Russ Leatherman Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Russ Leatherman is the co-founder and iconic voice of “Mr. Moviefone,” whose greeting defined a generation of movie-goers — and helped build a multimillion-dollar legacy.

Introduction

Russ Leatherman (born February 14, 1962) is best known as the co-founder of Moviefone and the distinctive voice behind “Mr. Moviefone,” the automated movie-info service that became a cultural touchstone. With an estimated net worth of about US$ 50 million, Leatherman’s career spans from pioneering telephone-based movie listings to film criticism and media appearances. Public information about his romantic life is limited; he has maintained a notably private personal life.

Quick Facts

A Voice That Changed How We Find Movies: The Early Vision

Long before streaming services and smartphone apps, movie-goers in the United States relied on a cheeky, memorable voice on the other end of the line to find showtimes. That voice belonged to Russ Leatherman. Growing up with a passion for media and communication, Leatherman went on to study Television and Radio at the University of Idaho, where he developed skills as a DJ and broadcaster. 

In 1989, Leatherman joined forces with partners to launch Moviefone — a telephone-based movie listing service that would soon evolve into a household name. As the voice of “Mr. Moviefone,” his cheerful “Hellooo and welcome to Moviefone!” greeting became emblematic of a new way for film fans to access information, long before the internet was ubiquitous.

Defining moments in Russ Leatherman’s journey include:

• Co-founding Moviefone in 1989 and becoming the “voice” of its brand. 

• The rapid expansion of Moviefone’s phone-based service across major U.S. cities. 

• The acquisition of Moviefone by AOL in 1999, marking a major financial and cultural milestone.

These moments not only established Leatherman’s career but also reshaped how Americans accessed movie information — foreshadowing the digital ticketing and streaming era.

The Core Pillars of Russ Leatherman’s Wealth

Leatherman’s net worth has been built on multiple foundations, each reflecting a distinct phase of his career and influence.

• Moviefone Business Venture: As co-founder and public voice of Moviefone, his stake in the company and the subsequent acquisition by AOL in 1999 constituted a major portion of his wealth.

• Ongoing Media & Film Criticism Work: Leatherman extended his career into film criticism — providing reviews that aired on major television networks and radio stations nationwide.

• Brand Recognition & Cultural Impact: Though harder to quantify, the enduring recognition of his voice and name, parodied and referenced widely in memes, TV shows, and pop culture, represents intangible value and enduring legacy.

Russ Leatherman Relationships & Personal Life

Despite the public nature of his voice and professional presence, Leatherman has kept his personal life largely private. There is no widely verified public information about a spouse, long-term partner, or children. Most publicly available profiles list his relationship status as undisclosed.

Key insights into Russ Leatherman’s relationships and personal life:

• He maintains a notably private personal life — there are no confirmed public records detailing a spouse or children.

• His fame is rooted in voice acting and media entrepreneurship rather than tabloid-style celebrity drama, which may contribute to the low level of personal publicity.

• Because of this privacy, many public profiles simply state that personal details — including family background — remain unknown.

Given the lack of reliable sources, any claims about marriage or children should be treated with caution and skepticism.

Life Beyond the Mic: Lifestyle, Interests & Influence

Beyond career success, Russ Leatherman leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• A continued presence in film criticism and media commentary, contributing his voice and insights to audiences nationwide.

• The enduring cultural imprint of his work — his “Mr. Moviefone” persona remains a nostalgic touchpoint for many who remember calling the service in the pre-internet era.

• Though specific details about assets — such as homes, cars, or philanthropy — are not publicly disclosed, his net worth and legacy suggest a comfortable and stable financial standing, likely with access to resources befitting someone who helped pioneer major media infrastructure.

Because Leatherman has chosen discretion about his private life, concrete details about his lifestyle remain largely undocumented.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Estimating net worth for media figures — especially those whose wealth stems from a mix of business sales, royalties, and ongoing media work — involves some approximation. Below is a simplified breakdown based on publicly available data:

Because much of Leatherman’s wealth originated from the sale of Moviefone and the value of that sale is now historical, the $50 million estimate reflects conservative public valuation rather than real-time net worth growth.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Russ Leatherman’s voice — friendly, slightly nostalgic, and cheerful — became more than just a way to check movie times: it became part of American pop culture. His “Hellooo and welcome to Moviefone!” greeting has been referenced, parodied, and beloved across decades.

Critics and fans alike view him as a pioneer: someone who bridged pre-internet media (telephone-based services) with the digital age’s expectations of convenience. Even though Moviefone’s prominence faded with internet ticketing and streaming platforms, Leatherman’s name remains associated with a transformative moment in how audiences accessed film information.

His legacy is not one of flash or scandal — but of quiet innovation, widespread influence, and the power of a single, instantly recognizable voice.

Conclusion

From college DJ and radio enthusiast to the voice that ushered in a new era of movie access — Russ Leatherman’s journey is a testament to how creativity, timing, and a memorable voice can create enduring influence. With a net worth estimated at US$ 50 million, a legacy anchored by the birthdate February 14, 1962 (birthday February 14), and a career that spanned decades of media change, Leatherman stands out as a pioneering figure in entertainment history.

Though his personal life remains largely private, the impact of his work on everyday movie-goers and pop culture is indisputable. Russ Leatherman’s story shows that sometimes — to leave a lasting mark — all it takes is one voice, one idea, and the courage to bring it to life.