John Asher Biography: Ex-Wife, Age, Kids, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Movies

John Mallory Asher is an American actor, film director, and screenwriter. He is best known for his role as Gary on the USA Network series Weird Science and for transitioning into directing, with credits including independent films such as A Boy Called Po (inspired by his son’s experiences with autism), Dirty Love, and Somebody Marry Me.

He has also directed television episodes and music videos while continuing selective acting work.

John Asher
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	John Mallory Asher
Stage Name:	John Asher
Born:	13 January 1971 (age 55 years old)
Place of Birth:	Los Angeles, California, United States
Nationality:	American
Height:	1.85 m
Parents:	Joyce Bulifant, Edward Mallory, William Asher
Siblings:	Robert Asher, Rebecca Asher, Bill Asher
Spouse:	Vanessa Lee Asher (m. 1994–1996), Jenny McCarthy (m. 1999–2005)
Children:	Evan Joseph Asher
Occupation:	Actor, film director, screenwriter
Net Worth:	$3 million–5 million

Early Life and Education

John Asher was born John Mallory on January 13, 1971, in Los Angeles, California, to actress Joyce Bulifant and actor Edward Mallory. He was later adopted by his mother’s third husband, producer and director William Asher, from whom he took his surname.

He has half-siblings including Robert, Rebecca, and Bill Asher. Growing up in an entertainment family, he developed an early interest in filmmaking, often experimenting with cameras despite challenges with dyslexia that encouraged a visual approach to storytelling. Formal education details beyond industry immersion are limited. He is of American origin, and his religion is Christianity.

Career

John Asher began his professional career as an actor in the early 1990s, with early television appearances including Beverly Hills, 90210. His breakthrough came as Gary Wallace on the USA Network series Weird Science (1994–1998), a role that also served as an informal film school where he observed directing firsthand.

He continued acting in films such as Double Dragon (1994), Showdown (1993), and The New Swiss Family Robinson (1998), along with guest roles on series including CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Ghost Whisperer.

Transitioning to directing in his mid-twenties, Asher made his feature debut with Kounterfeit (1996), starring Hillary Swank, followed by Chick Flick (1998) and the Miramax film Diamonds (1999) with Kirk Douglas and Dan Aykroyd.

His 2005 film Dirty Love, which premiered at Sundance, marked a notable if polarizing project. Later directorial work includes the single-take romantic comedy Somebody Marry Me (2013), the personal drama A Boy Called Po (2016) inspired by his son Evan‘s autism journey, Tooken (2015), and I Hate Kids (2019).

He has also directed episodes of One Tree Hill and Going to California, as well as comedy specials and music videos for artists including Sheryl Crow and Sum 41. Through his company EZPZ Films he continues producing music videos and independent projects.

Asher has balanced acting and directing across more than three decades, with a focus on character-driven stories, comedy, and personal themes. His recent work includes the 2026 romantic drama A Love Like This.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @johnasherofficial

Personal Life

John Asher was first married to Vanessa Lee Asher from 1994 to 1996. He later married actress and television personality Jenny McCarthy on September 11, 1999; the couple had a son, Evan Joseph Asher, born on May 18, 2002, who was diagnosed with autism. They divorced in September 2005.

There is no publicly verified information regarding a current spouse or long-term partner. Asher has spoken about the profound influence of his son’s experiences on his life and creative work, particularly the film A Boy Called Po.

Filmography

• Double Dragon (1994)
• The New Swiss Family Robinson (1998)
• Showdown (1993)
• Weird Science (1994–1998)
• Diamonds (1999)
• A Boy Called Po (2016)
• Dirty Love (2005)

Net Worth

John Asher has an estimated net worth of approximately $3–5 million, derived primarily from his work as an actor in television and film, directing independent features and television episodes, music video production, and related entertainment projects developed over a career spanning more than thirty years.

What People Ask