When it comes to showbiz, comedy is one of the least lucrative sectors of the industry. Except for comedians who bring their funny act to movies or TV shows, comedians are not known for being the richest group in the entertainment except for a few extraordinary people. Dave Chappelle’s net worth is proof of his place among the most exceptional of comedians, one that places him among the greatest comedians of all time.
Dave has been in the industry since 1982 when he moved to New York City to pursue a career as a comedian and in that time, he has created excellent works like the classic comedy sketch series, Chappelle’s Show and in movies like Half Baked, You’ve Got Mail and a few others.
His highly successful career in the world of comedy has helped him become one of the richest people in the business and we explore his net worth and what he spends his money on below. Read on.
Dave Chappelle’s Net Worth
When Dave Chappelle moved to one of the ancestral homes of comedy in the US, New York City in 1982, it was the start of a lifelong comedy career for the Washington DC born comedian but it wouldn’t be an easy start. For a period during the early days in his career, he was regularly booed off the stage.
His perseverance and the wealth of talent at his disposal eventually gained prominence and he began to grow a reputation in the comedy circuit. After about a decade, his career as a comedian finally took off when he appeared on the famous Def Comedy Jam on HBO. Soon afterward, he was making appearances on late-night TV shows and in film.
After a series of appearances across stage, film, and TV shows, eventually leading to one of his early classic works, Chappelle’s Show, which debuted in 2003.
The popularity of the show ultimately made Dave Chappelle a household name in America and gave him the national status that has eventually helped him to a personal net worth of $42 million.
He once famously walked away from a $50 million deal to continue hosting Chapelle’s Show but it hasn’t stopped the ace comedian from becoming a superstar comedian.
After an intermittent absence from the entertainment industry, Dave Chappelle returned in 2013 and after a series of tours across the US as well as a return to film, he signed a $20 million per release deal with Netflix for his specials. He has released six specials so far. His first two specials for the streaming giant were the top two most-viewed comedy specials in the company’s history.
Aside from the mammoth deal, Dave Chappelle’s net worth has also come through movie appearances, which total over 25 since he made his debut appearance in Robin Hood: Men in Tights as Ahchoo. Some of his movie appearances include box office successes like You’ve Got Mail, Half Baked, Blue Streak, The Nutty Professor and a few more others.
When he is not acting, Dave Chappelle’s net worth also benefits from technical roles as a writer and a producer. Aside from writing his specials, he is credited with writing The Oscars, an episode of Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist and his film, Dave Chappelle’s Block Party. As a producer, he has produced several specials, including his comeback specials, The Age of Spin and Deep in the Heart of Texas, both of which were released in 2017.
How Does He Spend His Money?
Aside from Dave Chappelle’s massive net worth, he is also a well-recognized comedian and has won a string of major awards like the Grammy Award, Emmy Award and Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
See Also:Â Jerry Seinfeld’s Net Worth: How Exactly Did He Become So Rich?
So, with considerable wealth and reputation, what does Dave spend on? Well, you won’t find Dave Chappelle spending on luxurious dresses and jewelry. Despite his significant fame and wealth, he continues to maintain a simple outward look.
While it is generally believed that like his peers, he has a bit of investment in real estate. He owns some houses in Xenia, Ohio and he lives in a 65-acre farm near Yellow Springs, Ohio.
As for luxury cars or women, Dave Chappelle is known to live a simple life according to the tenets of his religion, Islam. The comedian has been married once and he has three children – two sons – Sulayman, Ibrahim and a daughter, Sanaa.
