David Letterman’s Net Worth

David Letterman, the iconic American comedian and former late-night talk show host, boasts a net worth of $400 million. His financial journey includes lucrative licensing and syndication deals, with peak annual earnings reaching $50 million. Born on April 12, 1947, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Letterman’s comedic roots trace back to his early days as a weatherman and stand-up performer.

David Letterman Ball State to Late Night Stardom

Graduating from Ball State University in 1969, Letterman’s foray into comedy began with a brief stint as a weatherman on an Indianapolis TV station. His offbeat humor and unpredictable style garnered attention, leading to stand-up performances at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles. Despite an early career setback, with his morning comedy show canceled after four months, Letterman’s resilient spirit led to the creation of “Late Night with David Letterman” on NBC in 1982.

David Letterman NBC Fallout

“Late Night with David Letterman” became a cultural phenomenon, known for irreverent humor, quirky segments like “Stupid Pet Tricks,” and the legendary Top 10 List. Despite being passed over for “The Tonight Show” in 1992, Letterman’s move to CBS resulted in the creation of “The Late Show with David Letterman” in 1993. A fierce competitor against Jay Leno, Letterman’s shows garnered widespread acclaim and numerous Emmy nominations.

Retirement

Letterman announced his retirement in 2014, concluding his late-night tenure in 2015. With 6,080 episodes hosted, he surpassed Johnny Carson as the longest-serving late-night talk show host. Post-retirement, Letterman embraced philanthropy, channeling funds through the Letterman Foundation for Courtesy and Grooming.

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He also owns Worldwide Pants Incorporated, which produced his show and others. In 2018, Netflix welcomed him back with “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction,” a long-form interview series.

Personal Life

Beyond the spotlight, Letterman faced personal challenges, including a quintuple bypass surgery in 2000. His relationships, including marriages and a long-term partnership with Merrill Markoe, reflect the complexities of his personal life. Letterman’s admission of struggles with alcohol addiction and anxiety, coupled with a 2009 blackmail attempt revealing affairs with staffers, added layers to his public persona.

David Letterman Net Worth

A master interviewer and comedy trailblazer, David Letterman net worth of $400 million reflects not only financial success but also the enduring influence of his wit and charm.