David E. Kelley Net Worth
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4 min read
David E. Kelley Net Worth and Career Journey
| Net Worth | Salary | Birthdate | Birthplace | Gender | Height | Profession | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250 million | – | April 1956 | Waterville, Maine | Male | – | Television writer and producer | American |
David E. Kelley is a renowned American television writer and producer who has amassed an impressive net worth of $250 million. Born in Waterville, Maine in April 1956, Kelley has established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Throughout his career, he has achieved notable success and earned numerous accolades for his exceptional work.
Highlights
David E. Kelley’s remarkable journey in the television industry is marked by significant achievements and recognition. Here are some of the highlights of his career:
- Member of an exclusive group of creators with successful shows on ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, as well as prominent streaming platforms.
- Winner of 11 Emmy Awards and 4 Peabodys.
- Inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2014.
Early Life
David Edward Kelley was born in Waterville, Maine in April 1956. Raised in Belmont, Massachusetts, he attended Belmont High School before pursuing higher education at Princeton University. At Princeton, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and even transformed the Bill of Rights into a play for his senior thesis.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Kelley obtained a Juris Doctor degree from Boston University Law School. During his time at law school, he displayed a passion for writing by contributing to a legal-themed sketch comedy group called the Legal Follies. Initially, he worked at a Boston law firm dealing with real estate and minor criminal cases.
However, Kelley’s career trajectory took an unexpected turn when he began writing a legal thriller screenplay as a side hobby. This script eventually led to the creation of the 1987 film “From the Hip,” starring Judd Nelson.
Career
David E. Kelley’s remarkable career in television began when he caught the attention of producer Steven Bochco, who was seeking talented young legal writers for a new NBC series called “L.A. Law.” His script for “From the Hip” impressed Bochco, and Kelley was offered a staff writing position on the show.
Kelley’s role on “L.A. Law” quickly grew, and he eventually became an executive producer, earning two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic Series. In collaboration with Bochco, Kelley co-created “Dougie Houser, M.D.” in 1992 and launched David E. Kelley Productions, which secured a deal with CBS television.
One of the first successful series from David E. Kelley Productions was “Picket Fences,” which aired for four seasons and won 14 Emmy Awards. Following this achievement, Kelley created the CBS series “Chicago Hope” in 1994, which ran for six seasons.
In 1995, Kelley signed a new contract with 20th Century Fox and went on to create two highly acclaimed series: “The Practice” and “Ally McBeal.” “The Practice” aired for eight seasons on ABC, while “Ally McBeal” ran for five seasons on Fox.
Throughout his career, Kelley continued to create successful series, including “Boston Public” (2000-2004) and “Boston Legal” (2004-2008). In 2008, he entered a production deal with Warner Bros. Television and expanded his portfolio by creating “Goliath” for Amazon Studios in 2015 and the critically acclaimed HBO drama “Big Little Lies” in 2017.
Personal Life
David E. Kelley’s personal life is intertwined with his successful career. In January 1993, he began dating actress Michelle Pfeiffer after being set up on a blind date. Shortly after, Michelle adopted a newborn girl named Claudia Rose. The couple tied the knot in November 1993 and welcomed a son named John Henry in August 1994.
Net Worth Over Time
David E. Kelley’s net worth has evolved significantly throughout his illustrious career. With a current net worth of $250 million, he has established himself as one of the wealthiest individuals in the entertainment industry.
Components of Net Worth
David E. Kelley’s net worth primarily stems from his successful career as a television writer and producer. Over the years, he has earned substantial income from creating, producing, and writing for various critically acclaimed series. Additionally, his net worth is further enhanced by his collaboration with his wife, Michelle Pfeiffer, whose successful acting career contributes to their combined wealth.
In conclusion, David E. Kelley’s incredible net worth of $250 million reflects his exceptional talent and groundbreaking contributions to the television industry. Through his prolific career, he has crafted iconic shows and earned numerous accolades, solidifying his position as one of the most influential figures in the entertainment world.
