Keith David Net Worth

What is Keith David’s Net Worth? A Deep Dive into the Career and Finances of a Legendary Actor

Keith David, a name synonymous with commanding screen presence and a voice that resonates with authority, has captivated audiences for decades. But beyond his iconic roles and memorable performances, many wonder about the financial success of this celebrated actor. This article delves into Keith David’s net worth, exploring the journey that led him to both artistic acclaim and financial prosperity.

Early Life and Education

Born on June 4, 1956, in Harlem, New York City, Keith David’s early life was rooted in the vibrant culture of the city. Raised in Queens, his upbringing provided a foundation for his future success. His father, Lester Williams, worked in payroll, while his mother, Dolores, was a manager at New York Telephone. These formative years instilled the values and work ethic that would later contribute to his remarkable career.

David’s passion for acting ignited early. A defining moment came during his school years when he played the Cowardly Lion in a production of “The Wizard of Oz.” This experience solidified his desire to pursue acting professionally. He honed his craft at Manhattan’s High School of Performing Arts, laying the groundwork for his future studies.

His dedication to acting led him to the prestigious Juilliard School, where he became part of their Drama Division. Graduating in 1979 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, David’s rigorous training at Juilliard equipped him with the skills and discipline necessary to embark on a successful career in the competitive world of entertainment.

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Keith David’s professional career began with John Houseman’s The Acting Company, a renowned theatrical troupe. He toured the country with the company in 1980 and 1981, participating in productions of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Waiting for Godot.” These early experiences allowed him to refine his stage presence and build a strong foundation for his future work in film and television.

David’s transition to film was swift and impactful. In 1982, he landed a role in John Carpenter’s iconic horror film, “The Thing,” starring alongside Kurt Russell. This role, as Childs, gave him early exposure and helped establish him as a talent to watch. The film’s success, and the subsequent cult following, introduced him to a wider audience.

From 1983 to 1985, he appeared in nine episodes of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” as Keith, the friendly handyman. This role demonstrated his versatility and ability to connect with audiences of all ages, showcasing his range as a performer.

Film and Television Success

The late 1980s marked a period of significant growth in Keith David’s career. He secured a multitude of roles in both film and television, showcasing his diverse acting skills. Notable film credits during this period include “Platoon,” the action comedy “Hot Pursuit,” “Off Limits,” and the science fiction classic, “They Live.” Each role allowed him to demonstrate his ability to inhabit a wide range of characters.

The 1990s saw David continuing to build on his success with roles in films like “Road House,” “Men at Work,” and “Reality Bites.” In 1995, he appeared in “Dead Presidents” and Spike Lee’s “Clockers,” further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and respected actor. He also took on roles in independent films such as “Requiem for a Dream” in 2000, demonstrating his willingness to work on diverse projects, which expanded his filmography.

He continued his work in big-budget action movies, including “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” and “Transporter 2.” His television appearances also remained consistent during this time, with roles in “The Outer Limits,” “The Legend of Tarzan,” “The Job,” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”

The 2010s brought further success. David was cast in the NBC series “The Cape” and had a recurring role in the sixth season of the popular show “Community.” In 2015, he took on a leading role in the drama series “Greenleaf.” He also continued to appear in films such as “Assault on Wall Street,” “Boiling Pot,” “Night School,” “21 Bridges,” and “Most Guys Are Losers.” His career continued to flourish as he took on varied roles. David’s involvement in several documentary films exploring African American history and the horror genre, including “Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror” and “In Search of Darkness,” further showcased his talent as both an actor and a narrator.

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Theater Achievements

While Keith David is celebrated for his film and television work, his contributions to the theater are equally significant. His stage presence and talent have earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards. In 1992, he received a Tony Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for his performance in “Jelly’s Last Jam.” This prestigious award recognized his exceptional talent and cemented his status as a theater star.

He has also delivered praised performances in Central Park productions of Shakespearean plays. He has also appeared in the Apollo revival of “The Wiz” in 1995 alongside Whitney Houston, Cedric the Entertainer, and Samuel E. Wright.

Other notable theater credits include the musical “Hot Feet” on Broadway in 2006, the revival of “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” in 2013, and “Paul Robeson” in 2014. In 2017, he starred in the off-Broadway play, “ToasT,” a play using poetic prose to recount the lives of prisoners at Attica Prison. David’s commitment to the stage demonstrates his passion for the craft and his dedication to exploring diverse roles.

Prolific Voice Acting and Narration Career

Keith David’s distinctive voice has made him a highly sought-after voice actor. He has lent his talents to a wide variety of projects, including television shows, animated films, video games, and documentaries. His voice has become synonymous with authority, wisdom, and gravitas. This has made him a popular choice for narrations and voice roles.

Some of the memorable characters he has voiced include Goliath from “Gargoyles,” the title character in the “Spawn” animated series, and a recurring character on the adult animated show, “Archer.” He also voiced a character and served as narrator in the English dub version of “Princess Mononoke.” In the gaming world, he has voiced characters in “Fallout,” “Planescape: Torment,” and several games in the “Halo” series. These video game appearances further expanded his voice-acting portfolio.

He has collaborated multiple times with rapper Ice Cube, providing voice-overs for the intros of Ice Cube’s projects, including “Terrorist Threats,” “Raw Footage,” and “I Am the West,” and also narrating the documentary “Beef II.” These collaborations demonstrate his ability to adapt to different genres and audiences. He has also worked with documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, narrating numerous of Burns’ films, including “Jazz,” “Mark Twain,” “Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson,” and “The War.” His narration work in “The War” and “Unforgivable Blackness” earned him two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance, confirming his status as a preeminent voice actor.

He has narrated other documentaries such as “Ancient Refuge in the Holy Land,” “Crusades: Crescent & the Cross,” and “Comic Book Superheroes Unmasked.” He took over as the narrator for the A&E show “City Confidential” and voiced the police detective in the audiobook versions of three novels by James Patterson.

Personal Life

Keith David’s personal life offers glimpses into the man behind the iconic voice and performances. He married his first wife, Margit Edwards, in 1990, but they divorced the same year. They have a son together, Owen. In 2001, he married Dionne Lea Williams, a singer and actress. The couple has two daughters, Ruby and Mae Lea.

Keith David’s Net Worth

Based on available financial information, Keith David’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million. This figure reflects his successful career spanning decades across film, television, theater, and voice acting. The consistency of his work in diverse projects has contributed to his financial stability. His ability to take on a variety of roles and his sustained popularity have made him a valuable asset.

Keith David’s journey from a young actor in Harlem to a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry is a testament to his talent, dedication, and versatility. His estimated net worth of $5 million reflects his successful career and enduring appeal to audiences.