Dave Attell Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts
Explore Dave Attell’s net worth, relationships, age/birthdate and birthday in this comprehensive profile of the stand‑up comedy legend.
Dave Attell Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday
Dave Attell is a stand‑up comedy legend and television writer whose work has influenced an entire generation of comics.
Introduction
David “Dave” Attell, born on January 18, 1965, has built a career that bridges late‑night television, stand‑up comedy, and cult‑favorite shows. With an estimated net worth of around US $6 million he remains a respected figure in comedy. Although his current romantic status is described as single, he is known to have dated fellow comedian Sarah Silverman in the late 1980s. This article explores Dave Attell’s journey—from his early days in Queens to his distinctive style and the factors behind his net worth, relationships, and public legacy.
Quick Facts (Table Summary)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Attell |
| Age/Birthdate | January 18, 1965 |
| Birthday | January 18 |
| Nationality | United States |
| Profession | Stand‑up comedian, actor, television writer |
| Estimated Net Worth | ~US $6 million |
| Relationship Status | Single (publicly) – previously dated Sarah Silverman |
| Known For | Hosting Insomniac with Dave Attell, touring stand‑up, writing for SNL |
“From Open Mic to Midnight Legend”
Growing up in Queens, New York, and later Rockville Centre on Long Island, Attell was shaped by the blue‑collar, late‑night spirit of the city. After graduating from New York University (NYU) with a communications degree, he began performing at open‑mic nights and slowly carved a reputation for his gritty, rapid‑fire style and willingness to push boundaries.
His big break came when he joined the writing staff of Saturday Night Live in the early 1990s and went on to host the hit TV series Insomniac with Dave Attell on Comedy Central from 2001 to 2004. Over the years, his club work, television role, and specials like Captain Miserable (HBO) and Dave Attell: Hot Cross Buns (Netflix) cemented his place as a “comic’s comic.”
Defining moments in Dave Attell’s journey include:
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Earning a spot as a writer on Saturday Night Live in the early 1990s.
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Developing and hosting Insomniac with Dave Attell, which traveled widely and reached new audiences.
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Releasing stand‑up specials that captured his mature voice, including Netflix’s Hot Cross Buns.
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Sustaining relevance by working both television and club circuit while maintaining his distinct edge.
Main Sources of Wealth
The core pillars of Dave Attell’s wealth include:
| Income Source | Description |
|---|---|
| Stand‑up touring & club gigs | Continual live shows generate reliable income and reinforce brand. |
| Television & specials | Hosting roles (Insomniac), specials (HBO, Netflix) contribute significant payments and residuals. |
| Writing and production | Early work as a writer (SNL) and production roles (his own shows) added to earnings. |
| Media and streaming deals | Netflix, HBO deals, and other platform agreements extend his reach and revenue. |
His estimated net worth of around US $6 million is based on those diversified income streams.
Relationships & Family Life
While Dave Attell is known for keeping much of his personal life private, the public record does provide some glimpses:
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He dated Sarah Silverman in the late 1980s; the relationship has been referenced in Silverman’s memoir and by third parties.
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Attell has no publicly disclosed spouse or children and is reported to be single in many relationship‑tracking sources.
Key insights into Dave Attell’s relationships and personal life:
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His relationship with Sarah Silverman occurred early in both their careers and has become part of comedy lore.
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Despite his high‑profile friend circle and collaborations, he has not married nor publicly announced a romantic partner.
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He has spoken about sobriety in later years and how it impacted his performance and life.
Lifestyle, Assets & Interests
Beyond career success, Dave Attell leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:
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A deep commitment to stand‑up clubs and live performance, staying close to his roots rather than purely chasing fame.
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Interests in filming, television production, and evolving his mediums (e.g., the Netflix special Hot Cross Buns).
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Personal resilience: publicly noted that he became sober in the late 2000s, which he has said improved his creative focus.
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Off‑stage persona: described by club promoters as one of the “ultimate comics’ comics,” who still values the craft over celebrity.
Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis
Evaluating Dave Attell’s net worth shows how his earnings fall across multiple areas:
| Category | Estimated Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Business Ventures (TV specials, hosting) | ~US $4 million | CelebrityNetWorth & blogs |
| Brand Deals & Partnerships | ~US $1 million | Industry commentary |
| Investments & Assets | ~US $1 million | Estimates drawn from net worth articles |
While many sources simply cite ~$6 million, the breakdown highlights that his wealth is not dependent on any single blockbuster deal—rather, a steady career across decades. Importantly, in this case there is no major celebrity‑level endorsement empire or tech startup payoff; his financial profile reflects consistency and craft‑driven work.
Public Image, Legacy & Influence
In the comedy world, Dave Attell is often cited by peers as an influencer and an example of longevity. His persona—edgy, unapologetic, sharply observational—has inspired newer comics who value authentic stage presence over manufactured polish. At the same time:
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His work on Insomniac brought late‑night club culture into mainstream television.
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His club circuit credibility remains intact; he hasn’t abandoned the basement club scene for only major venues.
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Fans and critics alike point to his 2024 Netflix special as proof that he continues to evolve and stay relevant in an era of streaming and changing comedy consumption.
Conclusion
Dave Attell’s story is one of steady ascendancy—a comedian born January 18, 1965 whose birthday marks a career built on relentless touring, writing, host gigs, and a loyal following. With an estimated net worth of around US $6 million, his financial success mirrors a professional who never chased fame for its own sake but focused on craft and connection. His relationships—such as the one with Sarah Silverman—and his personal journey of sobriety and reinvention further underscore a personal life lived slightly off‑center from the spotlight, but firmly in the game. Whether on stage in a tiny club or starring in a Netflix special, Dave Attell remains a figure whose legacy among stand‑up aficionados will endure.
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