Josh Saviano is an American lawyer and former child actor who captured hearts nationwide as Paul Joshua Pfeiffer on the beloved television show “The Wonder Years.” His transition from Hollywood to Harvard represents one of the more successful child actor transformations in the entertainment industry.
Biography Details
| Full Name | Josh Saviano |
|---|---|
| Profession | Lawyer, Former Child Actor |
| Age | 49 Years |
| Birth Date | March 31, 1976 |
| Birth Place | White Plains, New York |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Net Worth | $3.5 Million (2025) |
| Height | 5’9" (175 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Relationship Status | Married to Jennifer Romer |
Early Life & Background
Josh Saviano was born on March 31, 1976, in White Plains, New York. He was raised in a middle-class family by his parents Jane and Ralph Saviano, with his father working as a financial consultant. Being drawn to performing arts from a young age, Josh began his journey into entertainment with small commercial roles before his career-defining breakthrough.
His academic journey is equally impressive—following his acting career, Saviano attended Yale University, where he majored in political science. His passion for law later led him to earn his Juris Doctor degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, establishing the foundation for his future legal career.
Career Journey
Acting Career
Josh’s entertainment career began modestly with a one-liner role in a commercial for Aim toothpaste. However, his big break came when he was cast as Paul Pfeiffer, the best friend of Kevin Arnold (played by Fred Savage) in the hit television series “The Wonder Years,” which ran from 1988 to 1993. This role quickly made him a household name and earned him recognition throughout America.
Beyond “The Wonder Years,” Saviano expanded his acting portfolio with roles in the 1988 movie “The Wrong Guys” and the made-for-TV movie “Camp Cucamonga” in 1990. Despite his success in Hollywood, Saviano chose a different path from many child actors by stepping away from the entertainment industry to focus on his education and later legal career.
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Legal Career
After completing his education, Josh transitioned into the legal profession, becoming a successful attorney. He has focused on intellectual property law and digital media, leveraging his unique background in entertainment to provide specialized legal services. In 2013, Saviano founded Act 3 Advisors, a firm that offers strategic consulting and legal advice to entrepreneurial clients in entertainment and digital media.
Personal Life
Josh Saviano maintains a relatively private personal life compared to many former child actors. In 2012, he married Jennifer Romer after a long-term relationship. The couple has one child together and has built a stable family life away from the intense spotlight of Hollywood.
Unlike many child stars who struggle with the transition to adulthood, Saviano has maintained a balanced and successful life, demonstrating remarkable resilience and focus. His family remains a central priority in his life, and he has spoken about the importance of maintaining normalcy despite his early fame.
Net Worth & Financial Success
As of 2025, Josh Saviano’s estimated net worth is approximately $3.5 million. This wealth comes from a combination of his earlier acting career, his successful law practice, and his business ventures. His firm, Act 3 Advisors, has become well-respected in the industry, providing him with substantial income beyond his earlier television earnings.
Saviano has been strategic with his finances, investing wisely and building a sustainable career outside of the entertainment industry—a move that has protected him from the financial instability that often affects former child stars.
Notable Facts & Trivia
- For years, there was a persistent rumor that Josh Saviano was actually Marilyn Manson, which both have found amusing but is completely false.
- He maintains friendships with several of his “Wonder Years” co-stars, including Danica McKellar, who played Winnie Cooper.
- Josh is not very active on social media compared to other celebrities, preferring to maintain a low public profile.
- He occasionally attends “Wonder Years” reunions and nostalgic television events but has expressed no interest in returning to acting full-time.
- Saviano has worked as a legal advocate for youth in entertainment, drawing on his own experiences to help protect child actors.
Physical Appearance
Josh Saviano stands at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. He has maintained a fit physique throughout his adult years. His appearance has certainly changed since his days as Paul Pfeiffer, transforming from the nerdy best friend character to a professional attorney appearance.
Legacy
Josh Saviano represents one of the more positive stories of child actor transitions. His decision to pursue education and a professional career outside of entertainment has made him something of a role model for young actors concerned about life after fame. His character Paul Pfeiffer remains iconic in television history, particularly for portraying an authentic teen friendship during the coming-of-age years.
FAQ
Is Josh Saviano still acting?
No, Josh Saviano left acting after “The Wonder Years” ended to pursue education and a legal career. He has not returned to professional acting aside from a brief cameo in “Law & Order: SVU.”
Is it true that Josh Saviano is Marilyn Manson?
No, this is a popular urban legend that has been debunked many times. Josh Saviano became a lawyer while Marilyn Manson (Brian Warner) pursued his music career.
What does Josh Saviano do now?
Josh Saviano works as a lawyer specializing in intellectual property and digital media law. He founded Act 3 Advisors, a firm that provides strategic consulting and legal services.
Did Josh Saviano attend college?
Yes, he graduated from Yale University with a degree in Political Science and later earned his law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.
Does Josh Saviano have children?
Yes, Josh Saviano and his wife Jennifer Romer have one child together.