Wil Wheaton Biography: Movies, TV Shows, Age, Net Worth, Wife, Instagram, Height, Blog

Richard William Wheaton III, professionally known as Wil Wheaton, is an American actor, writer, and voice artist celebrated for his iconic role as Wesley Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation and his portrayal of Gordie Lachance in the coming-of-age film Stand by Me.

A child star who transitioned into a multifaceted career, Wheaton has also gained acclaim for his recurring role as a fictionalized version of himself on The Big Bang Theory and his voice work in projects like Teen Titans and Ben 10.

As a writer, his memoirs Just a Geek and Dancing Barefoot offer candid reflections on fame, geek culture, and personal growth, while his blog and podcasting ventures have made him a prominent voice in nerd communities.

Profile

• Full Name: Richard William Wheaton III
• Stage Name: Wil Wheaton
• Born: 29 July 1972
• Age: 53 years old
• Birthplace: Burbank, California, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Writer, Voice Artist, Blogger
• Height: 1.78m
• Parents: Debbie Wheaton and Richard William Wheaton Jr.
• Siblings: Jeremy Wheaton, Amy Wheaton
• Spouse: Anne Prince (m. 1999)
• Children: Ryan Wheaton, Nolan Wheaton
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Richard William Wheaton III was born on July 29, 1972, in Burbank, California, to Debbie Wheaton, a former actress, and Richard William Wheaton Jr., a medical specialist.

He grew up with a younger brother, Jeremy, and sister, Amy, who both briefly acted in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Raised in a showbiz-adjacent environment, Wheaton began acting at age seven, driven by his mother’s encouragement, though he later reflected on the pressures of child stardom.

He attended Crescenta Valley High School in La Crescenta, California, and briefly studied at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), but left to focus on his career.

Wheaton is of Caucasian ethnicity, and his religious beliefs are not publicly known.

Career

Wil Wheaton began acting in 1979 with a role in the TV movie A Fire in the Sky, quickly building a resume with guest spots on CHiPs and Highway to Heaven.

His breakthrough came at age 12 as Gordie Lachance in Stand by Me (1986), a critically acclaimed performance that showcased his emotional depth alongside River Phoenix and Corey Feldman.

At 15, he landed the role of Wesley Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994), appearing in 85 episodes as the prodigy ensign, which earned him a Young Artist Award but also fan backlash for the character’s perceived perfection.

He left the series in 1991 to pursue diverse roles, reflecting later on the decision as pivotal for his personal growth.

In the 1990s, Wheaton took on films like The Last Starfighter (1984, uncredited) and Toy Soldiers (1991), while guest-starring on Tales from the Crypt and The Outer Limits.

His voice work grew prominent in the 2000s, voicing Aqualad in Teen Titans (2003–2006) and characters in Ben 10: Alien Force and Legion of Super Heroes.

A recurring role as Wil Wheaton, a comedic version of himself, on The Big Bang Theory (2009–2019) revitalized his visibility, appearing in 17 episodes and earning fan love for his self-deprecating humor.

He also hosted The Wil Wheaton Project (2014) on Syfy and narrated audiobooks, including Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One.

Wil Wheaton has carved a niche as a writer and geek culture advocate, publishing Dancing Barefoot (2003) and Just a Geek (2004), which blend memoir with insights on navigating fame.

His blog, WilWheaton.net, and podcast Radio Free Burrito engage fans with candid discussions on mental health, gaming, and sci-fi.

Recent projects include voice roles in Star Trek: Lower Decks (2020–present) and producing Tabletop, a board game web series.

His influence lies in authentic storytelling, mentoring fans through social media, and championing inclusivity in nerd spaces.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @itswilwheaton
• Facebook Handle: Wil Wheaton
• Twitter Handle: @wilw

Personal Life

Wil Wheaton married Anne Prince on November 7, 1999, after meeting at a sci-fi convention in 1995; he became stepfather to her sons, Ryan and Nolan, one of whom he legally adopted.

Filmography

• Stand by Me (1986)
• Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994)
• Toy Soldiers (1991)
• The Last Starfighter (1984, uncredited)
• Flubber (1997)
• The Big Bang Theory (2009–2019)
• Teen Titans (2003–2006)
• Star Trek: Picard (2022)
• Star Trek: Lower Decks (2020–present)

Net Worth

Wil Wheaton has an estimated net worth of $1 million. His income primarily derives from his acting roles in Star Trek: The Next Generation and The Big Bang Theory, which provide ongoing syndication residuals.

Additional earnings come from voice work in Teen Titans and Star Trek: Lower Decks, book sales from Just a Geek, and revenue from his Tabletop series and podcasting ventures.