Net Worth Ranker
What Is Keith David’s Net Worth?
Keith David, a versatile American actor, voice artist, and producer, has cultivated a notable career spanning several decades. His estimated net worth stands at $5 million, reflecting his success across film, television, stage, and voice acting roles. This wealth is accumulated through diverse projects, from starring in acclaimed films to lending his distinctive voice to animated characters and narrating documentaries.
Early Life and Education
Born on June 4, 1956, in Harlem, New York City, Keith David spent his formative years in Queens. His father, Lester Williams, served as a director of payroll operations, providing a stable foundation for the family. His mother, Dolores, worked as a manager at New York Telephone, contributing to the household income and setting an example of professional dedication. During his school years, David discovered his passion for acting when he played the Cowardly Lion in a production of “The Wizard of Oz,” which ignited his desire to pursue acting professionally. He honed his skills at Manhattan’s High School of Performing Arts, where he developed a strong foundation in theatrical performance. Continuing his pursuit of excellence, David attended the prestigious Juilliard School as part of their Drama Division. He successfully completed his studies, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1979, marking a significant milestone in his formal training as an actor.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough Roles
Keith David’s professional journey began with John Houseman’s The Acting Company, where he gained valuable experience touring the country in 1980 and 1981. During this period, he showcased his talents in productions of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Waiting for Godot,” demonstrating his versatility as a stage actor. His film career gained momentum in 1982 when he starred as Childs in “The Thing,” alongside Kurt Russell. From 1983 to 1985, he played Keith, the handyman, in nine episodes of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” These early roles helped establish his presence in the entertainment industry, setting the stage for future success.
Film and Television Success
Throughout the late 1980s, Keith David secured roles in films such as “Platoon,” “Hot Pursuit,” “Off Limits,” and “They Live.” In 1989, he appeared in “Roadhouse,” and the early 1990s saw him in “Men at Work” and “Reality Bites.” By 1995, he took on roles in “Dead Presidents” and Spike Lee’s “Clockers.” David continued to diversify his filmography with appearances in independent films like “Requiem for a Dream” in 2000 and big-budget action movies such as “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” and “Transporter 2” in 2005. His television work during this period included episodes of “The Outer Limits,” “The Legend of Tarzan,” “The Job,” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”
The 2010s brought further success for David, with a role in the NBC series “The Cape” and a recurring part in the sixth season of “Community.” In 2015, he was cast in a leading role in the drama series “Greenleaf.” He also appeared in films like “Assault on Wall Street” (2013), “Boiling Pot” (2015), “Night School” (2018), “21 Bridges” (2019), and “Most Guys Are Losers” (2020). Additionally, he contributed to documentaries such as “Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror” (2019) and “In Search of Darkness” (2019).
Stage Career and Awards
Keith David’s presence extends to the theater, where he has garnered critical acclaim. In 1992, he won a Tony Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for his performance in “Jelly’s Last Jam,” highlighting his talent in musical theater. He has also been praised for his performances in various Shakespeare productions in Central Park. In 1995, he appeared in the Apollo revival of “The Wiz,” alongside Whitney Houston, Cedric the Entertainer, and Samuel E. Wright. Other notable stage appearances include the musical “Hot Feet” on Broadway in 2006, the revival of “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” in 2013, and “Paul Robeson” in 2014. He starred as Dolomite in the off-Broadway play “ToasT,” which depicts the story of prisoners at Attica Prison through poetic prose. These roles demonstrate his commitment to live performance and his ability to connect with audiences in a theatrical setting.
Voice Acting and Narration
Keith David’s voice acting career has been marked by his versatility and distinctive voice. He voiced Goliath in “Gargoyles,” the title character in the “Spawn” animated series, and a recurring character on “Archer.” He also served as narrator in the English dub of “Princess Mononoke.” In video games, he voiced characters in “Fallout,” “Planescape: Torment,” and the “Halo” series. David collaborated with rapper Ice Cube, lending his voice to the intro of projects like “Terrorists Threats” and albums “Raw Footage” and “I Am the West,” and narrating the documentary “Beef II.”
His collaborations with documentary filmmaker Ken Burns include narrating films such as “Jazz,” “Mark Twain,” “Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson, Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali,” and “The War.” He won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance for his work in “Unforgivable Blackness” and “The War.” Additional narration and voice-over work include documentaries like “Ancient Refuge in the Holy Land,” “Crusades: Crescent & the Cross,” and “Comic Book Superheroes Unmasked.” He succeeded as the narrator for the A&E show “City Confidential” and voiced the police detective in the audiobook versions of James Patterson novels. These roles illustrate his success and contribution in voice acting and narration, significantly contributing to his $5 million net worth.
Personal Life
Keith David’s personal life includes two marriages. He married Margit Edwards in 1990, but they divorced the same year. They have a son named Owen. In 2001, he married Dionne Lea Williams, a singer and actress. Together, they have two daughters – Ruby and Mae Lea.
Keith David’s Net Worth: A Summary
Keith David’s $5 million net worth is a reflection of his extensive and varied career in acting, voice work, and narration. His work in film, television, theater, and voice acting has allowed him to amass considerable wealth and establish himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. His continued success in diverse projects indicates that his financial standing remains strong and stable.
