When it comes to documentary filmmaking, Stephen Talbot career is a prime example of reinvention and persistence. Born on February 28, 1949, Talbot has worn many hats — TV documentary producer, writer, and reporter — over several decades. His path is unique: from being a recognizable child actor of the late 1950s and early 1960s to becoming one of the nation’s leading investigative journalists. This unusual journey has given him a rare perspective and a lasting presence in journalism and storytelling.
| Attribute | Details |
| Real Name | Stephen Henderson Talbot |
| Nick Name | Stephen |
| Profession | TV documentary producer, writer, reporter |
| Age | 75 years |
| Height | 1.8 meters |
| Weight | 92 kg |
| Husband/Wife | Pippa Gordon |
| Children | Caitlin Talbot, Dashiell Talbot |
| Siblings | Margaret Talbot, David Talbot, Cynthia Talbot |
| Parents | Lyle Talbot, Margaret Epple |
From his portrayal of Gilbert Bates in the well-loved Leave It To Beaver series to his influential role at PBS, Talbot has demonstrated the power of career transformation. Appearing in 57 episodes alongside Jerry Mathers, he eventually left acting to pursue documentary production and in-depth reporting. Over time, his work has explored political, cultural, and social themes, earning him collaborations with PBS, Frontline, and other respected outlets.
What is Stephen Talbot Net Worth?
Stephen Talbot is believed to have a net worth of about $6 million. This financial achievement reflects decades of dedication to producing thoughtful and well-researched documentaries. His ability to tell impactful stories has brought him recognition from organizations like the Center for Investigative Reporting and ITVS, with these projects contributing greatly to his earnings.
Running his own production company, Glen Park Films LLC, Talbot has continued creating significant works, such as the feature-length documentary The Movement and the Madman. Projects like this highlight his commitment to socially meaningful subjects while strengthening his professional reputation and long-term financial standing.
Professional Life and Career
Throughout his career, Talbot has balanced roles as a producer, writer, and investigative journalist, often tackling subjects like governance, social justice, and the media. He has served as Senior Producer for Journalism Shorts at ITVS and has partnered with the Center for Investigative Reporting, roles that have sharpened his ability to merge factual precision with engaging narratives.
His production credits include The Movement and the Madman, along with Frontline documentaries such as The Best Campaign Money Can Buy, Rush Limbaugh’s America, The Long March of Newt Gingrich, Justice for Sale, and News War: What’s Happening to the News. He has also created PBS biographies of literary figures like Dashiell Hammett, Beryl Markham, Ken Kesey, Carlos Fuentes, Maxine Hong Kingston, and John Dos Passos.
Early Years and Family
Born into a family immersed in show business, Stephen Talbot grew up surrounded by the arts. His father, Lyle Talbot, was a familiar face in Hollywood films, while his mother, Margaret Epple, maintained a supportive home life. Early exposure to entertainment shaped Stephen’s understanding of performance and media.
Talbot’s siblings, including David Talbot, would also pursue creative and intellectual paths. This stimulating family environment played a major role in inspiring his later dedication to investigative journalism and film production.
Acting Career
Talbot first appeared as Gilbert in the 1959 Leave It to Beaver episode Beaver and Gilbert, playing a newcomer with a tendency to embellish stories. Over the next five years, he became a regular, with his character eventually evolving into Beaver’s closest friend.
In addition to this iconic role, Talbot guest-starred in several late-1950s and early-1960s television programs, including Lassie (three episodes), Growing Pains, The Flying Machine, and The Big Race. He was also featured in two Twilight Zone episodes — Static and The Fugitive. In 1960, he appeared in Perry Mason as Jimmie Kendall in The Case of the Wandering Widow.
Personal Life and Family
Stephen Talbot has been married for many years to Pippa Gordon, a medical social worker. The couple maintains a private, family-focused lifestyle in San Francisco, preferring to keep their personal affairs out of the public spotlight. Their son, Dashiell — named after famed mystery novelist Dashiell Hammett — works as an attorney, while their daughter, Caitlin, earned an M.F.A. from the American Conservatory Theater.
Talbot’s family is rich in creative and intellectual pursuits. His sister, Margaret Talbot, writes for The New Yorker and authored The Entertainer: Movies, Magic and My Father’s Twentieth Century, chronicling their father Lyle Talbot’s Hollywood career. His brother David Talbot, a bestselling author, also founded and served as the first editor-in-chief of Salon.com.
Educational Background
Stephen’s schooling began at Harvard High School in North Hollywood, California, where he developed an early interest in the arts and literature. These formative years shaped his passion for storytelling and critical analysis.
He later attended Wesleyan University, earning a bachelor’s degree in English and Film. Known for its strong arts programs, Wesleyan gave Talbot the technical skills and creative grounding that would support his future in documentary filmmaking and investigative journalism.
Estimated Income and Earnings Breakdown
With a career spanning decades, Stephen Talbot has built a net worth estimated at around $6 million. Industry experience, consistent work with major media organizations, and his own production company have helped him maintain strong earnings over the years.
On an annual basis, his income is likely in the upper six figures. Monthly earnings would be in the tens of thousands, while daily income could reach several thousand dollars — coming from a mix of ongoing projects, royalties, and commissioned work.
At a Glance: Stephen Talbot
Stephen Henderson Talbot, widely known simply as Stephen Talbot, is an accomplished television documentary producer, writer, and reporter. At 75 years old, he stands 1.8 meters tall and weighs approximately 92 kilograms. He is married to Pippa Gordon and is the proud father of Caitlin Talbot and Dashiell Talbot. His family includes well-known siblings Margaret Talbot, David Talbot, and Cynthia Talbot, and his parents were the late Lyle Talbot and Margaret Epple.
Age, Height, and Professional Presence
Even in his mid-seventies, Talbot remains an active force in documentary filmmaking and investigative journalism. His commanding stature and energetic presence have served him well in public appearances, on-screen interviews, and field reporting. Despite the natural challenges of aging, his dedication to producing impactful, socially relevant documentaries has never wavered.
Awards and Achievements
Over the course of his career, Talbot has earned some of the most prestigious awards in broadcast journalism. His honors include:
2 National News & Documentary Emmy Awards
3 Peabody Awards
2 DuPont-Columbia Journalism Silver Batons
George Polk Award
6 Northern California Emmy Awards
3 Golden Gate Awards from the San Francisco International Film Festival
3 Thomas M. Storke International Journalism Awards from the World Affairs Council of Northern California
Edward R. Murrow Award from the Overseas Press Club of America
First Prize TV Award from the Education Writers Association
National Press Club Arthur Rowse Award for media criticism
Edgar Allan Poe Award from the Mystery Writers of America
Additionally, he has received three Writers Guild of America nominations for best documentary script writing — a testament to his skill in crafting compelling narratives.
From Acting to Investigative Journalism
Talbot began his public career as a young actor, best remembered for his role as Gilbert in Leave It to Beaver. Although the show’s legacy continues to follow him, Talbot successfully reinvented himself, moving behind the camera to pursue serious investigative journalism. He has often reflected on his acting years with humor, distancing himself from his mischievous TV character while embracing a career in truth-telling and social impact storytelling.
Recent Projects
In 2023, Talbot released The Movement and the Madman through the PBS series American Experience. The documentary explores how two massive anti-war protests in 1969 influenced President Nixon to halt plans for a dangerous military escalation, including the potential use of nuclear weapons. The film has aired internationally in countries such as the UK, Australia, France, and Vietnam.
From 2015 to 2022, Talbot served as senior producer for documentary shorts at ITVS / Independent Lens in San Francisco, where he collaborated with filmmakers and distributed their work to outlets like PBS NewsHour, The Atlantic, Salon, and USA Today. This role further cemented his influence in shaping modern documentary journalism.
FAQ
1. What is Stephen Talbot’s net worth?
Stephen Talbot’s net worth is estimated to be around $6 million.
2. What is Stephen Talbot best known for?
He is best known for his work as a PBS documentary producer and his role as Gilbert in Leave It to Beaver.
3. How old is Stephen Talbot?
Stephen Talbot is 75 years old, born on February 28, 1949.
4. Who is Stephen Talbot married to?
He is married to Pippa Gordon, a medical social worker.
5. What is Stephen Talbot’s latest project?
His latest documentary is The Movement and the Madman (2023) for PBS’s American Experience.
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