Net Worth Ranker
What Is Sinbad’s Net Worth?
As of March 2025, Sinbad’s net worth is estimated to be around $100,000. This figure reflects a challenging financial period for the comedian, marked by significant debt and bankruptcy filings. While he achieved considerable success in his career, including television roles, film appearances, and stand-up comedy specials, Sinbad’s financial situation has been significantly impacted by tax issues and health challenges.
Financial Difficulties and Bankruptcy
Sinbad’s financial troubles became public in May 2013 when he filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. At the time, he reported assets of approximately $131,000 and debts totaling $10.99 million. A significant portion of this debt was owed to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), amounting to $8.3 million in unpaid taxes from 1998 to 2006. Additionally, he owed $375,000 to American Express and $30,000 to Bank of America, along with $2.3 million to the state of California. His bankruptcy filing indicated a monthly income of $16,000 and ownership of a 2007 BMW 750 and a 2010 Lincoln Navigator. Chapter 13 bankruptcy allowed Sinbad to reorganize his debts rather than have them completely discharged.
Career Highlights and Earnings
Sinbad, born David Adkins on November 10, 1956, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, began his career after serving in the United States Air Force. His stage name was inspired by Sinbad the Sailor. His early career involved appearances on “Star Search,” where he gained recognition, eventually leading to roles in television and film. His role as Coach Walter Oakes on “A Different World” from 1987 to 1991 was particularly pivotal in his rise to fame.
He hosted “It’s Showtime at the Apollo” from 1989 to 1991 and again in 2005, and was the emcee at the 2000 Miss Universe Pageant. His own sitcom, “The Sinbad Show,” aired for one season in 1993. He starred in films such as “Necessary Roughness,” “Coneheads,” “Meteor Man,” “Houseguest,” and “Jingle All the Way.” He also released several stand-up comedy specials for HBO, including “Sinbad: Brain Damaged” in 1990, “Sinbad – Afros and Bellbottoms” in 1993, “Sinbad – Son of a Preacher Man” in 1996, and “Sinbad – Nothin’ but the Funk” in 1998. While specific earnings from these projects aren’t publicly available, they contributed to his income over the years.
Health Crisis and Financial Impact
In November 2020, Sinbad suffered a severe ischemic stroke, which significantly impacted his health and finances. The stroke, caused by a blood clot, left him unable to speak or move for weeks, requiring extensive and costly medical care. By November 2022, his family revealed that two years of treatment had placed a considerable strain on his finances, as he was still struggling to regain mobility. While the exact costs of his medical treatment remain private, it is evident that they have further complicated his financial situation, impacting Sinbad’s net worth.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
David Adkins attended Benton Harbor High School, graduating in 1974, and then attended the University of Denver from 1974 to 1978. Before his entertainment career took off, Sinbad served in the Air Force as a boom operator on KC-135 Stratotankers. He was stationed at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas, where he began performing stand-up comedy in downtown Wichita. While his Air Force salary would have been modest, this period marked the beginning of his journey into comedy.
