Discover the multifaceted career, financial success, and net worth of Neil Strauss, the acclaimed American author, journalist, and cultural icon.
From his beginnings as a music critic for “The New York Times” to becoming a best-selling author, Strauss has navigated various facets of media with finesse.
His investigative prowess in books like “The Game” and “Emergency: This Book Will Save Your Life” has captivated millions worldwide.
Beyond writing, his contributions to journalism and pop culture, coupled with accolades such as the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award and the James Joyce Award, underscore his impact and enduring influence in contemporary literature.
Neil Strauss Net WorthWhat Is Neil Strauss Net Worth?
Neil Strauss, an American author, journalist, producer, and director, has a net worth of $4 million.
He earned this through his successful career as a best-selling author and award-winning journalist.
During college, Strauss wrote for “Ear,” an avant-garde magazine, and edited the book “Radiotext(e).”
He later worked for “The Village Voice” and “The New York Times” before becoming a contributing editor at “Rolling Stone” magazine.
His work on Kurt Cobain’s suicide won him the ASCAP award during this time.
Strauss also earned acclaim for his profile on Eric Clapton in “The New York Times” Arts and Leisure section.
He has also contributed to publications such as “Esquire,” “Spin,” “Maxim,” “Entertainment Weekly,” and “The Source.”
Early Life
Neil Strauss, born Neil Darrow Strauss on March 9, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois, attended the Latin School of Chicago.
After graduating in 1987, he enrolled at Vassar College in New York. He later transferred to Columbia University, earning a Psychology degree in 1991.
While in college, Strauss wrote for the avant-garde magazine “Ear” and edited the anthology “Radiotext(e),” a collection of writings related to radio, for Semiotext(e).
He then worked for “The Village Voice,” starting as a copywriter, copyeditor, and fact-checker. He soon became a critic and reporter.
Journalism Career
Jon Pareles, chief popular music critic at “The New York Times,” invited Neil Strauss to join the newspaper as a music critic.
Strauss wrote a column titled “Pop Life” and front-page stories covering topics like music censorship and radio payola.
Jann Wenner hired Neil Strauss as a contributing editor for “Rolling Stone.”
In this role, Strauss wrote cover stories featuring Madonna, Kurt Cobain, Stephen Colbert, the Wu-Tang Clan, Marilyn Manson, Orlando Bloom, and Tom Cruise.
He collaborated with Manson on the 1998 book “The Long Hard Road Out of Hell.”
In 1999, Strauss appeared in Beck’s “Sexx Laws” music video alongside Jack Black. He also guest-starred in a 2007 episode of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
Neil Strauss Top-Selling Books
Neil Strauss, an American author and journalist, has penned several best-selling books that have captivated readers worldwide. Here are some of his notable works:
- The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists: In this eye-opening book, Strauss delves into the world of pickup artists, exploring their techniques, challenges, and the dynamics of attraction. It has left a lasting impact on many readers.
- The Truth: An Uncomfortable Book About Relationships: Addressing questions about monogamy, passion, and romance, Strauss takes on the complex topic of relationships. If The Game taught you how to meet people, The Truth guides you on how to keep them.
- Emergency: A gripping survival manual covering disaster preparedness and self-defense. Strauss draws from his experiences and research to provide practical advice for navigating emergencies.
- How to Make Love Like a Porn Star: Co-authored with Jenna Jameson, this memoir explores Jameson’s life as an adult film star. Strauss’s candid writing style brings her story to life.
- The Dirt: Written with Motley Crue, this rock ‘n’ roll biography chronicles the band’s wild escapades, excesses, and music. It’s a generation-defining book offering a glimpse into the world of rock stars.
- Everyone Loves You When You’re Dead: A collection of interviews with celebrities, musicians, and public figures. Strauss captures candid moments and reveals the human side of fame.
Neil Strauss’s writing is shockingly honest, leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of the truth. His books have touched over 3.5 million readers, establishing him as a powerful voice in contemporary literature.
Personal Life
In 2010, Neil met model Ingrid De La O, and they married on August 31, 2013. His bachelor party, themed as a funeral, occurred at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where he laid his ‘Style’ persona to rest.
In March 2015, Strauss announced on his website the birth of their child and shared details about his upcoming book, “The Truth: An Uncomfortable Book About Relationships.” Neil and Ingrid divorced in October 2018.
Neil Strauss Net Worth & Achievements
Strauss won the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award twice. He received it for his coverage of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain’s death in “Rolling Stone” and for a profile of Eric Clapton featured in “The New York Times” Arts & Leisure section.
In 2010, he earned the James Joyce Award from the Literary & Historical Society of University College Dublin.
Neil also received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his search-and-rescue work conducted during the writing of his 2009 book, “Emergency: This Book Will Save Your Life.”