40 Facts About Steve Guttenberg

Early Life and Education

Steve Guttenberg's journey began in Brooklyn, New York, where he was born into a Jewish family. His early years were shaped by his upbringing and education.

1. Steve Guttenberg was born on August 24, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York.
2. He is the only son of Ann Iris (née Newman) and Jerome Stanley Guttenberg.
3. Guttenberg has two sisters, making him the middle child.
4. His godfather is actor Michael Bell, known for his voice work in animation.
5. Guttenberg grew up in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, New York.
6. He attended Plainedge High School in North Massapequa, Long Island, graduating in 1976.
7. During high school, he attended a summer program at the Juilliard School, studying under John Houseman.
8. After high school, he spent a year at the University at Albany, SUNY.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Guttenberg's career took off quickly after moving to California, where he landed his first roles and began to make a name for himself.

9. He moved to California to pursue acting and was cast in a Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial within weeks.
10. His early roles included appearances in Tall Tales & Legends and Police Academy 3: Back in Training.
11. In 1986, he starred in Short Circuit, a popular film opposite Ally Sheedy.
12. In 1987, he showcased his versatility in the thriller The Bedroom Window, directed by Curtis Hanson.

Major Film Roles

Guttenberg became a household name through his roles in several iconic films of the 1980s.

13. He starred as Sergeant Carey Mahoney in the Police Academy franchise, including Police Academy 3: Back in Training and Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol.
14. His role in Three Men and a Baby alongside Tom Selleck and Ted Danson was the biggest financial success of his career.
15. In Cocoon (1985), Guttenberg's performance was highly acclaimed, though its sequel, Cocoon: The Return, was a commercial disappointment.
16. He starred with Peter O'Toole and Daryl Hannah in High Spirits (1988), which unfortunately flopped at the box office.

Television and Stage Work

Beyond film, Guttenberg has had a significant presence on television and stage, showcasing his range as an actor.

17. He appeared in episodes of Family (1979), Billy (1979), To Race the Wind (1980), and Miracle on Ice (1981).
18. In 1983, he acted in the television film The Day After, one of the most-watched TV events of its time.
19. He played Roger in five episodes of No Soap, Radio (1982).
20. Recent TV appearances include roles in Community, The Mysteries of Laura, and Ballers.
21. On stage, Guttenberg has appeared in productions like The Boys Next Door in London's West End and Prelude to a Kiss on Broadway.

Author and Business Ventures

Guttenberg's talents extend beyond acting; he is also an author and businessman.

22. He wrote The Guttenberg Bible, a comedic account of his first ten years in the film industry.
23. He authored The Kids from DISCO, a superhero children's book.
24. Guttenberg has ventured into producing and directing, serving as an executive producer for A Novel Romance (2011) and Making Change (2012).

Awards and Recognition

While not extensively recognized with major awards, Guttenberg's contributions to the film industry have been acknowledged.

25. His roles have left an indelible mark on pop culture, especially his character in Police Academy.
26. He has inspired a generation of actors with his versatility and dedication to his craft.
27. Guttenberg's influence can be seen in many younger actors striving for similar success.

Philanthropy and Personal Life

Despite his busy career, Guttenberg has managed to keep his personal life relatively private and has been involved in various charitable activities.

28. He has supported organizations like the American Cancer Society and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.
29. Guttenberg has been involved in several philanthropic efforts, including supporting education and arts programs.
30. He has worked with underprivileged children and supported local arts programs.

Recent Work

Guttenberg continues to work actively in both film and television, with recent projects showcasing his enduring talent.

31. Recent film projects include Goodbye, Hello (2025) and The Little Mermaid (2023).
32. He has ventured into voice acting, providing voices for characters in animated films like Heidi 4 Paws (2009) and The Adventures of Bunny Bravo (2022).
33. In 2020, Guttenberg starred in the film Original Gangster, playing Jean-Baptiste Philippe.
34. The same year, he appeared in Break Even, playing Lance.
35. He also starred in Heckle, playing Ray Kelly.
36. In Rifkin’s Festival, Guttenberg played Mort’s Brother.
37. He appeared in an episode of Into the Dark, playing Don.
38. Guttenberg played Dr. Jones in Trauma Center.
39. He reprised his role as Dr. Katman in Schooled.
40. In Roe v. Wade, Guttenberg played Justice Powell.

Steve Guttenberg: A Lasting Legacy

Steve Guttenberg's career spans over four decades, showcasing his versatility as an actor, author, producer, and director. From his breakout role in Police Academy to the beloved Three Men and a Baby, Guttenberg has left an indelible mark on Hollywood. His work isn't limited to the screen; he's also made significant contributions to theater and literature. Beyond his professional achievements, Guttenberg's philanthropic efforts, including support for education and arts programs, highlight his commitment to giving back. His influence on pop culture and future generations of actors remains strong, proving that his legacy is far from over. Whether through his iconic roles or his charitable endeavors, Steve Guttenberg continues to be a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. His enduring career and diverse talents ensure that he will be remembered for years to come.