Julie Ann White, professionally known as Jules Asner, is an American screenwriter, author, former entertainment journalist, television personality, and fashion model. Born on February 14, 1968, in Tempe, Arizona, Asner became one of the most recognizable faces of entertainment television during the late 1990s and early 2000s through her prominent roles with E! Entertainment Television. Over the decades, she has transitioned successfully from modeling and live broadcasting to fiction writing, screenwriting, and a creative collaboration with her filmmaker husband, Steven Soderbergh.
Jules Asner Biography: Quick Facts
| Full Name | Julie Ann White |
| Professional Name | Jules Asner |
| Date of Birth | February 14, 1968 |
| Place of Birth | Tempe, Arizona, United States |
| Age | 58 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Profession | Screenwriter, Author, Former TV Host, Journalist, Model |
| Spouse | Steven Soderbergh (m. 2003), Matthew Asner (m. 1992-1996) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $5 Million to $12 Million |
Early Life, Parents, and Education
Jules Asner was born Julie Ann White in Tempe, Arizona, to mother Lee White, who worked as a furniture saleswoman. Growing up in Arizona, Asner attended McClintock High School, where she graduated in 1986. During her high school years, her striking appearance and tall stature caught the attention of talent scouts. At just 16 years old, she was discovered at a modeling convention in Scottsdale, Arizona, setting the stage for an international modeling career.
Following her early success in fashion, Asner pursued higher education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Her academic focus centered on political science, communication, and journalism. This education provided her with a sharp intellect and structured foundation that distinguished her later work in live television broadcasting and high-profile celebrity interviews from standard red-carpet reporting.
Modelling Career and Early Days
Asner’s professional journey began in the high-stakes world of fashion modeling. Signed by the prestigious Elite Model Management as a teenager, she moved into competitive fashion markets and shared an apartment and bunkroom with fellow rising star Cindy Crawford during their early modeling days. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches, Asner appeared in numerous fashion campaigns, print publications, and commercial spreads. Modeling taught her crucial skills in camera presence, poise, and media navigation before she officially shifted her focus toward journalism and television.
Television Career and Rise at E! Entertainment
Before achieving household-name status, Asner built a diverse resume in television journalism and broadcasting. Her early reporting career included work with Reuters Television, Good Morning England, Sky Television’s The Entertainment Show, Extra, A&E’s Live by Request, and Hard Copy. These positions gave her essential live broadcasting experience and sharpened her interviewing capabilities.
Her definitive breakout occurred when she joined E! Entertainment Television, where she became a premier host for the network:
- E! News Live: Asner anchored the network’s flagship daily news program, delivering breaking entertainment stories, movie updates, and red-carpet coverage.
- Wild On!: She hosted this popular travel and lifestyle series, taking viewers into international nightlife hotspots, exotic destinations, and luxury vacation spots.
- Revealed with Jules Asner: Created and hosted by Asner, this in-depth interview program moved past quick soundbites, offering thoughtful, biographical conversations with major film and television icons. Her work on the show earned critical acclaim, including a Gracie Award and a PRISM Award.
Transition to Author and Screenwriter
After stepping away from her daily hosting duties at E!, Asner pivoted successfully to creative writing. In 2008, she published her debut novel, Whacked. Drawing heavily from her firsthand experiences inside the Los Angeles media machine, the sharp fiction title explored themes of ambition, romance, betrayal, and the complex social hierarchy of Hollywood celebrity culture.
Asner also made waves in screenwriting. She is closely connected to the screenplay for the 2017 heist comedy film Logan Lucky, directed by Steven Soderbergh. Initially credited under the mysterious pseudonym Rebecca Blunt, the writing behind the film starring Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, and Daniel Craig eventually linked back to Asner, solidifying her status as a skilled screenwriter and story developer.
Personal Life, Husbands, and Family
Jules Asner has experienced two high-profile marriages within the entertainment industry:
- Matthew Asner (1992-1996): Her first marriage was to Matthew Asner, a nonprofit executive and the son of legendary Emmy Award-winning actor Ed Asner.
- Steven Soderbergh (2003-Present): On May 10, 2003, she married Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, renowned for directing movies such as Traffic, Erin Brockovich, Ocean’s Eleven, and Magic Mike. The couple has maintained a strong, enduring partnership spanning over two decades, collaborating creatively and supporting each other’s artistic endeavors. Soderbergh has frequently credited Asner with influencing how he approaches complex female characters in his films.
Asner does not have biological children of her own. Through her marriage to Soderbergh, she is connected to his wider family, including stepdaughter Sarah Soderbergh from Soderbergh’s previous marriage to actress Betsy Brantley.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
Asner’s diverse career spanning elite modeling, major network television hosting, book royalties, and film production has built her substantial financial portfolio. Industry analyses and financial estimates place Jules Asner’s net worth between $5 million and $12 million.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jules Asner
Who is Jules Asner?
Jules Asner is an American screenwriter, author, former entertainment journalist, and television personality. She is best known for hosting E! News Live and Wild On!, writing the novel Whacked, and her creative work in film screenwriting.
How old is Jules Asner?
Jules Asner was born on February 14, 1968. She is 58 years old.
Who is Jules Asner married to?
She is married to Academy Award-winning film director Steven Soderbergh. The couple wed on May 10, 2003.
Who was Jules Asner’s first husband?
Her first husband was Matthew Asner, son of legendary actor Ed Asner. They were married from 1992 to 1996.
What is Jules Asner’s net worth?
Jules Asner has an estimated net worth ranging between $5 million and $12 million, accumulated through her successful careers in modeling, television hosting, and writing.
Did Jules Asner work as a model?
Yes. Discovered at age 16 at a modeling convention in Arizona, she started her career with Elite Model Management and famously roomed with Cindy Crawford during their early modeling days.
