David Spade, a celebrated American actor, comedian, and television personality, has amassed significant wealth throughout his illustrious career. With a net worth of $70 million and a salary of $150,000 per episode, Spade’s financial success reflects his multifaceted contributions to entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
David Spade was born on July 22, 1964, in Birmingham, Michigan, to Judith and Wayne Spade. He grew up alongside his brothers Andy and Bryan in Scottsdale, Arizona, following his family’s relocation. After his parents’ divorce, Spade was raised primarily by his mother in a modest household. Despite these challenges, Spade excelled academically and creatively. He graduated from Saguaro High School before attending Scottsdale Community College and later Arizona State University, where he earned a business degree in 1986. His early comedic talents were honed through performances at university’s Farce Side Comedy Hour and local stand-up venues.
Breakthrough on “Saturday Night Live”
David Spade’s big break came in 1989 when Dennis Miller, a fellow comedian, helped him secure a writing job on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). Spade’s biting wit and sarcastic humor quickly elevated him from writer to cast member. During his tenure, he became known for iconic sketches such as “Hollywood Minute” and collaborations with Chris Farley in “Gap Girls” and “Matt Foley.” These performances cemented Spade’s reputation for sharp comedic delivery.
Collaboration with Chris Farley
Spade and Chris Farley translated their on-screen chemistry from “SNL” to feature films, including “Tommy Boy” (1995) and “Black Sheep” (1996). Both movies achieved cult status despite mixed critical reviews, with Spade playing straight-laced counterpart to Farley’s chaotic characters. Farley’s untimely death in 1997 deeply affected Spade, who has since spoken openly about their bond and challenges of coping with his friend’s loss.
Transition to Television Success
Post-SNL, Spade achieved further success with NBC sitcom “Just Shoot Me!”, where he portrayed sardonic Dennis Finch. series ran from 1997 to 2003, earning Spade an Emmy nomination and solidifying his place as a leading comedic actor. He later joined cast of “8 Simple Rules” and starred in “Rules of Engagement,” which aired from 2007 to 2013. His comedic style resonated with audiences, leading to his hosting role on “Showbiz Show with David Spade” and more recent “Lights Out with David Spade” on Comedy Central.
Film Career Highlights
Spade’s filmography is diverse, ranging from animated hits to live-action comedies. Notable projects include:
- “Joe Dirt” and its sequel, “Joe Dirt 2: Beautiful Loser”
- “Emperor’s New Groove” (voice of Kuzco)
- Collaborations with Adam Sandler in “Grown Ups” and “Grown Ups 2”
- “Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star”
His work often features a blend of sarcastic humor and endearing vulnerability, appealing to a wide range of viewers.
Salary and Financial Achievements
David Spade’s financial success is underscored by his substantial television salaries. During his time on “Just Shoot Me!,” he earned up to $300,000 per episode, totaling approximately $30 million over series’ run. Similarly, his role in “Rules of Engagement” brought him $150,000 per episode, translating to $3.6 million per season.
Real Estate Investments
Spade’s impressive net worth is further bolstered by strategic real estate investments. Key transactions include:
| Property Location | Purchase Price | Sale Price | Notable Details |
| Malibu, CA | – | $10.225 million | Sold to Netflix executive Ted Sarandos. |
| Trousdale Estates, CA | $4 million | $19.5 million | Sold in 2022. |
| West Hollywood, CA | $2.3 million | – | Acquired in 2020. |
| Hollywood Hills, CA | $13.85 million | – | Purchased in 2021. |
| Newport Beach, CA | $9 million | – | Acquired in 2023. |
Personal Life
David Spade is known for his relationships with prominent figures, including Heather Locklear, Julie Bowen, and Teri Hatcher. He has one daughter, Harper, born in 2008 with Jillian Grace. Despite his public persona, Spade has never married.
A notable incident occurred in 2000 when Spade’s assistant attacked him with a stun gun. Spade successfully defended himself and later sought legal resolution. He has also demonstrated generosity through donations, including $200,000 to tornado victims and $100,000 to mental health initiatives.
Philanthropy and Legacy
Spade’s philanthropic efforts include significant contributions to law enforcement, disaster relief, and mental health awareness. His enduring popularity is reflected in his ability to connect with audiences across generations through humor and relatability.
Conclusion
David Spade’s net worth of $70 million is a testament to his talent, resilience, and savvy business acumen. From his early days on “SNL” to his successful ventures in television, film, and real estate, Spade has crafted a remarkable career. His legacy is enriched by collaborations with industry icons like Adam Sandler, Dana Carvey, and Lorne Michaels, among others.
Disclaimer
All net worth figures and financial details are estimates derived from publicly available sources. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, actual values may vary. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently.