Stan Lathan Net Worth

Stan Lathan: Net Worth, Career, and Impact on Comedy & Television

What is Stan Lathan’s Net Worth?

Stan Lathan, a highly influential figure in American television and film, has amassed a net worth of $10 million. His career spans several decades, marked by his distinctive directorial style and ability to shape the landscape of comedy and television. He is celebrated for his work with comedy giants like Dave Chappelle, and his contributions to groundbreaking series.

Early Life and Education

Born on July 8, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Stan Lathan’s journey began as the youngest of three sons to Stanley and Julia Lathan. His older brothers, William and Charles, pursued careers in medicine and music, respectively. Showing early promise, Lathan graduated from Overbrook High School in 1963. He then went on to Pennsylvania State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Theater in 1967. Furthering his academic pursuits, Lathan obtained a Master of Arts degree from Boston University, setting the stage for his illustrious career.

Career Beginnings: The Early Days in Television

Lathan’s foray into the world of television commenced in the late 1960s at the local Boston station WGBH-TV. During the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement, he played a pivotal role in creating and directing “Say Brother,” a show dedicated to and made by African-Americans. This early experience set the tone for his career, which would consistently highlight and celebrate Black culture and experiences. In 1973, Lathan moved to Los Angeles, where he directed episodes of the iconic NBC sitcom “Sanford & Son.” He then went on to direct episodes of numerous popular series, including “Hill Street Blues,” “Cagney & Lacey,” “Remington Steele,” and “Miami Vice.” His early television credits also include dramas for PBS’s “Great Performances” and “American Playhouse,” along with three seasons of the PBS variety program “SOUL!”

Further Television Series: Pilots and Reality TV

The 1990s saw Lathan directing pilot episodes for many African-American-focused television sitcoms. Among these were “Martin,” “South Central,” “Moesha,” “The Parkers,” and “The Steve Harvey Show.” He continued directing pilots into the 2000s, with credits including “Cedric the Entertainer Presents,” “All of Us,” “Eve,” and “The Soul Man.” In 2006, he co-created MTV’s reality series “Run’s House,” offering a glimpse into the family life of rapper Joseph Simmons. Two years later, Lathan created the docu-reality series “Brave New Voices” for HBO.

One of Lathan’s most significant television achievements came with the reality television parody series “Real Husbands of Hollywood.” Created by comedians Kevin Hart and Chris Spencer, the show saw Lathan directing numerous episodes. The series initially ran on BET from 2013 to 2016 and was later revived for the streaming platform BET+ in early 2022.

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Stand-Up Comedy Series and Specials: Directing Comedy Legends

Stan Lathan’s impact on stand-up comedy is undeniable. Over the years, he has created and directed a multitude of series and specials. He is particularly known for his long-standing collaboration with Dave Chappelle, having directed many of Chappelle’s most celebrated works. This partnership began with HBO’s “Killin’ Them Softly” in 2000 and continued through specials like “For What It’s Worth” (2004) and several Netflix specials including “The Bird Revelation,” “Equanimity,” “The Age of Spin,” and “Deep in the Heart of Texas” (2017). Lathan also directed the controversial Netflix specials “Sticks & Stones” and “The Closer.”

Beyond Chappelle, Lathan significantly contributed to the world of stand-up comedy as the co-creator of HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” with Russell Simmons. The series, which aired from 1992 to 1997, earned Lathan a Peabody Award. He then co-produced “Def Poetry Jam on Broadway,” which won a Tony Award. Lathan’s other notable comedy credits include “Cedric the Entertainer: Taking You Higher” for HBO, “The Ruckus” for Comedy Central, and “Mo Amer: The Vagabond” for Netflix.

Film Directing: ‘Beat Street’ and Beyond

Lathan’s work extends to the big screen, most notably with the 1984 dance drama “Beat Street.” Set in the South Bronx of New York City, the film explores the early hip-hop scene. “Beat Street” features Rae Dawn Chong, Guy Davis, Saundra Santiago, Leon W. Grant, and Jon Chardiet.

Awards and Honors: Recognition for Excellence

Throughout his career, Stan Lathan has received numerous accolades, including multiple NAACP Image Awards. In 2014, the Directors Guild of America honored him, followed by the Trailblazer Award from the Apollo Theater in 2017. He has also won Grammy Awards for the albums of Dave Chappelle’s specials “Equanimity” and “Deep in the Heart of Texas,” and an Emmy Award for “Equanimity.” His trophy case also includes a Peabody Award and a Tony Award, further cementing his legacy.

Personal Life

From 1970 to 1977, Lathan was in a relationship with Eleanor McCoy. He married Marguerite in 1982 and has five children, including the acclaimed actress Sanaa Lathan. His personal life, like his professional endeavors, reflects a dedication to family and artistic collaboration.