David Hyde Pierce Net Worth -

What is David Hyde Pierce’s Net Worth?

David Hyde Pierce is an American actor and director with a net worth of $40 million. He is best known for his role in the sitcom “Frasier,” which made him one of the highest-paid TV actors in the world.

Pierce originally planned to be a concert pianist and was accepted to Yale University’s music program. However, he changed his plans and graduated with degrees in English and Theatre Arts.

Pierce has won four Emmy Awards for his work on “Frasier” and was nominated a record eleven consecutive times. He has also won a Tony Award for his work in “Curtains” and has appeared on Broadway multiple times.

Pierce has also had a successful voiceover career, voicing characters in projects such as “A Bug’s Life,” “Hellboy,” and “The Simpsons.” He has appeared in several films, including “Sleepless in Seattle” and “Nixon.”

In 2021, Pierce began starring in the HBO series “Julia” as Paul Child, husband of Julia Child.

David Hyde Pierce’s Multi-Million Dollar Salary for “Frasier”

David Hyde Pierce earned an impressive $1 million per episode in the final two seasons of “Frasier.” Adjusted for inflation, this amounts to $1.5 million per episode in today’s dollars, making it one of the highest salaries paid to a television actor per episode. His earnings for those two seasons alone totaled $44 million. In addition, Pierce has earned millions from reruns of the show.

Early Life and Education

David Hyde Pierce was born on April 3, 1959, in Saratoga Springs, New York. He grew up with his mother Laura, father George, and siblings Nancy, Barbara, and Thomas. Pierce later added the middle name Hyde to differentiate himself from another actor with the same name.

During his youth, Pierce played organ at a local church and developed an interest in drama in high school. He went on to study classical piano at Yale University but changed his major to English and Theatre Arts, graduating in 1981. While at Yale, Pierce directed and acted in student productions and appeared in plays such as “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “Waiting for Godot.”

David Hyde Pierce’s Career Highlights

David Hyde Pierce moved to New York City after college and worked as a security guard and sold ties at Bloomingdale’s while taking classes at Michael Howard Studios. He made his Broadway debut in 1982 and his television debut five years later. He appeared in several films throughout the late 80s and early 90s, including “Sleepless in Seattle” and “Addams Family Values.”

He landed the role of psychiatrist Niles Crane on “Frasier” in 1993, which ran for 11 seasons and earned Pierce several awards. He also appeared in several films while starring on the show and guest-starred on various TV shows.

Pierce voiced Cecil Terwilliger on “The Simpsons” and narrated several films. He played the lead role in the 2010 psychological thriller “The Perfect Host.” David directed the musical “It Shoulda Been You” on Broadway in 2015 and appeared in several TV shows and miniseries.

David is set to appear in the horror film “The Georgetown Project,” which is scheduled for release in 2021.

David Hyde Pierce’s Personal Life and Philanthropy

David Hyde Pierce married TV writer, director, and producer Brian Hargrove in 2008, just before same-sex marriage was banned in California. Pierce thanked Hargrove during his 2007 Tony acceptance speech, acknowledging his support and guidance throughout his career.

Both of David’s father and grandfather suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. He has been an advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association and campaigned for the National Alzheimer’s Project Act. In Washington, D.C., he testified about the need for funding for Alzheimer’s treatment.

David Hyde Pierce’s Awards and Honors

Pierce has been nominated for 11 Primetime Emmys, winning Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for “Frasier” in 1995, 1998, 1999, and 2004. His performance as Niles Crane also earned him five Golden Globe nominations, six American Comedy Awards, five Online Film & Television Association awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Television Critics Association Awards, six Viewers for Quality Television Awards, and a “TV Guide” Award.

He also won a CableACE Award and an Online Film & Television Association award for his guest appearances in “The Outer Limits” and “Caroline in the City,” respectively.

Pierce has earned four Tony nominations, winning Best Actor in a Musical for “Curtains” in 2007 and the Isabelle Stevenson Award in 2010. He has also received Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts Degrees from Niagara University and Skidmore College, his hometown college.

David Hyde Pierce’s Los Feliz Home

In 2003, David Hyde Pierce purchased an 8,184 square foot home in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles for $3.625 million. The property featured a library, theater, and gym, and included a swimming pool and guesthouse on its .92-acre lot. Pierce sold the 7-bedroom home for $7.05 million in 2012.