David E. Kelley Net Worth

August 2024 · 13 minute read

David Edward Kelley net worth is
$250 Million

David Edward Kelley Wiki Biography

David Edward Kelley was born on 4 April 1956, in Waterville, Maine USA, the son of Jack Kelley, who served as the coach of New England Whalers hockey team and as the president of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He is a television writer and producer, well known for creating several television series including “L.A. Law”, “Picket Fences”, “Chicago Hope”, “The Practice”, “Ally McBeal”, “Boston Public”, “Boston Legal” and “Harry’s Law”.

So just how rich is David Kelley? According to sources, Kelley has amassed a net worth over $250 million, as of mid-2016, accumulated during his screenwriting and producing career now spanning over 30 years.

David E. Kelley Net Worth $250 Million

Kelley grew up in Belmont, Massachusetts, where he attended the Belmont Hill School. Upon matriculating, he enrolled in Princeton University, majoring in political science. After his graduation in 1979, he attended Boston University Law School, earning his J.D. in 1983. He later began working at a Boston law firm, where he largely dealt with real estate and minor criminal cases.

In 1983 Kelley began writing a screenplay based on some of his experiences in law. After optioning the script in 1986, he obtained an agent, and his story turned into the 1987 film “From the Hip”. Around the same time, the script came into the hands of Steven Bochco, who hired Kelley as a story editor for his new series “L.A. Law”, eventually upgrading his position to executive story editor, co-producer, and then to executive producer. The series became extremely successful, earning Kelley two Emmys for writing; he left the show in 1991, but meanwhile, along with Bochco, he created the series “Doogie Howser, M.D.” that ran on ABC from 1989 to 1993. His net worth was rising nicely.

Starting his own production company in 1992, Kelley created his own series, “Picket Fences” for CBS, which won 14 Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. His second series for CBS was the medical drama “Chicago Hope”, which ran from 1994 to 2000, earning seven Emmy awards. Again, all added to Kelley’s net worth.

In 1995 he signed a five-year deal with 20th Century Fox Television to produce two series: “Ally McBeal for FOX and “The Practice” for ABC, both shows focusing on Boston law firms, however, in different ways. “The Practice” aired from 1997 to 2004 and “Ally McBeal” from 1997 to 2002, receiving high praises and winning numerous awards, which made Kelley the first producer to win Emmy and Golden Globe Awards in both the Outstanding/Best Drama Series and Outstanding/Best Comedy Series categories in the same year. His wealth was boosted again.

After extending his arrangement with 20th Century Fox Television in 2000, Kelley became the highest-paid producer in TV history, earning around $40 million a year. The same year he created “Boston Public”, the series which didn’t follow the success of Kelley’s previous works, but was a modest hit nevertheless. He achieved minor success with his next several series, “Girls Club”, “The Brotherhood of Poland”, “New Hampshire” and the reality show “The Law Firm”. However, his next project “Boston Legal”, a spin-off of “The Practice”, which lasted from 2004 to 2008, enjoyed astonishing popularity, winning seven Emmys and considerably adding to Kelley’s net worth.

In 2008, he signed a deal with Warner Bros. Television. In 2011 he created the legal drama “Harry’s Law”, which became the network’s second most-watched series. After its cancellation in 2012, Kelley went on to create the series “Monday Mornings” for TNT and then “The Crazy Ones” for CBS. However both series were soon canceled. He is currently working on a new series called “Goliath”, announced to be released in fall 2016, no doubt looking to lift his net worth further.
As a screenwriter who has created series aired on major networks, Kelley has established a spectacular reputation in the television industry, and a significant fortune as well.

In his personal life, Kelley has been married to actress Michelle Pfeiffer since 1993. The couple has two children, including a daughter which Pfeiffer adopted several months before the couple married.


Full NameDavid E. Kelley
Net Worth$250 Million
Date Of BirthApril 4, 1956
Place Of BirthWaterville, Maine USA
ProfessionTelevision writer, TV producer, Former Boston lawyer
EducationBelmont Hill School, Princeton University, Boston University School of Law
NationalityAmerican
SpouseMichelle Pfeiffer (1993-)
ChildrenClaudia Kelley, John Kelley
ParentsJack Kelley
Twitterhttps://twitter.com/kelleyvilleusa
IMDBwww.imdb.com/name/nm0005082
Allmusicwww.allmusic.com/artist/david-e-kelley-mn0001592998
AwardsEdgar Award for Best Television Episode Teleplay (2004), TCA Award (1999), Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television (2001), PGA Television Producer of the Year Award (1999), Paul Selvin Award (1996), Laurel Award for TV Writing Achievement (2003)
NominationsPrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, Writers Guild of America Award for Television: Episodic Drama, TCA Career Achievement Award, British Academy Television International Award, Producers Guild of America Award - Norman Felton Producer of the Year Award in Episodic Telev...
Movies"Wonder Woman" (2011), "Lake Placid 2" (2007), "Frankie and Johnny Are Married" (2003), "From the Hip" (1987), "Mystery, Alaska" (1999)
TV Shows"Boston Public" (2000-2005), "Harry's Law" (2011-2012), "Picket Fences" (1992-1996), "Chicago Hope" (1994-2000), "The Practice" (1997-2004), "Ally McBeal" (1997-2000), "Boston Legal" (2004–2008)
#Quote
1[on scripting The Crazy Ones for Robin Williams] He says my words perfectly - then he uses his. I feel like I've been handed the keys to a car that I'm ill-equipped to drive.
2I tend to be a little grand in terms of storytelling, I've never been limited by anybody's sense of reality.
#Fact
1Started writing as a hobby at the age of 27.
2Michelle Pfeiffer was already in the process of adopting a child by the time she met David. They had only been together for two months when their daughter Claudia Rose was added to their family.
3Brother in-law of Kevin Ryan.
4Brother-in-law of Dedee Pfeiffer and Lori Pfeiffer.
5Has an adopted daughter named Claudia Rose (born in 1993) with Michelle Pfeiffer.
6Has a son, John Henry, with his wife Michelle Pfeiffer. The son, born in 1994, is named after David's father.
7David Kelley's father Jack Kelley was the former head coach for the Boston University Terriers hockey team and the first head coach for the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association formed in 1972.
8The most Kelley-created shows to be on at any given time was five during the 1999-2000 television season, with Chicago Hope (1994) on CBS, The Practice (1997), and Snoops (1999) on ABC, and Ally McBeal (1997) and Ally (1999) on Fox.
9Kelley became the first producer to win Emmy and Golden Globe Awards in both the Outstanding/Best Drama Series (The Practice (1997)) and Outstanding/Best Comedy Series (Ally McBeal (1997)) categories in the same year. [1999].
10His father, Jack Kelley, was at one time director of operations for the Glens Falls [New York] Civic Center.

All pictures

Writer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
The Crazy OnesTV Series created by - 22 episodes, 2013 - 2014 written by - 2 episodes, 2013 - 2014
Monday MorningsTV Series created by - 10 episodes, 2013 written by - 8 episodes, 2013 teleplay - 1 episode, 2013 teleplay by - 1 episode, 2013
Harry's LawTV Series created by - 34 episodes, 2011 - 2012 written by - 29 episodes, 2011 - 2012 story by - 1 episode, 2012 teleplay by - 1 episode, 2012
Wonder Woman2011TV Movie teleplay
Legally Mad2010TV Movie creator
Boston LegalTV Series created by - 101 episodes, 2004 - 2008 written by - 68 episodes, 2004 - 2008 story - 7 episodes, 2004 - 2008 teleplay - 7 episodes, 2004 - 2008 story by - 3 episodes, 2004 - 2007 teleplay by - 3 episodes, 2004 - 2007
Life on Mars2008TV Movie written by
Lake Placid 22007TV Movie original concept - uncredited
The Wedding BellsTV Series created by - 7 episodes, 2007 written by - 6 episodes, 2007
The Law Firm2005TV Series creator
Boston PublicTV Series created by - 81 episodes, 2000 - 2004 written by - 41 episodes, 2000 - 2003 teleplay - 2 episodes, 2001 story - 1 episode, 2001
The PracticeTV Series created by - 167 episodes, 1997 - 2004 written by - 131 episodes, 1997 - 2004 teleplay by - 9 episodes, 1997 - 2004 story by - 6 episodes, 1997 - 2001 story - 2 episodes, 2002 teleplay - 2 episodes, 2002 story & teleplay - 1 episode, 2003
The Brotherhood of Poland, New Hampshire2003TV Series written by - 5 episodes
Girls ClubTV Series created by - 9 episodes, 2002 written by - 1 episode, 2002
Ally McBealTV Series created by - 112 episodes, 1997 - 2002 written by - 100 episodes, 1997 - 2002 story - 6 episodes, 2000 - 2002 teleplay - 6 episodes, 2000 - 2002 story by - 5 episodes, 1998 - 2002 teleplay by - 5 episodes, 1998 - 2002
Chicago HopeTV Series created by - 141 episodes, 1994 - 2000 written by - 20 episodes, 1994 - 2000 teleplay by - 4 episodes, 1995 story by - 3 episodes, 1995
SnoopsTV Series created by - 13 episodes, 1999 - 2000 written by - 5 episodes, 1999
Mystery, Alaska1999written by
Lake Placid1999written by
To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday1996screenplay
Picket FencesTV Series created by - 88 episodes, 1992 - 1996 written by - 5 episodes, 1992 - 1994
Mixed Nuts1996TV Movie
Doogie Howser, M.D.TV Series created by - 97 episodes, 1989 - 1993 written by - 2 episodes, 1989
L.A. LawTV Series written by - 60 episodes, 1986 - 1992 teleplay by - 8 episodes, 1986 - 1988
From the Hip1987screenplay / story
Mr. Mercedes2018TV Series screenplay - 1 episode pre-production
Big Little Lies2017TV Series teleplay by - 1 episode post-production
GoliathTV Series created by - 8 episodes, 2016 written by - 5 episodes, 2016

Producer

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Mr. Mercedes2018TV Series executive producer - 1 episode pre-production
Big Little Lies2017TV Series executive producer - 7 episodes post-production
Goliath2016TV Series executive producer - 8 episodes
The Crazy Ones2013-2014TV Series executive producer - 22 episodes
Monday Mornings2013TV Series executive producer - 10 episodes
Harry's Law2011-2012TV Series executive producer - 34 episodes
Wonder Woman2011TV Movie executive producer
Legally Mad2010TV Movie executive producer
Boston Legal2004-2008TV Series executive producer - 101 episodes
Life on Mars2008TV Movie executive producer
The Wedding Bells2007TV Series executive producer - 4 episodes
The Law Firm2005TV Series executive producer
Halley's Comet2005TV Movie executive producer
DeMarco Affairs2004TV Movie executive producer
The Practice1997-2004TV Series executive producer - 167 episodes
The Brotherhood of Poland, New Hampshire2003TV Series executive producer
Boston Public2000-2002TV Series executive producer - 13 episodes
Girls Club2002TV Series executive producer / producer
Ally McBeal1997-2002TV Series executive producer - 109 episodes
Chicago HopeTV Series consulting producer - 22 episodes, 1999 - 2000 executive producer - 22 episodes, 1994 - 1995
Snoops1999-2000TV Series executive producer - 13 episodes
Mystery, Alaska1999producer
Ally1999TV Series executive producer
Lake Placid1999producer
To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday1996producer
Mixed Nuts1996TV Movie executive producer
Picket Fences1992-1995TV Series executive producer - 66 episodes
L.A. LawTV Series executive producer - 44 episodes, 1989 - 1991 supervising producer - 19 episodes, 1988 - 1989 co-producer - 7 episodes, 1988
Doogie Howser, M.D.1989TV Series supervising producer - 1 episode

Miscellaneous

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Boston Public2002-2004TV Series executive consultant - 25 episodes
Chicago Hope1995-1999TV Series executive consultant - 51 episodes
Picket Fences1995-1996TV Series executive consultant - 22 episodes
L.A. LawTV Series executive consultant - 22 episodes, 1991 - 1992 story editor - 20 episodes, 1986 - 1987 executive story editor - 12 episodes, 1987 - 1988
Doogie Howser, M.D.1989-1992TV Series creative consultant - 74 episodes

Actor

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Frankie and Johnny Are Married2003David E. Kelley

Thanks

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Tiny Little Lies2008special thanks

Self

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Unsung2015TV Series documentaryHimself
Tavis Smiley2012TV SeriesHimself
The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards2012TV SpecialHimself - Audience Member
14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards2008TV SpecialHimself - Audience Member
The 59th Primetime Emmy Awards2007TV SpecialHimself - Nominated: Outstanding Drama Series
The 12th Annual Golden Laurel Awards2001TV SpecialHimself - Winner
3rd Annual TV Guide Awards2001TV SpecialHimself
Snoops2000TV SeriesHimself
The 51st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1999TV SpecialHimself - Winner: Outstanding Drama Series / Outstanding Comedy Series and Nominated: Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
The 56th Annual Golden Globe Awards1999TV Movie documentaryHimself - Winner: Best TV-Series - Drama & Comedy / Musical
The 13th Annual Genesis Awards1999TV SpecialHimself
The 50th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1998TV SpecialHimself - Nominated: Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series, Outstanding Comedy Series and Winner: Outstanding Drama Series
The Annual Museum of TV and Radio Honors. A Salute to Jerry Seinfeld and David E. Kelly1998TV MovieHimself - Honoree
The 55th Annual Golden Globe Awards1998TV SpecialHimself - Best TV-Series - Comedy / Musical & Nominee: Best TV-Series - Drama
The 49th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1997TV SpecialHimself - Audience Member
The 46th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1994TV SpecialHimself - Winner: Outstanding Drama Series
The 51st Annual Golden Globe Awards1994TV SpecialHimself - Nominee: Best TV Series - Drama
The 45th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1993TV SpecialHimself - Winner: Outstanding Drama Series
The 65th Annual Academy Awards1993TV SpecialHimself - Audience Member
The 49th Annual Golden Globe Awards1992TV SpecialHimself - Nominee: Best TV-Series - Drama
The 43rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1991TV SpecialHimself - Winner: Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series and Outstanding Drama Series
L.A. Law 100th Episode Celebration1991TV MovieHimself - Writer
The 42nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1990TV SpecialHimself - Winner: Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series & Outstanding Drama Series
Commitment to Life IV: Los Angeles AIDS Project Benefit1990TV MovieHimself
The 41st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards1989TV SpecialHimself - Winner: Outstanding Drama Series & Nominee: Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series

Archive Footage

Won Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie
2014OFTA TV Hall of FameOnline Film & Television AssociationBehind the Scenes

Earning 28 Emmy nominations and ten Emmys, series creator David E. Kelley

2004EdgarEdgar Allan Poe AwardsBest Television Episode TeleplayThe Practice (1997)
2003Humanitas PrizeHumanitas Prize60 Minute CategoryThe Practice (1997)
2003Laurel Award for TV Writing AchievementWriters Guild of America, USA
2002Career Achievement AwardCasting Society of America, USA
2002Humanitas PrizeHumanitas Prize60 Minute CategoryThe Practice (1997)
2001Lifetime Achievement Award in TelevisionPGA Awards
2001Brandon Tartikoff AwardTV Guide Awards
1999Award of ExcellenceBanff Television Festival
1999PGA AwardPGA AwardsOutstanding Producer of Episodic TelevisionThe Practice (1997)
1999TCA AwardTelevision Critics Association AwardsIndividual Achievement in DramaThe Practice (1997)
1999Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Comedy SeriesAlly McBeal (1997)
1999Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Drama SeriesThe Practice (1997)
1998MonitorInternational Monitor AwardsFilm Originated Television Series - Best AchievementAlly McBeal (1997)
1998Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Drama SeriesThe Practice (1997)
1996Humanitas PrizeHumanitas Prize60 Minute CategoryPicket Fences (1992)
1996Showmanship AwardPublicists Guild of AmericaTelevision
1996Paul Selvin Honorary AwardWriters Guild of America, USA
1994Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Drama SeriesPicket Fences (1992)
1993Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Drama SeriesPicket Fences (1992)
1991Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Drama SeriesL.A. Law (1986)
1991Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Writing in a Drama SeriesL.A. Law (1986)
1990Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Drama SeriesL.A. Law (1986)
1990Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Writing in a Drama SeriesL.A. Law (1986)
1989Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Drama SeriesL.A. Law (1986)

Nominated Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie
2009PGA AwardPGA AwardsOutstanding Producer of Episodic Television, DramaBoston Legal (2004)
2008Humanitas PrizeHumanitas Prize60 Minute CategoryBoston Legal (2004)
2008Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Drama SeriesBoston Legal (2004)
2007Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Drama SeriesBoston Legal (2004)
2006PGA AwardPGA AwardsOutstanding Producer of Episodic Television, DramaBoston Legal (2004)
2002EdgarEdgar Allan Poe AwardsBest Television EpisodeThe Practice (1997)
2001Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Drama SeriesThe Practice (1997)
2000Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Drama SeriesThe Practice (1997)
1999BAFTA TV AwardBAFTA AwardsBest International (Programme or Series)Ally McBeal (1997)
1999Career Achievement AwardTelevision Critics Association Awards
1999WGA Award (TV)Writers Guild of America, USAEpisodic DramaThe Practice (1997)
1999Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Writing for a Comedy SeriesAlly McBeal (1997)
1998Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Comedy SeriesAlly McBeal (1997)
1998Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Writing for a Comedy SeriesAlly McBeal (1997)
1998Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Writing for a Drama SeriesThe Practice (1997)
1998EdgarEdgar Allan Poe AwardsBest Television EpisodeThe Practice (1997)
1998Career Achievement AwardTelevision Critics Association Awards
1996Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Drama SeriesChicago Hope (1994)
1996WGA Award (TV)Writers Guild of America, USAEpisodic DramaPicket Fences (1992)
1995Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Drama SeriesChicago Hope (1994)
1995Humanitas PrizeHumanitas Prize60 Minute CategoryPicket Fences (1992)
1994EdgarEdgar Allan Poe AwardsBest Television EpisodePicket Fences (1992)
1994Humanitas PrizeHumanitas Prize60 Minute CategoryPicket Fences (1992)
1994WGA Award (TV)Writers Guild of America, USAEpisodic DramaPicket Fences (1992)
1991Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Writing in a Drama SeriesL.A. Law (1986)
1991EdgarEdgar Allan Poe AwardsBest Television EpisodeL.A. Law (1986)
1991WGA Award (TV)Writers Guild of America, USAEpisodic DramaL.A. Law (1986)
1991WGA Award (TV)Writers Guild of America, USAEpisodic DramaL.A. Law (1986)
1990Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Writing in a Drama SeriesL.A. Law (1986)
1990EdgarEdgar Allan Poe AwardsBest Television EpisodeL.A. Law (1986)
1990WGA Award (TV)Writers Guild of America, USAEpisodic DramaL.A. Law (1986)
1989Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Writing in a Drama SeriesL.A. Law (1986)
1989Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Writing in a Drama SeriesL.A. Law (1986)
1989Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Writing in a Drama SeriesL.A. Law (1986)
1989WGA Award (TV)Writers Guild of America, USAEpisodic DramaL.A. Law (1986)
1988Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Drama SeriesL.A. Law (1986)
1988Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Writing in a Drama SeriesL.A. Law (1986)
1988Primetime EmmyPrimetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Writing in a Drama SeriesL.A. Law (1986)
1988WGA Award (TV)Writers Guild of America, USAEpisodic DramaL.A. Law (1986)

3rd Place Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie
2013Humanitas PrizeHumanitas Prize60 Minute CategoryMonday Mornings (2013)

Known for movies


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