Chris Zylka Net Worth 2026: Actor’s Career & Paris Hilton Engagement

Who is Chris Zylka? Everything to Know About Paris Hilton’s Ex-Fiancé

Chris Zylka is an American actor and former model best known for his role as Tom Garvey on the HBO drama The Leftovers and as Flash Thompson in The Amazing Spider-Man. He gained widespread public attention through his high-profile engagement to media personality and heiress Paris Hilton in 2018, though his career in Hollywood spans nearly two decades. As of 2026, estimates place Chris Zylka’s net worth at approximately $4 million, accumulated through a steady career in television and film.

Quick Facts

Early Life and Hollywood Start

Born Christopher Michael Settlemire on May 9, 1985, in Warren, Ohio, the man who would become Chris Zylka adopted his mother’s maiden name as his professional moniker early in his career. His Chris Zylka’s IMDb profile confirms his birth date, birthplace, and real name, establishing him as a native of the small Midwestern town. At 19, he made the decisive move from the Midwest to Hollywood, a leap many aspiring actors take but few succeed at. While working a day job in a restaurant to make ends meet, Zylka’s life changed when he was discovered by a manager and acting coach, Jon Simmons. Simmons recognized the raw potential in the young Ohio native, helping him transition from waiting tables to booking auditions.

Before he could secure substantial acting roles, Zylka’s chiseled features led to modeling work with major brands like Abercrombie & Fitch. He also graced the pages and covers of several fashion and lifestyle publications, including Wonderland, VMan, and Bello. This modeling work not only provided an income stream contributing to his net worth but also helped him gain early exposure in the entertainment industry.

Career Milestones: TV and Film

Chris Zylka’s acting career officially kicked off in 2008 with a guest appearance on the CW’s reboot of *90210*. This small role served as a launching pad. The following year, he landed his first major lead role as Briggs Jenner in the MTV television film My Super Psycho Sweet 16, which established him as a rising talent in the teen horror and drama space. A detailed Chris Zylka’s filmography on DBpedia confirms his major roles including The Amazing Spider-Man, The Leftovers, and Shark Night with reliable attribution. He continued to build his filmography with roles in movies like Kaboom, Piranha 3DD, and Shark Night, often playing the handsome, charismatic lead.

A significant career boost came in 2011 when he joined the cast of the CW supernatural drama The Secret Circle, though the series lasted only one season. 2012 marked another critical milestone when he appeared in the blockbuster superhero film The Amazing Spider-Man, playing the role of Flash Thompson, the high school bully who later becomes a hero in his own right. This high-profile role likely increased his marketability and salary for future projects, contributing to an early increase in his Chris Zylka net worth.

However, his most critically acclaimed role came in 2014 when he was cast as Tom Garvey in HBO’s critically lauded drama The Leftovers. Starring in all three seasons of the series (2014–2017), Zylka portrayed the boyfriend of Amy Brenneman’s character, Laurie, and the brother-in-law of Justin Theroux’s Kevin Garvey. The show’s prestige and high viewership solidified his status as a serious actor capable of handling complex dramatic material.

High-Profile Relationship with Paris Hilton

While his acting was building a solid foundation, Zylka experienced a massive surge in celebrity status when he began dating Paris Hilton in early 2017. The relationship quickly became the subject of tabloid headlines and paparazzi photos. In January 2018, the couple got engaged during a romantic trip to Aspen, Colorado. The proposal itself became a news story, largely because of the extravagant 20-carat diamond ring he presented to Hilton, which was reportedly valued at $2 million. Details about the ring reveal it was designed by celebrity jeweler Michael Greene, and Zylka reportedly created the design in just two days, drawing inspiration from Hilton’s mother’s ring. According to a representative for the couple who spoke with *Page Six*, Zylka financed the ring not with cash but by selling “very valuable and lucrative” artwork he had created. For readers interested in the ring’s design and value, [Paris Hilton’s $2 million engagement ring](https://blog.overthemoon.com/fashion/paris-hilton-engagement-ring/) provides extensive details about its creation and significance.

At the time, reports noted that his net worth was around $4 million, a contrast to Hilton’s estimated $300 million empire. The engagement also involved security logistics; reports indicated the actor had a bodyguard with him in Aspen to watch over the ring.

In November 2018, the fairy tale engagement came to an abrupt end. UPI’s report on the couple’s split confirmed that the couple parted ways after a 10-month engagement, with Hilton herself addressing the split publicly. The tabloid frenzy continued as Zylka reportedly attempted to retrieve the engagement ring. Complicating matters, insiders claimed to Page Six that Zylka hadn’t actually paid for the ring with money, as he had traded his art for it, leading to a messy legal and public relations situation. The breakup, however, put his name in headlines worldwide and significantly increased public interest in his life and career.

Recent Events and Legal Troubles

Following his split from Hilton, Zylka remained relatively low-key in the tabloids but continued to work on smaller film projects. However, he returned to the news cycle in December 2024. The December 2024 police altercation resulted in Zylka being arraigned on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges following an incident in his hometown of Warren, Ohio. Court records from the case, published by PEOPLE, detailed that police were called to a residence where they found Zylka foaming at the mouth. During the encounter, he allegedly threatened officers, and tasers were deployed. According to the police report, he was also administered ketamine by paramedics to sedate him. The charges include felony strangulation and misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest and inducing panic. These legal issues have introduced a complicated chapter to his life story, marking a stark contrast to his Hollywood and celebrity dating era.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chris Zylka’s real name?

Chris Zylka was born Christopher Michael Settlemire. He chose to use his stage name, Zylka, which is his mother’s maiden name, to help carve out his professional identity in Hollywood. His Chris Zylka’s IMDb profile confirms these details and provides a comprehensive overview of his career.

Who is Chris Zylka best known for dating?

He is best known for his engagement to Paris Hilton in 2018. Prior to this, he also dated actress Lucy Hale in 2012 and was engaged to model Hanna Beth Merjos until 2015. His relationship with Hilton brought him unprecedented media attention, though his acting career had already established him in Hollywood.

What TV shows and movies has Chris Zylka been in?

Zylka is best known for starring as Tom Garvey in the HBO series The Leftovers (2014–2017) and as Flash Thompson in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012). He also appeared in *90210*, The Secret Circle, Piranha 3DD, and Shark Night. His Chris Zylka’s filmography on DBpedia provides a comprehensive list of his roles across television and film.

How much did Chris Zylka’s engagement ring for Paris Hilton cost?

The 20-carat diamond engagement ring he presented to Paris Hilton was valued at approximately $2 million. Sources who spoke with *Page Six* suggested he obtained the ring not through a direct purchase, but by trading his personal artwork. [Paris Hilton’s $2 million engagement ring](https://blog.overthemoon.com/fashion/paris-hilton-engagement-ring/) offers detailed information about the ring’s design and appraisal.

What is Chris Zylka doing now?

As of early 2026, recent news includes his legal troubles from December 2024 regarding an altercation with police in Ohio. He remains a public figure tied to his past roles and his high-profile relationship history. His future career moves remain uncertain pending the resolution of his legal situation.

Conclusion

Chris Zylka’s journey from a small town in Ohio to the Hollywood set and the pages of tabloids is a varied one. His estimated Chris Zylka net worth of approximately $4 million reflects a stable acting career, including a notable run on a critically acclaimed HBO series and a role in a major superhero franchise. Yet his public profile remains inextricably linked to his past relationship with Paris Hilton. As he moves forward, his legacy is a mix of on-screen talent and off-screen notoriety, a narrative that continues to unfold with each new chapter of his life.