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

David Lander was an American actor, comedian, musician and scout best known for bringing the iconic character “Squiggy” to life in the hit sitcom Laverne & Shirley.

From Brooklyn roots to television fame — and a later life in baseball scouting and advocacy — David Lander left a unique and lasting footprint in entertainment. His estimated net worth at the time of his passing was around $8 million . Born on June 22, 1947, his birthday remains a celebrated date among fans and admirers of his work. At the time of his death, his relationship status included his marriage to actress Kathy Fields and their daughter, actress Natalie Lander 

? Quick Facts

The Road from Brooklyn to Hollywood Spotlight

David Lander was born David Leonard Landau on June 22, 1947, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Raised in a Jewish household by schoolteacher parents, he was drawn early to the performing arts. By age ten, he already knew he wanted to act — a path that led him to study at the High School for the Performing Arts, followed by further acting education at Carnegie Tech and New York University. 

In college, a happenstance changed the course of his career: when a classmate registered his birth name with an actors’ union, he adopted the stage name “David Lander,” which he later made legal — a decision that would mark the beginning of his identity in show business.

His early career involved small television roles, voice-acting gigs, and stage work. But everything changed when he teamed up with fellow actor and comedian Michael McKean — together they developed the characters “Lenny” and “Squiggy.” That collaboration culminated in the smash-hit sitcom Laverne & Shirley, where Lander’s portrayal of Andrew “Squiggy” Squiggman would secure his place in pop-culture history. 

Defining moments in David Lander’s journey include:

• First acting and voice roles in early 1970s television, establishing a foothold in entertainment.

• Meeting Michael McKean and co-creating the characters that became Lenny and Squiggy.

• Landing the role of Squiggy in Laverne & Shirley, gaining nationwide fame.

• Transitioning later into baseball scouting — a second career shaped by personal interests and passions.

From local New York ambition to national television stardom — Lander’s journey reflects a blend of talent, timing, and tenacity.

The Core Pillars of David Lander’s Wealth

While much of Lander’s legacy rests in laughter and entertainment, his financial foundation was supported by multiple endeavors:

• Television and Film Roles: His extensive work on Laverne & Shirley, along with dozens of other television appearances and voice acting roles, formed the bulk of his earnings. 

• Voice Acting and Writing Credits: Beyond on-screen roles, Lander's voice-acting in animated series and his work as a writer and composer contributed to long-term residual income. 

• Baseball Scouting & Minor League Investment: Later in life, Lander turned his passion for baseball into a side career — scouting for major league teams and once holding minor-league team ownership. 

This diversified portfolio helped sustain his estimated net worth of around $8 million. 

David Lander Relationships & Personal Life

Though often celebrated for his comedic genius, Lander was a family man with a life away from the spotlight:

• He was married to actress Kathy Fields from March 1979 until his death. 

• He had one daughter, Natalie Lander, who followed in his footsteps into the acting world.

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

• He maintained a long-term marriage to Kathy Fields, marked by stability and mutual support.

• As a father, he raised Natalie Lander, who also pursued acting, indicating a family legacy in entertainment.

• Despite public recognition and fame, he managed to keep his family life relatively private, away from tabloid headlines.

A Life Marked by Passions, Interests & Purpose

Beyond his on-screen persona, David Lander led a life that blended personal passions with purpose:

• Baseball Devotion: A longtime baseball fan — especially of the Pittsburgh Pirates — Lander transitioned that passion into scouting roles for major league teams. He even held minority ownership in a minor-league team. 

• Advocacy and Mentorship: Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1984, he became a goodwill ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, using his public voice to raise awareness.

• Creative Versatility: From live-action comedy to voice acting, writing, and composing — Lander’s interests spanned multiple areas of entertainment. 

Beyond career success, David Lander’s personal life displayed a blend of love for family, sport, creativity, and social good.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Here’s a rough breakdown of how the components of David Lander’s wealth might have been distributed:

These pillars reflect both creative output and savvy diversification — highlighting how Lander balanced entertainment earnings with personal interests like baseball scouting.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

In the public eye, David Lander remains most beloved as “Squiggy” — a character whose eccentric charm, goofy mannerisms, and comedic timing left a lasting imprint on 1970s–80s television culture. Even after his sitcom years, his continued voice acting, writing, and later work in baseball scouting broadened his appeal.

His openness about living with Multiple Sclerosis — publicly diagnosed decades after first symptoms — marked him as a figure of resilience and advocacy. Through his involvement with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, he raised visibility for the disease, offering hope and encouragement to others.

Colleagues and fans remember Lander not just for laughs, but for dedication — to his craft, to his family, and to causes beyond Hollywood. That blend of humor and humanity forms the core of his enduring legacy.

Closing Thoughts

David Lander’s story — from a Brooklyn upbringing, through comedic stardom as Squiggy, to a later life as a baseball scout and MS advocate — is one of evolution, versatility, and quiet determination. His estimated $8 million net worth, creative legacy, and family life reflect a career balanced between performance and personal passion.

Born on June 22, 1947, with a birthday that still means something to fans, David Lander’s journey reminds us that success isn’t just about fame — it’s also about adaptability, purpose, and the impact you leave behind.