Ben Stein Net Worth & Biography

Ben Stein is an American lawyer, writer, and actor, best recognized as an Emmy Award-winning television game show host. After graduating with a law degree, he started his career at the Department of Commerce, in Washington, D.C. where he worked as an economist before transitioning into a trial lawyer at the Federal Trade Commission. He also worked as a professor at the American University and his teaching profession led him to the prestigious University of California where he taught civil and political rights under the Constitution. Later, with the aid of his editorials, he became a lawyer and speechwriter for former Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Eventually, he became a consultant in Hollywood, helping writers portray a conservative family on TV, and then proceeded to act in countless movies and commercials. He excelled at playing unemotional and bland characters and was subsequently cast into many similar roles, mainly as a nerd. An American lawyer, actor, former television game show host, law professor, economist, author, former political speechwriter, and columnist, Ben Stein is widely considered as the funniest Republican in the American entertainment industry.

Early Life: Childhood & Education

He was born Benjamin Jeremy Stein on November 25, 1944 in Washington, D.C., United States. He is the son of Herbert Stein, a presidential adviser and economist, and his wife, Mildred Stein. His only known sibling is his sister, Rachel Stein, who also is a writer.

Stein received his early education from Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, and graduated in 1962. Then he joined Columbia University where he majored in economics in 1966. He later attended Yale Law School and completed his graduation in 1970 as the valedictorian of the class. While earning his law degree, Stein also studied drama and strongly criticized the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War.

Professional Life: Multiple Career Endeavors

After graduation from law school, Stein immediately started working as a poverty lawyer in Washington, D.c., and New Haven, Connecticut and later joined the Federal Trade Commission as an attorney. Shortly afterward, he moved to California to teach law and film classes at the University of California. In 1973, he moved back to Washington and resumed his job at the Federal Trade Commission.

Later on, he marked his political career as a lawyer and speechwriter for President Nixon. He also worked for President Gerald Ford later on.

In 1984, he made his acting debut on the big screen in the movie “The Wild Life” in which he played the role of a surplus salesman. His film career was later ignited by his famous cameo role in the 1986 cult film ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’. Other popular films he acted in include ‘Son of the Mask’ (2005), ‘House Arrest’ (1996), ‘Casper’ (1995), ‘Ghostbusters II’ (1989), and ‘Dennis the Menace’ (1993). To also include, he is credited with voice works for movies such as ‘Santa vs. the Snowman 3D’, ‘King of the Hill’, ‘The Emperor’s New School’, ‘Rugrats’, and ‘Hercules’.

Stein is also a notable author and accomplished writer of both fiction and non-fiction books. His works include ‘How to Ruin Your Life’ (2002), ‘On the Brink: A Novel’ (1978), ‘How To Really Ruin Your Financial Life and Portfolio’ (2012), ‘Her Only Sin’ (1986), ‘The Real Stars: In Today’s America, Who Are the True Heroes?’ (2007), ‘Dreemz’ (1978), ‘Yes, You Can Be a Successful Income Investor: Reaching for Yield in Today’s Market’ (2005), ‘How to Ruin Your Financial Life’ (2004), ‘The View from Sunset Boulevard: America as brought to you by the people who make television’ (1979).

He also writes on a variety of topics including economics, politics, and investing. He writes a column in the conservative magazines ‘Newsmax’ and ‘The American Spectator’. Likewise, he has also written for many publications including Penthouse, New York Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.

Achievements: Awards & Honors

Stein and his co-host, Jimmy Kimmel won a Daytime Emmy Award in 1999 for the television game show ‘Win Ben Stein’s Money’. Four years later he received a Pro-Life Award from the National Right to Life Educational Trust Fund for what he had contributed towards opposing the legalization of abortion.

In 2008, the Entertainment Merchants Association’s Home Entertainment Awards recognized him with the ‘Freedom of Expression Award’ for his outspoken political and economic beliefs.

Personal Life: Wife, Kids, Private Interests

In 1968, Ben Stein married an entertainment lawyer from Arkansas named Alexandra Denman. But their marriage did not last long as they divorced in 1974. However, things took a twist from there and the couple re-married three years later in 1977. They adopted a son, Tommy Stein, in 1987.

Ben Stein Net Worth: Salary, Income Sources, Assets

Ben Stein’s net worth, as we write this, is approximately $30 million. It is clear to all how he makes his money. Most notably, he makes his money from his career as a lawyer, comedian, writer, economist, lecturer, and actor. He built his career as a political and economic commentator and eventually transitioned into acting and comedy. Ben Stein has worked with two former American presidents during their regimes and has had the chance to leave a mark in Hollywood as a top-rated actor who has equally worked with lots of top-ranking film stars in numerous movies and television shows.