What Is David Keith’s Net Worth?
David Keith, the American actor, director, and producer, has accumulated a net worth of $1.5 million. This valuation reflects his extensive career in film and television, spanning several decades. His involvement in various projects, both in front of and behind the camera, has contributed to this financial standing. While specific details regarding the breakdown of his assets are not publicly available, it is understood that his earnings from acting roles, directorial efforts, and production credits form the core of his wealth.
Early Career and Notable Roles
David Keith’s journey in the entertainment industry began with early roles in television and film. In 1978, he appeared in an uncredited role in the TV movie “Are You in the House Alone?”. Shortly after, he secured guest roles in popular series like “Happy Days” (1978) and “The Runaways” (1979), setting the stage for his breakthrough. His first feature film role was in “The Great Santini” (1979). These initial roles provided him valuable experience and exposure, gradually leading to more prominent opportunities.
A significant milestone in his career was his role as Sid Worley in “An Officer and a Gentleman” (1982). This film proved to be a major commercial success, grossing $190 million at the box office. The film’s success significantly boosted Keith’s profile and led to him being nominated for two Golden Globe awards in 1983: New Star of the Year in a Motion Picture – Male and Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Motion Picture. This recognition solidified his position in Hollywood and opened doors for future projects.
Throughout the 1980s, Keith continued to build his resume with roles in films such as “Firestarter” (1984) and “Heartbreak Hotel” (1988), where he portrayed Elvis Presley. He also appeared in numerous television movies and miniseries, showcasing his versatility as an actor. These roles not only added to his income but also broadened his range and appeal to different audiences.
In the 1990s, David Keith took on roles in over 20 films, including “The Two Jakes” (1990), “Major League II” (1994), and “The Indian in the Cupboard” (1995). He also ventured into television with starring roles in series like “Flesh ‘n’ Blood” (1991) and “High Incident” (1996–1997). These roles, while varying in prominence, collectively contributed to his earnings and maintained his presence in the industry.
The 2000s saw David Keith continuing to work steadily in both film and television. He appeared in films like “U-571” (2000), “Men of Honor” (2000), and “Daredevil” (2003). He also secured recurring roles in television series such as “Hawaii Five-0” (2011–2019) and “Reckless” (2014). His continued involvement in diverse projects helped him sustain his income and net worth.
Directorial and Production Ventures
In addition to his acting career, David Keith has also ventured into directing and producing, which have contributed to his overall net worth. He directed the films “The Curse” (1987), “The Further Adventures of Tennessee Buck” (1988), and “Waterville” (2003). Directing these films allowed him to earn income beyond acting roles. For example, while specific salary details are not public, a director typically earns a fee based on the budget and scope of the film. For a low-budget film like “The Curse,” the director’s fee could range from $50,000 to $150,000, while a more substantial production like “Waterville” could offer a higher fee, though it remains unconfirmed.
He also produced “Waterville” (2003) and the 2023 film “I’ll Be Watching.” Producing credits often involve a share of the film’s profits, providing an additional revenue stream. As a producer, Keith would have been involved in various aspects of the film’s creation, from securing funding to overseeing the production process. The financial benefits of producing depend on the film’s success and the terms of his agreement with the production company.
Television Roles and Recurring Characters
David Keith’s television career includes several notable roles that have contributed consistently to his income. His role as Arlo Weed on “Flesh ‘n’ Blood” (1991) and Jim Marsh on “High Incident” (1996–1997) provided steady employment during those periods. While specific salary details for these roles are not publicly available, actors in starring roles on network television series can earn anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 per episode, depending on their experience and the show’s budget.
Another significant television role was as ‘Yonk’ Allen on “The Class” (2006–2007). Although the show had a relatively short run, it provided him with consistent income for that period. Moreover, recurring roles such as John Allen on “Lone Star” (2010), Commander Wade Gutches on “Hawaii Five-0” (2011–2019), and Pat McCandless on “Reckless” (2014) offered sustained earnings over several years. Recurring roles typically pay per episode, and the cumulative effect of these appearances can be substantial over time. For “Hawaii Five-0,” given its popularity, Keith’s earnings per episode as a recurring character could have been in the range of $10,000 to $20,000.
Film Appearances and Box Office Success
David Keith has appeared in numerous films, some of which have achieved significant box office success, contributing to his net worth. Beyond “An Officer and a Gentleman,” which grossed $190 million, he has been part of other commercially successful projects. His roles in films like “Firestarter” (1984), “Major League II” (1994), “U-571” (2000), and “Men of Honor” (2000) have provided him with both upfront salary and potential backend earnings based on the film’s performance.
While exact salary figures for each film are not publicly disclosed, actors in supporting roles in major studio films can earn anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on their experience, negotiating power, and the film’s budget. For example, in “U-571,” which had a notable cast and a sizable budget, Keith’s salary would likely have been towards the higher end of that range. Backend deals, where actors receive a percentage of the film’s profits, can significantly increase their earnings if the film performs well at the box office.
Personal Life and Real Estate
David Keith’s personal life, including his marriage to realtor Nancy Clark in 2000 and their subsequent divorce in 2016, may have influenced his financial situation. Divorce settlements can often involve the division of assets, including real estate holdings and other investments. While details of their settlement are private, it is a factor that could have impacted his net worth.
Information about specific real estate assets owned by David Keith is not publicly available. However, it is common for individuals with a net worth of $1.5 million to own property, such as a primary residence or investment properties. The value of these assets can fluctuate over time, depending on market conditions and property values.
Investments and Endorsements
Details regarding David Keith’s specific investments and endorsements are not publicly known. However, it is common for actors and individuals with a similar financial profile to invest in a variety of assets, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate. These investments can provide additional income and contribute to overall wealth accumulation. Endorsements and sponsorships, where an individual promotes a product or service in exchange for payment, can also be a source of income. However, there is no publicly available information to confirm that David Keith has engaged in any endorsement deals.
His role as a spokesman for PROTECT: The National Association to Protect Children and his involvement with the organization’s National Advisory Board are examples of his commitment to social causes. While these activities are not directly related to his financial earnings, they reflect his values and priorities.
Awards and Recognition
David Keith’s Golden Globe nominations in 1983 for “An Officer and a Gentleman” raised his profile and potentially led to more lucrative opportunities. The recognition from such a prestigious award can enhance an actor’s reputation and increase their bargaining power when negotiating future contracts.
His Best Actor nomination at the 2017 Great Lakes Christian Film Festival for “Heritage Falls” is another example of the recognition he has received throughout his career. While this award may not have had a direct financial impact, it demonstrates his continued involvement in meaningful projects and his dedication to his craft.