Net Worth Ranker
What Is David Hyde Pierce’s Net Worth?
David Hyde Pierce, a celebrated American actor and director, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $40 million. His financial success is primarily attributed to his iconic role in the sitcom “Frasier,” where he portrayed Dr. Niles Crane. This role not only garnered him critical acclaim but also placed him among the highest-paid television actors of his time.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on April 3, 1959, in Saratoga Springs, New York, as David Pierce, he later adopted the middle name Hyde, his father’s middle name, to distinguish himself from another actor with the same name. His upbringing included his mother, Laura, who worked as an insurance agent, his father, George, an aspiring actor, and his siblings Nancy, Barbara, and Thomas. Pierce’s early interests included playing the organ at a local church, and he developed a passion for drama during his high school years. After high school, he was accepted into Yale University’s music program, originally planning to pursue classical piano. However, his interest in acting led him to change his major, and he graduated with degrees in English and Theatre Arts in 1981. During his time at Yale, Pierce actively participated in student productions, showcasing his talents in plays such as “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “Waiting for Godot.” After college, Pierce moved to New York City and worked as a security guard and a Bloomingdale’s sales associate while attending acting classes at Michael Howard Studios. His Broadway debut occurred in 1982 in Christopher Durang’s “Beyond Therapy.” Five years later, he began his television career with guest-starring roles on “Spenser: For Hire” and “Crime Story.” In 1988, he made his feature film debut in “Bright Lights, Big City,” followed by roles in “Crossing Delancey” (1988), “Rocket Gibraltar” (1988), and “Vampire’s Kiss” (1989). In 1991, Pierce appeared in the films “Little Man Tate” and “The Fisher King.” In 1992, he played Congressman Theodore Van Horne on the NBC sitcom “The Powers That Be,” which aired for 21 episodes.
“Frasier” and Peak Earnings
Pierce’s role as Dr. Niles Crane in “Frasier” (1993-2004) significantly impacted his net worth. During the show’s final two seasons, Pierce earned $1 million per episode. Adjusted for inflation, that’s about $1.5 million per episode in today’s dollars. This amounted to approximately $22 million per season, or $44 million for the final two seasons alone. In addition to his per-episode salary, Pierce has also earned substantial income from reruns of “Frasier,” contributing significantly to his $40 million net worth.
Beyond his salary from “Frasier,” David Hyde Pierce has also accumulated wealth through various other ventures in the entertainment industry. His stage career, including roles in productions like “Spamalot,” “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” and “Hello, Dolly!”, has contributed to his earnings. He won a Tony Award for his performance in “Curtains,” adding to both his critical acclaim and financial success. His voiceover work in animated films like “A Bug’s Life,” “Treasure Planet,” and “The Simpsons” has also provided a steady stream of income. Furthermore, his appearances in films such as “Sleepless in Seattle” and “Nixon” have added to his overall net worth.
Stage, Film, and Voice Acting Roles
David Hyde Pierce’s career extends beyond television, encompassing notable roles in stage productions, films, and voice acting. In 2005-2006, he played Sir Robin in “Spamalot,” and in 2013, he starred as Vanya in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.” From 2017 to 2018, he portrayed Horace Vandergelder in “Hello, Dolly!” In 2007-2008, he won a Tony Award for his performance as Lieutenant Frank Cioffi in “Curtains.” His film roles include appearances in “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993), “Nixon” (1995), and “The Perfect Host” (2010). He also played Henry Newman in the comedy “Wet Hot American Summer” (2001) and reprised his role in the Netflix series “Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp” (2015) and “Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later” (2017). Pierce’s voiceover work includes roles in “A Bug’s Life,” “Tangerine Bear,” “Osmosis Jones,” “Treasure Planet,” “Hellboy,” “The Simpsons,” and “The Amazing Screw-On Head.” In 1997 and 2007, he voiced Cecil Terwilliger on “The Simpsons” and returned as a different character in 2014. He narrated the films “Forever Plaid: The Movie” (2008) and “Stingray Sam” (2009) and played the lead role in the 2010 psychological thriller “The Perfect Host.” In 2012, he guest-starred as Commander Chiphead on “Sesame Street,” and from 2014 to 2015, he played Frank Prady on eight episodes of “The Good Wife.” David directed the musical “It Shoulda Been You” on Broadway in 2015 as well as an Off-Broadway production of David Lindsay-Abaire’s “Ripcord.” In 2017, he returned to Broadway to co-star with Bette Midler in “Hello, Dolly!,” which earned him nominations from the Tonys, Outer Critics Circle Awards, and Drama League Awards.
Awards and Accolades
David Hyde Pierce has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, contributing to his reputation and career opportunities, which in turn have positively influenced his net worth. He has been nominated for 11 Primetime Emmys, winning Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for “Frasier” in 1995, 1998, 1999, and 2004. His performance as Niles Crane also earned him five Golden Globe nominations, six American Comedy Awards, five Online Film & Television Association awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards (Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series), two Television Critics Association Awards, six Viewers for Quality Television Awards, and a “TV Guide” Award. In 1997, David won a CableACE Award for Guest Actor in a Dramatic Special or Series for “The Outer Limits” and an Online Film & Television Association award for Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for “Caroline in the City.” Pierce has earned four Tony nominations, winning Best Actor in a Musical for “Curtains” in 2007 and the Isabelle Stevenson Award in 2010. He received an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts Degree from Lewiston, New York’s Niagara University in 2007, and also has an Honorary Degree from Skidmore College, which is located in his hometown.
Personal Life and Real Estate
David Hyde Pierce married Brian Hargrove, a TV writer, director, and producer, on October 24, 2008, shortly before same-sex marriage was banned in California. In 2003, Pierce purchased an 8,184 square foot home in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles for $3.625 million. This 7-bedroom home, situated on a 0.92-acre property, featured a library, theater, gym, swimming pool, and guesthouse. He sold this property in 2012 for $7.05 million, realizing a significant profit on the investment, which contributed to his overall net worth.
Recent Projects
In 2021, David Hyde Pierce began starring in the HBO series “Julia,” where he plays Paul Child, the husband of Julia Child. His former “Frasier” co-star, Bebe Neuwirth, also stars in the series. This role not only keeps him active in the entertainment industry but also adds to his income stream, further solidifying his financial standing. Additionally, Pierce is set to appear in the horror film “The Georgetown Project,” scheduled for release in 2021, expanding his repertoire and potential earnings.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
David Hyde Pierce’s personal life includes his commitment to philanthropy and advocacy, particularly concerning Alzheimer’s disease. His father and grandfather both suffered from the condition, leading him to support the Alzheimer’s Association for many years. He has actively campaigned for the National Alzheimer’s Project Act and testified in Washington, D.C., about the need for funding for Alzheimer’s treatment. While his philanthropic activities do not directly increase his net worth, they reflect his values and commitment to important causes. His advocacy and support for Alzheimer’s research and treatment have earned him recognition and respect, enhancing his public image and potentially opening doors for further professional opportunities.
