What Is David Ellison Net Worth?

David Ellison, the American film producer and former actor, has an estimated net worth of $500 million. He is best known as the founder and CEO of Skydance Media and for producing blockbuster films such as Top Gun: Maverick (2022), Jack Reacher (2012), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023), and several installments of the Mission: Impossible franchise.

Ellison has also produced acclaimed television series, including Grace and Frankie (2015–2018), Jack Ryan (2018–2023), Reacher (2022–present), and The Big Door Prize (2023–2024). His success in both film and television, along with strategic business ventures, contributes heavily to his substantial net worth.

David Ellison Net Worth	$500 Million
Date of Birth	January 9, 1983
Place of Birth	Santa Clara County, California
Nationality	American
Career	Producer, Actor

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Early Life

David Ellison was born on January 9, 1983, in Santa Clara County, California. He is the son of Barbara Boothe Ellison and billionaire Larry Ellison, co-founder and chairman of Oracle Corporation. David grew up in Woodside, California, after his parents divorced in 1986.

He has a sister, Megan Ellison, who founded Annapurna Pictures. David attended the University of Southern California’s film school but dropped out to make his first film, Flyboys (2005). On his 25th birthday, he received $200 million from his father, as did Megan, giving him a strong financial foundation to launch his production career.

Skydance Media

Ellison founded Skydance Media in 2006. By 2009, the company had partnered with Paramount Pictures to co-produce and co-finance films. Under David’s leadership, Skydance produced major box office hits like:

True Grit (2010)
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011)
Jack Reacher (2012)
Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014)
Baywatch (2017)
Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025)

In 2013, Skydance launched a television division, producing shows like Grace and Frankie, Jack Ryan, Foundation, and Reacher. David also launched Skydance Animation in 2017 and formed a strategic partnership with Tencent Holdings in 2018.

Paramount Merger

In July 2024, Skydance announced a merger with Paramount Global, with Ellison serving as chairman and CEO. The merger involves an $8 billion investment from David and his backers, giving Skydance Investor Group majority control of the new company. Ellison described this move as a “defining and transformative” moment for the entertainment industry, emphasizing innovation, creator independence, and long-term growth.

Acting Career

Before focusing fully on producing, David appeared in films such as:

The Chumscrubber (2005)
Flyboys (2006)
Hole in One (2009)
Little Fish, Strange Pond / Frenemy (2009)

He also guest-starred in a 2010 episode of Leverage.

Personal Life

David married actress and singer Sandra Lynn Modic on October 1, 2011, and the couple has two children. He is a licensed pilot with ratings in commercial aviation, helicopters, aerobatics, multi-engine aircraft, and fixed-wing planes. In 2003, he performed at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh with the “Stars of Tomorrow” aerobatic team.

Ellison is a member of the Television Academy and the Producers Guild of America, reflecting his influence and standing in the entertainment industry.

Awards

David’s producing work, particularly on Top Gun: Maverick, has earned him critical acclaim:

Academy Award nomination for Best Motion Picture of the Year
PGA Award nomination for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures
ICG Publicists Award in Motion Picture category
Additional nominations including Gold Derby, Latino Entertainment Journalists Association, and Chicago Indie Critics Awards

His ability to deliver both commercial and critically successful projects has solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood’s leading producers.