David Michael Letterman is a popular television host, comedian, producer, and writer who has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. His fame has named him number forty-five of the greatest TV stars of all time. With these achievements, we consider David Letterman’s net worth.
David Letterman’s net worth sums up to a whopping $400 million. This is a brilliant accumulation of his salary of $50 million, as well as other earnings and incentives from his jobs.
His credits and awards include four American Comedy Awards and the Johnny Carson Award for Comedic Excellence at The Comedy Awards.
Early Life And Career Beginnings
Born in 1947, David grew up with his sisters and parents in Indianapolis, Indiana. He enjoyed hearing his father tell jokes and bring life to gatherings. This became one of his biggest inspirations. He had also enjoyed collecting model cars and racers.
He graduated from Ball State in 1969 and began his career as a radio talk show host. Here, he gained recognition with his sense of humour. However, he was first fired for speaking sarcastically on a topic of classical music. Still, David had not let his previous ugly experience put him down with his style.
His style of sarcasm and humour only made him a favourite of his new job. He instantly soared onto the favourite comedian for The Tonight Show.
Late Show And Retirement
David finally got his own show on NBC on June 23, 1980; sadly, this development did not last. Despite being successful, the show was cancelled after just four months because of poor ratings.
This did not end his career still, nor did it discourage Letterman. Later, NBC provided another slot for him for the night show. This was the genesis of his late-night career.
Premiering in February 1982, David once again captured the hearts of teens and college students with his witty style. After NBC disappointed him, David left the company to establish his own show independently.
CBS signed Letterman to a three-year contract that paid him twice what he earned previously. Pushing out with all his ferocity, David continued to place his emphasis on his style. This went a long way in keeping his audience and securing his spot in the industry.
With time, Letterman’s show earned a lot of popularity, leading to its nominations for numerous awards.
As Letterman finally began to pull back, he dedicated a good amount of his fortune towards charity. Letterman also established the Letterman Foundation for Courtesy and Grooming.
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He has also donated millions to industries and other non-profit foundations and establishments. Some of his beneficiaries include Doctors Without Borders and the American Cancer Society.
Letterman also owns the Worldwide Pants Incorporated, which he founded in 1991. The incorporation produced many of his shows and other external shows. He began hosting a show on Netflix, which he called My Next Guest Needs No Introduction. He opened this fabulous show with former President Barack Obama being his first guest.
Marriage And Personal Life
Letterman married his college times girlfriend – Michelle Cook, in 1968. They divorced shortly after nine years of marriage. He was also in a relationship with late-night producer Merril Markoe after his divorce, but they had never wedded.
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Letterman dated Regina Lasko, who bore him a son in 2003 before they finally wedded in 2009. In the middle of this, David experienced critical health conditions. He was rushed to the hospital in January 2000 for quintuple bypass surgery after doctors discovered a blockage in his arteries. He also admitted to struggling with alcohol and anxiety.
In 2009, David received blackmail from a person who threatened to reveal his affairs with several of his female staff. Letterman sadly admitted to these claims and had publicly apologized to his wife and staff in his show.
In 2005, the police uncovered a plot against Letterman, which would have cost him $5 million. Luckily, the police caught the culprit and charged him with conspiracy. Letterman has also invested in real estate and owns one in Westchester County, New York. He also owns a place on Martha’s Vineyard, a ranch near Chateau, Montana, and a racing team.
