Laurie David Net Worth

What is Laurie David's net worth?

Laurie David is an American environmental activist, producer, author, and philanthropist who has a net worth of $300 million.

Laurie David is probably best known for being the ex-wife of actor/producer Larry David. She was married to Larry from 1993 to 2007. Laurie is loosely portrayed by actress Cheryl Hines on "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

According to an interview given by Larry a decade after their divorce, Laurie received half of his of Larry David's net worth as a settlement. An amount that was easily in the several hundred million dollar range.

Outside of her former marriage, Laurie is a notable environmentalist. She won an Academy Award for producing Al Gore's 2006 documentary "An Inconvenient Truth."

Early Life

Laurie David was born Laurie Ellen Lennard on March 22, 1958, in Long Island, New York. She grew up in a middle-class family and developed an early interest in social issues and public communication.

She attended Ohio University, where she studied journalism. During her time there she worked at the university radio station and gained early experience in media production. After graduating, David pursued a career in television and entertainment production, which eventually helped provide the platform she later used to advocate for environmental causes.

Early Career in Entertainment

Before becoming known for environmental activism, Laurie David worked in the entertainment industry as a talent manager and television producer. During the 1980s and 1990s she managed several comedians and performers, gaining experience in media production and the entertainment business.

Her background in television helped shape her understanding of how media could be used to reach large audiences and influence public conversations. That experience later became central to her strategy for raising awareness about climate change and environmental protection.

Although David had worked in entertainment for years, her career took a major new direction in the early 2000s when she began focusing almost entirely on environmental advocacy.

Environmental Activism

Laurie David became deeply involved in environmental activism after learning more about the scientific evidence surrounding climate change. She began using her connections in media and politics to promote environmental awareness and encourage stronger action on climate policy.

She has served as a trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council and has worked with numerous environmental organizations to support conservation, clean energy, and climate education.

David has also played an important role in public campaigns encouraging individuals to reduce their environmental impact through changes in diet, transportation, and household habits. Her advocacy often emphasizes practical steps families can take to live more sustainably.

She has organized educational initiatives, speaking tours, and public awareness campaigns aimed at helping younger generations better understand climate change and environmental responsibility.

"An Inconvenient Truth"

Laurie David gained widespread national attention in 2006 when she served as a producer on the documentary film "An Inconvenient Truth." The film featured former U.S. Vice President Al Gore presenting scientific evidence about climate change and warning about its potential consequences.

The documentary became a major cultural and political moment in the climate movement. It earned widespread critical acclaim and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

The success of "An Inconvenient Truth" significantly elevated David's public profile and cemented her reputation as a prominent voice in environmental advocacy.

The film is widely credited with helping bring the issue of climate change into mainstream public discussion in the United States and around the world.

Books and Educational Projects

Laurie David has also written several books focused on environmental awareness and sustainable living.

In 2010 she co-authored the book "The Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming," which explains the science of climate change in accessible terms and offers practical advice for reducing environmental impact.

She later wrote "The Family Dinner," a book that encourages families to reconnect through shared meals and highlights the social and health benefits of cooking and eating together. The book combines recipes, stories, and advice about family traditions and healthy lifestyles.

David has also produced educational projects aimed at helping parents teach children about sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Through her writing and media work, she has consistently focused on translating complex environmental topics into practical actions people can incorporate into everyday life.

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Marriage to Larry David

Laurie David married comedian and television writer Larry David in 1993. During their marriage, Larry was the co-creator and head writer of the hit sitcom "Seinfeld," one of the most successful television shows in history.

The couple had two daughters together, including writer and actress Cazzie David.

Their marriage ended in divorce in 2007. The divorce attracted significant media attention because Larry David's fortune had grown dramatically due to the enormous financial success of "Seinfeld." The settlement reportedly included a share of Larry's future syndication earnings from the show.

Following the divorce, Laurie David continued her environmental work and media projects while maintaining a relatively private personal life.

Real Estate

In 1998, Laurie and David paid $1.26 million for a home in LA's Pacific Palisades neighborhood. They ultimately purchased two neighboring parcels to put together a roughly 1-acre parcel with sweeping ocean views. Laurie remained in this house after the couple separated in 2007. They listed this home for sale in September 2013 for $15 million, ultimately accepting $12 million in March 2014.

In 2011, Laurie paid 2 million for a half-acre lot in the Pacific Palisades. She proceeded to custom build a 5,000 square foot mansion, with construction concluding in 2013. Laurie listed this home for sale for $8.9 million in March 2024.

Laurie David owns a 14-acre estate in the Hamptons that features seven structures and a second home in Martha's Vineyard. In 2005 and 2009, Laurie received a citation from the Chilmark Conservation Commission for paving over wetlands at her property.

(Photo by Patrick McMullan/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

Laurie David Foundation

In 2007, David founded the Laurie David Foundation to fund and promote solutions to the climate crisis. The foundation has supported numerous initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. T

Private Jet Usage

As a vocal environmentalist, Laurie David has been criticized for her usage of private jets for personal travel. In response to the criticism, Laurie explained to The Guardian:

"Yes, I take a private plane on holiday a couple of times a year, and I feel horribly guilty about it. I probably shouldn't do it. But the truth is, I'm not perfect. This is not about perfection. I don't expect anybody else to be perfect either. That's what hurts the environmental movement – holding people to a standard they cannot meet. That just pushes people away."

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