David Spade Net Worth: David Spade, the sarcastic funnyman we all know from Saturday Night Live and classic comedies like Tommy Boy, has been making us laugh for decades. But beyond his sharp wit and iconic roles, Spade has built an impressive financial empire. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $70 million, a figure that reflects his multifaceted career and savvy investments. Let’s dive into how this Michigan-born comedian turned his humor into a multimillion-dollar fortune.
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Early Days and Rise to Fame
David Spade’s journey to wealth started humbly. Born on July 22, 1964, in Birmingham, Michigan, he grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, after his parents’ divorce left him and his brothers raised by their mother in relative poverty. Spade’s comedic spark ignited during his college years at Arizona State University, where he performed stand-up at the Farce Side Comedy Hour. Dropping out to pursue comedy full-time, he honed his skills at local spots like Greasy Tony’s Pizza before landing a life-changing audition for Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 1989.
- Key Moment: Spade joined SNL as a writer in 1990, quickly becoming a cast member.
- Breakout Role: His “Hollywood Minute” sketches and sarcastic characters won over audiences.
- Early Hustle: Stand-up gigs in college and local clubs built his confidence and connections.
His time on SNL from 1990 to 1996, alongside comedy heavyweights like Chris Farley and Adam Sandler, made him a household name and set the stage for his financial success.
Television Success: Big Paychecks and Lasting Impact
After SNL, Spade transitioned to sitcoms, where he earned some of his biggest paydays. His role as Dennis Finch on Just Shoot Me! (1997–2003) was a game-changer. Starting at $150,000 per episode, his salary reportedly climbed to $300,000 per episode by the fifth season, totaling around $30 million for the series. Later, he starred in Rules of Engagement (2007–2013), further boosting his earnings with steady sitcom paychecks.
- Lucrative Gigs: Just Shoot Me! alone earned him millions over seven seasons.
- Versatile Roles: Spade’s snarky persona shone in sitcoms, securing his spot in TV comedy.
- Hosting Stints: He hosted Lights Out with David Spade on Comedy Central (2019–2020) and Snake Oil on Fox, adding to his income.
These television roles, combined with residuals from syndication, have been a cornerstone of his wealth.
Film Career and Comedy Specials
Spade’s film career also contributed significantly to his net worth. Partnering with Chris Farley, he starred in cult classics like Tommy Boy (1995) and Black Sheep (1996), which grossed $32.7 million and $32.3 million at the box office, respectively. He took leading roles in Joe Dirt (2001), which grossed $31 million, and appeared in Adam Sandler’s Grown Ups series. His voice acting, notably as Kuzco in The Emperor’s New Groove (2000) and roles in the Hotel Transylvania series, added residual income.
Spade’s stand-up comedy specials, like David Spade: Nothing Personal on Netflix and David Spade: Dandelion on Prime Video (2025), have been another revenue stream. These specials, along with regular stand-up tours, showcase his enduring appeal and financial savvy.
Real Estate Investments: A Smart Money Move
Beyond entertainment, Spade’s real estate ventures have significantly boosted his net worth. He’s made strategic property deals in Los Angeles, flipping homes for substantial profits. In 2001, he bought a Beverly Hills home for $4 million, selling it in 2022 for $19.5 million—a $15.5 million profit. He sold a Malibu mansion in 2013 for $10.225 million and purchased a Hollywood Hills home in 2021 for $13.85 million. In 2023, he added a $9 million Newport Beach property to his portfolio.
- Big Wins: The Beverly Hills sale netted a massive profit after two decades.
- Diverse Portfolio: Properties in Malibu, Hollywood Hills, and Newport Beach show his investment acumen.
- Ongoing Growth: Real estate remains a key part of his wealth-building strategy.
These deals highlight Spade’s knack for diversifying his income beyond comedy.
Other Ventures and Philanthropy
Spade’s financial portfolio extends to podcasts, endorsements, and philanthropy. He co-hosts Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey, generating revenue through sponsorships. Past endorsement deals, like Capital One commercials, added to his earnings. Despite his wealth, Spade gives back, donating $100,000 to the Phoenix Police Department in 2005, $200,000 to Oklahoma tornado relief in 2013, and $100,000 to mental health causes in 2018 after his sister-in-law Kate Spade’s passing.
His ability to balance high-earning projects with smart investments and charitable contributions underscores his financial and personal legacy.
In summary, David Spade’s $70 million net worth in 2025 is the result of a dynamic career in comedy, television, and film, paired with shrewd real estate investments and diverse ventures like podcasting. From his SNL days to his latest comedy specials, Spade’s wit and work ethic have made him a comedy legend with a fortune to match.