Peter Coyote Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Peter Coyote is an American actor, narrator, author and counterculture icon known for his commanding voice and deeply textured career.

Introduction

Peter Coyote (born Robert Peter Cohon on October 10, 1941) is a multi-faceted artist whose career spans film, television, narration, activism and writing. On his birthday—October 10—each year, admirers reflect on a life built far beyond Hollywood clichés. While estimates of his financial standing vary, one widely cited figure places his net worth around $2 million.  Coyote’s personal life encompasses multiple marriages and two children, and his relationships reflect both his artistic journey and spiritual path.

Quick Facts

From Radical Roots to Screen Presence

Peter Coyote’s rise did not follow the typical Hollywood trajectory. Born into a secular Jewish family in New York and raised in New Jersey, his early years were marked by intellectual inquiry and, later, rebellion.
In college (Grinnell College, BA in English literature, 1964) and beyond, Coyote immersed himself in the 1960s counterculture and became a founding member of the street-theatre collective The Diggers in San Francisco. 
His adoption of the last name “Coyote” followed a peyote-inspired vision of paw-prints in a cornfield and a symbolic encounter with a Paiute-Shoshone shaman. 
This journey laid the foundation for a career that intersects activism, voice work and screen presence.

Defining moments in Peter Coyote’s journey include:

• Joining the San Francisco Mime Troupe and touring with provocative street theatre. 

• The transition to film beginning in the 1980s, with a key supporting role as “Keys” in E.T. the Extra‑Terrestrial (1982). 

• A celebrated voice-over career, becoming the narrating voice for documentary series such as The Roosevelts: An Intimate History (for which he won an Emmy). 

• Publishing his memoir Sleeping Where I Fall (1998) and embracing Zen Buddhist practice and priesthood. 

The Core Pillars of Peter Coyote’s Wealth Include:

• Film & Television Acting – Supporting and lead roles in more than 100 films and many television series. 

• Narration & Voice-over Work – High-profile documentaries, commercials and audiobook recordings. 

• Writing & Published Works – Memoirs, essays and poetry compilations reflecting his spiritual and cultural journey. 

Relationships & Personal Life

In discussing Peter Coyote relationships and personal life, it’s clear the narrative intertwines his artistic, spiritual and familial worlds.
He has been married and divorced more than once. According to the record:

• Married Marilyn McCann (1977–1998), with whom he shares two children. 

• Married Stefanie Pleet in 1998; the couple divorced around 2015. 

Key insights into Peter Coyote’s relationships and personal life:

• He became a father during his first marriage, balancing family with a career that deviated from Hollywood norms.

• His second marriage (Stefanie Pleet) brought him into a partnership with someone familiar with the film-industry infrastructure, yet he has described the split as amicable. 

• Beyond romantic relationships, he has spoken openly about his spiritual journey (Zen Buddhism) and how it has influenced both personal insight and public identity. 

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Peter Coyote leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• A longtime residence in the Bay Area (Marin County) known for its wooded, contemplative setting. 

• Deep involvement in Zen Buddhist practice—he was ordained as a lay priest and later worked toward transmission in the Soto tradition. 

• A dedication to activism and the arts, including serving as Chair of the California Arts Council (1975–1983).

• Interests in writing, poetry and recording audiobooks that mirror his spiritual and cultural evolution.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Estimating Peter Coyote net worth involves navigating varying sources and interpretations. The figure ~$2 million (from CelebrityNetWorth) is relatively modest for a career spanning decades. 
Some broader assessments suggest higher valuations (e.g., net worth near ~$10 million in less verified listings). 

Estimated Breakdown:

It’s worth noting that his wealth reflects not only earnings but also choices to lead a simpler, spiritually grounded life and to reside outside high-tax celebrity enclaves. His vocal work and narration—while critically acclaimed—often carry lower pay scales compared to blockbuster acting roles, potentially explaining a smaller net worth despite a high-profile resume.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Peter Coyote’s public image is that of a versatile and thoughtful artist who defies easy classification.

• In the entertainment industry, he is recognized for the authority of his voice—filmmaker Ken Burns once called Coyote’s narration “a great deal of the power” of his documentaries.

• Among fans and cultural critics, his early participation in the Diggers and counterculture movement gives his narrative an authenticity often absent in purely commercial careers. 

• His literature and spiritual practice reflect an artist who sees his public platform as a means to explore meaning, not merely fame.

• While not a blockbuster star in the commercial sense, his legacy endures in three spheres: film/TV, voice work and cultural-spiritual commentary.

Conclusion

From the halls of Grinnell College and the communes of Haight-Ashbury to audition rooms in Hollywood and studios for major documentary voice-overs, Peter Coyote has charted an unconventional path. With his birthdate of October 10, 1941 marking the beginning of a life rich in artistic endeavor and spiritual inquiry, Coyote’s story blends screen credits, narration triumphs and a quietly committed personal journey. His estimated net worth of $2 million may not rival A-list superstars, but it reflects a career aligned with purpose over excess. His relationships—two marriages, two children—and his embrace of Zen Buddhism add complexity to his public persona. Ultimately, what stands out is a legacy of voice, vision and authenticity—a reminder that a birthday (October 10) is more than a number; it's a waypoint in an enduring story.