Heat: Cast, Roles, Net Worth, Height, Families, And Relationships

Heat (1995) is an American crime thriller written and directed by Michael Mann, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures.

It follows the intense cat-and-mouse game between LAPD detective Vincent Hanna and master thief Neil McCauley in a gritty Los Angeles underworld, exploring themes of obsession, loyalty, and work-life imbalance.

Filmed entirely on location in Los Angeles over 107 days with a $60 million budget, it grossed $187 million worldwide, becoming a commercial success.

Main Cast and Their Roles

Al Pacino as Lt. Vincent Hanna

• Role: Hanna, a driven LAPD robbery-homicide detective, obsessively pursues McCauley while his personal life unravels. Pacino’s “explosive” performance, fueled by method research with real cops, defined the film; appeared in ~100 minutes.
• Net Worth: $120 million
• Height: 5’7″ (1.70 m)
• Family: Born April 25, 1940, New York City, to Salvatore (merchant marine) and Rose Pacino (dresser). Siblings: two half-sisters, Josette and Donna. Attended High School of Performing Arts.
• Relationships: Never married; dated Diane Keaton (1970s–1980s), Jill Clayburgh (1970s), Beverly D’Angelo (1997–2003; twins Anton and Olivia, b. 2001), Lucila Solá (2010–2018; son Roman, b. 2020).
• Post-Film: Starred in The Irishman (2019), House of Gucci (2021). Upcoming: Knox Goes Away (2024).

Robert De Niro as Neil McCauley

• Role: McCauley, a disciplined career criminal leading high-stakes heists, adheres to a “30 seconds” rule for attachments. De Niro’s “stoic” portrayal, drawn from real convicts, anchored the ensemble; appeared in ~90 minutes.
• Net Worth: $500 million
• Height: 5’10” (1.78 m)
• Family: Born August 17, 1943, New York City, to Robert Sr. (artist) and Virginia Admiral (painter). Siblings: none reported. Attended Rhodes Preparatory School.
• Relationships: Married Diahnne Abbott (1976–1988; son Raphael, adopted daughter Drena), Toukie Smith (1988–1996; twins Julian and Aaron, b. 1995), Grace Hightower (1997–2018; son Elliot, b. 1998). Dating Tiffany Chen (2021–present; daughter Gia, b. 2023).
• Post-Film: Starred in Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), Zero Day (2025, Netflix).

Val Kilmer as Chris Shiherlis

• Role: Shiherlis, McCauley’s loyal but volatile crew member, grapples with marital strain amid heists. Kilmer’s “intense” role, prepared with firearms training, shone in action scenes; appeared in ~70 minutes.
• Net Worth: $10 million (at death)
• Height: 5’11” (1.80 m)
• Family: Born December 31, 1959, Los Angeles, to Eugene (aerospace engineer) and Gladys Kilmer. Siblings: brothers Mark, Wesley (d. 1977), Kevin. Attended Chatsworth High, Juilliard.
• Relationships: Married Joanne Whalley (1988–1996; daughter Mercedes, b. 1991; son Jack, b. 1995). Dated Marlene Marlene (2005–2009). Single at death.
• Post-Film: Starred in Top Gun: Maverick (2022). Died April 1, 2025, from pneumonia complications post-throat cancer.

Jon Voight as Nate

• Role: Nate, McCauley’s wise fence and advisor, facilitates deals from the shadows. Voight’s “canny” cameo, inspired by ex-con Eddie Bunker, added gravitas; appeared in ~20 minutes.
• Net Worth: $55 million
• Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m)
• Family: Born December 29, 1938, Yonkers, New York, to Elmer (golf pro) and Barbara Voight. Siblings: brothers Barry, James. Catholic University graduate.
• Relationships: Married Lauri Peters (1962–1967), Marcheline Bertrand (1971–1978; daughter Angelina Jolie, son James Haven), Tricia O’Neil (1983–1985). Dating Marlene Marlene (2000s–present).
• Post-Film: Starred in Ray Donovan (2013–2020), Reagan (2024). Appointed Special Hollywood Ambassador (2025).

Tom Sizemore as Michael Cheritto

• Role: Cheritto, a family man and sharpshooter in McCauley’s crew, risks it all for one last score. Sizemore’s “raw” performance highlighted domestic tension; appeared in ~60 minutes
• Net Worth: $500,000
• Height: 5’10” (1.78 m)
• Family: Born November 29, 1961, Detroit, Michigan, to Paul (lawyer/professor) and Judith Sizemore. Siblings: Paul Jr., Cindy, Rusty. Temple University graduate.
• Relationships: Married Maeve Quinlan (1996–1999); dated Heidi Fleiss (2001–2002). With Janelle McIntire (2003–2006; twins Jagger and Jayden, b. 2005). Died March 3, 2023.
• Post-Film: Starred in Saving Private Ryan (1998). Limited roles post-addiction struggles.

Diane Venora as Justine Hanna

• Role: Justine, Hanna’s third wife, navigates emotional neglect amid his obsessions. Venora’s “poignant” portrayal captured marital strain; appeared in ~30 minutes.
• Net Worth: $1.1 million
• Height: 5’7″ (1.70 m)
• Family: Born August 10, 1952, East Hartford, Connecticut, to Robert (dry cleaner) and Marie Venora. Siblings: five (names private). Juilliard graduate.
• Relationships: Married Andrzej Bartkowiak (1980–1989; daughter Madzia, b. 1981). Single since.
• Post-Film: Starred in The Sopranos (2000s). Recent: All Good Things (2010).

Amy Brenneman as Eady

• Role: Eady, a graphic designer and McCauley’s love interest, tempts him to break his rules. Brenneman’s “innocent” debut role added vulnerability; appeared in ~40 minutes.
• Net Worth: $16 million
• Height: 5’7″ (1.70 m)
• Family: Born June 22, 1964, New London, Connecticut, to Frederica (judge) and Russell Brenneman (lawyer). Siblings: two sisters. Harvard graduate.
• Relationships: Married Brad Silberling (1995–present; daughter Charlotte, b. 2001; son Bodhi, b. 2008).
• Post-Film: Starred in Judging Amy (1999–2005), The Leftovers (2014–2017).

Ashley Judd as Charlene Shiherlis

• Role: Charlene, Chris’s estranged wife entangled in a custody battle, faces moral dilemmas. Judd’s “fiery” performance marked her breakout; appeared in ~30 minutes.
• Net Worth: $14 million
• Height: 5’4″ (1.63 m)
• Family: Born April 19, 1968, Los Angeles, to Naomi (singer) and Michael Ciminella (analyst). Half-sister: Wynonna Judd. University of Kentucky graduate.
• Relationships: Married Dario Franchitti (2001–2013). Dating Martin Surbeck (2020s–present). No children.
• Post-Film: Starred in Divergent (2014), A Dog’s Way Home (2019). Activism focus.

Mykelti Williamson as Sergeant Drucker

• Role: Drucker, Hanna’s reliable sergeant, aids stakeouts and pursuits. Williamson’s “steady” role grounded the team; appeared in ~50 minutes.
• Net Worth: $2 million to $4 million
• Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m)
• Family: Born March 4, 1957, St. Louis, Missouri, to Elaine (accountant) and Air Force father. Siblings: six. Los Angeles City College attendee.
• Relationships: Married Sondra Spriggs (1983–present; daughters Nicole, Maya). Previously married Olivia Brown (1981–1985), Cheryl Chisholm (1989–1991).
• Post-Film: Starred in Fences (2016), Justified (2010s).

Ted Levine as Bosko

• Role: Bosko, Hanna’s tactical sergeant, coordinates ops with quiet authority. Levine’s “gruff” presence bolstered the squad; appeared in ~40 minutes.
• Net Worth: $6 million
• Height: 5’10” (1.78 m)
• Family: Born May 29, 1957, Bellaire, Ohio, to Milton and Charlotte Levine (both physicians). Siblings: Michael, Judith. Marlboro College attendee.
• Relationships: Married Kim Phillips (1983–present; daughter Melissa, son Mac).
• Post-Film: Starred in Monk (2002–2009), Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018).

Dennis Haysbert as Donald Breedan

• Role: Breedan, an ex-con hired as getaway driver, brings tragic depth to the crew. Haysbert’s “soulful” role highlighted redemption; appeared in ~20 minutes.
• Net Worth: $8 million
• Height: 6’5″ (1.96 m)
• Family: Born June 2, 1954, in San Mateo, California, to Gladys (homemaker) and Charles Haysbert (sheriff). Siblings: eight (six brothers, two sisters). San Mateo High graduate.
• Relationships: Married Elena Simms (1980–1983), Lynn Griffith (1989–2001; son Charles, daughter Katherine). Divorced; two children.
• Post-Film: Starred in 24 (2001–2006), Allstate ads (2000s–present).

Additional Notes

Salaries: Leads Pacino and De Niro commanded $5–7 million each, reflecting star power; supporting like Kilmer and Voight earned $1–3 million, others $300,000–$500,000. The $60 million budget funded real LA shoots, tactical training (U.S. Army later used sequences), and Elliot Goldenthal’s score. Residuals from streaming (Netflix, Max) continue earnings.

Casting Insights: Mann’s first choices—Pacino and De Niro—agreed instantly, marking their first shared scene. Kilmer edged out others for Shiherlis via chemistry reads; Voight channeled Bunker; Sizemore beat out Gary Oldman. Ensemble prioritized authenticity, with actors shadowing cops/criminals.

Impact and Legacy: Heat redefined crime epics, influencing The Dark Knight (Nolan cited its aesthetics), The Town, Ambulance, and GTA V (hairstyles, heists). Fans on X/Reddit obsess over the diner scene and shootout, debating Hanna-McCauley parallels. Soundtrack (U2, Moby) went gold; no Oscars but four nominations (editing, sound). Sequel novel Heat 2 (2022) and potential film extend its reach.

Post-Film Careers: Pacino and De Niro remain icons; Kilmer battled cancer until 2025; Voight thrives in TV/politics; Sizemore died 2023 post-struggles; Venora, Brenneman, Judd pivoted to TV/activism; Williamson and Levine sustain steady roles; Haysbert’s voice work endures.

Cultural Influence: Heat glamorized procedural realism, with its armored truck/LAX shootouts inspiring action tropes. The “opposites attract” duality and LA noir vibe trend in debates; critiques note gender portrayals but praise diversity. Iconic lines (“She’s got a great ass… and you’ve got your head up it”) meme eternally. Streaming on Netflix/Max.

Conclusion

Heat’s ensemble, powered by Pacino’s frenzy and De Niro’s cool, birthed a genre benchmark amid its LA pulse. Net worths span from $500,000 (Sizemore) to $500 million (De Niro), mirroring trajectories from tragedy to triumph. Lives—from Judd’s activism to Haysbert’s family focus—enrich the saga. Its blueprint status, endless homages, and cultural grip ensure Heat burns on, a 1995 inferno still scorching screens.