Paul Schneider Biography: Wife, Age, Net Worth, Height, Movies, Awards, Religion

Paul Andrew Schneider, professionally known as Paul Schneider, is an acclaimed American actor, screenwriter, and director known for his work in independent films and television.

He gained widespread recognition for portraying Mark Brendanawicz in the first two seasons of the NBC mockumentary sitcom Parks and Recreation.

He further established himself as a versatile character actor with acclaimed performances in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Lars and the Real Girl, and Bright Star, earning praise for his understated dramatic range and subtle comedic style.

Paul Schneider
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Paul Andrew Schneider
Stage Name:	Paul Schneider
Born:	March 16, 1976 (age 50 years old)
Place of Birth:	Asheville, North Carolina, United States
Nationality:	American
Ethnicity:	White
Height:	1.80m
Religion:	Christian
Parents:	Mr. and Mrs. Schneider
Spouse:	Theresa Avila (m. 2016)
Relationship:	Married
Children:	2
Occupation:	Actor, screenwriter, director
Net Worth:	$4 million

Early Life and Education

Paul Schneider was born on March 16, 1976, in Asheville, North Carolina, where he spent his formative childhood years under the steady guidance of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Schneider.

Growing up in the American South alongside his siblings, whose names remain undisclosed to the public, he developed a passionate curiosity for the mechanics of cinema and storytelling during his late adolescence.

He pursued his higher educational qualifications at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where he rigorously studied filmmaking and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, building enduring creative relationships with independent filmmakers that would ultimately reshape his early career trajectory. He is of White ethnicity and holds Christian beliefs.

Career

Paul Schneider initiated his professional path in the late 1990s by appearing in early student short films before transitioning into feature-length indie projects under the direction of his college classmate David Gordon Green.

His career started with critical momentum via his official debut in the 2000 drama George Washington, an entry point that led directly to a major breakthrough moment when he co-wrote and starred in the 2003 romantic drama All the Real Girls.

This initial success brought widespread recognition within the independent film community, helping him overcome early industry struggles and earning him a spot on Variety’s coveted list of actors to watch.

His career grew exponentially over the subsequent decade as he secured high-profile supporting roles in mainstream projects like Cameron Crowe‘s Elizabethtown and the comedy-drama The Family Stone.

His industry influence was further reinforced by his chilling portrayal of outlaw Dick Liddil in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and his main role as Mark Brendanawicz on NBC’s hit comedy Parks and Recreation.

He showcased magnificent artistic versatility by making his feature directorial debut with Pretty Bird and winning a Best Supporting Actor accolade from the National Society of Film Critics for his work in the period drama Bright Star.

Ultimately, his legacy is defined by his refusal to conform to standard Hollywood types, opting instead to maintain a steady, highly respected presence across arthouse cinema, premium streaming projects like Channel Zero, and high-profile features.

Awards and Nominations

• National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor (Winner)
• Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Ensemble Cast (Nominee)
• San Diego Film Critics Society Award for Best Supporting Actor (Nominee)
• Tribeca Film Festival Award for Best Actor in a Narrative Feature (Winner)

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: None
• Facebook Handle: None

Personal Life

Paul Schneider is currently 50 years old and possesses a height of 1.80m.

He has been happily married to his wife, Theresa Avila, since exchanging vows in an intimate wedding ceremony in 2016, and together the couple has welcomed two children into their growing family.

He keeps his contemporary family life completely private and insulated from public media attention, ensuring his children’s names and daily routines remain entirely outside the Hollywood spotlight.

Net Worth

Paul Schneider holds an estimated net worth of $4 million.

The core foundation of his financial wealth is anchored by his main television salaries from his two-season run on Parks and Recreation, supplemented by steady income from recurring and guest roles on premium network shows.

His financial portfolio is further reinforced by feature film salaries, scriptwriting commissions, directorial fees, and ongoing residual checks from streaming syndication.

Filmography

• George Washington (2000)
• Security, Colorado (2003)
• Live Free or Die (2006)
• Pretty Bird (2008)
• Bright Star (2009)
• Away We Go (2009)
• Water for Elephants (2011)
• The Flowers of War (2011)
• The Babymakers (2012)
• Goodbye to All That (2014)
• The Daughter (2015)
• Café Society (2016)
• Rules Don’t Apply (2016)
• American Murderer (2022)
• Train Dreams (2025)
• Xeno (2025)
• Parks and Recreation (2009–2010)
• The Newsroom (2012)
• The Divide (2014)
• Channel Zero: Candle Cove (2016)
• Tales from the Loop (2020)