Miles Teller: Hollywood Star’s Rise from Indie Films to Top Gun Fame – Full Biography, Net Worth, Movies, Wife & Latest Updates
Miles Teller, the versatile American actor known for his intense performances in films like Whiplash and Top Gun: Maverick, continues to captivate audiences at age 38 with his blend of charisma, talent, and resilience. From overcoming a near-fatal car accident to becoming one of Hollywood’s highest-paid stars, Teller’s journey is a testament to perseverance.
This post covers every aspect of his life: early years, education, breakthrough roles, major movies and TV shows, personal life including his marriage to Keleigh Sperry, net worth, endorsements, controversies, health challenges, and latest projects.
Whether you’re a fan of his dramatic turns or action blockbusters, dive into the complete story of Miles Teller.
Who is Miles Teller? Early Life, Nomadic Childhood and Family Roots
Miles Alexander Teller was born on February 20, 1987, in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, to parents Mike Teller, a nuclear power plant engineer, and Merry (Flowers) Teller, a real estate agent. The middle child with two older sisters, Carlyn and Dana, Miles experienced a nomadic upbringing due to his father’s job, moving frequently between Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and Florida. By high school, the family settled in Lecanto, Florida, where Miles attended Lecanto High School. There, he developed a passion for acting, drumming, and baseball—skills that would later influence his roles. His early life was marked by adaptability, but tragedy struck at age 20 when a severe car accident in 2007 left him with facial scars and a renewed appreciation for life.
Miles Teller – Personal Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Miles Teller |
| Date of Birth | February 20, 1987 |
| Age | 38 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Downingtown, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity / Ancestry | Russian Jewish (paternal grandfather), English, Irish, and African-American ancestry |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Parents | Father: Michael Teller (nuclear power plant engineer) Mother: Merry Teller (real estate agent) |
| Siblings | Two older sisters: Erin Teller and Dana Teller |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Keleigh Sperry (m. September 1, 2019) |
| Engagement | Engaged on August 20, 2017, in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa |
| Wedding Location | Maui, Hawaii |
| Children | None publicly known |
| Education | Lecanto High School, Florida New York University – Tisch School of the Arts |
| Degree | Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Drama (2009) |
| Acting Training | Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute (Method Acting) Stonestreet Studios (Screen Acting) |
| Years Active | 2004–present |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Early Residences | Pennsylvania, Delaware, Citrus County (Florida) |
| High School Activities | President of drama club Starred in stage musical Footloose |
| Musical Skills | Alto saxophone, drums, piano, guitar |
| Sports Interests | Baseball (aspired to play professionally) |
| Hobbies & Interests | Acting, music, playing instruments, baseball |
| Notable Accident | Survived a severe car accident in 2007 (vehicle flipped eight times at 80 mph); has permanent facial scars |
| Notable Personal Event | Home destroyed in the 2025 Palisades Fire |
| Community Recognition | Lecanto High School named its theater the “Miles Teller Theatre” in 2025 |
| Public Image | Known for intense performances, dedication to roles, and musical talent |
Education and Early Influences
Miles graduated high school in 2005 and pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, earning his degree in 2009. At NYU, he honed his craft in theater productions and short films, influenced by mentors who encouraged his raw intensity. During college, he played drums in a band and explored method acting, drawing from personal experiences like his accident to fuel emotional depth. This period laid the foundation for his breakout, as he balanced academics with auditions in New York and Los Angeles.
Career Beginnings: From Short Films to Indie Breakthroughs (2004–2013)
Miles’s acting debut came at age 17 in the 2004 short film Moonlighters, directed by his high school friend. Post-graduation, he landed small roles in TV shows like The Unusuals (2009) and films such as Rabbit Hole (2010), where he played a teen who accidentally kills Nicole Kidman’s son—earning praise for his nuanced performance opposite Kidman and Aaron Eckhart. His first lead was in Footloose (2011 remake), playing Willard Hewitt, showcasing his dance skills. In 2013, The Spectacular Now marked his indie rise, portraying Sutter Keely opposite Shailene Woodley—a role that won him acclaim for capturing teenage angst.
Breakthrough Role: Whiplash and Oscar Buzz (2014)
Miles’s career exploded with Whiplash (2014), directed by Damien Chazelle. As Andrew Neiman, an ambitious drummer pushed to extremes by a tyrannical instructor (J.K. Simmons), Miles delivered a raw, physical performance—learning drums intensively for the role. The film won three Oscars, and Miles earned nominations for BAFTA Rising Star and MTV Movie Awards. Whiplash grossed $49 million on a $3.3 million budget and cemented his status as a serious actor.
Major Films and Hollywood Hits (2015–2022)
Post-Whiplash, Miles starred in Fantastic Four (2015) as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, a box-office flop but valuable experience. He rebounded with War Dogs (2016) opposite Jonah Hill, Bleed for This (2016) as boxer Vinny Pazienza (intense physical transformation), and Thank You for Your Service (2017) as a PTSD-afflicted veteran. In 2019, Too Old to Die Young (Amazon series) showed his range in dark drama.
The 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick as Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw (son of Goose from the original) became his biggest hit—grossing $1.5 billion worldwide. Miles underwent fighter jet training for authenticity, earning praise for his chemistry with Tom Cruise.
Recent Projects and 2025 Updates (2023–2025)
In 2023, Miles starred in The Offer (Paramount+ miniseries) as Albert S. Ruddy, producer of The Godfather—earning Emmy buzz. 2024’s The Gorge (action thriller with Anya Taylor-Joy) showcased his versatility. In 2025, he led The Running Man remake (directed by Edgar Wright) and appeared in Michael (Michael Jackson biopic) as a lawyer. Upcoming: Top Gun 3 (rumored 2026) and indie drama Resistor.
Personal Life: Marriage to Keleigh Sperry, Car Accident, and Hobbies
Miles married model/actress Keleigh Sperry on September 1, 2019, in Maui, Hawaii, after six years of dating (engaged 2017). They met in 2013 at a Grammys afterparty; Keleigh has appeared in his music videos and supported his career. No children as of 2025; they reside in Los Angeles with dogs Bugsy and Harvey.
A pivotal moment was his 2007 car accident at age 20—flipping eight times, ejecting him, resulting in facial scars (visible in roles) and plates in his face. It shifted his perspective, fueling his drive.
Hobbies: Drumming (plays in bands), baseball ( Phillies fan), reading philosophy, travel, and philanthropy (supports veterans via Thank You for Your Service foundation).
Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsements (2025 Estimate)
Net worth: $14–$16 million (Forbes/Celebrity Net Worth). Earnings from Top Gun: Maverick ($3.5M base + backend ~$10M total), upcoming films ($5–$8M per major role). Endorsements: Pepsi, Bud Light, Hyundai (~$2M/year). Investments: Real estate (LA home $2.7M), production company E Eighty-Eight Productions.
Controversies and Challenges
In 2017, Miles was arrested for public intoxication in San Diego (charges dropped). He faced backlash for Fantastic Four flop but rebounded. In 2021, he refused COVID-19 vaccine, leading to The Offer production delays—drawing criticism amid pandemic.
Legacy and 2026 Outlook
At 38, Miles balances blockbusters with indies, eyeing directing. His scars symbolize resilience; activism focuses on mental health and veterans. 2026 projects: Top Gun 3 filming, potential Oscar push.
Miles Teller: Talent forged in fire. What’s your favorite role? Comment below!
