Miles Teller, born February 20, 1987, is an American actor and musician who first caught the industry’s attention with raw, emotional performances in independent dramas before solidifying his place as a blockbuster lead. His portrayal of a driven jazz drummer in Whiplash (2014) earned him a BAFTA Rising Star nomination, while his role as Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) made him a household name worldwide.
Teller grew up in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and later moved to Florida, where he developed an interest in acting during high school. After graduating from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts in 2009, he landed his first feature role in Rabbit Hole (2010) after Nicole Kidman personally selected him following his audition. A serious car accident in his late teens left scarring on his face, an experience Teller has said shaped his outlook and determination.
Standing 6′ 1″ (1.85 m) tall, Teller has built a career that spans indie dramas, superhero franchises, and blockbuster sequels. His trajectory from Sundance award-winner to global box-office star reflects a deliberate mix of risk-taking and commercial ambition.
Who Is Miles Teller? – Biography Basics
Miles Alexander Teller
February 20, 1987 (Age 38 as of 2025)
Keleigh Sperry (married September 1, 2019)
Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw in Top Gun: Maverick
Key Facts About Miles Teller
- Rose to prominence with back-to-back Sundance hits: The Spectacular Now (2013) and Whiplash (2014).
- Won the Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival for his performance in The Spectacular Now.
- Learned to play drums extensively for Whiplash and performed many of the drumming scenes himself.
- Made his feature debut in Rabbit Hole (2010) after Nicole Kidman handpicked him from his audition tape.
- Married to former model and actress Keleigh Sperry since 2019; the couple frequently shares glimpses of their life together.
Miles Teller – Quick Reference
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 38 (as of 2025) |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $8M and $25M (not publicly confirmed) |
| Spouse | Keleigh Sperry (m. 2019) |
| Debut Film | Rabbit Hole (2010) |
| Most Famous Films | Whiplash (2014) and Top Gun: Maverick (2022) |
| Hometown | Downingtown, Pennsylvania, USA |
Is Miles Teller Married? – Personal Life & Net Worth
Miles Teller married Keleigh Sperry, a former model and actress, on September 1, 2019. The couple has been together since their early relationship days and maintains a public presence on social media. Sperry, now known as Keleigh Teller, frequently accompanies the actor to red-carpet events and premieres.
When it comes to finances, exact figures are not publicly available. Teller has not disclosed his net worth, and no verified financial documents are in the public record. Industry estimates for actors with a similar career trajectory — a mix of indie acclaim, franchise work, and a blockbuster hit like Top Gun: Maverick — typically range between $8 million and $25 million. These numbers should be treated as rough estimates rather than confirmed facts.
No official or verified net worth figure exists for Miles Teller. Published estimates vary widely and are based on industry benchmarks rather than confirmed financial disclosures. Until Teller or his representatives provide a figure, all net worth numbers remain speculative.
Teller and his wife reside primarily in Los Angeles. The actor has spoken in interviews about valuing privacy despite his public career, and the couple keeps many aspects of their personal life out of the spotlight.
Miles Teller actually learned to play drums for his role as Andrew Neiman in Whiplash. He spent months training and performed most of the drumming sequences himself, a commitment that added significant physical and emotional intensity to the performance.
Best Miles Teller Movies and TV Shows – Complete Filmography
Teller’s filmography reflects a career built on deliberate choices. He moved from small independent films to major franchises, sometimes with mixed results, but always with a willingness to take risks.
Breakthrough and Indie Acclaim
The Spectacular Now (2013) marked Teller’s first major critical success. His portrayal of Sutter Keely, a charming but troubled high school senior, earned him the Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting at the Sundance Film Festival. The following year, Whiplash (2014) elevated him to a new level of recognition. Playing Andrew Neiman, a jazz drummer pushed to his breaking point by an abusive instructor, Teller delivered a performance that drew comparisons to young Robert De Niro and earned him a BAFTA Rising Star nomination.
Franchise Roles and Mainstream Success
In 2015, Teller played Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic, in Fantastic Four. The film was poorly received by critics and audiences, but Teller moved on quickly. He appeared in the biographical war comedy War Dogs (2016) alongside Jonah Hill and starred as boxer Vinny Pazienza in Bleed for This (2016). His most significant career milestone came in 2022 when he played Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw in Top Gun: Maverick. The film became a global phenomenon, grossing nearly $1.5 billion worldwide and cementing Teller’s status as a leading man in Hollywood.
Miles Teller’s role as a naval aviator in Top Gun: Maverick is entirely fictional. He did not serve in the U.S. military. His character, Rooster, is the son of Goose, the late radar intercept officer originally portrayed by Anthony Edwards in the 1986 film.
Television Work
Teller has also appeared in notable television projects. In 2022, he starred as Albert S. Ruddy in The Offer, a miniseries about the making of The Godfather. Earlier, in 2019, he played the mysterious character J in Nicolas Winding Refn’s crime drama Too Old to Die Young.
Miles Teller’s Career Timeline – From Debut to Top Gun
- 1987: Born in Downingtown, Pennsylvania.
- 2009: Graduates from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
- 2010: Makes feature film debut in Rabbit Hole, cast after Nicole Kidman saw his audition.
- 2013: Stars in The Spectacular Now and wins the Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting at Sundance.
- 2014: Delivers breakthrough performance in Whiplash; receives BAFTA Rising Star nomination.
- 2015: Plays Mr. Fantastic in Fantastic Four, a critical and commercial disappointment.
- 2016: Co-stars in War Dogs and stars as boxer Vinny Pazienza in Bleed for This.
- 2019: Marries Keleigh Sperry on September 1.
- 2022: Plays Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw in Top Gun: Maverick; the film becomes a global box-office hit.
- 2025: Stars in The Gorge on Apple TV+ and Eternity; multiple projects in development.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Miles Teller?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) — confirmed by official sources. | Net worth: no verified figure exists; estimates range from $8M to $25M. |
| Married to Keleigh Sperry since September 1, 2019 — confirmed by public records and media reports. | Exact financial details and assets are not publicly disclosed. |
| Played drums himself in Whiplash after extensive training — confirmed by interviews and production notes. | Timeline of his early relationship with Sperry is not fully documented. |
| Did not serve in the military — confirmed; his Top Gun role is fictional. | Specific salary figures for individual films are not publicly available. |
How Does Miles Teller’s Career Fit Into Hollywood’s Landscape?
Teller’s career arc follows a familiar but challenging path: indie acclaim followed by a high-profile misfire, then a measured recovery capped by a massive blockbuster success. His role in Fantastic Four (2015) could have derailed momentum, but he returned to smaller, character-driven projects like Bleed for This and Only the Brave before landing Top Gun: Maverick.
That film redefined his public image. Playing the son of a beloved character from the original 1986 film brought emotional weight and instant recognition. Teller’s performance was widely praised for balancing the legacy of the original with a fresh, grounded presence. His upcoming projects, including the Michael Jackson biopic Michael (2026) in which he plays attorney John Branca, suggest a continued interest in both prestige biopics and high-profile productions.
Top Gun: Maverick Cast & Characters includes more detail on the ensemble that surrounded Teller in that film.
What Do Critics and Colleagues Say About Miles Teller?
“Working with Tom Cruise was a masterclass in how to be a movie star.”
— Miles Teller, in an interview with Variety about Top Gun: Maverick
“Mr. Teller’s performance is a tour de force of controlled fury and vulnerability.”
— The New York Times, reviewing Whiplash
These perspectives capture two sides of Teller’s reputation: a performer who learns from the best in the blockbuster world and an actor capable of raw, emotionally demanding work in independent cinema. Critics have consistently noted his willingness to commit physically and emotionally to roles, from drumming for hours on set to transforming his body for boxing scenes in Bleed for This.
What’s Next for Miles Teller?
As of 2025, Teller has multiple projects in various stages of production. He stars in The Gorge, an Apple TV+ film released in 2025, and Eternity, also scheduled for 2025. In 2026, he is set to appear as John Branca in Michael, a biopic about Michael Jackson currently in post-production. Additional projects in development include Wild Game, The Ark and the Aardvark, Paper Tiger, Possum Song, The Faithful, and Bartali. For those interested in his earlier work, Best Movies Like Whiplash offers recommendations rooted in similar dramatic intensity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Miles Teller Michael” mean?
It refers to Teller’s role as John Branca, the attorney and executor of Michael Jackson’s estate, in the upcoming biopic Michael (2026).
What awards has Miles Teller won?
He won the Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival for The Spectacular Now and received a BAFTA Rising Star nomination for Whiplash.
Does Miles Teller play drums in real life?
He learned drums extensively for Whiplash and performed most of the drumming scenes himself. He continues to play and has mentioned having a band.
Where can I watch Miles Teller movies?
His films are available across major streaming platforms. Whiplash streams on Netflix in many regions, and Top Gun: Maverick is available on Paramount+ and for digital purchase.
What is Miles Teller’s real full name?
His full birth name is Miles Alexander Teller.
Did Miles Teller serve in the military?
No. His role as a naval aviator in Top Gun: Maverick is fictional, and he has no military service background.
Is Miles Teller on social media?
Yes, he has an official Twitter (X) profile at @Miles_Teller, where he occasionally shares updates about his projects and personal life.
How did Miles Teller meet his wife?
Teller and Keleigh Sperry met through mutual friends in Los Angeles. They dated for several years before marrying in September 2019.
What is Miles Teller’s height in feet?
He is 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) tall, according to multiple official biographical sources.
Thomas Ellery is Business & Economy Correspondent at NewsPrism.co.uk, reporting on UK companies, markets, employment and household finances.