Dave Chappelle Net Worth: Bio, Age, Height, Girlfriend, Career

Dave Chappelle is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer known for his sharp wit, observational comedy, and fearless approach to controversial topics. Born on August 24, 1973, in Washington, D.C., he rose to fame with Chappelle’s Show (2003–2006), a satirical sketch comedy series that became a cultural phenomenon. Despite walking away from a lucrative contract with Comedy Central, Chappelle made a triumphant return to stand-up, earning multiple Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, and the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

In this biography, we will explore Dave Chappelle’s age, height, weight, career journey, net worth, family, relationships, physical appearance, and lesser-known facts.

Dave Chappelle Short Details

Early Life and Education

David Khari Webber Chappelle was born on August 24, 1973, in Washington, D.C. His father, William David Chappelle III, was a professor and dean at Antioch College, while his mother, Yvonne Seon, worked as an academic and served as a Unitarian Universalist minister.

Raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, Chappelle attended Woodlin Elementary School. Inspired by Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor, he pursued comedy at a young age. After his parents divorced, he lived with his mother in Washington, D.C., while spending summers with his father in Ohio.

He attended Eastern High School before transferring to the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, where he studied theater arts and graduated in 1991.

Career Journey

1990–2002: Early Career and Breakthrough

After high school, Chappelle moved to New York City to pursue stand-up comedy. His first big moment came when he performed on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam in 1992, gaining national attention. He appeared on various talk shows, including The Late Show with David Letterman and The Howard Stern Show.

In 1993, Chappelle made his film debut in Robin Hood: Men in Tights. He continued with roles in films like The Nutty Professor (1996), Con Air (1997), Blue Streak (1999), and You’ve Got Mail (1998). In 1998, he co-wrote and starred in the cult classic Half Baked.

Despite his growing fame, Chappelle faced setbacks, including the failure of his 1996 sitcom Buddies.

2003–2006: Chappelle’s Show and Stardom

In 2003, Chappelle debuted Chappelle’s Show on Comedy Central, a satirical sketch comedy series that became a massive hit. The show tackled issues like race, pop culture, and politics, with iconic skits like “Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Stories” (Rick James & Prince) and the Racial Draft.

Due to the show’s success, Viacom offered him a $50 million contract. However, in 2005, Chappelle abruptly left during season 3’s production and took a self-imposed hiatus in South Africa, citing stress and creative conflicts.

2006–2015: Hiatus and Occasional Appearances

For several years, Chappelle made only sporadic stand-up appearances and distanced himself from mainstream entertainment. He performed impromptu shows at comedy clubs and refused to return to Chappelle’s Show, despite Comedy Central airing unaired sketches as “The Lost Episodes.”

2016–Present: Comeback and Netflix Deal

In 2016, Chappelle made a historic return by hosting Saturday Night Live after Donald Trump’s election. His monologue was widely praised, earning him an Emmy Award.

That same year, he signed a $60 million deal with Netflix, releasing six stand-up specials:

• The Age of Spin & Deep in the Heart of Texas (2017)
• Equanimity & The Bird Revelation (2017)
• Sticks & Stones (2019)
• The Closer (2021)

These specials won Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album, cementing his status as one of the greatest stand-up comedians.

In 2019, he received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

In 2022, he was attacked on stage at the Hollywood Bowl but continued performing. In 2023, he released The Dreamer on Netflix.

Family and Relationships

Dave Chappelle married Elaine Mendoza Erfe in 2001. The couple has three children and resides on a 65-acre farm in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Physical Appearance

Dave Chappelle is known for his casual style, bald head, and signature cigarette-smoking habit.

Net Worth and Income Sources

As of 2025, Dave Chappelle’s estimated net worth is $60–75 million, primarily from stand-up specials, film roles, Netflix deals, and ticket sales.

Lesser-Known Facts About Dave Chappelle

1. He converted to Islam at age 17.
2. He turned down a role in Forrest Gump.
3. He was once booed off stage at the Apollo Theater.
4. His great-grandfather was a civil rights activist.
5. He has won five Grammy Awards.
6. He once held the longest stand-up record at The Laugh Factory.
7. He left $50 million behind by quitting Chappelle’s Show.
8. He met his wife Elaine in Brooklyn before fame.
9. He is a huge hip-hop fan, often featuring artists in his work.
10. He once did an 8-hour stand-up set in Los Angeles.

FAQs

Q: What is Dave Chappelle’s net worth?
A: As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $60–75 million.

Q: How tall is Dave Chappelle?
A: He is 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) tall.

Q: Who is Dave Chappelle’s wife?
A: His wife is Elaine Mendoza Erfe.

Q: When did Dave Chappelle quit Chappelle’s Show?
A: He left in 2005 during season 3 production.

Conclusion

Dave Chappelle is one of the greatest stand-up comedians of all time. Despite setbacks, he has built an enduring legacy with his fearless humor, social commentary, and cultural impact.

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This article is based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only.