Robert Englund Ethnicity , Net Worth, Age, Bio, & Family

Robert Englund is a name that sends chills down the spine of horror movie fans around the world. Most famously known for his portrayal of Freddy Krueger, the nightmarish villain in the Nightmare on Elm Street series, Englund has become a household name in the horror genre. With a career spanning over five decades, Englund has earned a reputation not only as a master of horror but also as an accomplished actor, director, and voice artist.
This article provides a deep dive into the life of Robert Englund, covering his early years, his rise to fame, his personal life, and much more. We will explore his ethnicity, net worth, family life, physical attributes, and more, providing a comprehensive look at this iconic actor and the many facets of his life and career.
Robert Englund Early Life and Ethnicity
Robert Englund was born on June 6, 1947, in Glendale, California, USA. He grew up in a middle-class family, with his father, John Englund, being a US Army soldier and his mother, Janis Englund, being a teacher. Robert was the oldest of three siblings, and the family moved around a lot due to his father’s military career. This upbringing exposed Englund to various cultures and environments, which likely influenced his later work in the diverse world of acting.
Englund is of Caucasian ethnicity with Swedish and English heritage. His family background played an important role in shaping his outlook and personality. However, despite being raised in a somewhat conventional American family, Englund was always drawn to the arts. His early interest in acting was nurtured during his high school years, where he took part in theater productions. After high school, he went on to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he pursued a degree in theater arts. This period was crucial in shaping his acting abilities and developing his passion for the craft.
Robert Englund: Biography and Career Beginnings
Before becoming synonymous with Freddy Krueger, Robert Englund had a diverse career that spanned across film, television, and theater. He began his acting career in the 1970s, initially performing in minor roles in various TV series and movies. Englund’s first significant break came in 1974 when he appeared in the television show “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries”. Although it wasn’t a big role, it marked the beginning of his journey in the entertainment industry.
Television Appearances and Early Roles
During the 1970s and early 1980s, Robert Englund appeared in several TV shows, including “Vega$”, “McMillan & Wife”, and “The Incredible Hulk”. However, it was his role in the cult classic TV series “The Twilight Zone” (1985) that began to showcase his versatility as an actor. He was able to display his range, playing both sympathetic and sinister characters. By now, Englund was steadily carving out a career in both television and film, but he was still relatively unknown to mainstream audiences.
Englund also made appearances in feature films during this time, including “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984). Little did he know that this film would change the trajectory of his career forever.
The Rise of Freddy Krueger: A Nightmare on Elm Street and Iconic Role
Robert Englund’s big break came when he was cast as Freddy Krueger in Wes Craven’s groundbreaking slasher film “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (1984). Craven, the director and writer of the film, initially envisioned a different actor for the role but was impressed by Englund’s ability to portray the evil, yet oddly sympathetic, character of Freddy.
The movie was a huge success, and Englund’s portrayal of the burned and scarred Freddy, who invades the dreams of teenagers to kill them, became an instant classic. His portrayal was terrifying yet charismatic, allowing the character of Freddy Krueger to become one of the most iconic figures in the horror genre. The success of the first film led to a series of sequels, including:
- A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge (1985)
- A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)
- A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988)
- A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child (1989)
- Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991)
- Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994)
- Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
- A Nightmare on Elm Street (remake) (2010)
Throughout the series, Englund continued to bring Freddy to life with his unique combination of menace, humor, and dark charm. Freddy became a cultural icon, with Englund’s performance consistently praised for its depth, complexity, and sheer terrifying presence.
While A Nightmare on Elm Street defined his career, Robert Englund didn’t allow himself to be pigeonholed. He took on a wide variety of roles in both films and television, showcasing his acting chops beyond the horror genre.
Other Film and Television Work
In addition to his work in the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, Robert Englund also appeared in a number of other notable films and TV series. He took on roles in “The Phantom of the Opera” (1989), where he portrayed the famous character of the Phantom in a made-for-TV movie, and “Wishmaster” (1997), where he played the role of a demon. His portrayal of different villains, monsters, and troubled characters helped solidify his place in Hollywood as a reliable actor for horror and fantasy roles.
Beyond acting, Englund expanded his horizons into directing, producing, and voice acting. He voiced the character Dr. Viper in the animated series “The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo” (1985) and also appeared in animated adaptations of “The Batman”, “The Simpsons”, and “Family Guy”. In 2018, Englund appeared in the hit TV series “Stranger Things”, further solidifying his relevance in the entertainment industry.
Robert Englund: Net Worth
As of 2025, Robert Englund’s net worth is estimated to be around $16 million. This wealth is largely attributed to his work in the Nightmare on Elm Street series, as well as his roles in numerous other films and television projects. Given the longevity of his career, Englund has seen a consistent income stream from royalties, film earnings, conventions, merchandise, and more.
The Nightmare on Elm Street franchise remains incredibly popular, with merchandise and fan memorabilia continuing to sell. Englund has also participated in conventions and speaking events, where he shares his experiences as Freddy Krueger with fans, further adding to his net worth. His acting roles, voice work, and creative contributions to various projects have solidified his place as one of Hollywood’s most beloved character actors.
Robert Englund Family Life: Wife, Girlfriend, and Children
Robert Englund has been fairly private about his family life, but there are some details that have become public over the years. He has been married three times:
Wife:
Robert Englund’s first marriage was to Nancy Booth, an actress and production assistant, whom he married in the late 1980s. The couple divorced in the early 1990s after several years together.
His second marriage was to Renee S. K. (also known as Renee Englund), an actress and production assistant. They married in 1995 and divorced after a few years.
Englund’s third and most recent marriage is to Suzie S. (also known as Suzie Englund). They have been married since 2004, and their relationship appears to be going strong. Suzie is a major part of Englund’s life, and he has spoken publicly about his love for her.
Children:
Robert Englund does not have any children of his own. While he has been married several times, his focus has been on his career, and it seems he and his wife have chosen not to have children. Englund is often seen spending time with his family and friends, but he has maintained a private lifestyle, keeping his personal life largely out of the public eye.
Robert Englund Age, Height, and Weight
Robert Englund is 78 years old (as of 2025), having been born on June 6, 1947. Despite his age, Englund maintains a vibrant and youthful energy, which is evident when he appears at conventions and public events.
- Height: Englund stands at 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm).
- Weight: His weight is estimated to be around 160 pounds (72 kg), though he maintains a fit and healthy lifestyle.
Even in his late 70s, Englund continues to take care of his health and physique, ensuring that he is physically prepared for any role or public appearance.
Robert Englund House and Car Collection
House:
Robert Englund is known for keeping a low profile when it comes to his personal life. While the exact details of his residence are kept private, it is known that he lives in Los Angeles, California. The area is home to many actors, and Englund’s residence is likely an upscale, private home where he can enjoy his retirement and spend time with his family.
Car Collection:
Englund is not widely known for collecting luxury cars, but he is said to enjoy classic cars. Like many Hollywood stars, he likely owns a variety of vehicles suited to his lifestyle. His interest in classic cars is a well-known passion, although details about his specific collection are scarce.
FAQs
1. What is Robert Englund’s ethnicity?
Robert Englund is of Caucasian ethnicity with Swedish and English heritage.
2. How old is Robert Englund?
Robert Englund is 78 years old, born on June 6, 1947.
3. What is Robert Englund’s net worth?
As of 2025, Robert Englund’s estimated net worth is around $16 million.
4. Who is Robert Englund married to?
Robert Englund is currently married to Suzie S. (also known as Suzie Englund), whom he married in 2004.
5. Does Robert Englund have children?
No, Robert Englund does not have children.
6. How tall is Robert Englund?
Robert Englund is 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall.
7. What cars does Robert Englund drive?
While not widely publicized, Robert Englund is known to have a passion for classic cars.