David Michael Letterman was born on 12th April 1947. in Indianapolis, Indiana USA, of German, Scots-Irish and English descent. He is an actor, television host, producer as well as writer. The above mentioned are the sources that helped David Letterman to earn his net worth, but he is also the owner and founder of the film and television production company Worldwide Pants (1991 – present). However, Letterman is probably most recognisable for hosting the “Late Night with David Letterman” (1982 – 1993) which later evolved to the “Late Show with David Latterman” (1993 – 2015) making him the longest serving host in the history of American television. David is listed in the 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time by TV Guide magazine. David Letterman has been active in the entertainment industry since 1974.
So just how rich is David Letterman? Sources report that the overall amount of David Letterman’s net worth is estimated at $400 million, accumulated during a career spanning more than 40 years, and from an annual salary of as much as $45 million.
David Letterman Net Worth $400 Million
David Letterman was educated at Broad Ripple High School and Ball State University. He began his career working as a weatherman and news anchor of Indianapolis television station as well as a host on WNTS radio. In 1975, he moved to Los Angeles, California with a view to pursuing a career as a comedy writer. He became one of the comedians performing at the comedy club called The Comedy Store. Letterman was also writing jokes for such stand up comedians as Steve Oedekerk, Jack Handey, Byron Allen, Elayne Boosler, Louie Anderson, Richard Jeni, Robert Schimmel and others. Later, he made appearances in various shows including the variety show “Mary” (1978), sitcom “Mork & Mindy” (1979), talk show “The Mike Douglas Show” (1980) and many others. However, it was “The David Letterman Show” (debut 1980) which gave him the start of a long-lasting award-winning career. The above mentioned show won two Emmy Awards although low audience ratings led to the cancelation of the show, but was nevertheless the start of his major earnings, towards his net worth.
Fortunately, the show was renewed under the title “Late Night with David Letterman” (1982 – 1993) and aired in a different time slot. It was a huge success. The most memorable shows include those with the famous guests including Bill Murray and Don Herbert, Andy Kaufman and Jerry Lawler, the rock group R.E.M., the singer Cher, actor Crispin Glover, Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jordan, as well as the actor Tom Hanks and many other beloved celebrities. The show won five Primetime Emmy Awards.
After a ratings battle with comedian Jay Leno, the show was named “The Late Show with David Letterman” (1993 – 2005) and moved to broadcast on CBS. This one won six Primetime Emmy Awards and could boast having the second highest ratings at the beginning. The final episode earned “Late Show with David Letterman” the highest ratings in American television history, even overtaking such events as the Olympic Games. Undoubtedly, this show added the most to the overall amount of David Letterman’s net worth.
Additionally, David Letterman has appeared in many feature films as well as television series. Moreover, he owns the production company Worldwide Pants Inc., the record label Clear Entertainment/C.E and racing team Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing which have also increased his wealth.
David is supposed to have retired, at least from full-time TV work, but there’s little doubt that his presence will continue to be required on the screen.
Concerning the personal life of David Letterman, he has been married twice and fathered one child. In 1969, he married Michelle Cook, but they divorced in 1977. In 2009, he married Regina Lasko. His health has not always been perfect: in 2000 he needed an emergency quintuple heart by-pass, later joking on air about a scare that could have ended his life – that, however, is the demeanour of one of the most popular talk-show hosts ever on US TV.
