David Keith Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

David Keith is an American actor and director best known for his breakout role as Sid Worley in An Officer and a Gentleman and a career spanning decades across film and television.

Introduction

David Lemuel Keith — widely known as David Keith — was born on May 8, 1954. Over decades in Hollywood, he gained recognition for his performances in major films and television shows. His estimated net worth stands at roughly US$1.5 million, according to publicly available calculations, and his personal life — including past marriage and children — adds further depth to his profile. 

Quick Facts

How a Tennessee Upbringing Led to Hollywood Dreams

Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, David Keith grew up as the son of Hilda Earle, an education worker, and Lemuel Grady Keith Jr., a personnel division employee for the Tennessee Valley Authority.  From an early age, his life was grounded far from Hollywood glamour — yet his roots instilled a sense of humility and discipline.

He went on to study at the University of Tennessee, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Theater.  His early acting experiences began on stage — including with the Clarence Brown Theatre Company — before he relocated to New York and later Los Angeles to pursue screen roles. 

Defining moments in David Keith’s journey include:

• Earning his Equity card and theatrical foundation at university-level theater company.

• Film debut in late 1970s through small but steady roles — building credits in movies like The Rose and The Great Santini.

• Breakout in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), a role that garnered Golden Globe nominations and mainstream attention. 

• Transition into a versatile actor — taking on diverse genres from horror (Firestarter), drama, action, to children’s and family films — showcasing adaptability and longevity.

The Core Pillars of David Keith’s Wealth Include:

• Film and Television Acting — over a hundred acting credits across decades, contributing to his earnings and reputation. 

• Directing and Production Roles — Keith expanded behind the camera as a director (e.g., The Further Adventures of Tennessee Buck) and producer, broadening his professional scope beyond acting. 

• Residuals and Royalties — from films and television, especially from well-known titles, likely contributing ongoing income (though specifics are difficult to confirm publicly).

Relationships & Personal Life

Though much of David Keith’s fame stems from the screen, his personal life has had its quieter chapters. He married realtor Nancy Michelle Clark on April 15, 2000. The partnership produced two children, including a child named Presley Keith.  The marriage ended in divorce in 2016.

Key insights into David Keith’s relationships and personal life:

• His marriage to Nancy Michelle Clark lasted approximately 16 years, during which they raised their children in relative privacy. 

• Despite divorce, Keith has maintained a mostly private personal life — with few public romantic disclosures since.

• As a father, he balances — or once balanced — family responsibilities with the demands of a fluctuating acting career.

Beyond the Spotlight: Lifestyle, Interests & Passions

Beyond career success, David Keith leads a lifestyle shaped by modesty, passion for his craft, and dedication to personal causes:

• Connection to Alma Mater and Roots: Keith remains a devoted fan of his hometown and heritage, reportedly aligning with his Tennessee upbringing and values. Sources note he maintains ties to his home state.

• Advocacy and Social Concern: In past years, Keith served on the national advisory board of PROTECT: The National Association to Protect Children, publicly advocating for stricter laws and protections for vulnerable children.

• Balanced Private Life: Unlike many Hollywood stars, he has avoided excessive public fanfare, choosing to keep family life out of constant media attention. This discretion reflects a lifestyle that values privacy and substance over spectacle.

Net Worth Breakdown & Financial Realities

Public estimates of David Keith’s net worth vary — with a widely cited figure at US$1.5 million.  But like many actors whose fame peaked decades ago, his financial profile reflects both the volatility of Hollywood and the challenge of sustaining long-term wealth outside A-list stardom.

It’s worth noting that the $1.5 M figure may not fully account for private investments, real estate, or unreported ventures. The public number offers a conservative baseline — but likely underestimates the full scope of his lifetime earnings and assets.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

David Keith’s legacy is that of a dependable character actor — respected for strength, versatility, and a grounded presence rather than tabloid notoriety. In an industry often driven by fleeting fame, his steady output across decades speaks to resilience and craft.

• Cultural Footprint: With memorable roles in films like An Officer and a Gentleman, Firestarter, U-571, and others, Keith helped shape several generations of cinematic storytelling — from gritty dramas to family films.

• Professional Respect: Colleagues and fans recognize Keith for his professionalism. His ability to shift between genres, medium (film/TV), and roles (actor/director) underscores a rare adaptability.

• Advocacy & Heart: His involvement with child-protection advocacy shows that his personal values have extended beyond the screen, adding moral weight to his public identity.

Reflecting on a Career Marked by Grit and Grace

The story of David Keith is not one of overnight superstardom — but of slow-building craft, resilience, and quiet impact. From his upbringing in Knoxville, Tennessee to his first big break in An Officer and a Gentleman, to decades of roles across the cinematic spectrum, Keith’s path reveals the life of an actor committed to his art.

His estimated net worth of US$1.5 million may seem modest by Hollywood blockbuster standards — but it underscores a deeper truth: a career defined not by flashy headlines, but by steady work, integrity, and personal conviction. His birthdate, May 8, 1954, underscores decades of dedication; his birthday, May 8, remains a moment to reflect on a legacy of versatility and quietly persistent success.

For anyone looking beyond fame and towards the substance of a lifelong career in entertainment — David Keith’s journey offers a humble yet inspiring blueprint.