Spader’s career took off in the 1980s, especially after his memorable role as Steff in Pretty in Pink. He soon earned international acclaim — and the Best Actor award at Cannes — for Sex, Lies, and Videotape, proving his talent went far beyond teen films. Many viewers later came to know him as Alan Shore in The Practice and Boston Legal, roles that earned him three Emmy Awards.

Despite his success, Spader has always guarded his personal life. After his divorce from Victoria in 2004, he built a quiet life with actress and sculptor Leslie Stefanson, with whom he shares a son. Even today, he remains a rare Hollywood figure who chooses depth, discipline, and privacy over fame.