Cole Hauser, a seasoned Hollywood actor best known for his role as Rip Wheeler in the hit TV series Yellowstone, has built a steady career in both film and television. As of 2025, Cole Hauser’s net worth is estimated at $10 million, a figure that reflects over three decades of consistent work in the entertainment industry. Let’s dive into his early life, career highlights, family, and real estate ventures to understand the man behind the screen.
Early Life and Hollywood Roots
Born on March 22, 1975, in Santa Barbara, California, Cole Kenneth Hauser was immersed in cinematic legacy from birth. His mother, Cass Warner, founded the production company Warner Sisters, while his father, Wings Hauser, was a working actor. His lineage includes iconic Hollywood names—his maternal great-grandfather, Harry Warner, was one of the original founders of Warner Bros. Studios. Cole’s paternal grandfather, Dwight Hauser, was an Academy Award-winning screenwriter, and his maternal grandfather, Milton Sperling, was a successful screenwriter and producer.
Of Irish and German descent on his father’s side and Jewish ancestry on his mother’s, Cole’s diverse heritage and film-industry bloodline shaped his path early. Following his parents’ divorce when he was just two years old, Hauser was raised by his mother and lived across several states—including Oregon and Florida—before returning to California. Despite being athletic and active in sports, he dropped out of high school at 16 to pursue acting full-time.
Cole Hauser’s Rise in Film
Hauser’s film career began with a bang in 1992 when he debuted in School Ties, a film that also featured rising stars Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Brendan Fraser. This early role opened doors to more iconic parts, including a role in Richard Linklater’s cult classic Dazed and Confused (1993).
One of his most intense performances came in John Singleton’s Higher Learning (1995), where he portrayed the violent leader of a neo-Nazi group. Hauser reunited with Affleck and Damon in Good Will Hunting (1997), adding another notable title to his growing résumé.
The early 2000s marked a significant phase in his career with lead and supporting roles in critically acclaimed and commercially successful films like:
- Pitch Black (2000) opposite Vin Diesel
- Tigerland (2000), where he received an Independent Spirit Award nomination
- Hart’s War (2002) with Bruce Willis and Colin Farrell
- Tears of the Sun (2003), again with Willis
- 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), where he played the villain Carter Verone
From action to drama, Hauser continued his film work with titles such as Paparazzi, The Cave, A Good Day to Die Hard, Olympus Has Fallen, and The Last Champion (2020).
Breakthrough on Television: Yellowstone and Beyond
While Hauser made his TV debut in the early ‘90s, his most memorable and financially rewarding television role came in 2018, when he was cast as Rip Wheeler on Paramount Network’s Yellowstone. The series, which co-stars Kevin Costner and Kelly Reilly, became a cultural phenomenon and brought Hauser widespread acclaim and a resurgence in his popularity.
Before Yellowstone, Hauser held main or recurring roles in several TV series:
- High Incident (1996)
- ER (2004)
- K-Ville (2007–2008)
- Chase (2010–2011)
- Rogue (2014–2017)
- The Lizzie Borden Chronicles (2015)
Hauser’s commanding presence and rugged charisma made him a perfect fit for roles in crime, law enforcement, and drama series.
Personal Life and Family
In 2006, Cole married Cynthia Daniel, an actress-turned-photographer best known for her role in Sweet Valley High. Cynthia’s twin sister, Brittany Daniel, is also an actress. Together, Cole and Cynthia have three children:
- Sons Ryland and Colt
- Daughter Steely Rose
The family maintains a relatively private lifestyle despite Cole’s public career, and they often split time between California and Florida.
Real Estate and Investments
Cole Hauser has made some smart moves in real estate. In 2010, he and Cynthia purchased a ranch estate in Agoura Hills, California, for $2.33 million. The 3-acre property included a spacious 5,300-square-foot home, a guest house, and a separate studio.
In 2022, the couple sold the Agoura Hills estate for $4.375 million, capitalizing on a strong market. A year earlier, in 2021, they acquired a stunning waterfront mansion in Stuart, Florida, for $4.2 million. The 7,000-square-foot property boasts 135 feet of water frontage, a master suite with balcony, a gourmet kitchen, a wine cellar, and even a pub-style bar room.
Cole Hauser’s Net Worth in 2025
As of March 2025, Cole Hauser’s net worth is approximately $10 million. While much of his wealth stems from film and television salaries, his long-term success with Yellowstone and savvy real estate choices have contributed significantly to his financial standing.
With upcoming roles and continued fan devotion to Yellowstone, Hauser’s net worth is expected to rise. His career longevity, Hollywood pedigree, and recent mainstream popularity suggest there’s more to come from this versatile actor.
