David Norris Brenner was born on the 4th February 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA, and was a stand-up comedian and actor, best known to the world for his frequent guest appearances on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” (1971-1991). He is also regarded as a pioneer of observational comedy. David passed away in 2014.
Have you ever wondered how rich David Brenner was, at the time of his death? According to authoritative sources, it has been estimated that Brenner’s net worth was as high as $9 million, an amount earned through his successful career in the entertainment industry as an actor.
David Brenner Net Worth $9 Million
Both of David’s parents were Jewish. David’s father was a comedian himself, performing under the stage name Lou Murphy. While in high school, David got his start as a comedian, and was selected as class comedian all four years. After high school matriculation, David enrolled at Temple University, from which he obtained a degree in mass communication.
Before David set his focus on comedy, he worked as a writer, director and producer, making more than 100 television documentaries, while serving as the head of documentary units for broadcasting companies Westinghouse Broadcasting, and Metromedia.
His first contact with comedy happened in 1969, when he appeared at The Improv club, and after that he also performed at several clubs located in Greenwich Village. Slowly his name became more known, and in 1971 he made his first appearance on “The Tonight Show”. From then on, he became a frequent Johnny Carson guest, appearing in more than 80 episodes of the show, which significantly increased his wealth, and saw him sought by other hosts, and featured in such shows as “The David Frost Show” (1971-1972), “The Mike Douglas Show” (1971-1980) – appearing in more than 60 episodes – “Late Night with David Letterman” (1990-1993), and “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” (1994-1999), which only increased further his net worth.
Apart from frequent appearances on TV, David also released the comedy album “Excuse Me, Are You Reading That Paper?” in 1983, the sales of which added to his wealth. To speak further of his accomplishments, David authored several books, such as “Revenge is the Best Exercise” (1984), “If God Wanted Us to Travel” (1990), “Think There’s a Terrorist in My Soup: How to Survive Personal and World Problems with Laughter—Seriously” (2003), among others.
David also reached glory working as a host; his first job was hosting the weekly radio show “David Brenner Live” (1985), then his own TV show “Nightlife” (1986-1987), and from 1994 to 1996 he hosted a talk-radio program on the Mutual Broadcasting System.
Thanks to his contribution to the entertainment industry, David was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia’s Hall of Fame in 2003.
Regarding his personal life, David had lived a full life; he married and divorced three times, while he was also in a relationship with Tai Babilona, from 2002 until 2009. He has three children, two with his second wife, actress Elizabeth Slater. The two were married from 2000 until 2001, and later fought for custody over children, which David eventually won. From 2011 until 2014 he was married to Ruth, his third wife. His first wife was Geri Leno, with whom he had a son.
David died at his home in Manhattan, New York City, on the 15th March 2014, after losing his battle with cancer.
