Jhon Alex
Paul Le Mat might not be a household name today, but during the 1970s and 1980s, he was a prominent and highly respected actor who delivered powerful performances in films that have stood the test of time. Best known for his role as John Milner in George Lucas’ American Graffiti (1973), Le Mat was one of the standout talents of his generation. Over the years, he established himself as a versatile actor, able to convey emotion, toughness, and quiet charisma in equal measure.
In this comprehensive biography, we explore Paul Le Mat’s early life, career highlights, personal life, financial standing, and current status—while also addressing popular questions about his health, family, and body of work.
Paul Le Mat Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paul Le Mat |
| Date of Birth | September 22, 1945 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 79 years old |
| Birthplace | Rahway, New Jersey, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor |
| Known For | American Graffiti, Melvin and Howard, Aloha, Bobby and Rose |
| Awards | Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor (1974) |
| Education | San Diego State University, California State University, Northridge; AFI |
| Military Service | U.S. Navy – Vietnam War veteran |
| Spouse | Suzanne de Passe (divorced in 1993) |
| Children | No publicly confirmed children |
| Parents | Matthew Le Mat (father), Paula Le Mat (mother) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $2 million – $4 million (as of 2025) |
| Years Active | 1972 – Present (semi-retired) |
| Genres | Drama, Romance, Biopic, Thriller, Horror |
| Notable Films | American Graffiti, Melvin and Howard, Puppet Master |
Early Life and Military Service
Paul Le Mat was born on September 22, 1945, in Rahway, New Jersey. He grew up in a post-war America where cinema was rapidly evolving, and young talent had new opportunities to emerge. Le Mat later attended Cypress College and San Diego State University, eventually transferring to California State University, Northridge.
Before entering the world of acting, Le Mat served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, a life experience that shaped his rugged on-screen persona. After his military service, he studied at the American Film Institute, where he honed his craft and prepared for a career in film.
How Old Is Paul Le Mat?
Paul Le Mat was born on September 22, 1945, in Rahway, New Jersey, USA. As of 2025, he is 79 years old.
- Date of Birth: September 22, 1945
- Current Age (2025): 79 years
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Place of Birth: Rahway, New Jersey, United States
Despite his age, Le Mat has maintained a relatively private lifestyle in his later years, occasionally appearing at film events and retrospectives of his earlier work.
Paul Le Mat Parents: Matthew and Paula Le Mat
Paul Le Mat was born to Matthew Le Mat and Paula Le Mat in Rahway, New Jersey. His upbringing in a traditional American household helped lay the foundation for the values of discipline, hard work, and resilience that would later define both his personal and professional life.
Father: Matthew Le Mat
- Matthew Le Mat was Paul’s father, believed to have worked in a labor-intensive or skilled trade profession, typical of post-war middle-class families in the 1940s and ’50s.
- He likely instilled in Paul a strong sense of responsibility and work ethic, values that carried through during Paul’s time in the U.S. Navy and later in his acting career.
- While not a public figure, Matthew Le Mat’s influence is often reflected in Paul’s grounded, authentic roles—often portraying blue-collar or working-class characters.
Mother: Paula Le Mat
- Paula Le Mat was Paul’s mother, and though she remained outside of the spotlight, she played an essential role in raising him during his formative years in New Jersey.
- Like many mothers of her generation, Paula may have managed the home and family, contributing to the stable upbringing that Paul later credited in shaping his worldview.
- She supported Paul’s ambitions in the arts, even as he transitioned from military service to studying film and acting.
Together, Matthew and Paula Le Mat provided a strong, supportive environment, giving Paul the foundation to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. While Paul rarely speaks publicly about his family, it’s clear that their influence helped shape his identity both on and off screen.
Paul Le Mat Spouse: Marriage to Suzanne de Passe and Divorce
Spouse: Suzanne de Passe (Divorced in 1993)
- Paul Le Mat was previously married to Suzanne de Passe, a highly respected television producer, screenwriter, and executive best known for her influential work at Motown Productions.
- The couple was married during the 1980s, but officially divorced in 1993 after several years of marriage.
- Suzanne de Passe has had a distinguished career, producing hits such as Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever and Lonesome Dove, and was a key figure in launching the careers of music legends like The Jackson 5.
Current Relationship Status:
- As of 2025, Paul Le Mat is not publicly known to be remarried or in a relationship. He has remained very private about his romantic life following the divorce.
- There are no confirmed reports of additional marriages, partners, or public relationships since his split from de Passe.
The divorce between Paul Le Mat and Suzanne de Passe was kept relatively low-profile, and both individuals chose to focus on their professional careers following the separation. Le Mat has consistently prioritized his privacy, rarely speaking about his personal relationships in public.
Paul Le Mat’s Children: Does He Have Daughters or Sons?
There is no verified public record confirming that Paul Le Mat has children, including daughters or sons.
Despite frequent online searches about “Paul Le Mat daughters”, there is no reliable source, interview, or public appearance where Le Mat has acknowledged having children.
- Children: Not publicly confirmed
- Daughters/Sons: No names or public information available
- Privacy Note: Le Mat is known for his strong commitment to personal privacy, and if he does have children, he has chosen to keep that part of his life entirely private.
Many fans have speculated about his family life, but without official confirmation, all claims remain speculative.
Breakthrough Role in American Graffiti
Le Mat’s breakout came in 1973 when he was cast as John Milner in George Lucas’ American Graffiti. The film, a nostalgic look at 1960s car culture, was a major critical and commercial success. Le Mat’s performance as the cool, tough street racer helped make him one of the most talked-about young actors of the decade.
He won the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year in 1974 for his role—a performance still revered by fans of classic American cinema.
Rise to Prominence in the 1970s and 1980s
Following the success of American Graffiti, Paul Le Mat quickly became a leading man in both independent films and Hollywood dramas. His intense yet understated acting style allowed him to portray complex characters with authenticity.
Notable films during this era included:
- Aloha, Bobby and Rose (1975) – A romantic crime drama that solidified Le Mat’s heartthrob status.
- Citizens Band aka Handle with Care (1977) – Directed by Jonathan Demme, this film showcased Le Mat’s range as a character actor.
- Melvin and Howard (1980) – Le Mat played the lead role in this biographical drama, which won two Academy Awards.
Throughout the 1980s, he continued to build a solid career with appearances in television films, thrillers, and historical dramas.
Paul Le Mat Movies: An Underrated but Impressive Filmography
When discussing Paul Le Mat’s movies, it becomes clear that his career is defined not by quantity, but by the quality and uniqueness of his roles. He often gravitated toward characters that were emotionally complex and slightly outside the mainstream.
Selected Filmography:
- American Graffiti (1973)
- Aloha, Bobby and Rose (1975)
- Citizens Band (1977)
- Melvin and Howard (1980)
- The Burning Bed (1984) – Co-starring with Farrah Fawcett in this Emmy-winning drama
- Puppet Master (1989) – A cult horror favorite
- American History X (1998) – Supporting role in the critically acclaimed drama
His movie choices reflected a commitment to character-driven storytelling, often opting for emotionally resonant projects over commercial blockbusters.
Television Work and Later Career
In addition to film, Le Mat had a strong presence on television. He appeared in numerous TV movies and miniseries throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including:
- The Burning Bed (1984)
- On the Edge of Innocence (1997)
- In the Line of Duty series
While he gradually retreated from high-profile projects in the 2000s, Le Mat continued to act sporadically, maintaining a loyal fan base that appreciates his unique screen presence.
Paul Le Mat Net Worth: A Career of Steady Success
A commonly asked question is: “What is Paul Le Mat’s net worth?” As of 2025, Paul Le Mat’s estimated net worth is between $2 million and $4 million, though exact figures vary.
While he never reached the superstar status of some of his contemporaries, his consistent work throughout the 1970s to early 2000s provided a stable income, especially with recurring royalties from cult classics like American Graffiti and Puppet Master.
He also earned income from television appearances, residuals, and film festival appearances, where he’s often invited as a guest speaker or honoree.
Paul Le Mat Daughters and Personal Life
When it comes to family, there’s often curiosity about Paul Le Mat’s daughters and whether he has children at all. Le Mat was married to Suzanne de Passe, a television producer and writer, though the couple eventually divorced.
There is limited public information about his daughters or whether he has any biological children, as he has kept his personal and family life private throughout his career. No verified public records confirm the existence or identity of daughters, and Le Mat has not made statements addressing this directly.
This privacy has added to the mystery surrounding his personal life and earned him respect from fans who appreciate his dedication to separating fame from family.
Paul Le Mat Illness: Addressing the Rumors
In recent years, there has been growing speculation about Paul Le Mat’s health, particularly online searches related to “Paul Le Mat illness.” As of 2025, no official health diagnosis or confirmed illness has been disclosed publicly by Le Mat or his representatives.
While some fan forums and tabloid sites have hinted at possible health struggles, there are no verified sources confirming serious illness or medical conditions. He has made fewer public appearances in the last decade, but this may be due more to retirement than to health concerns.
Until verified statements are made, it’s important to approach such topics with sensitivity and caution.
Acting Style and Critical Reception
Critics have consistently praised Paul Le Mat’s understated and emotionally nuanced acting style. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Le Mat avoided melodrama in favor of realism. His characters often displayed inner conflict, emotional restraint, and quiet strength.
His work in Melvin and Howard earned particular acclaim, with critics highlighting how he made an everyday working-class character deeply relatable.
Despite being underappreciated by mainstream audiences today, many film historians view Le Mat as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
Influence and Legacy
Though he stepped away from major roles in the 2000s, Paul Le Mat’s legacy continues through cult film circles and retrospective screenings. He is often cited as a quintessential example of 1970s American cinema, a time when character-driven films thrived.
New generations continue to discover his work through streaming platforms, DVD collections, and film school retrospectives. His influence is quietly enduring, and his roles in films like American Graffiti are frequently studied in film history courses.
Public Appearances and Fan Engagement
Paul Le Mat maintains a low public profile, though he has occasionally appeared at classic film conventions and fan expos, particularly those centered on American Graffiti. He is often warmly received by fans and tends to be gracious during interviews.
Unlike many actors of his era, Le Mat is not active on social media, and most updates about him come from fan sites or entertainment news sources.
Where Is Paul Le Mat Now?
As of 2025, Paul Le Mat is believed to be living a quiet life, possibly in California. He has mostly retired from acting, but occasionally participates in film-related events. His last known acting credit was in the early 2010s, and since then, he’s maintained a life of privacy and reflection.
While he’s no longer in the spotlight, his fans remain loyal, and his contributions to American cinema are widely respected within industry circles.
Conclusion: A Quiet Star with a Lasting Impact
Paul Le Mat may not be the most visible name in Hollywood today, but his influence is undeniable. His performances—particularly in American Graffiti and Melvin and Howard—have left a lasting impression on American film history.
With a body of work marked by quality, integrity, and emotional depth, Le Mat represents a type of actor who prioritizes storytelling over celebrity. Whether he’s remembered as a street racer, a drifter, or a working-class hero, one thing is clear: Paul Le Mat is a true talent worth rediscovering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Paul Le Mat?
Paul Le Mat is an American actor best known for his Golden Globe-winning performance as John Milner in American Graffiti (1973). He gained recognition in the 1970s and 1980s for his roles in critically acclaimed films and television dramas.
What is Paul Le Mat’s net worth?
As of 2025, Paul Le Mat’s estimated net worth is between $2 million and $4 million, accumulated through a long career in acting, including film, TV movies, and recurring royalties from cult classics.
What are some of the most famous Paul Le Mat movies?
Notable Paul Le Mat movies include:
- American Graffiti (1973)
- Aloha, Bobby and Rose (1975)
- Melvin and Howard (1980)
- Citizens Band (1977)
- The Burning Bed (1984)
- Puppet Master (1989)
These roles showcased his range, from sensitive leads to gritty supporting characters.
Is Paul Le Mat ill?
There have been unverified rumors regarding Paul Le Mat’s illness, but as of now, there is no official confirmation or public statement about any serious health conditions. He has largely retired from public life, which has fueled speculation.
Who are Paul Le Mat’s daughters?
Although many people search for Paul Le Mat daughters, there is no public record confirming that he has any children, including daughters or sons. He has kept his personal and family life very private.
Who are Paul Le Mat’s parents?
Paul Le Mat’s parents are Matthew Le Mat and Paula Le Mat. They raised him in Rahway, New Jersey, and played an important role in shaping his grounded, disciplined personality.
Was Paul Le Mat married?
Yes, Paul Le Mat was married to Suzanne de Passe, a prominent television producer. The couple divorced in 1993. Since then, Le Mat has not publicly disclosed any further relationships.
How old is Paul Le Mat?
Paul Le Mat was born on September 22, 1945, making him 79 years old as of 2025.
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