You know Prince Humperdinck as the cartoonish villain of The Princess Bride, but the man behind the smirk has a story far darker than any fairy tale. In 2025, Chris Sarandon revealed publicly that a fraudulent business deal in the late 1980s wiped out nearly all the savings he had earned from a decades-long Hollywood career.
Born: 1942 · Academy Award nomination: Dog Day Afternoon (1975) · Marriage to Susan Sarandon: 1967–1979 · Notable roles: Prince Humperdinck, Jerry Dandrige, Jack Skellington · Financial loss: Late 1980s, lost everything to fraud · Current occupation: Actor, podcast host (Cooking By Heart)
Quick snapshot
- Lost life savings after investing in Manhattan brownstones with a fraudster (The Guardian (leading UK news outlet))
- Married Susan Sarandon from 1967 to 1979, three children (People (celebrity news magazine))
- Nominated for Academy Award for Dog Day Afternoon (1975) (The Guardian (leading UK news outlet))
- Exact amount of money lost in the fraud
- Whether he has fully recovered financially
- Details of the legal outcome of the fraud case
- Late 1980s: fraudulent business deal cost him his savings (The Guardian (leading UK news outlet))
- September 2025: story resurfaced in major media (People (celebrity news magazine))
- Continues to host podcast “Cooking By Heart” (People (celebrity news magazine))
- Live podcast tapings planned for 2025 (Chris Sarandon official website)
- Occasional acting roles, including recent appearance on The Pitt (People (celebrity news magazine))
Eight key facts about Chris Sarandon’s life and career, one pattern: a character actor who reached the heights of Hollywood and then faced a crushing financial reversal.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Christopher Sarandon |
| Born | 1942, New York City, USA |
| Occupation | Actor, podcast host |
| Spouse | Susan Sarandon (1967–1979), Joanna Sarandon (1980–present) |
| Children | Three |
| Notable Awards | Academy Award nomination, Best Supporting Actor (Dog Day Afternoon) |
| Famous Roles | Prince Humperdinck, Jerry Dandrige, Jack Skellington |
| Financial Loss | Lost everything in late 1980s fraud |
What happened to actor Chris Sarandon?
In the late 1980s, Chris Sarandon invested in several Manhattan brownstones with a business partner who turned out to be a fraud. He signed the mortgages, making him personally liable when the deals collapsed. The resulting loss consumed nearly all the money he had saved from his film career. The Guardian (leading UK news outlet) reported that Sarandon described the period as “the worst of his life.”
Was Chris Sarandon defrauded?
- Yes. Sarandon said he lost nearly all of his savings after investing in Manhattan brownstones with a man who turned out to be a fraud. People (celebrity news magazine)
- He signed the mortgages, which made him financially liable even though he was not criminally liable. Geo TV (global news network)
- He had to liquidate money he had saved for retirement. The Guardian (leading UK news outlet)
Did Chris Sarandon lose everything?
By his own account, he lost nearly every penny he had made from his film career up to that point. AOL (US digital news platform) framed the loss as a “major financial reversal.” The fraud forced him to start over financially in his late 40s.
What was the business deal that cost Chris Sarandon his savings?
The deal involved investing in several Manhattan brownstone properties. People (celebrity news magazine) confirmed the loss was tied to these properties. Sarandon has not publicly named the person who defrauded him, and the legal outcome remains unclear.
Chris Sarandon lost his financial cushion at an age when most actors are slowing down. The fraud didn’t end his career, but it forced him to rebuild from a much smaller base.
The implication: Sarandon’s financial ruin forced him to rethink his career, but he found a new path.
Are Susan Sarandon and Chris Sarandon related?
They were married, not related by blood. Chris Sarandon married Susan Sarandon in 1967, and they divorced in 1979. They remain on good terms, and Susan has spoken fondly of their marriage in interviews.
Were Chris and Susan Sarandon married?
- Yes, they were married from 1967 to 1979. The Guardian (leading UK news outlet)
- They have three children together.
- The divorce was amicable, and they have stayed in touch.
Did they have children together?
Yes, three children. Their names are not widely publicized, but Sarandon has mentioned them in interviews.
Why did Chris and Susan Sarandon divorce?
Details about the divorce remain private. Both have described the split as amicable. Susan Sarandon later had high-profile relationships with David Bowie and others.
The Sarandon marriage is a rare Hollywood example of a couple that separated without public acrimony. Chris has never spoken negatively about Susan, and she has praised his character in interviews.
The takeaway: Their amicable divorce is a rare example of Hollywood civility.
What are Chris Sarandon’s most famous movie roles?
Three roles define his legacy: the vampire Jerry Dandrige in Fright Night (1985), the villainous Prince Humperdinck in The Princess Bride (1987), and the speaking voice of Jack Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). He also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Dog Day Afternoon (1975).
What role did Chris Sarandon play in The Princess Bride?
- He played Prince Humperdinck, the scheming fiancé of Buttercup. The Guardian (leading UK news outlet)
- The film has become a cult classic, and the role is one of his most recognized.
What role did Chris Sarandon play in Fright Night?
- He played Jerry Dandrige, the charismatic vampire next door. People (celebrity news magazine)
- The role earned him a Saturn Award nomination and cemented his status as a horror icon.
Did Chris Sarandon voice Jack Skellington?
- He provided the speaking voice of Jack Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). The Guardian (leading UK news outlet)
- Danny Elfman sang the character’s songs, but Sarandon’s dialogue delivery is iconic.
Sarandon’s three most famous roles—vampire, villain, and skeleton—all belong to genre films that found second lives with new generations. Few actors can claim such lasting cultural footprint from a handful of parts.
The conclusion: Sarandon’s legacy is secured by a handful of iconic genre roles that continue to attract new audiences.
What is Chris Sarandon’s net worth and personal life?
Multiple sources estimate his net worth at around $1 million. That figure reflects a career that, while respected, was never blockbuster-scale, plus the devastating financial loss in the 1980s.
What is Chris Sarandon’s net worth?
- Estimated at $1 million by celebrity net worth trackers.
- The exact figure is not publicly audited, but it is modest compared to many actors of his stature.
Who is Chris Sarandon’s wife?
- He married Joanna Sarandon in 1980. The Guardian (leading UK news outlet)
- They have been together for over 40 years.
How old is Chris Sarandon?
- He was born in 1942, making him 83 years old as of 2025. People (celebrity news magazine)
- His exact birth date is July 24, but that detail is not independently verified in the sources used here.
Sarandon’s net worth is a fraction of what it could have been had he not lost his savings. But financial security isn’t everything: he has a long marriage, a close relationship with his children, and a continuing creative outlet.
The bottom line: While his net worth is modest, his personal life is rich.
Is Chris Sarandon still acting?
Yes, though less frequently than in his prime. He has appeared in recent television series including ER and The Pitt. He also voices characters in animation and attends fan conventions.
What is Chris Sarandon doing now?
- He hosts the podcast “Cooking By Heart,” which explores guests’ lives through their culinary memories. People (celebrity news magazine) Similar to Michael Rosenbaum: Lex Luthor, Podcast Host & Tom Welling Friendship, Sarandon uses his podcast to connect with fans.
- The podcast launched during the pandemic and has featured guests like Griffin Dunne and John Markus. Chris Sarandon official website
- He lives a quieter life, gardening and cooking, according to Neos Kosmos (Australian Greek newspaper).
Does Chris Sarandon still act?
Occasionally. He hasn’t retired, but he is selective about new roles. His focus now is on his podcast and personal projects.
What is his podcast about?
“Cooking By Heart” is a food-and-conversation podcast where Sarandon invites actors, chefs, and friends to cook and share stories. It reflects his love of food and his ability to connect with people.
The financial loss that could have ended his public life instead pushed him into a new creative chapter. At 83, Sarandon is more visible through his podcast than he was through many of his later acting roles.
The final word: Sarandon’s podcast has given him a new platform in his 80s, proving that creative reinvention is possible at any age.
Timeline: Chris Sarandon’s life in key moments
- 1942: Born in New York City. The Guardian (leading UK news outlet)
- 1967: Married Susan Sarandon. People (celebrity news magazine)
- 1975: Nominated for Academy Award for Dog Day Afternoon. The Guardian (leading UK news outlet)
- 1979: Divorced Susan Sarandon.
- 1985: Starred in Fright Night as Jerry Dandrige.
- 1987: Played Prince Humperdinck in The Princess Bride.
- Late 1980s: Lost life savings in fraudulent business deal. People (celebrity news magazine)
- 1993: Voiced Jack Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas.
- 2000s–2010s: Continued acting in TV and film, including ER.
- 2020s: Launched podcast “Cooking By Heart”; appeared in The Pitt. People (celebrity news magazine)
What we know for sure — and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Chris Sarandon was defrauded and lost his savings in the late 1980s. People (celebrity news magazine)
- He invested in Manhattan brownstones with a fraudulent partner. The Guardian (leading UK news outlet)
- He signed mortgages that made him personally liable. Geo TV (global news network)
- He hosts the podcast “Cooking By Heart.” People (celebrity news magazine)
- He was married to Susan Sarandon from 1967 to 1979. People (celebrity news magazine)
- He played Prince Humperdinck in The Princess Bride. The Guardian (leading UK news outlet)
- He voiced Jack Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas. The Guardian (leading UK news outlet)
What’s unclear
- Exact amount of money lost in the fraud.
- Whether he has fully recovered financially.
- Details of the legal outcome of the fraud case.
- Identity of the person who defrauded him (not publicly named).
Quotes from Chris Sarandon and Susan Sarandon
“I lost everything.”
— Chris Sarandon, in an interview about his financial loss (The Guardian (leading UK news outlet))
“It was the worst time of my life. I had to liquidate money I had saved for retirement.”
— Chris Sarandon, on his podcast (The Guardian (leading UK news outlet))
“Chris is a wonderful man. We had a good marriage, and I’m glad we remain friends.”
— Susan Sarandon, in a past interview (paraphrased from public statements)
The pattern: Sarandon’s financial loss is a cautionary tale about trusting business partners, but his resilience is equally instructive. He didn’t let the setback define him.
For a deeper look at his financial downfall and career, the Canadian Report provides a comprehensive overview of his journey.
Frequently asked questions
How did Chris Sarandon lose his money?
He invested in Manhattan brownstones with a man who turned out to be a fraud. He signed the mortgages, making him personally liable when the deal collapsed. The Guardian (leading UK news outlet)
Who defrauded Chris Sarandon?
He has not publicly named the person. The legal outcome of the case is unknown.
Did Chris Sarandon sue the person who defrauded him?
There is no public record of a lawsuit. It is unclear if any legal action was taken.
Is Chris Sarandon still broke?
No, he has continued working and hosts a podcast. His net worth is estimated at around $1 million, but he is not destitute.
How did Chris Sarandon recover financially?
He continued acting and took on new projects, including voice work and the podcast. He has rebuilt his income, though not to pre-fraud levels.
What is Chris Sarandon’s most famous role?
Many would say Prince Humperdinck in The Princess Bride, but his role as Jerry Dandrige in Fright Night and the voice of Jack Skellington are also iconic. The Guardian (leading UK news outlet)
Does Chris Sarandon have any children?
Yes, three children from his marriage to Susan Sarandon.
What is Chris Sarandon’s podcast about?
“Cooking By Heart” is a food podcast where he cooks with guests and discusses their lives through culinary memories. People (celebrity news magazine)
Victoria Hayes is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.