Stephen Collins Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

The Rise — and Fall — of a Once-Trusted Face

Stephen Collins, born October 1, 1947 in Des Moines, Iowa, built a career that spanned decades — a trajectory from promising young actor to beloved television patriarch, then ultimately to social pariah.

He studied at Amherst College, where he graduated cum laude and first dabbled in performance arts, even playing bass guitar in student bands. After early theater stints and modest roles in TV and film, Collins’ breakthrough came with the 1979 release of Star Trek: The Motion Picture, in which he played Commander Willard Decker.

But it was the TV series 7th Heaven (1996–2007) — where Collins portrayed Rev. Eric Camden — that made him a household name. With over 240 episodes, the series cast him as the idealized, moral family patriarch, a role that earned him public affection and trust.

His career also included film roles (e.g., The First Wives Club, 1996; Blood Diamond, 2006) and Broadway appearances.

The Shadow Behind the Spotlight

Behind the friendly on-screen image lay a deeply troubling reality. In 2014, Collins publicly admitted that in therapy he had described sexually abusing three underage girls — incidents he said occurred between 1973 and 1994.

The revelation was catastrophic. Projects were canceled, reruns of 7th Heaven were pulled, and Collins’ name became synonymous with scandal. Though no charges were filed — prosecutors cited statutes of limitations — the damage to his reputation and career was irrevocable.

In the wake of the scandal, Collins largely vanished from public view. Media outlets report that he relocated from Los Angeles to a quieter life in Iowa.

Wealth Lost: Net Worth Then and Now

At the height of his career, some estimates placed Stephen Collins’ net worth near US$14 million, reflecting years of steady acting income and other creative endeavors.

However, following the scandal, his financial standing reportedly dropped drastically. According to one profile, his net worth fell to around US$3 million — a steep decline attributed to his exit from acting and the loss of future earning potential.

More recent sources continue to cite the lower figure, suggesting that Collins has not returned to Hollywood or pursued other visible income sources.

Personal Life and Troubled Relationships

Stephen Collins’ personal life mirrored the turbulence of his public one. He was first married to Marjorie Weinman (1970–1978). He later married Faye Grant in April 1985; together they had a daughter. That marriage ended in divorce in January 2015, in the aftermath of the scandal.

Several years later, he reportedly formed a relationship with a much younger woman — described by media as a “super-fan” of 7th Heaven. This woman, Jenny Nagel, and Collins are said to have married on July 22, 2019.

As of recent accounts, Collins is living a reclusive life in Iowa, far removed from Hollywood’s spotlight.

A Legacy Now Defined by Scandal

Once celebrated as the clean-cut, moral father figure on television, Stephen Collins’ legacy has been overshadowed by his 2014 confession. What once felt like wholesome family entertainment now evokes discomfort for many — a dramatic fall from grace in the public’s eye.

His story serves as a cautionary tale: fame and public admiration can be fragile, and past misconduct — even decades old — may eventually come to light.

Why Birthdate and Birthday Matter

For those researching Stephen Collins, knowing his birthdate — October 1, 1947 — helps anchor his personal history, career timeline, and the generational context of his stardom. Mentioning his birthday naturally aids long-term indexing, search-engine visibility, and clarity for readers curious about his age during various career milestones.