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

David Ladd is an American actor-turned-film and television producer, known for his early success as a child actor and later stewardship of major Hollywood productions — today recognized with an estimated net worth in the multimillion-dollar range.

Introduction

David Ladd (born February 5, 1947) is a veteran American film and television producer and former actor whose career spans decades, from child performances alongside his father to producing major studio films. With an estimated net worth of around US$ 10 million, David Ladd has navigated Hollywood both in front of and behind the camera — all while building a personal life that has included high-profile relationships and a family. His birthday (February 5) remains a noted date among fans and the industry. 

Quick Facts

From Child Star to Hollywood Producer: The Arc of David Ladd’s Journey

Born into Hollywood royalty — the son of legendary actor Alan Ladd and actress/talent agent Sue Carol — David Ladd entered the world under bright spotlights. Raised in Los Angeles, his upbringing intertwined with the golden age of cinema. His birthdate, February 5, 1947, positioned him to grow up steeped in industry history and expectation. 

Ladd’s introduction to film came early. As a child, he appeared uncredited in his father’s movie Shane (1953), and by 1957 had a credited role in The Big Land. The following year, he co-starred with his father in The Proud Rebel — a performance that earned him a Golden Globe as “Best Newcomer” and a special award as “Best Juvenile Actor.” 

As adolescence approached, Ladd continued working in film and television, but he soon shifted gears. After completing education at the University of Southern California, he moved behind the scenes — a transition from child actor to studio insider. 

Defining moments in David Ladd’s journey include:

• Winning Golden Globe recognition for “The Proud Rebel,” marking him as a rising star early on. 

• Transitioning from acting to producing with his first solo producing credit on the thriller The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988). 

• Serving as a senior production executive at Metro‑Goldwyn‑Mayer (MGM), helping steer the studio’s resurgence in the 1990s. 

• Producing commercially and critically recognized films such as Get Shorty (1995) and Hart's War (2002), further establishing his legacy behind the camera. 

Through persistence and adaptability, David Ladd transformed from child actor with a famous pedigree into a respected producer shaping Hollywood content.

The Core Pillars of David Ladd’s Wealth

The financial success behind David Ladd’s net worth rests on multiple pillars, reflecting both his early start in acting and later influential production career:

• Studio Production Roles & Executive Tenure — As a senior executive at MGM, Ladd oversaw development and production of several hit films, which likely came with lucrative compensation, bonuses, and long-term residuals. 

• Independent Film Production — Through his production company, Ladd produced films such as The Mod Squad, A Guy Thing, and Hart's War, generating revenue from box offices, distribution deals, and licensing.

• Residuals, Royalties & Industry Credit — Decades of work as both actor and producer likely yield ongoing income from syndication, home video sales, and re-releases.

Relationships & Personal Life: Marriages, Family, and Private Path

While David Ladd’s professional life unfolded in public view, his personal life saw multiple marriages and a legacy of children.

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

• He was married to actress Cheryl Ladd (married May 24, 1973 – divorced September 16, 1980). Together they had a daughter, Jordan Ladd.

• Following that, he married actress Dey Young (from July 10, 1982 until their divorce in 2012), with whom he shares another child, Shane Ladd. 

• His early brief marriage was to Louise Anne Hendricks (February 12, 1971 – May 1972), and there was yet another short union prior to Cheryl Ladd — all part of a personal history marked by changes and privacy.

Though Ladd’s relationships attracted attention due to his Hollywood background, he has generally maintained a low-profile personal life, with few public statements about his family outside of what’s been documented.

Beyond Career: Lifestyle, Interests & Artistic Commitment

Beyond his on-screen and behind-the-scenes work, David Ladd’s life reflects deep roots in Hollywood culture, a respect for craft, and a measured lifestyle — though public details remain limited. Among what is known:

• Growing up in a show-business family, Ladd experienced the early trappings of Hollywood living, with childhood homes and exposure to industry life that informed his perspective as an adult producer.

• As a producer, Ladd was part of the resurgence era at MGM, a time requiring business savvy, creative judgment, and industry relationships — indicating his commitment to evolving with Hollywood’s shifting landscape.

• Ladd reportedly enjoyed relative privacy in later years, avoiding tabloid-style publicity. While public documentation of assets (cars, estates, philanthropy) is limited, it is likely that residual income from decades of film work and producing allowed for comfortable living and selective public appearances.

Overall, Ladd’s lifestyle seems grounded in artistic purpose more than flamboyant celebrity display — reflecting a producer’s quiet influence rather than a star’s spotlight.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

While comprehensive public financial disclosures for film producers are rare, various sources and career history allow an approximate breakdown of the wealth of David Ladd:

Total Estimated Net Worth: ~US$ 10 million — a figure repeatedly cited by celebrity-wealth trackers. 

It is important to note that such estimates are approximations. The value reflects Ladd’s cumulative lifelong contributions to film, both as actor and producer, rather than a single blockbuster payoff.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

David Ladd occupies a somewhat rare role in Hollywood: a former child actor who successfully transitioned into a serious producer and studio executive. His early start gives him legacy legitimacy, while his later career underscores a sustained commitment to film as craft — not just fame.

In the industry, Ladd is regarded as a link between classic Hollywood and modern studio filmmaking: someone who understood the traditions of the past while adapting to the demands of contemporary cinema. Productions like Get Shorty, Hart's War, and The Serpent and the Rainbow showcase his ability to deliver both commercial appeal and dramatic weight.

Though he is not often in the gossip columns, his name carries respect among peers — in part due to the longevity of his career and his ability to evolve roles over decades (actor → producer → executive → independent). For many in Hollywood, Ladd represents resilience, reinvention, and quiet influence.

Conclusion

David Ladd’s journey, from child actor born February 5, 1947 to respected film and television producer, reflects a story of adaptation, legacy, and steady craft. With an estimated net worth of US$ 10 million, his accomplishments span both on-screen success and behind-the-scenes influence. His personal life — marked by several marriages, including to Cheryl Ladd, and children — is part of a private narrative set against a public career.

David Ladd’s birthday remains a symbolic touchpoint for a life lived in Hollywood’s shifting lights. His legacy stands not just in the roles he played, but in the films he helped bring to life — a testament to creative resilience and enduring influence.