Barry Sonnenfeld Biography: Wife, Age, Daughter, Height, Net Worth, Movies & TV Shows, Career, Memoir

Barry Sonnenfeld is an acclaimed American filmmaker, cinematographer, and producer, renowned for his distinctive visual style and comedic sensibility in films like The Addams Family and Men in Black.

With a career spanning decades, he has shaped modern cinema through his work as a director and cinematographer, blending quirky humor with technical expertise.

Profile

• Full Name: Barry Sonnenfeld
• Stage Name: Barry Sonnenfeld
• Born: April 1, 1953
• Age: 72 years old
• Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Filmmaker, Cinematographer, and Producer
• Height: 5 feet 10 inches
• Parents: Kelly Sonnenfeld and Sonny Sonnenfeld
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Susan Ringo
• Children: One
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $80 million USD

Early Life and Education

Barry Sonnenfeld, the accomplished filmmaker, cinematographer, and producer, was born on April 1, 1953, in New York City, New York.

Raised by his mother, Kelly Sonnenfeld, an art teacher, and his father, Sonny Sonnenfeld, an electrical engineer turned lighting salesman, he grew up in a Jewish household with a knack for storytelling.

His early passion for photography led him to purchase a 16mm camera at 15.

He graduated from Bayside High School in Queens in 1970, earned a Bachelor’s degree from Hampshire College, and later studied filmmaking at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he met future collaborators Joel and Ethan Coen.

Career

Barry Sonnenfeld, the accomplished filmmaker, cinematographer, and producer, began as a cinematographer, lensing Coen Brothers’ films like Blood Simple (1984), Raising Arizona (1987), and Miller’s Crossing (1990), showcasing his flair for bold visuals.

He transitioned to directing with The Addams Family (1991) and its sequel, Addams Family Values (1993), both box-office hits.

His signature success came with Men in Black (1997), followed by Men in Black II (2002) and Men in Black 3 (2012), cementing his knack for sci-fi comedy.

Other directorial credits include Get Shorty (1995), Wild Wild West (1999), and Nine Lives (2016).

He directed episodes of Pushing Daisies (2007–2009), earning an Emmy, and produced series like The Tick (2016–2019) and Schmigadoon! (2021–2023).

Recent work includes directing A Series of Unfortunate Events (2017–2019) for Netflix.

Awards and Nominations

• Primetime Emmy Awards: Won Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for Pushing Daisies (2008).
• Saturn Awards: Won Best Director for Men in Black (1998); nominated for The Addams Family (1992).
• Hugo Awards: Won Best Dramatic Presentation for Men in Black (1998).

Social Media

Barry Sonnenfeld does not have social media account.

Personal Life

Barry Sonnenfeld, the accomplished filmmaker, cinematographer, and producer, married Susan Ringo, a film producer, in 1989, and they have one daughter, Chloe Sonnenfeld, born in 1993, who has pursued acting.

At 72, standing 5 feet 10 inches, he resides in New York, maintaining a private life while sharing anecdotes about his career in his 2020 memoir, Barry Sonnenfeld, Call Your Mother.

An advocate for film preservation, he enjoys photography and remains active in industry mentorship.

Filmography

Film (Selected):

• Blood Simple (1984, cinematographer)
• The Addams Family (1991, director)
• Get Shorty (1995, director)
• Men in Black (1997, director)
• Men in Black II (2002, director)
• Men in Black 3 (2012, director)
• Nine Lives (2016, director)

Television (Selected):

• Pushing Daisies (2007–2009, director/producer)
• A Series of Unfortunate Events (2017–2019, director/producer)
• Schmigadoon! (2021–2023, producer)

Net Worth

Barry Sonnenfeld, the accomplished filmmaker, cinematographer, and producer, holds an estimated net worth of $80 million USD.

His wealth derives from box-office successes, television production, residuals from the Men in Black franchise, and real estate ventures, including properties in New York and Colorado.