David James Elliott Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

Explore David James Elliott net worth, relationships, age/birthdate and birthday—an in-depth profile of his career, wealth and personal life.

David James Elliott Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts
David James Elliott Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

David James Elliott Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

David James Elliott is a Canadian-American actor best known for his lead role as Harmon “Harm” Rabb Jr. on the long-running television series JAG.

Introduction

David James Elliott was born September 21, 1960, and his birthday is September 21. An accomplished actor whose work spans decades of television and film, Elliott has built a noteworthy career and a personal life anchored in long-standing marriage and family. His estimated net worth stands at approximately US$15 million

Quick Facts

Category Details
Full Name David William Smith (professionally known as David James Elliott) 
Age/Birthdate September 21, 1960
Birthday September 21
Nationality Canadian (Canadian-American actor) 
Profession Actor, producer, director
Estimated Net Worth US$15 million 
Relationship Status Married to actress Nanci Chambers 
Known For Lead role as Harmon “Harm” Rabb Jr. on JAG 

From Canadian Roots to Hollywood Spotlight

Born in Milton, Ontario, Canada, Elliott entered the world as the second of three boys to Patricia (née Farrow), an office manager, and Arnold Smith, a heating-and-plumbing contractor.  His early ambition veered away from acting as he briefly quit high school to pursue a music band—but by age 19 he returned to finish school and then enrolled at Ryerson University (Toronto), subsequently joining the prestigious Stratford Shakespeare Festival’s Young Company. 

His transition to screen work began with Canadian television and film roles in the mid-1980s, culminating in the move to Los Angeles where he adopted the stage name “David James Elliott” (since “David Smith” was already registered with the actors’ union). 

Defining moments in David James Elliott’s journey include:

  • His breakthrough portrayal of Bill Nolan on Knots Landing and Nick Del Gado on Street Legal

  • Landing the lead role of Harmon “Harm” Rabb Jr. in JAG, which became his signature performance. 

  • Sustaining a television career through diverse roles and maintaining relevance across decades of evolving media.

The Core Pillars of David James Elliott’s Wealth

The core pillars of David James Elliott’s wealth include:

  • Television salaries and residuals – His decade-leading role on JAG delivered a steady income stream and long-term residuals. 

  • Film and guest-star appearances – Beyond his lead series, Elliott expanded into film roles, producing/directing credits and recurring television work. 

  • Production and creative ventures – Though less publicized, his involvement behind the scenes (as producer/director) contributes to his earnings. 

Relationships & Family Life

Elliott’s personal life has remained grounded and largely private, especially compared to many Hollywood trajectories. He married fellow Canadian-born actress Nanci Chambers in 1992. Chambers co-starred in JAG, appearing as Lt. Loren Singer. 

Key insights into David James Elliott’s relationships and personal life:

  • Wife: Nanci Chambers — their enduring marriage marks a strong partnership within the entertainment industry.

  • Children: The couple have two children (a daughter and a son) — a foundation of family rather than headline-driven relationships. 

  • Shared values: Beyond acting, both Elliott and Chambers have expressed interest in environmental conservation and quieter off-screen pursuits. 

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond his screen presence, Elliott’s lifestyle reflects a blend of professional seriousness and personal pursuits rooted in fitness, family and mindful living.

Beyond career success, David James Elliott leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

  • A disciplined fitness regimen: In a 1998 L.A. Times interview he described daily workouts, garage-based equipment, and disciplined diet habits tied to his role in JAG

  • Environmental and philanthropic interests: His wife’s background in conservation aligns with their shared values of giving back and less-publicized charity work. 

  • Real estate: Though specifics are limited, media notes indicate the couple sold a Palm Desert property due to travel demands and lifestyle factors. 

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

How is David James Elliott’s net worth evaluated? Estimates consistently place his net worth around US $15 million. 

Net Worth Breakdown

Category Estimated Value Source
Business Ventures (acting, producing) ~$10 million CelebrityNetWorth
Brand Deals & Partnerships ~$2 million Cheatsheet
Investments & Assets ~$3 million CelebrityNetWorth

Note: These values are best-estimate figures based on publicly available sources.

Analysis of growth drivers:

  • The long-running success of JAG gave Elliott a signature role and longevity in residuals, anchoring his financial stability.

  • Guest-roles and film appearances supplemented income and maintained visibility.

  • Elliott’s relatively lower-profile lifestyle (versus high-end spectacle) suggests his wealth is built on steady work rather than headline-making deals.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Within the entertainment industry and among fans, David James Elliott is recognized for his disciplined craft, his professionalism and the enduring appeal of his signature role. On public image:

  • His portrayal of Harmon “Harm” Rabb Jr. on JAG contributed to a cultural touchstone in military-legal drama, helped launch the extended NCIS franchise and anchored him firmly in television-history. 

  • Among military viewers and veterans, Elliott has been acknowledged for representing military personnel with respect and authenticity in his performance. 

  • His consistent marriage, low-scandal personal life and measured public voice add to a legacy of sustained professionalism rather than sensationalism.

  • The legacy factor: As streaming platforms resurrect iconic shows, his role in JAG remains discoverable to new audiences, enhancing his cultural footprint.

Conclusion

David James Elliott’s journey—from Canadian roots to Hollywood lead—epitomizes the kind of career built on perseverance, steady talent and the right role at the right time. With a net worth estimated at around US $15 million, a birthdate of September 21, 1960, and a deeply rooted personal life with spouse Nanci Chambers, his story is less about flash and more about craft, continuity and quiet success. His birthday serves as an annual celebration of a career that reinforced values of integrity, fitness, skill and family. For those seeking inspiration beyond big headlines, Elliott’s career offers a blueprint in sustained relevance and personal grounding.