Who Is Chris Columbus (filmmaker)? Age, Biography and Wiki
Chris Columbus was born on September 10, 1958, making him 66 years old as of 2025. Renowned for his directing and producing work, Columbus has left an indelible mark on the film industry. He is best known for his work on blockbuster hits like Home Alone and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. With a rich history in filmmaking, Columbus has been influential in shaping the landscape of family entertainment.
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 10, 1958 |
| Age | 66 Years |
| Birth Place | Spangler, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Chris Columbus (filmmaker)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact measurements can fluctuate, Chris Columbus stands at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. His weight is reported to be around 160 pounds (73 kg). His physique reflects a moderate build, suitable for an individual who has spent ample time in the dynamic environment of the film industry.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Chris Columbus has been married to his wife, Monica DeLoach, since 1983. The couple has three children together, maintaining a close-knit family dynamic throughout Columbus’s busy career. In 2025, Columbus continues to enjoy a happy marriage while pursuing his passion for filmmaking. There is a focus on family values in his life, and he often mentions the inspiration he draws from his loved ones.
In 1991, Columbus wrote and directed the romantic comedy-drama Only the Lonely (1991), with John Hughes serving as co-producer. Starring John Candy, Maureen O'Hara, Ally Sheedy, and Anthony Quinn, the film depicts a Chicago policeman who must balance his loyalty between his mother and a shy funeral home employee, a loose adaptation of Marty.
The film managed to garner some favourable reviews despite performing tepidly at the box office. In 1992, Columbus returned to direct the sequel to the first film, titled Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Featuring the same principal cast of its predecessor, the plot takes place one year after the events of the first film.
The film follows Kevin McCallister as he accidentally boards the wrong flight to New York City and finds himself confronted by the two same burglars in the first film. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York was released on November 20, 1992, to mixed reviews, but strong box office results, grossing $359 million worldwide.
Janet Maslin for The New York Times wrote that "Home Alone 2 may be lazily conceived, but it is staged with a sense of occasion and a lot of holiday cheer. The return of Mr. Culkin in this role is irresistible, even if this utterly natural comic actor has been given little new to do. Mr. Pesci and Mr.
Stern bring great gusto to their characters' stupidity".
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Chris Columbus's net worth is estimated to be around $100 million. This impressive figure is a result of his successful career in filmmaking, investments in various film projects, and production ventures. His earnings primarily come from directing, producing, and screenwriting, as well as profits from box-office successes.
After graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in Warren, Ohio, he went on to study at New York University's film school at the Tisch School of the Arts, where he was a schoolmate of screenwriter Charlie Kaufman and Alec Baldwin. Although he received a scholarship, he forgot to renew it and was forced to take a factory job to pay for schooling.
While on shifts, he secretly worked on a 20-page screenplay, which one of his teachers would later use to help him get an agent. Columbus now states that the experience "saved my life" and he was able to acknowledge "the terrifying reality I faced of having to live and work in that factory for the rest of my life in that town if I didn't make it".
Career, Business and Investments
Columbus kicked off his career as a screenwriter before transitioning into directing, where he found his true calling. His notable works include the Harry Potter series, beginning with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and family favorites like Mrs. Doubtfire and Home Alone. Beyond directing, Columbus has produced numerous films through his company, 1492 Pictures. His investments in various media projects and his influence in the industry continue to yield returns, cementing his legacy in cinema.
Columbus is the co-founder of 1492 Pictures, a film production company that has produced some of his films since 1995. More recently, he co-founded another production firm with his daughter in 2014, called Maiden Voyage Pictures. In 2017, he launched ZAG Animation Studios, alongside Michael Barnathan, Haim Saban, and Jeremy Zag.
Columbus is also known for his collaboration with composer John Williams, with whom he had worked on the film Home Alone and the film series Harry Potter.
Social Network
In the age of social media, Chris Columbus has maintained a presence on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, where he shares insights about his filmmaking journey and updates on upcoming projects. He connects with fans and fellow filmmakers, often promoting new talent and discussing the evolution of the industry.
In 1980, while at NYU, Columbus directed a short film entitled I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here that was later noticed by Steven Spielberg. I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here was preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2014.
Education
Chris Columbus graduated from John Carroll University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film in 1980. His education played a crucial role in shaping his understanding of narrative structure and cinematic techniques, which would later become evident in his successful films. Columbus's academic background coupled with hands-on experience has established him as a respected figure in filmmaking.
Christopher Joseph Columbus (born September 10, 1958) is an American filmmaker. Born in Spangler, Pennsylvania, Columbus studied film at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts where he developed an interest in filmmaking.
After writing screenplays for several teen comedies in the mid-1980s, including Gremlins, The Goonies, and Young Sherlock Holmes, he made his directorial debut with a teen adventure, Adventures in Babysitting (1987).
Columbus gained recognition soon after with the highly successful Christmas comedy Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992).
