Cary Joji Fukunaga Biography: Age, Net Worth, Height, Career, Movies & TV Shows, Wife

Cary Joji Fukunaga is a distinguished American filmmaker, director, writer, and cinematographer noted for his bold storytelling in independent cinema and major franchises.

His work, spanning gritty dramas to high-stakes thrillers, has earned critical acclaim and positioned him as a leading voice in global film production.

Profile

• Full Name: Cary Joji Fukunaga
• Stage Name: Cary Joji Fukunaga
• Born: July 10, 1977
• Age: 48 years old
• Birthplace: Oakland, California, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Filmmaker, Director, Writer, and Cinematographer
• Height: 6′ 1″ (1.85 m)
• Parents: Anthony Shuzo Fukunaga and Gretchen May Grufman
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: Estimated at $5 million USD

Early Life and Education

Cary Joji Fukunaga, a distinguished American filmmaker, director, writer, and cinematographer, He was born on July 10, 1977, in Oakland, California.

Raised by his father, Anthony Shuzo Fukunaga, a third-generation Japanese American born in an internment camp during World War II, and his mother, Gretchen May Grufman, a Swedish American who worked as a dental hygienist and later a history instructor, he grew up amid diverse cultural influences.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 1999, followed by a Master of Fine Arts in film from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Of mixed Japanese, Swedish, English, and German ethnicity, he holds no publicly stated religious affiliation.

Career

Cary Joji Fukunaga, a distinguished American filmmaker, director, writer, and cinematographer, began with short films like Victoria para Chino (2004), which won a Student Academy Award, and Kofi (2003).

His feature debut, Sin Nombre (2009), a stark look at Central American migration, secured the Directing Award at Sundance.

He adapted Jane Eyre (2011) with Mia Wasikowska and directed all episodes of True Detective’s first season (2014), earning a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Directing.

Other key projects include Beasts of No Nation (2015), a Netflix original on child soldiers starring Idris Elba; Maniac (2018), a mind-bending series with Emma Stone and Jonah Hill; and No Time to Die (2021), the James Bond finale.

He co-wrote It (2017) and directed episodes of Masters of the Air (2024).

His production company, Parliament of Owls, backs many of his ventures, blending raw authenticity with technical precision.

Social Media

• Twitter Handle: @caryfukunaga

Personal Life

Cary Joji Fukunaga, a distinguished American filmmaker, director, writer, and cinematographer, maintains a private profile at 48.

Single with no children, he has faced unconfirmed rumors of past links to actresses Michelle Williams (2011) and Margaret Qualley (2017).

He speaks French and Spanish fluently, resides in New York City, and once aspired to professional snowboarding before embracing film.

At 6′ 1″, he channels his multicultural roots into narratives exploring identity and resilience, while supporting causes tied to immigration and human rights.

Filmography

Selected:

• Sin Nombre (2009)
• Jane Eyre (2011)
• True Detective (2014, TV)
• Beasts of No Nation (2015)
• Maniac (2018, TV)
• No Time to Die (2021)
• Masters of the Air (2024, TV)

Net Worth

Cary Joji Fukunaga, a distinguished American filmmaker, director, writer, and cinematographer, has an estimated net worth of $5 million USD, derived from directing fees, production deals, and streaming partnerships across film and television.