Ian Ziering: From 90210 Heartthrob to Sharknado Hero
Ian Ziering is an American actor who has enjoyed a long and varied career, achieving fame for his role as Steve Sanders in the iconic 90s television series Beverly Hills, 90210 and later finding renewed success with the cult classic Sharknado franchise. This article explores Ziering’s journey from teen heartthrob to enduring entertainer, highlighting his career milestones, net worth, and personal life.
Early Life and Career
Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1964, Ian Ziering is the youngest of three boys. He discovered his passion for acting at a young age, performing in school plays and local theater productions. After graduating from West Orange High School in 1982, he pursued his acting dreams further, graduating from William Paterson University in 1988. Ziering’s early career included roles in daytime soap operas like Guiding Light (1981-1984) and As the World Turns (1988). These roles provided him with valuable experience and exposure, paving the way for his breakthrough opportunity in Beverly Hills, 90210.
Beverly Hills, 90210
In 1990, Ian Ziering landed the role that would define his early career: Steve Sanders in the teen drama Beverly Hills, 90210. As the charming and sometimes mischievous Steve, Ziering captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The show became a global phenomenon, propelling Ziering and his co-stars to international stardom.
Career Highlight | Year(s) | Notes |
Guiding Light | 1981-1984 | Recurring role as Cameron Stewart |
As the World Turns | 1988 | Role as Andy |
Beverly Hills, 90210 | 1990-2000 | Breakthrough role as Steve Sanders |
Dancing with the Stars | 2007 | Contestant on Season 4 |
Sharknado franchise | 2013-2018 | Starring role as Fin Shepard |
Beverly Hills, 90210 ran for ten seasons, and Ziering remained a central cast member throughout its entire run. His salary during the show’s peak reportedly reached $150,000 per episode, contributing significantly to his current net worth.
Post 90210 Career
Following the conclusion of Beverly Hills, 90210, Ziering continued to work steadily in television and film. He appeared in various TV shows, including JAG, What I Like About You, and CSI: NY. He also explored voice acting, lending his voice to characters in animated series like Biker Mice from Mars and Spider-Man. In 2007, Ziering showcased his dancing skills as a contestant on the popular reality show Dancing with the Stars. He later appeared on another reality show, Hell’s Kitchen, further demonstrating his versatility and willingness to embrace new challenges.
Sharknado Franchise
In 2013, Ian Ziering took on a role that would unexpectedly revitalize his career: Fin Shepard in the made-for-television disaster film Sharknado. The film, featuring a tornado filled with sharks attacking Los Angeles, became a cult sensation due to its over-the-top premise and cheesy special effects. The success of the first Sharknado spawned five sequels, with Ziering reprising his role as the shark-fighting hero in each installment. The franchise garnered a massive following, becoming a pop culture phenomenon and significantly boosting Ziering’s profile. While exact figures are not publicly available, it is estimated that Ziering earned a substantial sum for his involvement in the Sharknado films, further increasing his net worth.
Other Ventures
Beyond his acting career, Ian Ziering has explored other business ventures. He has endorsed various products and has been involved in real estate investments. He also continues to work as a voice actor, providing voices for animated films and video games.
Personal Life
Ian Ziering has been married twice. His first marriage was to Nikki Schieler (1997-2002). He later married Erin Ludwig in 2010, with whom he has two daughters. The couple divorced in 2022.
Conclusion
Ian Ziering’s career is a testament to his resilience and ability to adapt to the ever-changing entertainment industry. From his breakout role in Beverly Hills, 90210 to his unexpected success with the Sharknado franchise, Ziering has consistently reinvented himself, captivating audiences for decades. With an estimated net worth of $2 million, he continues to be an active presence in Hollywood, embracing new opportunities and solidifying his status as a pop culture icon.