Daniel Bernhardt Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Daniel Bernhardt is a Swiss actor, martial artist, and stunt-performer best known for his roles in high-impact action films like Bloodsport II, The Matrix Reloaded, and John Wick.

Introduction

Born on August 31, 1965, Daniel Bernhardt has built a career bridging martial arts, modelling, and Hollywood action — an unusual path that reflects both discipline and reinvention. According to public estimates, his net worth stands around US$ 500,000, a modest sum by film-industry standards but nonetheless a testament to his years in modelling, acting, and stunt work. 

In his personal life, Bernhardt is married to actress Lisa Stothard, and the two share a daughter.

Quick Facts

From Kickboxing in Bern to Hollywood Sets

Daniel Bernhardt’s journey to the screen began far from Hollywood’s glitz. Born in Ittigen (near Bern), Switzerland, he started training martial arts at age 15 — beginning with a hybrid of kung fu and kickboxing. Over time, he earned black belts in Taekwondo (under master Hee‑il Cho) and trained in Kyokushin karate under legendary master Mas Oyama. He also studied boxing, judo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. 

After finishing a four-year apprenticeship in architectural design, Bernhardt pivoted — drawn by modelling. He moved first to Paris and later New York, working for top fashion houses like Versace, Hugo Boss and Thierry Mugler, and appearing in major magazines including Vogue, Elle, MAX, and Cosmopolitan. 

A fateful moment came in 1992: Bernhardt featured in a martial-arts themed advertisement for Versace alongside Jean‑Claude Van Damme. That exposure — and his martial-arts skills — inspired him to send a demo reel to producers in Los Angeles. He was spotted by producer Marc DiSalle, who landed him the lead role in Bloodsport II: The Next Kumite (1996). That role marked the start of his film career. 

Defining moments in Daniel Bernhardt’s journey include:

• Transition from martial arts student in Switzerland to international model in Paris and New York.

• First major screen role in Bloodsport II: The Next Kumite (1996).

• Breakout support roles in blockbuster action films such as The Matrix Reloaded and John Wick.

• Shift into stunt performance and fight choreography for major productions.

The Core Pillars of His Wealth

The core pillars of Daniel Bernhardt’s wealth include:

• Modeling career — early work with top fashion houses during his years in Paris and New York.

• Acting in action films — including leading roles in martial-arts films and supporting roles in blockbuster franchises.

• Stunt work and fight choreography — behind-the-scenes roles in major Hollywood productions.

Despite decades in entertainment, public estimates of his net worth remain modest — around US$ 500,000.

Daniel Bernhardt Personal Life & Relationships

Bernhardt is married to Lisa Stothard, whom he met on the set of Bloodsport 4: The Dark Kumite. Together they have a daughter, born on May 15, 2003, just a night after the premiere of The Matrix Reloaded, a moment Bernhardt has described as life-changing — deepening his sense of responsibility and grounding his priorities. 

Some key insights into his relationships and personal life:

• Marriage to Lisa Stothard — stable and longstanding. 

• Fatherhood — his daughter has played an important role in shaping Bernhardt’s values and commitment.

• Family background — he grew up in Switzerland with two brothers, Cliff Bernhardt and Dirk Bernhardt. 

Beyond Fame: Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Daniel Bernhardt leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• A sustained commitment to martial arts — not just as a profession, but as a lifelong discipline (Taekwondo, Kyokushin Karate, boxing, jiu-jitsu, judo). 

• A background in architecture — his early training before he ventured into modelling and acting. 

• An international upbringing and career — from Switzerland to Paris, New York, and Hollywood.

Publicly available information about his real estate holdings, lavish cars, or luxury collections is sparse, which suggests he maintains a relatively low-key lifestyle compared to many in his profession.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Analysis: While many of his contemporaries in blockbuster action cinema have amassed multi-million dollar fortunes, Bernhardt’s net worth remains relatively modest. Several factors may account for this — turbulent budgets of martial-arts/action films, inconsistent leading roles, and perhaps a lower public profile compared to A-list stars. That said, his sustained career over decades — as actor, stuntman, and choreographer — points to financial stability, if not wealth in the high millions.

The Mark He Leaves: Public Image, Legacy & Influence

To fans of martial-arts cinema and action films, Daniel Bernhardt represents a certain breed of performer: disciplined, physical, and adaptable. His early transition from modeling to martial arts star helped carve a niche: a European-trained fighter who could credibly perform danger sequences in Hollywood films.

• In the world of fight choreography and stunts, peers respect him for decades of experience, especially for blending real martial-arts backgrounds with cinematic theatrics.

• Among film audiences, he remains a memorable face in cult-favorite franchises such as Bloodsport and The Matrix, often recognized for his imposing physical presence, precision on fight scenes, and ability to play formidable villains.

• His legacy — though under the mainstream radar — is one of resilience: a career built on reinvention, martial arts discipline, and embracing varied roles across modelling, acting, and stunt work.

Conclusion

Daniel Bernhardt’s story is one of quiet persistence — from martial-arts student in Switzerland to top model in Europe and New York, and then to Hollywood action-film regular. With a birthdate of August 31, 1965, and a birthday celebration each August 31, he embodies a life carved by discipline, reinvention, and adaptability. His estimated net worth of around US$ 500,000 may not place him among Hollywood’s richest, but his sustained presence across decades of action cinema — together with a stable personal life with spouse Lisa Stothard and their daughter — speak to a career grounded not just in glamour, but in grit and consistency.

Bernhardt’s journey offers an inspiring insight: lasting impact doesn’t always come from blockbuster fame or headline wealth — sometimes, it stems from dedication, versatility, and the quiet mastery of one’s craft.