Larry David: Net Worth, Political Views, and Obama Story

Larry David has spent decades turning everyday awkwardness into comedy gold, but his real-life story is just as full of surprises. From building a fortune on Seinfeld syndication to a viral encounter with a former president, the man behind Curb Your Enthusiasm keeps people talking. Here’s what you need to know about his wealth, his politics, and those persistent questions about his friendships.

Born: July 2, 1947 · Net worth (estimated): $400 million · Known for: Co-creator of Seinfeld; star of Curb Your Enthusiasm · Emmy wins: Two

Six key facts, one quick take: Larry David’s public profile is built on decades of show-business success and a net worth that even he disputes.

Why is Larry David so rich?

Larry David’s fortune is built on one of television’s most lucrative syndication deals. When Seinfeld entered syndication in 1998, the $1.7 billion sale reportedly earned David $242 million, according to The Hollywood Reporter (industry news). That single payday, combined with ongoing backend revenue, continues to fuel his wealth.

By 2013, the rerun fees had totaled $3.1 billion, per Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia). David also earns an estimated $40 million to $50 million per year from Seinfeld alone, as reported by Parade (lifestyle magazine).

Yet David himself downplays the numbers. In a 2025 interview with The Hollywood Reporter (industry news), when asked about a reported $500 million net worth, he called it “preposterous” and offered “how about $100 million” as an alternative.

“That’s preposterous … how about $100 million.”

— Larry David, in The Hollywood Reporter interview (2025)

The pattern: a single syndication deal made David a multimillionaire, and he has kept the engine running through Curb Your Enthusiasm and HBO deals.

What did Obama say about Larry David?

In 2024, President Barack Obama shared a story at a public event about an encounter with Larry David. The anecdote involved a chair and a “fun fact,” and it quickly spread across social media and news outlets. While the exact wording varies by retelling, the core event is widely reported.

Obama’s story added a new layer to David’s public persona — the comedian who accidentally becomes a presidential punchline.

The implication: the viral moment underscores how David’s offstage life sometimes mirrors the awkward situations his onscreen characters inhabit.

Are Seinfeld and Larry David still friends?

Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld co-created Seinfeld and wrote together for nine seasons. Their partnership is one of television’s most famous. According to Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia), David left the show after season 7 but returned for the finale. The two have remained on good terms, though they lead separate professional lives.

Seinfeld, whose net worth Parade (lifestyle magazine) estimates at about $900 million, has spoken positively about their friendship in interviews. Neither party has suggested a rift.

Why this matters: the durability of their relationship is often questioned by fans, but available evidence points to mutual respect and occasional collaboration.

What is Larry David’s political views?

Larry David has publicly identified as a Democrat. In 2010, he wrote a New York Times (major newspaper) opinion piece criticizing the extension of Bush-era tax cuts for wealthy Americans. Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia) notes that he ended the piece by sarcastically thanking President Barack Obama for approving the extension.

His character on Curb Your Enthusiasm is apolitical, but real-life clues — including donations to Democratic causes — suggest liberal leanings. An analysis on Substack (independent publishing) argues that the show frequently engages with political themes and portrays the Larry character as a liberal Democrat.

Data from OpenSecrets (campaign finance tracker) shows that Larry David Productions made no direct contributions to congressional candidates in 2020, though this does not reflect personal giving.

The trade-off: fans of Curb Your Enthusiasm may be surprised to learn that the man behind the character is more politically engaged than his fictional counterpart.

Who sued Seinfeld for $100 million?

In 2007, writer Missy Chase Levine sued Jerry Seinfeld for $100 million, alleging that the premise for Bee Movie was stolen from her children’s book. According to Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia), the lawsuit was dismissed, and the case was not directly related to Larry David. However, it remains a notable piece of Seinfeld-related legal history.

The catch: though the lawsuit targeted Jerry Seinfeld, the high-profile litigation often gets associated with the wider Seinfeld orbit.

Larry David’s legacy is one of immense creative success and carefully guarded personal detail. The numbers say $400 million; he says $100 million. The public sees a liberal Democrat; his character avoids politics. The friendship with Seinfeld appears solid, but the details remain private.

For anyone following his career, the choice is clear: take the public estimates with a grain of salt, or trust the man who made a living out of awkward honesty. Either way, Larry David remains one of television’s most intriguing figures.

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