Basic Information
| Full Name | David Wayne Spade |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | July 22, 1964 |
| Birth Place | Birmingham, Michigan, U.S. |
| Education | Saguaro High School; Scottsdale Community College; briefly Arizona State University |
| Occupations | Comedian, Actor, Writer, Producer, Host |
| Net Worth | $70 million |
Early Life and Education
Born on July 22, 1964 in Birmingham, Michigan, David Spade moved with his family to Scottsdale,
Arizona at age four. The youngest of three brothers—Andy, Bryan, and himself—he grew up with a
quick wit that surfaced in high school talent shows at Saguaro High. After graduating, he attended
Scottsdale Community College before briefly enrolling at Arizona State University. By age twenty—
driven by a desire to make people laugh—Spade dropped out of college to pursue stand-up comedy,
honing his sarcastic delivery in Phoenix comedy clubs.
Saturday Night Live: Foundations of Fame
In 1990, Spade joined Saturday Night Live
as a writer and performer, quickly becoming known for his deadpan “Hollywood Minute” celebrity
roasts and the absurdist “Total Bastard Airlines” flight-attendant sketches. Over six seasons
(1990–1996), he wrote or co-wrote over 100 segments and appeared in more than 200 sketches,
sharing the stage with Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, and other future comedy icons. This period
laid the groundwork for his signature style—dry, self-deprecating humor delivered with piercing
timing.
Sitcom Stardom and Television Legacy
Following his SNL exit, Spade transitioned to scripted television, starring as the fast-talking
assistant Dennis Finch on NBC’s Just Shoot Me! (1997–2003). His portrayal earned a
Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and solidified
his status as a sitcom lead. He later headlined 8 Simple Rules (2004–2005) and
Rules of Engagement (2007–2013), each series showcasing his adeptness at blending
sharp one-liners with relatable character arcs. Over 200 episodes across these shows attest
to his enduring appeal on network television.
Film Roles and Iconic Voice Work
On the big screen, Spade proved equally versatile. He co-starred with Chris Farley in the cult
classic Tommy Boy (1995), delivering some of the film’s most quotable lines, and led the
road-trip comedy Joe Dirt (2001). His distinctive voice landed him principal roles in
animation, most notably Emperor Kuzco in Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove (2000) and
Frank in The Rugrats Movie (1998). These performances highlighted his ability to imbue
even the most outlandish characters with relatable humanity.
Hosting Ventures and Podcast Success
Always evolving, Spade returned to hosting with Comedy Central’s late-night show
Lights Out with David Spade (2019–2020), blending monologues with celebrity interviews.
In 2023, he fronted Fox’s game show Snake Oil, demonstrating his quick improvisational
instincts. Since 2022, he has co-hosted the “Fly on the Wall” podcast with former SNL colleague
Dana Carvey, where unscripted anecdotes and genuine camaraderie resonate with millions of listeners.
Awards, Nominations, and Industry Honors
Over three decades, Spade has amassed four Primetime Emmy nominations and two Golden Globe
nominations, recognizing both his acting and writing prowess. He received a star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 5, 2003, cementing his impact on American comedy.
His peers often commend his sharp writing—many scripts from his SNL tenure are studied in
comedy-writing courses nationwide.
Net Worth and Business Endeavors
With an estimated net worth of $70 million, Spade’s income streams extend beyond acting.
Real estate investments in California and Florida parcels complement his entertainment earnings.
Additionally, he has produced several of his own projects—underscoring a shrewd business acumen
that parallels his on-stage confidence.
Public Image and Social Media Influence
Known for trademark sarcasm and incisive humor, Spade is considered one of the “Bad Boys” of
SNL’s golden era. His social media presence commands millions of followers:
| Platform | Handle | Followers |
|---|---|---|
| X (formerly Twitter) | @DavidSpade | 2.7 M |
| @davidspade | 3 M | |
| TikTok | @davidspade | 4.6 M |
| DavidSpade | 1.3 M |
His platforms mix promotional content with personal insights, maintaining an authentic
connection to fans. Social-media analysts cite his consistent voice and tight-knit community
engagement as key factors in sustaining his relevance.
Recent News and Upcoming Projects
In July 2025, Spade announced that he will headline the Alaska State Fair in Palmer, Alaska,
marking a return to live stand-up on August 15, 2025. Tickets went on sale earlier that month
and sold out within days, underscoring his enduring draw here.
That same month, in an interview on Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Spade reflected on
his early SNL challenges and how collaborative friendships shaped his career
in depth.
He also publicly reconciled with Eddie Murphy during the SNL 50th anniversary special,
confirming “no weird vibes” remain between them
here.
As he balances stand-up, hosting, and voice-over work, David Spade shows no signs of slowing
down—his career trajectory remains a benchmark for versatility in modern comedy.
FAQ
What launched David Spade’s career?
His breakthrough came as a writer-performer on Saturday Night Live in 1990, where his “Hollywood Minute”
segments quickly made him a fan favorite.
Which sitcoms did David Spade star in?
He is best known for playing Dennis Finch on Just Shoot Me! (1997–2003), and later leading
roles on 8 Simple Rules and Rules of Engagement.
What is David Spade’s net worth?
As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $70 million, derived from acting, hosting, and real estate.
Where can I see his upcoming stand-up?
He is set to perform at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer, Alaska on August 15, 2025; tickets sold out quickly.
Does David Spade have siblings?
Yes, he has two older brothers—Andy and Bryan Spade—both of whom grew up with him in Scottsdale, Arizona.
