Basic Information About Barry Levinson
| Category | Celebrities › Directors |
|---|---|
| Professions | Film director, Film Producer, Actor, Screenwriter, Television producer, Television Director |
| Net worth | $150,000,000 |
| Date of birth | 1942-04-06 (81 years old) |
| Place of birth | Baltimore |
| Nationality | United States of America |
| Curiosities and Trademarks | All of the films directed by Levinson have featured character actor Ralph Tabakin in a small role. Films set in his home town of in Baltimore, Maryland: Diner (1982), Tin Men (1987), Avalon (1990) and Liberty Heights (1999). Frequently casts Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman Film editing by Stu Linder in the majority of his films. Often works with Al Pacino |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.8 m) |
| Social Media | ↗︎ Wikipedia ↗︎ IMDb |
Famous Network of Celebrities with Similar Net Worth
What Movie Awards did Barry Levinson win?
 Oscar |
 Golden Globe |
 Golder Raspberry |
 BAFTA |
 Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 26 |
Barry Levinson awards
| Award Name | State | Movie / Series Name | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Berlin Bear - | Winner | Rain Man | 1989 |
| César - Best Foreign Film (Meilleur film étranger) | Nominee | Rain Man | 1990 |
| David - Best Foreign Film (Miglior Film Straniero) | Winner | Rain Man | 1989 |
| DGA Award - Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures | Winner | Rain Man | 1989 |
| Truly Moving Picture Award - | Winner | Rain Man | 1988 |
| Jupiter Award - Best International Film | Winner | Rain Man | 1989 |
| Readers' Choice Award - Best Foreign Language Film | Winner | Rain Man | 1990 |
| Readers' Choice Award - Best Foreign Language Film | Winner | Rain Man | 1990 |
| Truly Moving Picture Award - | Winner | The Natural | 1984 |
| Hochi Film Award - Best Foreign Language Film | Winner | The Natural | 1984 |
| Oscar - Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen | Nominee | Diner | 1983 |
| LAFCA Award - Best Screenplay | Nominee | Diner | 1982 |
| NYFCC Award - Best Screenplay | Nominee | Diner | 1982 |
| WGA Award (Screen) - Best Comedy Written Directly for the Screen | Nominee | Diner | 1983 |
| Golden Berlin Bear - | Nominee | Toys | 1993 |
| Razzie Award - Worst Director | Nominee | Toys | 1993 |
| Stinker Award - Worst Picture | Nominee | Toys | 1992 |
| Silver Berlin Bear - Special Jury Prize | Winner | Wag the Dog | 1998 |
| OFTA Film Award - Best Comedy/Musical Picture | Nominee | Wag the Dog | 1998 |
| People's Choice Award - Midnight Madness | Nominee | The Bay | 2012 |
| Felix - Best Director | Nominee | Bugsy | 2012 |
| Golden Berlin Bear - | Nominee | Bugsy | 1992 |
| DGA Award - Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures | Nominee | Bugsy | 1992 |
| WGA Award (Screen) - Best Comedy Written Directly for the Screen | Nominee | Silent Movie | 1977 |
| Primetime Emmy - Outstanding Individual Achievement in Directing in a Drama Series | Winner | Homicide: Life on the Street | 1993 |
| DGA Award - Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series - Night | Nominee | Homicide: Life on the Street | 1994 |
| IDA Award - Continuing Series | Winner | 30 for 30 | 2010 |
Barry Levinson roles
Barry Levinson's Movie/Shows Salary
| Movie / Series | Salary |
|---|---|
| Rain Man (1988) | $2,500,000 +% of gross |
| Bandits (2001) | $10,000,000 |
Barry Levinson's Quotes
- It gets harder and harder to make movies about human beings. These movies are like an endangered species. Everything is "simplify, simplify" now. How many movies have sub-plots anymore?
- We're talking about a very strange time (in Hollywood), to be honest. Writing by committee becomes much less about a vision. It is really about a piece of merchandise. We excuse movies like Independence Day (1996) that really lack logic and say, "It doesn't make any sense, but it's a ride". I thought a movie was a movie and a ride was a ride.
- [on what has changed since Wag the Dog (1997) and its media critique] "Wag" is not some kind of documentary, it's just looking at the tools that are available. Now you've got more tools, you've got social media and you just post stories through all types of back channels that can get some traction. The public doesn't know what to believe anymore. We don't know what stories are supposedly true, this idea of 'fake news.' We watch it on what I guess you would call a split-focus. It's half entertainment and half mystery. We can't make sense out of it. There's too many events that happen now where we can't make any sense out of it, whatsoever. You can create images on social media that look 100 percent believable, but they're not. Not to mention all the stories that you read. If you create a visual that actually captures the imagination, it will look real and that will spread at such lightning speed that by the time it's found out, it has already done its damage. It's a very, very scary time that we're living in. I say it's an age of absurdity. [Karlovy Vary, 2018]
- [on Toys (1992)] It became a point with people to say, "Oh-ho, I hated the movie and this is what he wanted to do for 12 years". The level of the anger is something I don't know how to relate to. That I wanted to make the movie that badly - should they be angry about that? And maybe there is a very thin line between something you really believe in and something that is a self-indulgence. But if you don't take risks then people will just keep turning out the same movies over and over again. You cannot do a comedy in America that is not just a sitcom extension. An absurdist sensibility is not something that studios are comfortable with. The only fantasy cinema to emerge in Hollywood is the kind that's already part of American culture. Whatever is going on in the visual design, Batman (1989) is an extension of the comic books. The Addams Family (1991) comes from the television show. That makes them mainstream film-making in the sense that you have a pre-sold item which America will buy. On the other hand if you take Brazil (1985), or Edward Scissorhands (1990), that are not based on an existing cultural phenomenon, it's much more difficult for them to succeed.
Barry Levinson: The Multifaceted Filmmaker with a $150 Million Net Worth
Barry Levinson stands as one of the most esteemed names in the entertainment industry. An American writer, director, producer, and actor, Levinson has carved his name into the annals of Hollywood with his remarkable contributions to film and television. Known for his diverse range of talents, he has garnered numerous accolades throughout his career, including an Academy Award for Best Director. With a net worth of $150 million, Levinson’s success and creative brilliance continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
What is Barry Levinson Known For?
Barry Levinson’s repertoire boasts an impressive collection of cinematic masterpieces that have left an indelible mark on the industry. Born on April 6, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland, Levinson’s journey to stardom began with his unparalleled talent for storytelling.
From his early days as a screenwriter for notable TV series, such as ‘The Marty Feldman Comedy Machine’ and ‘The Carol Burnett Show’, Levinson showcased his ability to captivate audiences with his sharp wit and keen observations of human nature. His unique blend of humor and introspection set the stage for his directorial debut.
Early Life and Education
Barry Levinson was born into a Russian-Jewish family in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended Forest Park Senior High School before enrolling at Baltimore City Community College. Pursuing his passion for communication, he later studied broadcast journalism at the American University School of Communication in Washington, D.C.
Making the ambitious move to Los Angeles, Levinson’s path intertwined with a fascinating figure – future drug smuggler George Jung – who served as a source of inspiration for the film ‘Blow’. Embarking on his journey as a writer and actor, Levinson honed his craft and prepared himself for the remarkable career that lay ahead.
Career
Barry Levinson’s career breakthrough arrived with his directorial debut, ‘Diner’, a film he also wrote and produced. Garnering critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination, the film set the stage for his subsequent ventures into the world of cinema.
Levinson’s filmography boasts an impressive array of titles that have solidified his status as a renowned filmmaker. From dramas like ‘The Natural’ and ‘Sleepers’ to critically acclaimed hits like ‘Rain Man’ and ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’, Levinson’s talent for weaving engaging narratives transcends genres.
In addition to his directorial work, Levinson has made notable appearances in films and TV shows such as ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ and ‘Wag the Dog’. His ability to seamlessly transition between writing, directing, producing, and acting further emphasizes his versatility as an artist.
Personal Life
Beyond his illustrious career, Barry Levinson cherishes a fulfilling personal life. He married actress/screenwriter Valerie Curtin in 1977 before tying the knot with Diana Rhodes in 1983. Together, they have two sons – Sam and Jack. Sam, who appeared in ‘Toys’ alongside his father, went on to make a name for himself as a screenwriter, director, and producer.
Sam Levinson created the critically acclaimed HBO series ‘Euphoria’, which garnered a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama Series in 2022. The father-son duo is a testament to the tremendous artistic talent that runs through their veins.
Awards and Achievements
Barry Levinson’s extraordinary contributions to the world of entertainment have not gone unrecognized. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been showered with awards and nominations from prestigious institutions.
Levinson has garnered several Academy Award nominations, ultimately winning the coveted prize for Best Director for ‘Rain Man’. His other nominations include Best Writing for ‘Diner’, ‘Avalon’, and ‘Bugsy’, as well as Best Director and Best Picture for ‘Bugsy’.
His achievements have extended beyond the Academy Awards, with Levinson receiving Golden Globe nominations for his outstanding work. Additionally, his numerous Primetime Emmy nominations and wins demonstrate his prowess in both film and television.
Real Estate Empire
When it comes to his investments, Barry Levinson is certainly a discerning buyer. Over the years, he has built an extensive real estate portfolio featuring luxurious properties in sought-after locations.
In 1993, Levinson purchased a magnificent 10,500 square-foot mansion in the affluent town of Ross, California. With neighbors like Lars Ulrich and Sean Penn, this impressive property became a sanctuary for the acclaimed filmmaker. After listing the home for sale in 200, Levinson solidified his keen negotiating skills by accepting an offer of $15 million.
In 200, he and his wife acquired a sprawling 40+ acre estate in Redding, Connecticut, complete with a grand 10,000 square-foot mansion. The expansive property was further expanded with an adjacent 6-acre purchase. After listing the estate in late 2012, Levinson promptly sold it for $10.1 million.
In March 202, Levinson bid farewell to his custom-built waterfront home in Annapolis, Maryland, selling it for a cool $5 million. The property featured luxurious amenities, including a gourmet kitchen and an entertainment room.
Barry Levinson’s eye for prime real estate investments underscores his business acumen and his ability to turn opportunity into success.
The Legacy Continues
Barry Levinson’s profound impact on the entertainment industry is an enduring testament to his creative genius. From his early days as a writer for television series to his emergence as an award-winning filmmaker, Levinson has left an indelible mark on cinema and television.
His relentless pursuit of artistic excellence, paired with his multi-faceted talents, has solidified his status as a true icon in the industry. With a net worth of $150 million, Barry Levinson stands as a shining example of what it means to succeed in the fiercely competitive world of entertainment.
As audiences continue to marvel at his films and eagerly anticipate his future projects, the legacy of Barry Levinson will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
Interesting Facts about Barry Levinson
- Since 1991, has been working on a documentary about the friends he grew up with in Baltimore in the 1950s.
- Has homes in southern California, Connecticut, New York and Annapolis, Maryland.
- Stepfather of Michelle Levinsonand Patrick Levinson.
- Attended the same high school (Forest Park in Baltimore) as ''Mama' Cass Elliot' and Spiro Agnew.
- His films often take place in the past: Diner (1982); The Natural (1984) ; Good Morning, Vietnam (1987); Bugsy (1991); Avalon (1990); Sleepers (1996) and An Everlasting Piece (2000).
- Wife Diana is a painter.
- Living in New York and Connecticut.
- Father of actor, writer, director Sam Levinson and Jack Levinson.
- Directed 6 different actors in Oscar-nominated performances: Glenn Close, Warren Beatty, Harvey Keitel, Ben Kingsley, Dustin Hoffman and Robin Williams. Hoffman won an Oscar for his performance in Levinson's Rain Man (1988).
- Graduated from Forest Park High School in the Forest Park neighborhood of Baltimore: other famous alumni from Forest Park High School include former U.S. vice president Spiro Agnew, actor Thomas Beck and actress Margaret Hayes.
- Met and interviewed the late John Lennon in New York City, in 1980.
- Jason Croot was screen tested for Barry Levinson in 2008.
- His parents were both of Russian Jewish descent.
- For the AFI publication "Private Screenings" Levinson chose Karl Freund The Mummy (1932) as his favorite film.
- During an interview with comedian Gilbert Gottfried at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival, Levinson recounted that he first became involved with show business in 1968, when he reluctantly accompanied his friend George to an acting class. As Levinson became more and more interested in the class, his friend's interest waned and the two eventually lost touch when Levinson relocated to be closer to the film and television industry. He had no idea what became of George until he saw the film, Blow (2001), in which he learned that his friend, portrayed by Johnny Depp, became the largest cocaine dealer in America. The two reconnected following Jung's 2015 release from prison, when Jung recounted watching Levinson at the Oscars during his incarceration.
- Nominated for the 2018 Emmy Award in the Outstanding Directing For A Limited Series, Movie Or Dramatic Special category for Paterno (2018), but lost to Ryan Murphy for American Crime Story: The Man Who Would Be Vogue (2018).
- As of 2019, he appeared as an actor in three films that were nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: Rain Man (1988), Bugsy (1991) and Quiz Show (1994). Of those, Rain Man (1988) is a winner in the category and Levinson won an Oscar as Best Director.
- Has directed one Emmy Award-winning performance: Al Pacino in You Don't Know Jack (2010).
