Stephen Collins, best known for his role as the wholesome father figure on the long-running drama 7th Heaven, once had it all — a thriving career, a stable marriage, and a net worth that peaked at $14 million. Today, however, Collins’s life tells a different story. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is $3 million, and he is 77 years old, living largely out of the public eye. What caused such a dramatic fall from grace for this once-beloved actor?
How Did Stephen Collins Begin His Journey in Entertainment?
Born on October 1, 1947, in Des Moines, Iowa, Stephen Weaver Collins grew up in New York alongside his two older brothers. His father, an airline executive, instilled in him a sense of discipline, while his passion for music led him to play bass guitar in college bands at Amherst College, where he graduated cum laude in 1969.
His acting career kicked off in the mid-1970s, and he quickly became a familiar face on television. Early roles included appearances on The Waltons, Charlie’s Angels, and even All the President’s Men. Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, Collins solidified his status as a versatile actor with roles in both TV films and feature productions.
What Was the Peak of Stephen Collins’s Career?
Without a doubt, Collins reached his career zenith with the role of Reverend Eric Camden on 7th Heaven. The show premiered in 1996 on The WB and went on to become the longest-running family drama in television history. Playing the father of seven children, Collins embodied the image of moral integrity and family values for over a decade. He was one of the few actors who remained on the series throughout its entire eleven-season run, even continuing after its transition to The CW.
During this period, 7th Heaven became a cornerstone of family TV, frequently ranking among the most-watched hours on the network. His on-screen chemistry with Catherine Hicks, who played his wife, earned them multiple Teen Choice Award nominations for “TV Choice Parental Units.”
What Projects Did He Work On After 7th Heaven?
Following the end of 7th Heaven in 2007, Collins remained active in both television and film. He had guest appearances on shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Office, Law & Order: SVU, and No Ordinary Family. On the big screen, he took on supporting roles in films like Because I Said So, Blood Diamond, and The Three Stooges. He also had a strong stage presence, performing in Broadway productions such as Spamalot and Moonchildren.
What Triggered Stephen Collins’s Career Collapse?
In 2014, Collins’s career came to a screeching halt after a leaked audio recording surfaced in which he was heard allegedly admitting to past sexual misconduct involving minors. This sparked immediate backlash. The New York Police Department launched an investigation, and Collins later admitted in a People magazine interview that he had engaged in inappropriate behavior with three underage girls between the 1970s and early 1990s.
The public fallout was swift and severe. Projects involving Collins were shelved or re-cast, and he became essentially unemployable in the industry. His image as a moral father figure was shattered, leaving an indelible stain on what had been a largely respected career.
How Did the Scandal Affect His Finances?
At the peak of his success, Collins was reportedly worth around $14 million. However, following the scandal and a costly divorce from actress Faye Grant — whom he married in 1985 — his net worth was slashed significantly. The couple, who had one daughter, Kate, together, officially divorced in 2015 after a long and contentious separation. Collins reportedly paid Grant half of their shared assets, leaving him with an estimated $3 million.
The couple had also invested in real estate, owning adjoining properties in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Purchased for a combined total of about $2.35 million, the homes were sold in 2014 for $5.5 million amid the divorce proceedings.
What Is Stephen Collins Doing Now?
Since the scandal, Stephen Collins has remained out of the spotlight. He has not taken on any acting roles since 2014 and has largely avoided media appearances. Prior to the controversy, Collins was a vocal advocate of Transcendental Meditation and even served as co-director of the Committee for Stress-Free Schools. He was also active in the Episcopalian community. However, most of his public affiliations were severed following the misconduct revelations.
What Can We Learn from Stephen Collins’s Story?
Stephen Collins’s journey serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fame and respect can be lost. Once viewed as a role model for millions of TV viewers, his personal actions dismantled decades of goodwill. The discrepancy between his on-screen persona and real-life behavior sparked outrage and disappointment from fans and colleagues alike.
While Collins’s early work in television and film still holds nostalgic value for some, his legacy is now clouded by the gravity of his misconduct. His story underscores the importance of accountability and how the actions we take outside the spotlight matter just as much — if not more — than the ones we perform under it.
