Cole Hauser, born March 22, 1975 in Santa Barbara, California, is an American actor best known for his role as Rip Wheeler in Yellowstone (2018–present). With a career spanning over three decades, he has appeared in films such as Dazed and Confused, Good Will Hunting, 2 Fast 2 Furious, and Tigerland. By 2026, his net worth is estimated at $8–10 million, and he remains a central figure in modern television drama.
Summary Table
Cole Hauser Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cole Kenneth Hauser |
| Birthdate | March 22, 1975 |
| Birthplace | Santa Barbara, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Family Background | Son of actor Wings Hauser and producer Cass Warner; great‑grandson of Warner Bros. co‑founder Harry Warner |
| Education | High school in Florida (focused on acting, no formal university) |
| Career Debut | School Ties (1992) |
| Breakthrough Role | Tigerland (2000) – Independent Spirit Award nomination |
| Height | 6ft ½ in or 184.2 cm tall |
| Major Film Roles | Dazed and Confused (1993), Good Will Hunting (1997), Pitch Black (2000), 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), Tears of the Sun (2003), Olympus Has Fallen (2013) |
| Major TV Role | Rip Wheeler in Yellowstone (2018–present) |
| Awards | Independent Spirit Award nomination (Tigerland) |
| Net Worth (2026) | $8–10 million |
| Spouse | Cynthia Daniel (married 2006) |
| Children | Three |
| Residence | Sewall’s Point, Florida |
| Lifestyle | Private, family‑oriented, grounded |
| Recognition | Widely acclaimed for Yellowstone; respected Hollywood lineage |
Early Life and Family
Cole Kenneth Hauser was born on March 22, 1975, in Santa Barbara, California. He comes from a family deeply rooted in Hollywood. His father, Wings Hauser, is an actor, while his mother, Cass Warner, founded Warner Sisters, a film production company.
His maternal great-grandfather, Harry Warner, was one of the founders of Warner Bros. Studios. This legacy gave Hauser a strong connection to cinema from an early age.
Education and Training
Hauser grew up in California, Oregon, and Florida. He attended high school in Florida but chose to pursue acting directly rather than attend university. His family’s influence and his own passion for performance led him to focus entirely on building a career in film and television.
Career Timeline
1992–1999: Early Roles
- 1992: Debuted in School Ties, alongside Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
- 1993: Appeared in Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused, a cult classic.
- 1995: Acted in Higher Learning, directed by John Singleton.
- 1997: Played a supporting role in Good Will Hunting, which won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
- 1998–1999: Continued to appear in supporting roles, building his reputation as a versatile actor.
2000–2010: Breakthrough and Recognition
- 2000: Starred in Tigerland, earning an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Male.
- 2000: Featured in Pitch Black with Vin Diesel.
- 2002: Appeared in Hart’s War with Bruce Willis and Colin Farrell.
- 2003: Played Carter Verone, the antagonist in 2 Fast 2 Furious.
- 2003: Acted in Tears of the Sun, a military drama.
- 2006: Featured in The Break-Up with Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn.
- 2008: Starred in Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys.
- 2010: Continued to appear in action and drama films, solidifying his career.
2011–2017: Steady Work
- 2013: Appeared in Olympus Has Fallen.
- 2014: Acted in Transcendence alongside Johnny Depp.
- 2015–2017: Took on various roles in television and film, maintaining a steady presence.
2018–2026: Yellowstone Era
- 2018: Cast as Rip Wheeler in Yellowstone, a Paramount Network series created by Taylor Sheridan.
- 2018–2024: Yellowstone became a cultural phenomenon, with Hauser’s character central to its success.
- 2025–2026: Continued to work on Yellowstone spin-offs and related projects, cementing his legacy as a television star.
Awards and Recognition
- Independent Spirit Award nomination for Tigerland (2000).
- Critical acclaim for Yellowstone, though mainstream awards recognition has been limited.
Net Worth and Influence
As of 2026, Cole Hauser’s net worth is estimated at around $8–10 million, primarily earned from his long‑running role as Rip Wheeler in Yellowstone, plus earlier film work in 2 Fast 2 Furious, Tigerland, and Good Will Hunting. Some speculative reports have exaggerated his wealth, but credible sources place him in the mid‑eight‑figure range.
Net Worth Overview
- Estimated Range (2026): $8–10 million.
- Primary Source of Wealth: Acting salaries from film and television.
- Most Lucrative Role: Yellowstone (2018–present), where Hauser reportedly earns a significant per‑episode salary.
- Other Contributions: Film roles in 2 Fast 2 Furious, Tigerland, Pitch Black, and Tears of the Sun.
Income Sources
- Television:
- Yellowstone is the cornerstone of his financial success, with Hauser’s character Rip Wheeler central to the show’s popularity.
- Film Career:
- Supporting and lead roles in Hollywood films across the 1990s and 2000s provided steady income.
- Endorsements & Appearances:
- Occasional brand collaborations and public appearances supplement his acting income.
- Family Legacy:
- While connected to Warner Bros. through his maternal lineage, his wealth is self‑made through acting rather than inherited.
Net Worth Summary Table
| Source / Estimate | Value (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taddlr | $8M | Based on acting career and Yellowstone |
| Celebworthy | $8–10M | Career trajectory and Hollywood roles |
| Médiamass | Speculative “highest‑paid actor” claim | Considered exaggerated |
Cole Hauser’s financial profile reflects the steady growth of a working actor rather than sudden blockbuster wealth. His long‑running contract with Yellowstone provided stability and recognition, while his earlier film roles built his foundation.
Although speculative reports have claimed he is among the world’s highest‑paid actors, the most credible estimates place his net worth at $8–10 million. His grounded lifestyle in Florida and focus on family suggest that wealth accumulation is not his primary goal, but his career trajectory points to continued financial growth.
- Estimated Net Worth (2026): $8–10 million.
- Income Sources: Acting salaries, endorsements, long-running TV contracts.
- Hauser’s financial profile reflects steady growth rather than blockbuster wealth, with Yellowstone providing stability and recognition.
Personal Life
Cole Hauser’s private life is defined by stability and family. He has been married to actress and photographer Cynthia Daniel since 2006, and together they have three children. In 2026, the couple celebrated 20 years of marriage, living a grounded lifestyle away from Hollywood’s spotlight.
Family and Marriage
- Spouse: Cynthia Daniel, best known for her role in the 1990s TV series Sweet Valley High.
- Marriage: The couple married in 2006, and their relationship has endured for two decades.
- Children: They have three children, and Hauser often emphasizes his role as a father as central to his life.
- Residence: The family lives in Sewall’s Point, Florida, preferring a quieter environment compared to Los Angeles.
Lifestyle and Values
- Hauser is known for being family‑oriented and private, rarely sharing personal details outside of interviews.
- He balances his demanding career with family life, often highlighting that his wife and children are his priority.
- Unlike many Hollywood actors, he avoids excessive publicity, reinforcing his image as grounded and authentic.
Private Life Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Cynthia Daniel (married 2006) |
| Children | Three |
| Residence | Sewall’s Point, Florida |
| Lifestyle | Private, family‑oriented |
| Heritage | Comes from a Hollywood family (Warner Bros lineage) |
Analysis
Cole Hauser’s private life reflects a deliberate choice to remain outside the Hollywood spotlight. His marriage to Cynthia Daniel and their three children form the foundation of his personal world. Living in Florida, away from the industry’s chaos, he embodies the image of a grounded actor who values loyalty, stability, and family. This lifestyle contrasts with the high‑visibility approach of many celebrities, making him relatable to fans who appreciate authenticity.
- Married to Cynthia Daniel (actress and photographer) since 2006.
- They have three children.
- Hauser lives a private, family-oriented life, balancing career with fatherhood.
Analysis
Cole Hauser’s career illustrates the journey of a dedicated actor who transitioned from supporting roles in cult classics to leading television stardom. His portrayal of Rip Wheeler in Yellowstone resonates with audiences due to its authenticity and emotional depth.
Financially, his net worth reflects consistent work rather than blockbuster paychecks, but his long-term contract with Yellowstone has provided stability. His Hollywood family legacy adds depth to his persona, while his private lifestyle reinforces his image as a grounded and relatable star.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cole Hauser
Who is Cole Hauser?
Cole Hauser is an American actor born on March 22, 1975, in Santa Barbara, California. He is best known for his role as Rip Wheeler in the hit series Yellowstone and for appearances in films like Tigerland, 2 Fast 2 Furious, and Good Will Hunting.
What is Cole Hauser’s net worth?
As of 2026, Cole Hauser’s net worth is estimated between $8 million and $10 million, earned through acting salaries, endorsements, and long‑running television contracts.
What are Cole Hauser’s most famous roles?
His most notable performances include:
- Rip Wheeler in Yellowstone (2018–present)
- Carter Verone in 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
- Supporting roles in Good Will Hunting (1997) and Tigerland (2000)
- Appearances in Pitch Black (2000), Tears of the Sun (2003), and Olympus Has Fallen (2013)
Is Cole Hauser married?
Yes. Cole Hauser married actress and photographer Cynthia Daniel in 2006.
Does Cole Hauser have children?
Yes. Cole Hauser and Cynthia Daniel have three children, and he often emphasizes his role as a father as central to his life.
Where does Cole Hauser live?
He resides in Sewall’s Point, Florida, preferring a quieter lifestyle away from Hollywood’s spotlight.
How old is Cole Hauser in 2026?
Cole Hauser is 50 years old in 2026.
Has Cole Hauser won any awards?
He received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Male in Tigerland (2000). His role in Yellowstone has earned critical acclaim, though mainstream awards recognition has been limited.
What is Cole Hauser’s family background?
Cole Hauser comes from a Hollywood family. His father, Wings Hauser, is an actor, and his mother, Cass Warner, founded Warner Sisters. His maternal great‑grandfather, Harry Warner, was one of the founders of Warner Bros. Studios.
Why is Cole Hauser considered influential?
Cole Hauser is considered influential because his portrayal of Rip Wheeler in Yellowstone helped shape modern TV westerns. His Hollywood lineage and consistent career trajectory add depth to his public image, while his private lifestyle makes him relatable to fans.
