D.L. Hughley: The Life And Legacy Of A Comedy Legend

How Much Is D.L. Hughley Worth?

Let’s talk about the man behind the laughter—D.L. Hughley. This American actor, stand-up comedian, radio host, and author has built an impressive career and amassed a net worth of $10 million. Hughley first gained national recognition as the original host of BET's "ComicView" back in the early '90s. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s also one of the legendary members of The Original Kings of Comedy, alongside Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and the late great Bernie Mac. His journey from the streets of South Central Los Angeles to becoming a household name is nothing short of inspiring.

From Humble Beginnings to Comedy Stardom

D.L. Hughley was born Darryl Lynn Hughley on March 6, 1963, in Portsmouth, Virginia. But don’t let his birthplace fool you—his family only stayed there for two months before moving to California, where he was raised in South Central Los Angeles. Growing up, D.L. faced some tough challenges, including a stint as a member of the street gang The Bloods. Life wasn’t easy, and at one point, he was expelled from San Pedro High School. But instead of letting those struggles define him, he turned things around, earning his GED and eventually finding work at the "Los Angeles Times." It was a pivotal moment that set the stage for the rest of his life.

A Career Full of Laughs and Milestones

Hughley’s career took off when he became the host of BET's "ComicView" in 1992. This platform allowed him to shine and quickly gain a loyal following. By 1998, he had his own sitcom, "The Hughleys," which he not only starred in but also wrote and produced. The show ran for four seasons and aired a total of 89 episodes on ABC and UPN. But Hughley didn’t stop there. He hosted a talk show for Comedy Central called "Weekends at the D.L." and released a comedy album in 2005 that showcased his sharp wit and humor.

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His talents weren’t limited to stand-up comedy. D.L. appeared in the blockbuster hit "Scary Movie 3," lent his voice to the iconic Gadgetmobile in "Inspector Gadget," and brought Brer Fox to life in "The Adventures of Brer Rabbit." He’s also had memorable guest appearances on shows like "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Scrubs," "Hawaii Five-O," "Glory Daze," and "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip." In 2010, he even stepped in as a special guest moderator on ABC's "The View" and guest-hosted "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."

In 2008, CNN gave Hughley the chance to host and write a comedy news show called "D.L. Hughley Breaks the News," which covered everything from politics to pop culture. Though the show was short-lived, running for just five months, it paved the way for Hughley to continue contributing to CNN as an L.A.-based correspondent. And in 2013, he joined the cast of "Dancing with the Stars," where he danced his heart out with partner Cheryl Burke. In 2019, he found himself back on TV One, hosting his own talk show, "The D.L. Hughley Show."

Finding Success on the Airwaves

Hughley’s talents weren’t confined to the screen. In 2009, he launched a radio show called "The D.L. Hughley Morning Show" on New York City's WRKS station. However, the competition was fierce, especially going head-to-head with fellow comedy king Steve Harvey. Unfortunately, the show was canceled after a short run. But Hughley didn’t give up. In 2013, he inked a deal with REACH Media to host a new nationally syndicated afternoon show, aptly titled "The D.L. Hughley Show." It was a fresh start and a chance to connect with audiences in a whole new way.

Beyond Comedy: A Prolific Author

Hughley’s career extends beyond the world of entertainment into the literary realm. He’s authored four books that tackle serious topics with his signature humor and insight. In 2012, he published "I Want You to Shut the F#ck Up: How the Audacity of Dopes is Ruining America," a candid look at modern society. Two years later, in 2017, he released "Black Man, White House: An Oral History of the Obama Years," offering a unique perspective on the historic presidency. In 2018, he dropped "How Not to Get Shot: And Other Advice from White People," and in 2020, he published "Surrender, White People!: Our Unconditional Terms for Peace," continuing to spark meaningful conversations.

Life Beyond the Spotlight

Hughley has been happily married to LaDonna Hughley since February 1986, and together they’ve raised three sons: Ryan, Tyler, and Kyle. Kyle, in particular, has been a focus of D.L.’s advocacy, as he was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at a young age. In 2017, during an interview on Angela Yee's podcast "Lipservice," Hughley opened up about a painful chapter in his life—an early marital affair that resulted in the birth of a child. Tragically, the baby was shaken to death by his mother's boyfriend at just nine months old. LaDonna, deeply moved by the situation, secretly provided financial support to the child’s mother for years without D.L.'s knowledge.

In 2020, Hughley faced another challenge when he collapsed during a performance in Nashville and later tested positive for COVID-19. Though he was asymptomatic, the virus spread to his son and some members of his radio show crew, reminding everyone of the unpredictable nature of life.

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