | Cultural phenomenon |
| 1993 | Schindler's List | Director, producer | Best Picture winner |
| 1993 | Jurassic Park | Director | VFX milestone |
| 1998 | Saving Private Ryan | Director | Oscar-winning war epic |
| 2017 | The Post | Director | Journalism drama |
| 2022 | The Fabelmans | Director, co-writer | Autobiographical drama |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Academy Awards | Best Director | Schindler's List | Won |
| 1999 | Academy Awards | Best Director | Saving Private Ryan | Won |
| 2002 | AFI Life Achievement Award | Career | Career | Honored |
| 2023 | Academy Awards | Best Director | The Fabelmans | Nominated |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$8 billion (2026)
Spielberg's fortune comes from directing fees, Amblin Partners ownership, residuals from Universal theme park attractions, DreamWorks Animation stake sales, and real estate in California and the Hamptons.
Personal Life
He resides between Pacific Palisades and the Hamptons with Kate Capshaw. Spielberg is an avid sailor, video game enthusiast, and collector of film memorabilia, including Citizen Kane's Rosebud sled replica.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
Spielberg founded the USC Shoah Foundation, preserving testimonies of Holocaust survivors, and donates to education, arts, and veterans causes through the Wunderkinder Foundation. He advocates for anti-hate initiatives and journalism freedom.
Social Media Presence
Spielberg is not active on personal social media; Amblin and DreamWorks channels share official news, casting, and philanthropic updates.
Lesser-Known Facts
- He directed the first episode of Columbo at age 24.
- Spielberg completed his college degree in 2002, nearly 40 years after leaving.
- He still edits initial cuts on film before transitioning to digital.
- He holds pilot certification for helicopters, used during Jurassic Park scouting.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Spielberg is in pre-production for The Ark Project, overseeing casting for Jurassic World: Origins, and launching the Shoah Foundation's immersive museum expansion in Los Angeles with volumetric testimony displays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Steven Spielberg?
Steven Spielberg is an American director, producer, and screenwriter known for creating blockbuster films like Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park, and award-winning dramas like Schindler's List.
What is Steven Spielberg most famous for?
He is most famous for pioneering the blockbuster era and delivering emotionally resonant films across adventure, sci-fi, and historical genres.
Is Steven Spielberg active on social media?
No. Spielberg does not maintain personal accounts; official updates come via Amblin and partner studios.