Net Worth Ranker
What Is David E. Kelley’s Net Worth
David E. Kelley, a highly successful American television writer and producer, shares a net worth of $250 million with his wife, actress Michelle Pfeiffer. This figure represents their combined assets and financial holdings as of 2025.
Early Life and Education
David Edward Kelley was born in Waterville, Maine, in April 1956. His father, Jack Kelley, is an inductee of the United States Ice Hockey Hall of Fame, a notable achievement highlighting the family’s connection to sports. David was raised in Belmont, Massachusetts, where he attended Belmont High School. His formative years in Belmont provided the foundation for his later academic and professional pursuits.
After graduating high school, Kelley pursued higher education at Princeton University, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science. A unique aspect of his academic work was turning the Bill of Rights into a play for his senior thesis, with each amendment personified as a character. This creative approach to his studies hinted at his future career in entertainment.
Continuing his academic journey, Kelley obtained a Juris Doctor from Boston University Law School. During his time in law school, he showcased his writing talents by contributing to a legal-themed sketch comedy group called the Legal Follies. This experience further honed his writing skills and exposed him to the intersection of law and entertainment.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Following law school, David E. Kelley began his professional career at a Boston law firm, where he handled real estate and minor criminal cases. While working as a lawyer, he engaged in creative writing as a side hobby. In 1983, at the age of 27, Kelley started writing a legal thriller. This story was adapted into a screenplay and eventually became the 1987 film “From the Hip,” starring Judd Nelson. This early success marked Kelley’s foray into the entertainment industry and foreshadowed his future achievements.
In 1986, producer Steven Bochco, known for his work on television series, sought talented young legal writers for a new NBC series titled “L.A. Law”. After reading Kelley’s script for “From the Hip,” Bochco offered him a staff writing position on the show. Initially, Kelley continued to work at his legal job, hesitant to fully commit to a career in television writing. However, by the second season of “L.A. Law,” Kelley was promoted to story editor and co-producer, indicating his growing influence and talent within the production. By 1989, he had ascended to the role of executive producer, cementing his position as a key creative force behind the show.
Kelley’s work on “L.A. Law” garnered him two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic Series, recognizing his contribution to the show’s success. These accolades were pivotal in establishing his reputation as a talented writer and producer.
In 1992, Bochco and Kelley co-created “Dougie Howser, M.D.” which further showcased their collaborative dynamic. That same year, they established David E. Kelley Productions, which quickly secured a deal with CBS television. The first series produced by this venture was “Picket Fences,” which aired 88 episodes over four seasons and won 14 Emmy Awards. These accomplishments underscored Kelley’s ability to create and produce successful television shows.
In 1994, Kelley created the CBS series “Chicago Hope,” which aired 141 episodes over six seasons, further establishing his presence in the television industry. In 1995, his deal with CBS concluded, and he signed a new, more lucrative contract with 20th Century Fox, marking a significant step in his career.
Peak Career and Notable Shows
Under his new contract with 20th Century Fox, Kelley developed “The Practice” and “Ally McBeal.” “The Practice” aired 168 episodes over eight seasons on ABC, while “Ally McBeal” aired 112 episodes over five seasons on Fox. These series were critical and commercial successes, solidifying Kelley’s position as a leading television creator.
In 2000, Kelley created “Boston Public,” which aired 81 episodes over four seasons, showcasing his ability to create diverse and engaging television content. In 2004, he created “Boston Legal,” which aired 101 episodes over five seasons, further cementing his reputation as a prolific and successful television producer.
In 2008, Kelley departed from Fox and signed a new production deal with Warner Bros. Television, demonstrating the high demand for his creative talent. In 2015, he created the series “Goliath” for Amazon Studios, expanding his reach into streaming platforms. In 2017, he created the critically acclaimed HBO drama “Big Little Lies”, which demonstrated his ability to create high-quality content for premium cable networks.
David E. Kelley is among a select group of individuals who have successfully created shows for all four major American television networks: ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. He has also created shows for several prominent streaming platforms, showcasing his adaptability to the evolving media landscape. As of 2025, Kelley has won 11 Emmy Awards and 4 Peabody Awards, recognizing his significant contributions to the television industry. In 2014, Kelley was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on television.
Personal Life and Real Estate
David E. Kelley began dating actress Michelle Pfeiffer in January 1993 after a blind date. Before their relationship, Pfeiffer had initiated legal adoption proceedings. Two months into their dating, Pfeiffer adopted a newborn girl named Claudia Rose. Kelley and Pfeiffer married in November 1993. In August 1994, Pfeiffer gave birth to a son named John Henry, completing their family.
Michelle Pfeiffer and David E. Kelley have owned a 340-acre coastal estate in a remote area of British Columbia for over a decade. They reportedly invested over $35 million to acquire the property and construct a large cabin retreat. The property’s remote location means it lacks a postal code and is accessible only by boat. They listed this property for sale in October 2017 for $28 million.
In 2004 and 2008, they acquired two parcels in Woodside, California, totaling 8.7 acres, for $20.6 million. The property included a 6,300 square-foot home. After listing this property for $29 million in 2018, they sold it for $22 million in January 2020.
In 2016, they purchased a home in the Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles for $8.15 million. In September 2018, they acquired the house next door for $7.7 million, bringing their total investment to $15.85 million. In January 2020, they sold the first property for $9.1 million to Jim Crane, owner of the Houston Astros. The second property was listed for $8.35 million, later reduced to $7.3 million. In February 2020, Pfeiffer and Kelley acquired a lavish estate in the Pacific Palisades for $22.25 million. They listed the home for sale on July 9, 2021, and reportedly sold it within two weeks at the asking price of $25 million. In November 2023, they purchased another home in the Pacific Palisades for $10.6 million, adding to their extensive real estate holdings. These real estate transactions reflect their investment strategies and financial activities.
