David Cross Net Worth

David Cross’ Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Comedian’s Career and Finances

Introduction: The Multifaceted David Cross

David Cross is a name synonymous with intelligent comedy, sharp wit, and a career that spans stand-up, writing, acting, and directing. From his early days on the comedy circuit to his iconic roles in television and film, Cross has consistently challenged norms and entertained audiences with his unique perspective. This article delves into the life, career, and net worth of David Cross, exploring his journey from a young comedian to a multifaceted entertainer.

David Cross’ Net Worth and Salary: Key Figures

As of late 2023, David Cross boasts a net worth of approximately $10 million. This figure reflects his earnings from a diverse range of ventures, including his stand-up comedy performances, acting roles, writing credits, directing projects, and various other creative endeavors. While specific salary details for individual projects are often undisclosed, his income has steadily grown over the years, corresponding to his increasing popularity and the success of his work.

Early Life and the Genesis of a Comedic Mind

Born on April 4, 1964, in Roswell, Georgia, David Cross’ early life was marked by a series of relocations and financial hardships. His family moved frequently, living in various states and facing periods of instability. These experiences, including living in motels and with friends after evictions, likely shaped his worldview and informed his comedic perspective. Cross’ father left the family when he was ten, adding another layer of complexity to his upbringing. Despite these challenges, Cross found solace and expression in humor, a trait that would eventually become the foundation of his career. He attended Northside High School of the Performing Arts, where he was recognized for his humorous personality and elected to positions of leadership.

Stand-Up Comedy: Forging a Path to Stardom

Cross began performing stand-up comedy at the young age of 17. Immediately after graduating high school in 1982, he moved to New York City to pursue his comedy career. He further honed his skills at Emerson College in Boston, where he was part of a sketch comedy group called This is Pathetic. His comedic talent quickly led to regular performances at venues like Catch a Rising Star, and he formed a sketch comedy group called Cross Comedy in the early ’90s. His big break came after a performance at Un-Cabaret in Los Angeles, which led to opportunities on radio shows like “The Last Run” and “A Hearing.” Over the years, Cross has released several successful stand-up comedy albums, including “Shut Up You Fucking Baby!” (2002), “It’s Not Funny” (2004), “Bigger and Blackerer” (2010), “…America…Great…” (2016), and “Oh, Come On” (2019). These albums have earned him critical acclaim and two Grammy nominations. In 2004, Comedy Central ranked him #85 on their “100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time” list, solidifying his place in comedy history.

Film and Television: A Diverse Body of Work

Cross’s career in television began when he was hired to write for “The Ben Stiller Show” in 1992, where he also made occasional appearances in sketches. This show marked the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration with Bob Odenkirk. In 1995, the pair created “Mr. Show with Bob and David,” which aired on HBO and became a cult classic. This sketch comedy series, known for its dark humor and satirical edge, established Cross as a major comedic force. The duo revived their partnership with the Netflix series “W/ Bob & David” in 2015. Throughout the 1990s and beyond, Cross appeared in numerous films, including “The Truth About Cats & Dogs” (1996), “The Cable Guy” (1996), “Men in Black” (1998), and “Ghost World” (2001), showcasing his versatility as an actor. He also made guest appearances on popular television shows such as “The Drew Carey Show,” “NewsRadio,” and “Space Ghost Coast to Coast.”

“Arrested Development” and Other Notable Roles

One of David Cross’ most iconic roles is that of Tobias Fünke in the critically acclaimed sitcom “Arrested Development.” The show, which originally aired from 2003 to 2006, was revived in 2013 and again from 2018 to 2019. Cross’ performance as the eccentric and often delusional Tobias earned him widespread recognition and cemented his status as a beloved comedic actor. “Arrested Development” won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2004. Beyond “Arrested Development,” Cross has taken on diverse roles in television, including the sketch comedy series “Mr. Show with Bob and David” (1995–1998) and “The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret” (2010–2012; 2016), which he co-created and starred in. He also appeared in “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (2016–2017) and “Goliath” (2018-2019).

Cross’ filmography is equally impressive, with roles in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004), “It’s a Disaster” (2012), and the “Alvin and the Chipmunks” franchise (2007, 2009, 2011), where he played Ian Hawke. He also voiced Crane in the “Kung Fu Panda” trilogy (2008, 2011, 2016), a massively successful animated franchise. In more recent years, he appeared in films like “Kill Your Darlings” (2013), “Obvious Child” (2014), “Pitch Perfect 2” (2015), and “The Dark Divide” (2020). His voice work extends to numerous animated projects, including “Dr. Dolittle 2” (2001), “Megamind” (2010), and “Archer” (2011; 2018), as well as video games such as “Halo 2” (2004) and “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” (2004).

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Personal Life: Relationships and Public Persona

David Cross married actress Amber Tamblyn in October 2012. The couple welcomed their daughter, Marlow Alice, in February 2017. Cross is known for his outspoken views and has described himself as an atheist. He has also expressed his political leanings as being more aligned with socialist Democrats. He was also an early investor in the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform, using it to fund his film “Hits.” His friendship with the Beastie Boys is notable, with the group sampling him in their single “Ch-Check It Out,” and Cross appearing in their “Make Some Noise” music video and the “Beastie Boys Story” documentary. He has also faced public controversies, including a lawsuit regarding unauthorized taping and an apology for racially insensitive remarks made to actress-comedian Charlyne Yi.

Awards and Nominations: Acknowledging Excellence

Throughout his career, David Cross has received numerous awards and nominations for his work. He won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program for “The Ben Stiller Show” in 1993. “Mr. Show with Bob and David” earned multiple nominations for Outstanding Writing for a Variety or Music Program. Cross’s role in “Arrested Development” led to further accolades, including a Future Classic Award at the 2004 TV Land Awards and an Ensemble of the Year award at the 2006 Gold Derby Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations. He received two Best Comedy Album Grammy nominations, for “Shut Up You Fucking Baby!” and “…America…Great…”, and he also received DVD Exclusive Award nominations for “Run Ronnie Run.” His contributions to the video game “Halo 2” earned him a Best Voice Performance award. These awards and nominations are a testament to his talent, creativity, and enduring impact on the entertainment industry.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of David Cross

David Cross has built a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. Through his stand-up comedy, writing, acting, and directing, he has consistently pushed boundaries and delivered smart, thought-provoking, and hilarious content. His net worth reflects his diverse and successful career, and his contributions to comedy and entertainment continue to resonate with audiences. As he continues to create and evolve, David Cross remains a significant and influential figure in the world of comedy.