Jon Bernthal: Age, Date of Birth & other info
Jonathan Edward Bernthal, popularly known as Jon Bernthal, is a talented American actor known for his intense performances in television and film. He gained widespread fame for his portrayal of Shane Walsh in The Walking Dead and Frank Castle (The Punisher) in Netflix’s Marvel series. His rugged charisma and ability to portray complex, layered characters have made him a sought-after name in Hollywood.
- Age: 48 years
- Date of Birth: September 20, 1976
- Birth Place: Washington, D.C., United States
- Weight: 170 pounds (77 kg)
- Height: 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall
- Net Worth: $10 million
Age and Date of Birth
- Full Name: Jonathan Edward Bernthal
- Date of Birth: September 20, 1976
- Age: 48 years old (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Jewish-American
Early Life and Education
Jon Bernthal was born into a well-established Jewish family in Washington, D.C. He grew up in Cabin John, Maryland, a suburb of the capital. His upbringing played a crucial role in shaping his personality, as he was known for being both athletic and rebellious in his younger years.
Family Background
- Father: Eric Lawrence “Rick” Bernthal – a former attorney and former board chairman of The Humane Society of the United States.
- Mother: Joan Lurie (née Marx).
- Grandfather: Murray Bernthal – a professional musician and producer.
Jon has two brothers:
- Nicholas Bernthal – An orthopedic surgeon and professor at UCLA.
- Thomas Bernthal – A former NBC News producer and media consultant. He is married to Sheryl Sandberg, the former COO of Meta (Facebook).
Education
Bernthal attended Sidwell Friends School, a prestigious private school in Washington, D.C. He was known for being a troublemaker, often engaging in physical fights and reckless behavior.After high school, he enrolled at Skidmore College in New York but later dropped out. At the suggestion of his acting professor, Alma Becker, he moved to Russia to study acting at the Moscow Art Theatre.During his time in Russia, Bernthal also played professional baseball as a catcher for a local team, which reflected his deep passion for sports.His acting talent was discovered by Harvard University’s American Repertory Theater, which led him to return to the U.S. and complete a graduate-level acting program at Harvard.
Acting Career: From Theater to Hollywood Success
Early Career (2002–2010)
After finishing his studies, Jon Bernthal moved to New York City to pursue acting. He appeared in over 30 theater productions, performing Off-Broadway and in regional theaters. He also started his own theater company, Fovea Floods.
Bernthal began securing small roles in television and movies, including:
- Boston Legal (2004)
- CSI: Miami (2005)
- Without a Trace (2006)
- How I Met Your Mother (2007)
He landed his first major recurring role in CBS’s “The Class” (2006-2007), a sitcom that lasted for one season.
Breakthrough Role: Shane Walsh in The Walking Dead (2010-2012)
Bernthal’s big break came when he was cast as Shane Walsh in AMC’s “The Walking Dead” (2010–2012).His portrayal of Rick Grimes’ best friend turned enemy was critically acclaimed. Shane’s descent into madness and his intense, emotional performance made him a standout character. Even though his character was killed off in Season 2, he made a cameo in Season 9.
Hollywood Success: 2013–2016
After The Walking Dead, Bernthal landed roles in major Hollywood films, including:
- “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013) – Played Brad Bodnick, a drug dealer and money launderer.
- “Fury” (2014) – Starred alongside Brad Pitt as Grady “Coon-Ass” Travis, a gritty WWII soldier.
- “Sicario” (2015) – Played a corrupt cop opposite Emily Blunt.
- “Baby Driver” (2017) – Portrayed a ruthless criminal named Griff.
The Punisher: Jon Bernthal’s Most Iconic Role (2016–2019)
Bernthal’s most defining role came in 2016 when he was cast as Frank Castle / The Punisher in Netflix’s “Daredevil” (Season 2).His brutal, emotional, and raw performance as the grief-stricken vigilante was highly praised. Due to fan demand, Netflix gave him a standalone series, The Punisher (2017–2019).Bernthal’s version of The Punisher is widely regarded as the best live-action portrayal of the character. He did many of his own stunts and fight scenes, training in boxing, jiu-jitsu, and tactical gun handling to prepare for the role.Unfortunately, The Punisher was canceled in 2019, but there are rumors he may return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Recent Projects (2020–Present)
After The Punisher, Bernthal continued to take on powerful roles:
- “Ford v Ferrari” (2019) – Played Lee Iacocca, the Ford executive.
- “King Richard” (2021) – Starred alongside Will Smith as coach Rick Macci.
- “We Own This City” (2022, HBO) – Played corrupt Baltimore cop Wayne Jenkins.
- “American Gigolo” (2022) – Played the lead role in this crime drama series.
Podcasting: “Real Ones with Jon Bernthal” (2022–Present)
In 2022, Bernthal launched his own podcast, “Real Ones with Jon Bernthal”, where he holds deep, raw conversations about life, crime, and social issues.
Personal Life
Wife and Children
Jon Bernthal has been married to Erin Angle since 2010. She is a nurse and the niece of WWE legend Kurt Angle.
The couple has three children:
- Henry Bernthal
- Billy Bernthal
- Adeline Bernthal
They live in Ojai, California, where Bernthal enjoys a quiet family life away from Hollywood.
Love for Animals
Bernthal is a passionate advocate for pit bulls and often speaks about the misunderstood nature of the breed. He owns three rescue pit bulls.
Net Worth and Earnings
Jon Bernthal’s Net Worth (2025)
- Estimated Net Worth: $10 million
- Main Sources of Income: Acting (TV & film), endorsements, and his podcast.
- Biggest Earnings:
- The Punisher (Reported salary: $350,000 per episode)
- The Walking Dead (Early seasons: $80,000 per episode)
- High-profile movies like Fury, Baby Driver, and Ford v Ferrari.
Bernthal has built his wealth through his consistent work in both TV and film, proving his versatility and dedication.
Conclusion
Jon Bernthal’s journey from a rebellious youth in Maryland to a Hollywood star is an inspiring story of perseverance and raw talent. Whether it’s as Shane Walsh, The Punisher, or a corrupt cop, his performances leave a lasting impact.With future projects in the works and potential Marvel returns, Jon Bernthal continues to solidify his status as one of Hollywood’s most intense and respected actors.
