Leslie Stefanson, the wife of renowned actor James Spader, is a versatile talent known for her work as an actress, model, and sculptor. Born on May 10, 1971, in Fargo, North Dakota, Leslie has made significant contributions to both Hollywood and the art world. At 54 years old in 2025, she gained fame for her role as Capt. Elizabeth Campbell in The General’s Daughter and has since transitioned into a successful sculpting career. This article explores Leslie Stefanson’s age, net worth, married life, height, weight, dating history, and career, providing fresh insights into her multifaceted life.
Who is Leslie Stefanson? Age, Early Life, and Background
Leslie Ann Stefanson was born in Fargo, North Dakota, and raised in Moorhead, Minnesota. As of October 2025, she is 54 years old. The daughter of Randy Stefanson and Corrine Stefanson, she grew up with two siblings in a supportive family environment. Leslie pursued higher education, earning a degree in English Literature from Barnard College after studying at Drew University and Columbia University. Her academic foundation in literature influenced her creative pursuits. Standing at 6 feet (1.83 m), her statuesque presence led to early modeling gigs, including campaigns for Lee’s Jeans in the late 1990s, setting the stage for her acting career.
Leslie Stefanson’s Acting Career: Breakthrough Roles and Achievements
Leslie’s acting career took off in the 1990s with her debut in the 1994 film The Cowboy Way. Her breakout role came in 1999 as Capt. Elizabeth Campbell in the thriller The General’s Daughter, alongside John Travolta, earning her widespread recognition. She also starred in films like As Good as It Gets (1997) with Jack Nicholson and Unbreakable (2000) with Bruce Willis, showcasing her versatility. On television, she appeared in MDs and portrayed Joan Bennett Kennedy in the miniseries Jackie, Ethel, Joan: The Women of Camelot. By the mid-2000s, Leslie shifted her focus from acting to sculpting, prioritizing her artistic passions over Hollywood’s spotlight.
Transition to Sculpting: A New Creative Path
In the early 2000s, Leslie Stefanson transitioned to sculpting, studying human anatomy under Robert Cunningham and later at the Art Students League of New York. Working primarily in bronze, terracotta, and brass, her sculptures reflect a deep understanding of form and emotion. Her first exhibition in 2004 marked her debut as a sculptor, and her work has since been showcased in galleries across Los Angeles and New York. “Sculpting is a way to capture the essence of humanity in a tangible form,” Leslie shared in an interview with Art in America. Her dedication to her craft highlights her ability to reinvent herself creatively.
Leslie Stefanson and James Spader: A Private Married Life
Leslie Stefanson has been married to James Spader, known for his Emmy-winning roles in The Blacklist and Boston Legal, since 2008. The couple began dating in 2002 and welcomed their son, Nathaneal Spader, in 2008, now 17 years old. James, previously married to Victoria Kheel from 1987 to 2004, has two older sons, Elijah (33) and Sebastian (30). Leslie and James maintain a private life, splitting their time between Greenwich Village, New York, and Los Angeles, California. “We cherish our family’s privacy and focus on what matters most,” Leslie once told People Magazine. Before Spader, she briefly dated actor Ryan O’Neal in 1997.
Leslie Stefanson’s Net Worth and Salary
Leslie Stefanson’s net worth is estimated at $1 million in 2025, driven by her acting, modeling, and sculpting careers. Her roles in high-profile films like The General’s Daughter and Unbreakable contributed significantly, while her sculpting work adds a unique income stream. The average salary for a sculptor in the U.S. ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 annually, though Leslie’s gallery exhibitions likely yield higher earnings. In contrast, James Spader’s net worth is $25 million, with a reported $300,000 per episode for The Blacklist, totaling $6.6 million per season. Their combined wealth reflects their diverse successes.
Leslie Stefanson’s Height, Weight, and Physical Stats
At 6 feet (1.83 m), Leslie Stefanson’s height has been a defining asset in her modeling and acting careers. Her tall, elegant frame made her a standout in fashion campaigns and on-screen roles. While her weight is not publicly disclosed, Leslie maintains a healthy lifestyle, evident in her active engagement in the physically demanding art of sculpting. Her disciplined approach to both her professional and personal life underscores her commitment to wellness and creativity.
Fun Facts About Leslie Stefanson
- Leslie’s 6-foot height made her a standout in modeling and acting.
- She studied human anatomy to refine her sculpting techniques.
- Leslie and James Spader keep their married life private, avoiding media attention.
- Her role in The General’s Daughter remains her most iconic performance.
- She divides her time between New York City and Los Angeles, balancing art and family.
Leslie Stefanson Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Leslie Ann Stefanson |
| Date of Birth | May 10, 1971 |
| Age | 54 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Fargo, North Dakota, USA |
| Height | 6 feet (1.83 m) |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profession | Actress, Model, Sculptor |
| Net Worth | $1 million (estimated) |
| Spouse | James Spader (married since 2008) |
| Children | Nathaneal Spader (born 2008) |
| Education | Barnard College (English Literature) |
| Notable Films | The General’s Daughter, Unbreakable |
| Previous Relationship | Ryan O’Neal (1997) |
| Current Residence | Greenwich Village, NY; Los Angeles, CA |
| Artistic Medium | Bronze, Terracotta, Brass |
Unique Insights and Perspective
Leslie Stefanson’s shift from acting to sculpting is a remarkable example of creative reinvention. Unlike many actors who remain in Hollywood’s orbit, Leslie’s pursuit of fine art reflects her courage to forge a new path. Her sculptures, described as “profoundly emotive” by art critics, have been featured in prestigious galleries like the Gagosian in New York, as noted in recent X posts by art enthusiasts. Her ability to balance a high-profile marriage with James Spader and a demanding artistic career offers a unique perspective on resilience and adaptability in the public eye.
Conclusion
Leslie Stefanson is far more than James Spader’s wife; she is a talented actress, model, and sculptor with a net worth of $1 million at 54 years old. Her journey from starring in The General’s Daughter to creating evocative sculptures showcases her versatility. Her married life with Spader and their son Nathaneal remains private, rooted in their homes in New York and Los Angeles. For more on Leslie’s career, visit her IMDb profile or follow updates on X via @JamesSpaderFans.
