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 Name | David E. Kelley |
Net Worth | $250 Million |
Date Of Birth | April 4, 1956 |
Place Of Birth | Waterville, Maine USA |
Profession | Television writer, TV producer, Former Boston lawyer |
Education | Belmont Hill School, Princeton University, Boston University School of Law |
Nationality | American |
Spouse | Michelle Pfeiffer (1993-) |
Children | Claudia Kelley, John Kelley |
Parents | Jack Kelley |
Twitter | https://twitter.com/kelleyvilleusa |
IMDB | www.imdb.com/name/nm0005082 |
Allmusic | www.allmusic.com/artist/david-e-kelley-mn0001592998 |
Awards | Edgar 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) |
Nominations | Primetime 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 |
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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. |
2 | I tend to be a little grand in terms of storytelling, I've never been limited by anybody's sense of reality. |
# | Fact |
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1 | Started writing as a hobby at the age of 27. |
2 | Michelle 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. |
3 | Brother in-law of Kevin Ryan. |
4 | Brother-in-law of Dedee Pfeiffer and Lori Pfeiffer. |
5 | Has an adopted daughter named Claudia Rose (born in 1993) with Michelle Pfeiffer. |
6 | Has a son, John Henry, with his wife Michelle Pfeiffer. The son, born in 1994, is named after David's father. |
7 | David 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. |
8 | The 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. |
9 | Kelley 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]. |
10 | His father, Jack Kelley, was at one time director of operations for the Glens Falls [New York] Civic Center. |
All pictures
Writer
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|
The Crazy Ones | | TV Series created by - 22 episodes, 2013 - 2014 written by - 2 episodes, 2013 - 2014 | |
Monday Mornings | | TV Series created by - 10 episodes, 2013 written by - 8 episodes, 2013 teleplay - 1 episode, 2013 teleplay by - 1 episode, 2013 | |
Harry's Law | | TV Series created by - 34 episodes, 2011 - 2012 written by - 29 episodes, 2011 - 2012 story by - 1 episode, 2012 teleplay by - 1 episode, 2012 | |
Wonder Woman | 2011 | TV Movie teleplay | |
Legally Mad | 2010 | TV Movie creator | |
Boston Legal | | TV 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 Mars | 2008 | TV Movie written by | |
Lake Placid 2 | 2007 | TV Movie original concept - uncredited | |
The Wedding Bells | | TV Series created by - 7 episodes, 2007 written by - 6 episodes, 2007 | |
The Law Firm | 2005 | TV Series creator | |
Boston Public | | TV Series created by - 81 episodes, 2000 - 2004 written by - 41 episodes, 2000 - 2003 teleplay - 2 episodes, 2001 story - 1 episode, 2001 | |
The Practice | | TV 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 Hampshire | 2003 | TV Series written by - 5 episodes | |
Girls Club | | TV Series created by - 9 episodes, 2002 written by - 1 episode, 2002 | |
Ally McBeal | | TV 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 Hope | | TV Series created by - 141 episodes, 1994 - 2000 written by - 20 episodes, 1994 - 2000 teleplay by - 4 episodes, 1995 story by - 3 episodes, 1995 | |
Snoops | | TV Series created by - 13 episodes, 1999 - 2000 written by - 5 episodes, 1999 | |
Mystery, Alaska | 1999 | written by | |
Lake Placid | 1999 | written by | |
To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday | 1996 | screenplay | |
Picket Fences | | TV Series created by - 88 episodes, 1992 - 1996 written by - 5 episodes, 1992 - 1994 | |
Mixed Nuts | 1996 | TV Movie | |
Doogie Howser, M.D. | | TV Series created by - 97 episodes, 1989 - 1993 written by - 2 episodes, 1989 | |
L.A. Law | | TV Series written by - 60 episodes, 1986 - 1992 teleplay by - 8 episodes, 1986 - 1988 | |
From the Hip | 1987 | screenplay / story | |
Mr. Mercedes | 2018 | TV Series screenplay - 1 episode pre-production | |
Big Little Lies | 2017 | TV Series teleplay by - 1 episode post-production | |
Goliath | | TV Series created by - 8 episodes, 2016 written by - 5 episodes, 2016 | |
Producer
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|
Mr. Mercedes | 2018 | TV Series executive producer - 1 episode pre-production | |
Big Little Lies | 2017 | TV Series executive producer - 7 episodes post-production | |
Goliath | 2016 | TV Series executive producer - 8 episodes | |
The Crazy Ones | 2013-2014 | TV Series executive producer - 22 episodes | |
Monday Mornings | 2013 | TV Series executive producer - 10 episodes | |
Harry's Law | 2011-2012 | TV Series executive producer - 34 episodes | |
Wonder Woman | 2011 | TV Movie executive producer | |
Legally Mad | 2010 | TV Movie executive producer | |
Boston Legal | 2004-2008 | TV Series executive producer - 101 episodes | |
Life on Mars | 2008 | TV Movie executive producer | |
The Wedding Bells | 2007 | TV Series executive producer - 4 episodes | |
The Law Firm | 2005 | TV Series executive producer | |
Halley's Comet | 2005 | TV Movie executive producer | |
DeMarco Affairs | 2004 | TV Movie executive producer | |
The Practice | 1997-2004 | TV Series executive producer - 167 episodes | |
The Brotherhood of Poland, New Hampshire | 2003 | TV Series executive producer | |
Boston Public | 2000-2002 | TV Series executive producer - 13 episodes | |
Girls Club | 2002 | TV Series executive producer / producer | |
Ally McBeal | 1997-2002 | TV Series executive producer - 109 episodes | |
Chicago Hope | | TV Series consulting producer - 22 episodes, 1999 - 2000 executive producer - 22 episodes, 1994 - 1995 | |
Snoops | 1999-2000 | TV Series executive producer - 13 episodes | |
Mystery, Alaska | 1999 | producer | |
Ally | 1999 | TV Series executive producer | |
Lake Placid | 1999 | producer | |
To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday | 1996 | producer | |
Mixed Nuts | 1996 | TV Movie executive producer | |
Picket Fences | 1992-1995 | TV Series executive producer - 66 episodes | |
L.A. Law | | TV Series executive producer - 44 episodes, 1989 - 1991 supervising producer - 19 episodes, 1988 - 1989 co-producer - 7 episodes, 1988 | |
Doogie Howser, M.D. | 1989 | TV Series supervising producer - 1 episode | |
Miscellaneous
Title | Year | Status | Character |
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Boston Public | 2002-2004 | TV Series executive consultant - 25 episodes | |
Chicago Hope | 1995-1999 | TV Series executive consultant - 51 episodes | |
Picket Fences | 1995-1996 | TV Series executive consultant - 22 episodes | |
L.A. Law | | TV Series executive consultant - 22 episodes, 1991 - 1992 story editor - 20 episodes, 1986 - 1987 executive story editor - 12 episodes, 1987 - 1988 | |
Doogie Howser, M.D. | 1989-1992 | TV Series creative consultant - 74 episodes | |
Actor
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|
Frankie and Johnny Are Married | 2003 | | David E. Kelley |
Thanks
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|
Tiny Little Lies | 2008 | special thanks | |
Self
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|
Unsung | 2015 | TV Series documentary | Himself |
Tavis Smiley | 2012 | TV Series | Himself |
The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards | 2012 | TV Special | Himself - Audience Member |
14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards | 2008 | TV Special | Himself - Audience Member |
The 59th Primetime Emmy Awards | 2007 | TV Special | Himself - Nominated: Outstanding Drama Series |
The 12th Annual Golden Laurel Awards | 2001 | TV Special | Himself - Winner |
3rd Annual TV Guide Awards | 2001 | TV Special | Himself |
Snoops | 2000 | TV Series | Himself |
The 51st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards | 1999 | TV Special | Himself - Winner: Outstanding Drama Series / Outstanding Comedy Series and Nominated: Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series |
The 56th Annual Golden Globe Awards | 1999 | TV Movie documentary | Himself - Winner: Best TV-Series - Drama & Comedy / Musical |
The 13th Annual Genesis Awards | 1999 | TV Special | Himself |
The 50th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards | 1998 | TV Special | Himself - 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. Kelly | 1998 | TV Movie | Himself - Honoree |
The 55th Annual Golden Globe Awards | 1998 | TV Special | Himself - Best TV-Series - Comedy / Musical & Nominee: Best TV-Series - Drama |
The 49th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards | 1997 | TV Special | Himself - Audience Member |
The 46th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards | 1994 | TV Special | Himself - Winner: Outstanding Drama Series |
The 51st Annual Golden Globe Awards | 1994 | TV Special | Himself - Nominee: Best TV Series - Drama |
The 45th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards | 1993 | TV Special | Himself - Winner: Outstanding Drama Series |
The 65th Annual Academy Awards | 1993 | TV Special | Himself - Audience Member |
The 49th Annual Golden Globe Awards | 1992 | TV Special | Himself - Nominee: Best TV-Series - Drama |
The 43rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards | 1991 | TV Special | Himself - Winner: Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series and Outstanding Drama Series |
L.A. Law 100th Episode Celebration | 1991 | TV Movie | Himself - Writer |
The 42nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards | 1990 | TV Special | Himself - Winner: Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series & Outstanding Drama Series |
Commitment to Life IV: Los Angeles AIDS Project Benefit | 1990 | TV Movie | Himself |
The 41st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards | 1989 | TV Special | Himself - Winner: Outstanding Drama Series & Nominee: Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series |
Archive Footage
Won Awards
Year | Award | Ceremony | Nomination | Movie |
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2014 | OFTA TV Hall of Fame | Online Film & Television Association | Behind the Scenes | Earning 28 Emmy nominations and ten Emmys, series creator David E. Kelley |
2004 | Edgar | Edgar Allan Poe Awards | Best Television Episode Teleplay | The Practice (1997) |
2003 | Humanitas Prize | Humanitas Prize | 60 Minute Category | The Practice (1997) |
2003 | Laurel Award for TV Writing Achievement | Writers Guild of America, USA | | |
2002 | Career Achievement Award | Casting Society of America, USA | | |
2002 | Humanitas Prize | Humanitas Prize | 60 Minute Category | The Practice (1997) |
2001 | Lifetime Achievement Award in Television | PGA Awards | | |
2001 | Brandon Tartikoff Award | TV Guide Awards | | |
1999 | Award of Excellence | Banff Television Festival | | |
1999 | PGA Award | PGA Awards | Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television | The Practice (1997) |
1999 | TCA Award | Television Critics Association Awards | Individual Achievement in Drama | The Practice (1997) |
1999 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Comedy Series | Ally McBeal (1997) |
1999 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Drama Series | The Practice (1997) |
1998 | Monitor | International Monitor Awards | Film Originated Television Series - Best Achievement | Ally McBeal (1997) |
1998 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Drama Series | The Practice (1997) |
1996 | Humanitas Prize | Humanitas Prize | 60 Minute Category | Picket Fences (1992) |
1996 | Showmanship Award | Publicists Guild of America | Television | |
1996 | Paul Selvin Honorary Award | Writers Guild of America, USA | | |
1994 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Drama Series | Picket Fences (1992) |
1993 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Drama Series | Picket Fences (1992) |
1991 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Drama Series | L.A. Law (1986) |
1991 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series | L.A. Law (1986) |
1990 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Drama Series | L.A. Law (1986) |
1990 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series | L.A. Law (1986) |
1989 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Drama Series | L.A. Law (1986) |
Nominated Awards
Year | Award | Ceremony | Nomination | Movie |
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2009 | PGA Award | PGA Awards | Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, Drama | Boston Legal (2004) |
2008 | Humanitas Prize | Humanitas Prize | 60 Minute Category | Boston Legal (2004) |
2008 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Drama Series | Boston Legal (2004) |
2007 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Drama Series | Boston Legal (2004) |
2006 | PGA Award | PGA Awards | Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, Drama | Boston Legal (2004) |
2002 | Edgar | Edgar Allan Poe Awards | Best Television Episode | The Practice (1997) |
2001 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Drama Series | The Practice (1997) |
2000 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Drama Series | The Practice (1997) |
1999 | BAFTA TV Award | BAFTA Awards | Best International (Programme or Series) | Ally McBeal (1997) |
1999 | Career Achievement Award | Television Critics Association Awards | | |
1999 | WGA Award (TV) | Writers Guild of America, USA | Episodic Drama | The Practice (1997) |
1999 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series | Ally McBeal (1997) |
1998 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Comedy Series | Ally McBeal (1997) |
1998 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series | Ally McBeal (1997) |
1998 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series | The Practice (1997) |
1998 | Edgar | Edgar Allan Poe Awards | Best Television Episode | The Practice (1997) |
1998 | Career Achievement Award | Television Critics Association Awards | | |
1996 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Drama Series | Chicago Hope (1994) |
1996 | WGA Award (TV) | Writers Guild of America, USA | Episodic Drama | Picket Fences (1992) |
1995 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Drama Series | Chicago Hope (1994) |
1995 | Humanitas Prize | Humanitas Prize | 60 Minute Category | Picket Fences (1992) |
1994 | Edgar | Edgar Allan Poe Awards | Best Television Episode | Picket Fences (1992) |
1994 | Humanitas Prize | Humanitas Prize | 60 Minute Category | Picket Fences (1992) |
1994 | WGA Award (TV) | Writers Guild of America, USA | Episodic Drama | Picket Fences (1992) |
1991 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series | L.A. Law (1986) |
1991 | Edgar | Edgar Allan Poe Awards | Best Television Episode | L.A. Law (1986) |
1991 | WGA Award (TV) | Writers Guild of America, USA | Episodic Drama | L.A. Law (1986) |
1991 | WGA Award (TV) | Writers Guild of America, USA | Episodic Drama | L.A. Law (1986) |
1990 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series | L.A. Law (1986) |
1990 | Edgar | Edgar Allan Poe Awards | Best Television Episode | L.A. Law (1986) |
1990 | WGA Award (TV) | Writers Guild of America, USA | Episodic Drama | L.A. Law (1986) |
1989 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series | L.A. Law (1986) |
1989 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series | L.A. Law (1986) |
1989 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series | L.A. Law (1986) |
1989 | WGA Award (TV) | Writers Guild of America, USA | Episodic Drama | L.A. Law (1986) |
1988 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Drama Series | L.A. Law (1986) |
1988 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series | L.A. Law (1986) |
1988 | Primetime Emmy | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series | L.A. Law (1986) |
1988 | WGA Award (TV) | Writers Guild of America, USA | Episodic Drama | L.A. Law (1986) |
3rd Place Awards
Year | Award | Ceremony | Nomination | Movie |
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2013 | Humanitas Prize | Humanitas Prize | 60 Minute Category | Monday Mornings (2013) |
Known for movies
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