David E. Kelley: The Mastermind Behind Your Favorite TV Shows

How Much is David E. Kelley Worth?

David E. Kelley is a name synonymous with television brilliance, and his net worth reflects just that—$250 million. That's a combined total with his wife, the legendary actress Michelle Pfeiffer. Michelle and David tied the knot back in 1993 and have been a power couple ever since, raising two children together. If you’ve ever binge-watched shows like "Picket Fences," "Chicago Hope," or "Big Little Lies," you’ve seen Kelley’s magic at work.

David is one of those rare talents who has written for all four major American TV networks—ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. But he doesn’t stop there. He’s also delivered hits for streaming giants like Amazon and HBO. With 11 Emmy Awards and 4 Peabody Awards under his belt, Kelley has cemented his legacy as a master storyteller. His shows are more than entertainment; they're cultural phenomena that have left an indelible mark on TV history.

• Picket Fences
• Chicago Hope
• The Practice
• Ally McBeal
• Boston Public
• Big Little Lies
• The Lincoln Lawyer
• Goliath
• Big Sky

Where It All Began

Early Days and Education

David Edward Kelley was born in Waterville, Maine, in April 1956. His father, Jack Kelley, was a hockey legend, enshrined in the United States Ice Hockey Hall of Fame. Growing up in Belmont, Massachusetts, Kelley attended Belmont High School before heading to Princeton University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. His senior thesis? A play based on the Bill of Rights, with each amendment as a character. Talk about creativity!

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After Princeton, Kelley pursued law, earning a Juris Doctor from Boston University Law School. While studying, he honed his comedic chops by writing for the Legal Follies, a legal-themed sketch comedy group. Post-law school, Kelley worked at a Boston law firm, handling real estate and minor criminal cases. But the creative bug was always there, waiting to take flight.

In 1983, at the age of 27, Kelley started writing a legal thriller as a side project. This manuscript eventually became the screenplay for the 1987 film "From the Hip," starring Judd Nelson. It was a pivotal moment that set the stage for his future success in Hollywood.

Rising to the Top

Breaking Into TV

In 1986, producer Steven Bochco was on the hunt for sharp legal writers for his new NBC series, "L.A. Law." After reading Kelley’s "From the Hip" script, Bochco offered him a staff writing job. David didn’t jump ship from his law career immediately, fearing this TV gig might not last. But by the second season of "L.A. Law," Kelley had risen to story editor and co-producer. By 1989, he was named executive producer, earning two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic Series.

Bochco and Kelley struck gold again in 1992 with "Douglass Houser, M.D." That same year, they co-founded David E. Kelley Productions, signing a deal with CBS. The production house’s first show, "Picket Fences," ran for four seasons and won 14 Emmy Awards. Kelley’s creative momentum didn’t stop there.

In 1994, he created "Chicago Hope," which aired 141 episodes over six seasons. By 1995, Kelley had moved to Fox, producing "The Practice" and "Ally McBeal." These shows became cultural touchstones, with "The Practice" running for eight seasons on ABC and "Ally McBeal" airing five seasons on Fox.

Kelley continued to churn out hits, creating "Boston Public" in 2000 and "Boston Legal" in 2004. In 2008, he inked a new deal with Warner Bros. Television, leading to projects like "Goliath" for Amazon Studios in 2015 and the critically acclaimed "Big Little Lies" for HBO in 2017. Each show showcases Kelley’s ability to blend legal drama with compelling human stories.

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Love and Family

Life with Michelle Pfeiffer

David’s personal life is as fascinating as his professional one. In January 1993, he met actress Michelle Pfeiffer on a blind date. Before meeting David, Michelle had started the legal process to adopt a child. Two months into their relationship, she adopted a baby girl named Claudia Rose. David and Michelle married later that year, in November 1993. Their family grew in August 1994 with the birth of their son, John Henry.

Real Estate Empire

Global Properties and Luxury Living

Michelle and David own an impressive real estate portfolio that spans continents. For over a decade, they’ve owned a 340-acre coastal estate in a remote wilderness area of British Columbia. This luxurious retreat cost them over $35 million to acquire and build, and it’s so secluded it doesn’t even have a postal code. Accessible only by boat, it’s a true escape from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood.

In 2004 and 2008, they spent a total of $20.6 million on two properties in Woodside, a San Francisco suburb, totaling 8.7 acres. The estate features a sprawling 6,300-square-foot home. They listed it for $29 million in 2018 but eventually sold it for $22 million in January 2020.

In 2016, they purchased a home in the Pacific Palisades of Los Angeles for $8.15 million. A year later, they bought the house next door for $7.7 million, creating a compound worth $15.85 million. By January 2020, they had sold the first property for $9.1 million and listed the second for $8.35 million, eventually dropping the price to $7.3 million.

In 2020, the couple paid $22.25 million for another lavish estate in the Pacific Palisades, selling it within weeks for $25 million in 2021. Just a few months later, they added yet another Pacific Palisades home to their collection, paying $10.6 million in November 2023.

Wrapping It Up

David E. Kelley’s journey from a small-town boy in Maine to a powerhouse producer in Hollywood is nothing short of remarkable. With a net worth of $250 million, a string of hit shows, and a personal life filled with love and luxury, Kelley continues to inspire. His ability to craft stories that resonate with audiences worldwide is a testament to his talent and dedication. As he continues to create, we can only imagine what’s next from this television titan.