Denis Leary Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Denis Leary is an American stand-up comedian and actor celebrated for his biting wit, iconic voice work, and creator-star role on the hit TV series Rescue Me.

Introduction

Denis Leary is a stand-up comedian, actor, writer and producer whose sharp humor and distinctive voice have made him a prominent figure in comedy and film. Born on August 18, 1957, his birthday is celebrated each year on August 18. In addition to a long career in entertainment, Leary has built substantial wealth. Though estimates vary, his success across stand-up comedy, television, film, and production suggest a significant net worth. He has been married since 1989 and maintains a stable family life, reflecting a balance between public success and private roots.

Quick Facts

† Estimate based on publicly available sources; actual net worth may vary.

From Worcester Roots to Comedy & Screen Fame

Denis Leary’s journey begins in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was born to Irish immigrant parents — his mother a maid, his father an auto mechanic.  Raised in a working-class environment, Leary’s early life was grounded in modest, blue-collar values, but also seeded with a sharp observational sense and a hunger for something more.

He attended high school in Worcester, then moved to Boston to study at Emerson College. There he co-founded what became the Emerson Comedy Workshop — a comedy troupe that remains active today.  After graduation, he spent five years teaching comedy-writing at Emerson, refining his craft before fully launching his professional career.

Defining moments in Denis Leary’s journey include:

• The birth of his “ranting” comedic style during the early stand-up years in Boston clubs. 

• Transition to national exposure through MTV appearances in the early 1990s. 

• Release of his breakout comedy special No Cure for Cancer (1993), which cemented his voice and stage persona.

• Expansion into film and voice acting: roles in major motion pictures and voice-overs in successful animated films, broadening his audience.

• Creation and starring in the TV series Rescue Me (2004–2011), a defining chapter that fused his comedic edge with dramatic acting.

From classroom comedy writing to MTV rants, from stand-up clubs to Hollywood studios — Denis Leary’s rise was not overnight, but built on persistence, reinvention, and a voice that audiences recognized as unmistakably his own.

The Core Pillars of Denis Leary’s Wealth

The core pillars of Denis Leary’s wealth include:

• Stand-up comedy and specials — Leary’s early albums and televised specials established a lasting stream of earnings.

• Film and television acting — Roles in major films, animated franchises, and TV series provided substantial income and visibility.

• Writing and production — As a writer and co-creator (notably for Rescue Me), Leary has leveraged creative control into financial benefits.

• Voice acting — Lending his voice to animated hits expanded his reach and royalties.

• Philanthropy-linked ventures — Through foundation work and public charity efforts, Leary’s reputation also adds intangible value to his brand, which can support long-term earnings and opportunities.

This diversified portfolio — not relying solely on one medium — has helped sustain and grow his net worth over decades.

Relationships & Personal Life

Leary’s personal life offers a contrast to the loud, edgy persona his comedy often embodies. He has been married to author Ann Lembeck Leary since 1989; the couple met when he was teaching a class at Emerson College. They have two children: a son and a daughter.

Key insights into Denis Leary’s relationships and personal life:

• Longevity and stability: Over three decades of marriage suggest a grounded, enduring partnership despite the often chaotic entertainment industry.

• Respectful privacy: Though public figures, Leary and his wife have maintained a relatively private family life, shielding their children from the spotlight.

• Shared creative sensibilities: As a writer, Ann Leary complements Denis’s entertainment career — offering stability and mutual understanding of creative professions.

• Dual heritage: With Irish immigrant roots and American upbringing, Leary draws on a bicultural identity that influences both personal and professional sensibilities.

Beyond Career — Lifestyle, Interests & Purpose

Beyond career success, Denis Leary leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Commitment to philanthropy: He founded the Leary Firefighters Foundation after a tragic warehouse fire in his hometown — a tribute to a cousin and childhood friend who died in that event. The foundation has donated millions to fire departments and first-responder causes.

• Strong sporting interests: A devoted fan of Boston teams and ice hockey, Leary reportedly once maintained a backyard ice rink at his rural home — a nod to his love for the sport and for simple, hands-on recreation.

• Artistic integrity and versatility: With roles ranging from raw comedy to voice acting to dramatic television, Leary’s lifestyle embraces creative variety.

These facets speak to a person who, while successful, remains grounded in real-world values and personal passions.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Public estimates of Denis Leary’s net worth vary, but industry sources generally converge around a figure near US$40 million. This figure stems from a variety of revenue streams accumulated over decades. Below is a simplified breakdown of how that wealth has likely been built:

Note: Precise breakdowns are not public; above is a reasoned approximation based on publicly documented career and real-estate holdings.

This diversified financial foundation — combining active income (acting, writing) with passive income (royalties, assets) — makes Leary’s wealth relatively stable and resilient, even between major projects.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Denis Leary’s public image is multifaceted: part razor-tongued comedian, part empathetic storyteller, part philanthropist.

• In comedy, his rapid-fire rants and biting social commentary established him as a voice of the cynic — someone unafraid to challenge social norms with humor.

• In film and television, his transition from comedy to dramatic roles (notably in Rescue Me) showed depth, allowing audiences to see beyond the “loud comic” persona to a nuanced actor with range.

• His charitable work through the Leary Firefighters Foundation gave him credibility beyond entertainment — aligning him with causes that reflect personal loss, community support, and social responsibility.

Combined, these roles have built a legacy: one of reinvention, resilience, and redemption — a public figure who uses fame not only for laughs, but for causes that matter. For many fans and peers, Leary stands as proof that a comedian can evolve into a serious artist and philanthropist without losing authenticity.

Conclusion

Denis Leary’s journey — from a working-class upbringing in Worcester to the bright lights of stand-up stages, Hollywood sets, and animated classics — traces a path defined by talent, grit, and reinvention. His estimated net worth, stable marriage to Ann Lembeck Leary, and a rich personal life underscore a balance seldom seen among high-profile entertainers. Born on August 18, 1957, Leary celebrates his birthday each year on August 18, a date marking the arrival of a comedian-turned-actor whose influence spans generations. His story remains a testament to how humor, heart, and hard work can build not just wealth — but legacy.