Larry David

Most people know Larry David (Lawrence Gene David) as the creator of Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm and the man who has made a career out of finding humor in the most ordinary situations. This man has not only changed the face of television comedy but has also become one of the richest men in Hollywood who is crass and hilariously intelligent. 

With a net worth of $400 million, David’s career has been going on for decades, starting from stand-up comedy in small clubs and ending up with the creation of some of the most popular shows in the history of television. Let’s take a closer look at the Larry David’s net worth in 2024 and how he got there.

What Is Larry David’s Net Worth?

As of 2024, Larry David’s net worth is estimated to be about $400 million.

The path to this kind of wealth started when Larry created Seinfeld in 1989 with Jerry Seinfeld. A simple comedy show that was initially described as a quirky “show about nothing” which then turned into one of the most successful sitcoms in television history. As the co-creator and the head writer of the show, Larry was to receive 15% of the backend of the show’s syndication, which was a great financial move.

When Seinfeld was first sold into syndication in 1998, reportedly generated $1.7 billion in revenue and Larry got a whopping $250 million for the show. This money, however, has only increased over the years with Seinfeld royalties, streaming revenues, and merchandise sales generating between $40-50 million annually. In 2015, Hulu paid $180 million for streaming rights to Seinfeld, which resulted in an extra $30 million for David in that year alone. It is reported that in 2019 when Netflix bought the streaming rights of the show for $500 million, Larry earned an extra $75 million.

But, his wealth was not immune to the turns of life either. In 2007, Larry’s divorce with Laurie David cost him half of his worth which reportedly cost him $200 million. But with a next venture, Larry David survived the ashes and rose from them with Curb Your Enthusiasm. The series wrapped up its final 12th season on April 7, 2024 and Larry is now expected to earn a nice sum as the show will go into syndication. It will focus on whether Seinfeld is still his main source of income or if Curb Your Enthusiasm will end up being the comedian’s real cash cow.

What Is Larry David’s Claim To Fame?

Larry David has had a storied career that has been both high and low. Here are some of the key moments that defined his media trajectory.

• Seinfeld: Larry David is mainly known for being the co-creator and writer of the popular television show Seinfeld (1989–1998). He worked together with Jerry Seinfeld to produce what later turned out to be one of the most popular sitcoms in the history of television, which topped the list of the “50 greatest TV shows of all time”. David was also a part of the writing team for Seinfeld and his work on that show especially the episodes such as "The Contest" earned him Golden Globes Awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards and made him a comedy writer par excellence.
• Divorce settlement with Laurie David: In 2007, David’s personal life was in the news when he divorced his wife, environmental activist Laurie David. It reportedly cost him around half of his net worth at the time, and it took a big chunk out of his finances. 
• Curb Your Enthusiasm: Following Seinfeld, David went on to achieve even more success with Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–2024), an HBO series in which he stars as himself, dealing with outrageously embarrassing real-life scenarios. Years later, David’s iconic work continued to pay dividends. When Hulu bought the streaming rights to Seinfeld for $180 million in 2015. He made around $30 million on this deal alone. His financial standing was further boosted in 2021 when Netflix paid $500 million for the rights to Seinfeld, cementing the show’s enduring appeal.

What Businesses Does Larry David Own Or Is A part Of?

Larry David, who has made a great impact on television, has also tried his hand at a couple of productions and brand endorsements that are close to him.

• Syndication deals: Syndication deals for Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm are the source of David's wealth. Seinfeld has apparently earned $3.1 billion in rerun payments from US television channels. David and Jerry Seinfeld agreed to share 15% equally in all profits from the show.

Brands Endorsement

• Crypto Endorsement: In 2022 Larry was featured in a Super Bowl commercial promoting FTX cryptocurrency exchange that later became infamous. Even though his involvement was in the form of endorsement, it is evident that Larry has his footprints in the current business activities, though the FTX venture turned out to be a disaster because it was a "fraudulent scheme" that took advantage of investors.
• Siri Endorsement: In 2024, David made a memorable endorsement of Apple's Siri, putting it on an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. In a minute-long clip David showed how easy it was to use Siri in the way you really would in a normal day with it, in a humorous, organic way – how accurate it was. It was executed in David’s usual style. But it's surprising that Apple hasn't yet put this clip on their official YouTube channel.

How Does Larry David Spend His Millions?

Larry David is not a Hollywood-spending kind of a guy. Though he spends on some necessities and luxuries, his spending pattern is quite simple and less flamboyant. David focuses on purchasing expensive houses and often dines at the most famous restaurants in Los Angeles but still, he is not a big spender.

How Many Houses Does Larry David Own?

Larry David has accumulated an impressive real estate portfolio, with properties spanning across California and Massachusetts. Here are the details:

• Pacific Palisades Home: One of his main residences is located in the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. Purchased in 2006 for $10.35 million, this home offers stunning ocean views, a large pool, and expansive outdoor spaces. It’s a serene retreat, embodying the comfort and privacy he values. In 2014, David sold the property for $12 million. This particular estate boasts seven bedrooms and ten baths, along with a massive guest house.
• Montecito Mansion: In February 2022, David bought a Montecito property for $5.7 million but quickly flipped it within a year for $6.9 million. The home had a modern design with scenic views of the surrounding hills.
• New Montecito Purchase: After selling his first Montecito Mansion, Larry purchased another mansion in the same area for $7.6 million in September 2022. This new property continues his trend of acquiring homes in prestigious areas.
• Martha’s Vineyard Property: Larry David also owns a property on Martha’s Vineyard, purchased in 2004. This residence serves as his quieter, off-the-grid retreat, a perfect getaway for the comedian who loves peace and privacy away from the limelight.

How Many Cars Does Larry David Own?

Larry David’s car collection, just like his life, is quite modest and he seems to be quite environmentally friendly as well. Instead of driving luxury supercars, he has his own sensible and eco-friendly approach to life. Here's a look at what’s in Larry’s garage:

• Toyota Prius: Larry is usually seen driving a Toyota Prius, a car that is environmentally friendly and more specifically a hybrid car. He has been using this car for many years proving that he is an environmentalist.
• Ford Escape Hybrid: Larry had used a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid in his show "Curb Your Enthusiasm". This vehicle was seen in season five where he talks about his cars he owns or has owned in the past. The Ford Escape Hybrid is also interesting because it was the first hybrid SUV in the world, which as we know suits David’s taste for environmentally friendly cars throughout the series.
• Audi e-tron Sportback: Recently, David has been seen driving an Audi e-tron Sportback which is a fully electric automobile and a stylish electric crossover automobile with performance and sustainability. In Season 11, he addresses the usual worries about battery range in electric cars resembling true issues for owners of electric vehicles. In one episode, he humorously complains about the charging time.
• BMW i3: Another car in David’s collection is BMW i3, which is a fully electric car that is environmentally friendly as well. You may notice the BMW i3 driven by Larry David as he was filming in seasons 9 and 10 of "Curb Your Enthusiasm".

What Are Larry David’s Charitable Contributions?

Interesting opinions on unacknowledged donations come from Larry David. He believes a lot of folks make anonymous donations for image benefits rather than genuinely helping others. Through humor, in an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm Larry David presents the idea of anonymous giving without public philanthropy. Not much is known about the specific charities he has done over the years.

With that being said, Larry founded the Larry David Foundation in 2008. The initiative helps drive his charitable activities with a focus on being a 501(c)(3) organization. Although the foundation is not managing its own initiatives, it assists and offers financial support to numerous organizations that promote David's interests in healthcare, environmental conservation, and children's rights. The foundation works quietly and keeps its financial information confidential to match David's choice for quiet giving.

What’s Next For Larry David?

After the last episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm on April 7, 2024, people are eager to know what the 77-year-old comedian will be doing next. Now that Curb Your Enthusiasm is off the air, industry insiders believe David could focus on selling the syndication rights. However, there is also speculation that David might make a cameo in Jerry Seinfeld's upcoming Netflix film Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story, which would be his first acting role as a character other than himself since 2013. People are waiting for his next masterpiece on television, in the movies, or any other platform.

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