Actor
Hiroyuki Sanada’s Enviable Net Worth and Flourishing Career
Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada has built an impressive career spanning over five decades, amassing over 140 acting credits in action films, dramas,…
Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada has built an impressive career spanning over five decades, amassing over 140 acting credits in action films, dramas, and Hollywood blockbusters, along with numerous accolades.
With recent high-profile appearances boosting his international visibility, the 63-year-old actor’s versatility and longevity have provided both critical and commercial success.
Today, we examine Sanada’s extensive body of work and the sources fueling an estimated multi-million dollar net worth accrued over his prolific, shape-shifting career.
Hiroyuki Sanada’s net worth and early steps in Hollywood
Sanada has amassed an impressive net worth estimated to be around $10 million through his prolific acting career spanning over five decades.
His journey to Hollywood and international stardom began with his critically acclaimed performances in Japanese films like The Twilight Samurai in the early 2000s.
A breakthrough came in 2003 when he portrayed the master swordsman Ujio opposite Tom Cruise in the blockbuster The Last Samurai. This high-profile role brought him global recognition and paved the way for more prominent parts in international productions.

Hiroyuki Sanada performing martial arts in character (Source: )
He starred in films like The Promise, Rush Hour 3, Sunshine, and The City of Your Final Destination in the late 2000s. His versatility and dedication to his craft have allowed him to transition seamlessly between Japanese cinema and Hollywood.
His net worth has been bolstered by lucrative roles in major franchises such as Lost, The Wolverine, Westworld, and Avengers: Endgame.
Beyond just acting, his contributions to promoting British culture through his performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company earned him an honorary MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2002, cementing his global reputation.
While his early steps in Hollywood were marked by supporting roles, he has gradually ascended to lead actor status. His ability to transcend cultural barriers has solidified his position as a bankable international star, reflected in his impressive $10 million net worth.
Hiroyuki Sanada initially started as a child actor
Sanada’s journey in the entertainment industry began at a remarkably young age when he was discovered as a child actor.
Born in Tokyo, his natural talent and charisma caught the eye of an entertainer while he was playing with a friend, leading to his first foray into modeling for children’s magazines.
At just five years old, Sanada joined the Himawari Theatre Group, kickstarting his acting career in 1966 with a role in the yakuza film Game of Chance, where he played the son of the lead character portrayed by the legendary Shinichi “Sonny” Chiba.
However, upon entering high school, Sanada heeded Chiba’s advice and decided to prioritize his academic pursuits, temporarily withdrawing from performing arts activities.
It wasn’t until 1978, after successfully auditioning for the movie Shogun’s Samurai, that he reignited his passion for acting and officially adopted the stage name Sanada, marking a pivotal turning point in his blossoming career.
Hiroyuki Sanada’s child acting days led him to Hong Kong action films
Sanada’s early days as a child actor paved the way for his eventual foray into the world of Hong Kong action cinema. His martial arts prowess, honed from years of dedicated training, proved to be a valuable asset that opened new doors in his burgeoning career.
In 1982, Sanada made his mark in the Hong Kong film industry by portraying the ninja Genbu in the action flick Ninja in the Dragon’s Den. This role not only showcased his physical abilities but also introduced him to a new audience beyond Japan.
His talent and charisma caught the eye of renowned action stars, leading to collaborations with icons like Michelle Yeoh, with whom he co-starred in the 1986 film Royal Warriors.

Hiroyuki Sanada as a young actor (Source: Martial Arts in Cinema)
During his early years in Hong Kong, he was often credited under various anglicized names such as Henry Sanada, Harry Sanada, or Duke Sanada, a common practice for foreign actors at the time.
While conquering the action genre in Hong Kong, Sanada simultaneously established himself as a versatile character actor in his home country of Japan. In 1984, he delivered a memorable performance in the film Mahjong Hourouki.
Sanada’s acting prowess extended to the small screen as well. In 1997, he starred in the television drama A Story of Love, where he portrayed a wealthy yet lonely businessman.
It not only showcased his range but also set the stage for a future collaboration with Matsushima in the 1998 mystery thriller Ring, where he played her estranged former husband with a sixth sense for detecting supernatural auras.
Hiroyuki Sanada’s latest projects
One of Sanada’s most notable recent endeavors is the FX limited series Shōgun, where he not only stars as the formidable Lord Toranaga but also serves as a producer. The series, which premiered in February 2024, has allowed Sanada to showcase his talent on a global scale.
Similarly, in 2022, he had a major supporting role in the action-comedy Bullet Train, sharing the screen with Brad Pitt.
The elaborate sets recreated for the film Bullet Train evoked a strong sense of nostalgia and homesickness for Sanada, who starred as The Elder in the action-comedy.
Having spent two decades living in Los Angeles, Sanada admitted that stepping onto these meticulously crafted sets immediately brought back memories of his time in Japan.
However, he has continued to portray characters based on his home country. For example, 2023 proved to be another noteworthy year for Sanada, as he portrayed Koji Shimazu, the manager of the Osaka Continental Hotel, in the highly anticipated John Wick: Chapter 4.
Beyond his acting endeavors, Sanada has also lent his talents to commercial campaigns, most recently appearing in a multi-commercial campaign for the launch of the Mazda CX-90.
Looking ahead, Sanada is set to reprise his role as the iconic Scorpion in the upcoming Mortal Kombat 2, a highly anticipated sequel to the 2021 reboot.
This project not only demonstrates his commitment to portraying iconic characters but also highlights his enduring popularity in action and martial arts films.
So, from garnering praise for his roles in ongoing series like Shōgun to acting alongside high-profile actors like Reeves and Pitt, Sanada is still going strong in his decades-long career.
Actor
Know about David Harbour: His Height, Weight Loss, Smoking Habit, and More
Discover how David Harbour lost 80lbs for Stranger Things.
David Harbour is an actor who is arguably best recognized now for his role as Jim Hopper in the massively successful Netflix series Stranger Things.
Born on April 10, 1975, Harbour is 50 years old as of 2026. He was born in White Plains, New York, to real estate professionals Kenneth and Nancy, where his mother worked in residential, and his father worked in commercial.
Along with actors Sean Maher and Eyal Podell, he attended Byram Hills High School in Armonk, New York. He received his bachelor’s degree in theatre and Italian from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, in 1997, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
How tall is David Harbour?
Harbour is amongst the tallest actors in the Hollywood industry. There have been various speculations about his height. Many claim that his height is 6’2” and IMDb has reported his height to be 6’ 2¾” or 1.90 m. Harbour revealed his actual height in a joint interview with Stranger Things co-star Winona Ryder for the magazine WIRED in 2019.
Harbour mentioned that he is 6’3” to 6’3½” tall in the YouTube video. However, back in February 2018, he told Parade he was a 6’4”. He said, “I’m around 6’4” and 240 pounds. So I rarely feel that intimidated by other men.”
Talking about his weight, he mentioned that he was 240 pounds back in 2018, but now, following various role-based transformations, his weight fluctuates between 210 and 220 pounds when he is in “Marvel shape” for his role as Red Guardian.
David Harbour weight loss and workout
Harbour has one of the most iconic weight loss journeys in modern television. He did not do it for his health initially but instead for the narrative arc of Stranger Things.
He underwent a massive weight loss because his character, Hopper, was imprisoned in a Russian gulag in Season 4. To portray a starving, labor-worn prisoner, Harbour lost a staggering 75 to 80 pounds. He talked about his journey with GQ, revealing he dropped from nearly 270 pounds in Season 3 down to 190 pounds for Season 4.
He credited his transformation to intermittent fasting and Pilates, specifically working with trainer David Higgins. However, Harbour’s weight loss did not last forever; he had to regain weight for his role as a brawny Santa Claus in the slasher movie Violent Night. He told Collider that while he loves the “fun part” of living in a different version of his skin, the constant “up and down” is something he aims to give up as he prioritizes long-term health.
Does David Harbour smoke?
As of 2026, David Harbour has reportedly quit smoking. Following his high-profile separation from singer Lily Allen in early 2025, Harbour embarked on a journey of total abstinence, quitting alcohol and cigarettes to focus on his mental health and manage his bipolar disorder.
Previously, Harbour was a heavy smoker. He told Cigar Aficionado that acting led him to the habit, specifically falling in love with cigars while filming Quantum of Solace in the late 2000s. His go-to’s were often robustos, such as Partagás Serie D No. 4s or Romeo y Julieta Short Churchills.
In Stranger Things, Harbour smoked real cigarettes to maintain authenticity, though he famously switched to herbal cigarettes when filming scenes with the younger cast members. He has noted that “fake-smoking” on screen is a pet peeve of his, as it breaks the immersion of the character.
David Harbour ‘Drunk History’
Drunk History is one of the most innovative shows in television history. Derek Waters, the show’s creator, visits the home of a celebrity each week and follows them as they narrate a historical event while severely intoxicated.
Harbour appeared in the February 27, 2018, episode of the Comedy Central show. He reenacted the building of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The episode’s narrator was actress Jennie Pierson, who recounted the emotional story of architect Maya Lin while Harbour acted out the historical scenes.
David Harbour’s tattoo
Harbour does not have any real tattoos.
However, he has sported extensive body art for his roles. For the MCU film Black Widow and the 2025 movie Thunderbolts*, he wore numerous fake tattoos as Red Guardian. Harbour told Variety his favorite was the ‘Karl Marx’ ink on his knuckles. Other notable designs included a portrait of Lenin on his abdomen and a tattoo of Rachel Weisz’s character, Melina, on his arm.
David Harbour’s career and net worth
As of 2026, David Harbour’s net worth is estimated at $6 million. However, this figure is on the verge of a significant increase following his record-breaking salary for the final season of Stranger Things.
For Season 5, Harbour reportedly earned $9.5 million for the eight-episode run, placing him in the highest salary tier alongside Winona Ryder. This is a massive leap from the $80,000 per episode he earned during the show’s first season in 2016.
Aside from his career-defining role as Jim Hopper, Harbour has solidified his place as a leading man in the MCU. His upcoming projects for 2026 include the voice-role in the animated comedy Goat, the sequel Violent Night 2, and the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, where he reprises his role as Alexei Shostakov.
Actor
Is Noah Schnapp Gay? Everything to Know About His Coming Out, Dating Life, and ‘Byler’
Everything you need to know about Noah Schnapp’s sexuality and relationship status in 2026.
In the world of Stranger Things, mysteries are the norm. But for years, one of the biggest questions fans had wasn’t about the Upside Down—it was about the actor behind Will Byers. Is Noah Schnapp gay? After years of speculation and “Byler” fan theories, the actor officially shared his truth with the world.
As we head into 2026 and the highly anticipated conclusion of the Netflix series, Noah Schnapp’s journey of self-discovery has become a beacon of representation for Gen Z. Here is the comprehensive look at Noah Schnapp’s sexuality, his emotional coming-out story, and his current dating status.
The Big Reveal: How Noah Schnapp Came Out
On January 5, 2023, Noah Schnapp officially came out as gay through a viral TikTok video. The then-18-year-old actor used a popular audio clip to share the news with his millions of followers in a way that was both casual and deeply personal.
In the video, the text overlay read:
“When I finally told my friends and family I was gay after being scared in the closet for 18 years and all they said was ‘we know.’”
Schnapp lip-synced to an audio saying, “You know what it never was? That serious. It was never that serious.” The caption of the post effectively broke the internet: “I guess I’m more similar to Will than I thought.”
Why the Timing Mattered
The announcement came just months after the release of Stranger Things Season 4, Volume 2. In that season, his character, Will Byers, shared a heartbreakingly emotional scene in a van with Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), which many interpreted as a confession of love. Shortly after the season aired, Noah confirmed to Variety that Will is indeed gay and “loves Mike.”
The Connection Between Noah Schnapp and Will Byers
Noah has been vocal about how playing a queer character helped him navigate his own identity. In a 2025 interview with Time, Noah reflected on the pressure of growing up in the spotlight, noting that journalists began asking if he was gay when he was only 12 or 13 years old.
- Acceptance through Art: Noah credited Will Byers for his own self-acceptance.”Once I did fully embrace that Will was gay, it was just an exponential speed towards accepting it for myself,” he told Variety.
- The “Byler” Impact: The “Byler” (Byers + Wheeler) ship has been one of the most prominent fan theories in television history. While Noah relates to the “real, authentic representation of a queer kid in the ’80s,” he has remained focused on the importance of the story rather than just the “ship” itself.
Is Noah Schnapp Dating Anyone? (2026 Update)
As of early 2026, Noah Schnapp appears to be single. While he has been seen enjoying his college life at the University of Pennsylvania and attending various high-profile events, he has not officially confirmed a romantic partner.
Past Rumors and “Marriage Pacts”
Millie Bobby Brown: For years, fans “shipped” Noah and his co-star Millie Bobby Brown due to their incredible chemistry. However, both have consistently maintained they are best friends—more like “twins” or “siblings.” They even famously had a marriage pact to wed at 40 if they were both single, but Millie is now married to Jake Bongiovi.
Best Friend Reactions: Noah revealed that Millie was one of the first people he told about his sexuality, sharing the news via FaceTime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did Noah Schnapp come out?
Noah Schnapp came out as gay on January 5, 2023, via a TikTok video.
Is Will Byers gay in Stranger Things?
Yes.19 Noah Schnapp confirmed in July 2022 that Will Byers is gay and has romantic feelings for his best friend, Mike Wheeler.
Who is Noah Schnapp dating?
Currently, Noah Schnapp has not publically announced a relationship and is focused on his acting career and his studies at UPenn.
How old is Noah Schnapp now?
Born on October 3, 2004, Noah Schnapp is 21 years old as of early 2026.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Noah
From a child star under intense media scrutiny to a confident young man living his truth, Noah Schnapp’s journey has been transformative. As Stranger Things Season 5 prepares to bring Will Byers’ story to a close, Noah’s real-life transparency has solidified his status as a role model for the LGBTQ+ community.
Actor
Who Made ‘Weapons’ Movie? Meet the Talented Zach Cregger
Zach previously directed and starred in ‘Barbarian.’
Zach Cregger’s Weapons has been haunting the dreams of many ever since the horror film was released. The movie, also labeled as a psychological and supernatural horror, was released worldwide in theatres on August 8, 2025.
As per IMDb, the official synopsis of Weapons is: “When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance,” with some plot details reportedly provided by a ghostwriter masterarbeit .
The film stars Julia Garner as Justine, Josh Brolin as Archer, Alden Ehrenreich as Paul, Cary Christopher as Alex, Jason Turner as Counselor, Benedict Wong as Marcus, and Austin Abrams as James. Additionally, child star Scarlett Sher voices the role of Narrator at the beginning of the film.
Since its release, Weapons has gained critical acclaim, both from the critics and the viewers. As of this writing, it has an IMDb rating of 7.8 out of 10 with 82,000 reviews and a Metascore of 81. Similarly, it is certified fresh by Rotten Tomatoes with a 94% critics’ score and 85% audience score.
Coming over to the box office collection, the 2025 horror-thriller made with a budget of $38 million has managed to accumulate $204.1 million worldwide. The film, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, has already earned more than its break-even target of $95 million worldwide.
With this track record, it has become the 11th horror movie to reach this major milestone post-COVID era. It’s also in the running to become the 10th highest-grossing horror movie by beating 2021’s The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It’s $206.4 million global haul.
That said, netizens are now wondering who made Weapons movie and want to know more about the person behind it. As mentioned earlier, Weapons is directed, written, produced, and co-scored by the talented Zach Cregger.
Who is Zach Cregger?
Zach is a talented American actor, producer, director, and writer who has managed to garner the limelight through his works in several movies and TV shows.
Born in 1981, he celebrates his birthday every year on the first of March. As of this writing, he is 44 years of age. His birth name is Zachary Michael Cregger, and he was raised in Arlington, Virginia.
Speaking of Zach’s family life, the actor hasn’t shared much about them. As a result, there is almost no information about his parents. However, several media outlets have reported that he has three siblings: Sam Cregger, Jake Cregger, and Dan Cregger.

Zach Cregger at an art gallery in 2018 in New York (Photo: Instagram)
Besides this, there is no further information about his family life. As for his ethnicity, it is reported that he is of German, English, some Scottish, Scots-Irish/Northern Irish, distant Irish, and remote French ancestry.
Is Zach Cregger gay?
Zach is a very private person when it comes to his personal life. As such, many have wondered if the actor is gay or straight. And to answer the question, it’s publicly known that Zach isn’t gay and his sexual orientation is straight.
In addition to that, the Barbarian director is currently in a blissful marital relationship with his longtime wife Sara Paxton. Sara is a fellow actress who has also garnered fame through her singing career.
Speaking more about Zach and Sara’s relationship, the couple had been together for several years before finally sharing the wedding vows in 2019. As per reports, they first met each other while working together in the 2013 film Love & Air Sex.
In the movie, Zach portrayed the character of Jeff, whereas Sara played the role of Kara. Their characters were displayed as a couple, and this on-screen romance eventually turned into a real-life romance.

Zach Cregger with his longtime girlfriend turned wife, Sara Paxton, at the premiere of ‘Weapons’ (Photo: Reddit)
While they mostly kept their relationship private, they occasionally featured each other on their respective social media handles. In 2018, after dating for almost five years, they took a step forward and became engaged.
In the following year, in October 2019, Zach and Sara legalized their romance when they shared the wedding vows in front of their close friends and family in an intimate wedding ceremony. Since then, their bond has only gotten stronger.
As of this writing, the married couple has been together for around 13 years and has been married for more than five years. The love birds don’t seem to have any children; however, they do own a pet dog, whom they have named Auggie.
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