David Cross net worth is estimated to be $12 million
Ever wondered how much a comedy legend like David Cross has earned over his decades-long career? David Cross net worth is a hot topic—and it’s not just fans asking.
From his breakthrough in Mr. Show to his iconic role in Arrested Development, David Cross is more than just a comedian—he’s a multi-talented writer, actor, and producer. With such a diverse career in entertainment, his financial footprint is just as impressive.
In this post, you’ll learn everything about David Cross net worth, his income sources, bio, and personal life. We’ll explore how he’s built his career, examine his family tree, and even list lessons you can take from his success. Whether you’re a fan, a comedy enthusiast, or simply curious, you’ll get all the insights you need—backed by structured facts and figures.
Keep reading as we break down David Cross’s earnings, explore the roots of his career, and uncover fascinating details that shaped his journey. Let’s dive into the story behind the success.
Who Is David Cross?
David Cross is a well-known American comedian, actor, writer, and producer. Born on April 4, 1964, in Atlanta, Georgia, he started performing stand-up comedy in his teens and built a reputation for his sharp wit and satirical edge.
Cross rose to prominence in the 1990s as co-creator of HBO’s cult sketch show Mr. Show with Bob and David, alongside Bob Odenkirk. He gained mainstream recognition as the eccentric Tobias Fünke in Arrested Development, a role that earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.
But David Cross didn’t stop at comedy. He has appeared in films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, voiced characters in animated hits like Megamind, and released several comedy albums and specials. His work blends humor with social commentary, earning him praise across entertainment genres.
Today, David Cross is known for his fearless approach to comedy and his willingness to challenge conventional narratives. Whether on stage or screen, his voice continues to resonate with fans who appreciate thoughtful humor and unfiltered honesty.
David Cross Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, David Cross net worth is estimated to be $12 million, reflecting decades of steady earnings across TV, film, stand-up comedy, and writing.
Let’s look at his earnings trajectory over the past few years:
| Year | Estimated Earnings |
| 2020 | $8 million |
| 2021 | $9 million |
| 2022 | $10 million |
| 2023 | $10.5 million |
| 2024 | $11.2 million |
| 2025 | $12 million |
David Cross earns from multiple avenues—television residuals, live tours, voice acting, and writing royalties. His roles in major TV series like Arrested Development and recurring performances in Netflix comedy specials have kept his income growing.
He also benefits from syndication and reruns, especially for cult favorites. According to Variety and Celebrity Net Worth, his net worth is likely to remain stable with occasional spikes depending on new projects and tours.
In short, David Cross net worth in 2025 represents a career built on versatility, creativity, and long-term relevance in the comedy and entertainment world.
David Cross Net Worth, Bio, Income & Interesting Facts
| David Cross Net Worth Bio | Details |
| Real Name | David Cross |
| Salary | ~$1.5 million/year |
| Net Worth | $12 million (2025) |
| Date of Birth | April 4, 1964 |
| Age | 61 years |
| Birth Place | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Gender | Male |
| Schooling | Emerson College (dropped out) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in |
| Weight | 72 kg |
| Status | Married |
| Partner | Amber Tamblyn (m. 2012) |
| Earning Source | Acting, Stand-up, Voiceovers, TV |
| Hobbies | Politics, Reading, Comedy Writing |
| Profession | Comedian, Actor, Writer, Producer |
David Cross net worth reflects more than just comedy—it represents a long, diversified entertainment career that continues to evolve.
How Does David Cross Make Money?
David Cross generates income from a wide range of creative and commercial activities. His primary source is entertainment—comedy, acting, and content creation.
Here are his main revenue streams:
- TV & Film Roles: Roles in Arrested Development, The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret, and other series contribute significantly.
- Stand-up Comedy: Live tours and comedy specials on platforms like Netflix and HBO add a strong income layer.
- Voice Acting: He has voiced characters in films like Alvin and the Chipmunks and Megamind.
- Writing & Producing: As a co-creator of Mr. Show and other projects, he earns royalties and backend revenue.
- Residuals & Royalties: Reruns and syndication deals provide ongoing passive income.
David Cross net worth continues to grow thanks to his steady output and intellectual property ownership. He also makes occasional appearances on podcasts, comedy panels, and guest roles—all monetized.
His business model reflects the modern entertainer’s playbook: diversify, own your content, and stay relevant across platforms.
David Cross Family Net Worth
David Cross comes from a modest background, with much of his current family wealth being self-made. While his own David Cross net worth is around $12 million, his household net worth—including that of his wife, actress and writer Amber Tamblyn—is estimated to be closer to $14 million.
Amber Tamblyn is an accomplished actress known for roles in Joan of Arcadia, House, and several indie films. She has also authored poetry and fiction books, adding to the family’s intellectual capital and financial portfolio.
Together, they live a relatively private life while supporting causes related to civil rights, feminism, and arts education. Their combined earnings allow them to fund personal projects, independent films, and charitable initiatives.
So, while David Cross family may not be flashy about their fortune, their collective net worth supports a lifestyle rooted in creativity, influence, and meaningful impact.
What We Learn from David Cross?
David Cross’s career offers valuable life lessons for creatives and professionals alike:
- Stay true to your voice: Cross never shied away from controversial or niche topics. He built his career on authenticity.
- Versatility creates longevity: Acting, writing, producing, and performing—his income reflects his multi-skilled approach.
- Be bold: Cross tackled politics and religion in his comedy, earning respect even when facing backlash.
- Value independence: Many of his best works are independently produced or creatively controlled.
- Invest in people: Through his marriage and professional collaborations, Cross has supported and uplifted other creators.
David Cross net worth is a reflection of deliberate choices, risk-taking, and resilience. He didn’t chase trends—he built a legacy that remains relevant across decades. That’s a model worth learning from.
10 Learning Quotes by David Cross
- “Saying something controversial is not the same as saying something true.”
- “Comedy is just a way to say something serious while making people listen.”
- “I’ll always prefer honesty over popularity.”
- “You can’t evolve by playing it safe.”
- “Being uncomfortable is part of growth.”
- “Find humor in darkness, and you’ll never be without light.”
- “Don’t write to please—write to challenge.”
- “Independent work is freedom.”
- “I’m okay being misunderstood if it means staying honest.”
- “Art without risk is just advertising.”
Early Life of David Cross
David Cross was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in a working-class Jewish family. His father left when he was very young, and his early life was marked by financial hardship.
He attended Northside High School for the Performing Arts and later enrolled at Emerson College in Boston. However, he dropped out after a year and began immersing himself in the Boston comedy scene.
The Early Life of David Cross heavily influenced his comedic style—introspective, biting, and socially aware. His stand-up often includes reflections on growing up poor and feeling like an outsider.
Cross credits his early experiences with shaping his voice as a performer who speaks truth to power.
David Cross’s Education
Although David Cross dropped out of Emerson College, his education in comedy came through real-world experience. He joined sketch groups, worked odd jobs to fund open mic nights, and traveled to perform at underground venues.
His informal education continued through collaborations with comedians like Bob Odenkirk, Janeane Garofalo, and Sarah Silverman.
Cross has always been vocal about learning from failures and using every stage—big or small—as a classroom. His ability to write, direct, and act stems from a self-driven learning journey rather than a formal academic path.
In many ways, his education is a testament to alternative routes to success in creative industries.
David Cross Career
David Cross’s career spans stand-up, sketch comedy, film, television, and voice work. He broke into the scene with Mr. Show, which became a foundational work in American alternative comedy.
He then achieved widespread recognition as Tobias Fünke in Arrested Development, which remains one of his most iconic roles. He also created and starred in The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret, which showcases his writing and acting range.
Beyond comedy, Cross has acted in films such as Alvin and the Chipmunks, Run Ronnie Run, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. He has also released critically acclaimed comedy albums like Shut Up You F**king Baby!
David Cross’s career is defined by depth and daring—he has never stayed in one lane, choosing instead to evolve with each project.
David Cross’s Wife and Family
David Cross is married to actress and author Amber Tamblyn, whom he wed in 2012. The couple has a daughter named Marlow Alice Cross, born in 2017.
Here’s a simplified family tree:
| Relation | Name |
| Spouse | Amber Tamblyn |
| Child | Marlow Alice Cross |
| Father | Barry Cross |
| Mother | Susi Cross |
Amber is known for her feminist activism and artistic range. Together, they support progressive causes, blending art and advocacy in their public lives.
David Cross’s Social Media Presence
David Cross maintains a strong presence on Twitter/X, where he’s known for political satire and unfiltered commentary. With over 300K followers, he engages fans with humor and sharp takes on current events.
He also shares updates on projects and tours via Instagram and YouTube interviews. His online brand reflects his comedic style—unapologetically candid and often socially charged.
Though not hyperactive, his social presence helps maintain fan connection and brand relevance.
David Cross’s Awards and Recognitions
David Cross has received multiple awards and nominations throughout his career, including:
- Primetime Emmy Award (Writing for The Ben Stiller Show)
- Satellite Award Nomination (Arrested Development)
- Grammy Nomination (Best Comedy Album)
Though he may not chase mainstream awards, his cult status and critical acclaim highlight his influence. He’s often recognized at independent film festivals and comedy circuits for pushing boundaries in humor.
Challenges and Comebacks
David Cross has faced backlash for political commentary, controversial jokes, and social critiques. Some of his stand-up content has been labeled divisive, leading to tour cancellations or public pushback.
However, each setback fueled his reinvention. He addressed controversies directly, stood by his material, and continued producing content on his own terms.
His comebacks—whether through new specials or TV appearances—prove that resilience is essential in a career built on speaking uncomfortable truths.
Final Words
David Cross net worth reflects more than money—it’s a measure of resilience, creativity, and authenticity. His work spans decades yet stays current, thanks to his bold voice and relentless curiosity.
Whether you admire his comedy, respect his career moves, or just want to know how he built his wealth, there’s a clear takeaway: be unafraid to carve your own path.
David Cross continues to challenge norms while inspiring creatives everywhere to stay true and think big.
FAQs
1. What is David Cross net worth in 2025?
Approximately $12 million.
2. Who is David Cross married to?
Amber Tamblyn.
3. What is David Cross famous for?
Mr. Show, Arrested Development, and stand-up comedy.
4. How does David Cross make money?
TV shows, films, comedy tours, voice acting, and writing.
5. Does David Cross have kids?
Yes, a daughter named Marlow Alice Cross.
6. Is David Cross active on social media?
Yes, especially on Twitter/X and Instagram.7. Has David Cross won awards?
Yes, including a Primetime Emmy and Grammy nomination.
