David Chase, known for creating The Sopranos, is a renowned American screenwriter, director, and producer. Born on August 22, 1945, in Mount Vernon, New York, David Chase has made a lasting impact on the television industry. He is widely recognized for revolutionizing serialized storytelling with The Sopranos, a series that reshaped how audiences view crime dramas.
As of 2025, David Chase’s net worth is estimated at $80 million, thanks to the enduring success of The Sopranos and various other ventures. His wealth has been bolstered by syndication deals, DVD sales, streaming rights, and real estate investments, including a luxury penthouse in New York City. Additionally, David Chase’s work in film, such as Not Fade Away and The Many Saints of Newark, further contributes to his financial success. At age 79, David Chase remains one of the most influential figures in entertainment.
David Chase Profile Summary
Attribute | Details |
Full Name | David Chase |
Net Worth (2025) | $80 Million |
Date of Birth | August 22, 1945 |
Age | 79 years old |
Birthplace | Mount Vernon, New York |
Profession | Screenwriter, Television Producer, Television Director, Drummer, Actor, Writer |
Nationality | United States of America |
Notable Works | The Sopranos, Not Fade Away, The Many Saints of Newark, The Rockford Files, Northern Exposure |
Awards | Multiple Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Peabody Awards |
Famous TV Shows | The Sopranos, Almost Grown, Northern Exposure, The Rockford Files |
Film Contributions | Not Fade Away, The Many Saints of Newark |
Education | Wake Forest University, New York University, Stanford University (Film MA) |
Family | Married to Denise Kelly, daughter Michele Chase (appeared in The Sopranos) |
Early Life | Raised in Clifton and North Caldwell, New Jersey. Struggled with depression and panic attacks. |
Real Estate | Owned a $9.65 million penthouse in New York City, $7 million home in Santa Monica, California |
Career Milestones | Creator of The Sopranos, Revolutionized TV drama, Introduced serialized storytelling |
Who is David Chase?

David Chase is an American screenwriter, director, and producer who revolutionized television with The Sopranos. Born on August 22, 1945, in Mount Vernon, New York, Chase grew up in a working-class family in Clifton, New Jersey, and North Caldwell, New Jersey. His journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a household name is a testament to his unparalleled vision and determination.
Best known for blending crime drama with deep psychological insights, Chase’s creative achievements have earned him numerous awards, including Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Peabody Awards. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers.
Early Life
David Chase was raised in a traditional Italian-American household, which heavily influenced his creative style. His parents, Norma and Henry, had a complex relationship with their son. Chase later admitted that his childhood, marked by depression and panic attacks, significantly shaped his storytelling.
Chase attended Wake Forest University, intending to pursue music, but soon transferred to New York University, where his passion for filmmaking flourished. Later, he completed his MA in film from Stanford University in 1971, setting the stage for his entry into the entertainment world.
Career Beginnings
Chase began his career in Hollywood as a writer and story editor. His early work included contributions to series like Kolchak: The Night Stalker and The Rockford Files, for which he won his first Emmy. He also worked on shows such as Northern Exposure, Almost Grown, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
In 1980, Chase gained acclaim for writing the Emmy-winning TV movie Off the Minnesota Strip. By the late 1980s, he had already established himself as a skilled writer and producer. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that his career truly skyrocketed.
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The Man Behind The Sopranos
In 1999, Chase changed television forever by creating The Sopranos for HBO. Starring James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Tony Sirico, and Robert Iler, the show followed the life of mob boss Tony Soprano. Chase’s unique vision combined crime, family drama, and psychological depth, making it one of the most groundbreaking series in history.
Although only 30 episodes were officially credited to Chase, he had a hand in every script and directed the iconic pilot and finale. The series inspired other legendary shows like Breaking Bad, The Shield, and Rescue Me.
The Success Of The Sopranos & Beyond
Over six seasons, The Sopranos garnered 21 Emmy Awards and became a cultural phenomenon. Its complex characters, including fan-favorites played by Steve Schirripa, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, and Michael Imperioli, brought audiences into a world of organized crime like never before.
Chase later expanded into film, directing Not Fade Away in 2012 and co-writing The Many Saints of Newark in 2021. These projects showcased his range but didn’t replicate the runaway success of The Sopranos.
Contributing Ventures & Net Worth
David Chase’s $80 million net worth stems from more than just The Sopranos. Syndication deals, DVD sales, streaming rights, and merchandise continue to generate income. According to Celebrity Net Worth, royalties from The Sopranos remain a significant part of his wealth.
Chase also made substantial real estate investments. He once owned a luxury penthouse in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood, which he sold for $7.6 million. In 2019, he purchased a home in Santa Monica, California, for $7 million.
David Chase’s Wealth Sources | Estimated Contributions |
The Sopranos royalties | $40 million |
Syndication and streaming deals | $20 million |
Merchandise and DVD sales | $10 million |
Real estate investments | $10 million |
Chase’s financial success underscores the enduring legacy of The Sopranos. Despite his relatively private life, his impact on the entertainment industry is immeasurable.
FAQ’s
Who is the creator of The Sopranos?
David Chase is the genius behind The Sopranos, which changed the landscape of TV drama forever.
What is the estimated net worth of the showrunner?
As of 2024, David Chase’s net worth is around $80 million, thanks to his work on The Sopranos and other projects.
How did The Sopranos impact TV shows?
The success of The Sopranos made David Chase a pioneer in serialized storytelling, influencing shows like Breaking Bad and The Shield.
What other ventures has David Chase worked on?
Aside from The Sopranos, David Chase also directed films like Not Fade Away and The Many Saints of Newark.
Where did David Chase grow up?
David Chase grew up in Mount Vernon, New York, and later moved to New Jersey, which influenced his work on The Sopranos.
Conclusion
David Chase is a visionary creator whose work has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Best known for creating the iconic television series The Sopranos, Chase revolutionized TV drama with his nuanced storytelling and complex characters. His contributions to television set new standards for serialized storytelling, influencing countless shows like Breaking Bad, The Shield, and Rescue Me.
Beyond The Sopranos, Chase has ventured into film with projects like Not Fade Away and The Many Saints of Newark, showcasing his versatility as a director and writer. With a net worth of $80 million, much of Chase’s success stems from the enduring popularity of The Sopranos, which continues to generate income through syndication, streaming, and merchandise. Despite maintaining a private life, David Chase’s legacy as one of the greatest television creators remains unchallenged, solidifying his place as a true pioneer in the entertainment world.