Spike Lee Net Worth, Bio, Achievements, Wife and Kids

Spike Lee Net Worth     $50 million

Spike Lee is a famous actor and film director that have become renowned for dealing with controversial issues like urban violence, racism, and politics, and urban violence. Known for his vivid portrayal of taboo topics, this director often lets his films speak for him.

He has been behind many films including ‘Malcolm X’, ‘School Daze’, and ‘Do the Right Thing’. These movies not only delivered powerful and inspiring messages to his audience, but also established him as a highly respect film director.

The son of a jazz musician and school teacher, Lee was raised in a artistically and culturally rich atmosphere. His mother took him place and helped kindle his imagination.

They often went to galleries, museums and plays which instilled a love for African American literature in him. Spike Lee net worth has come from the path he chose as an actor and film director.

He made his acting and directorial debut with the film ‘She’s Gotta Have It’ which turned out a massive success. Since then he has been on his way of making many films that explore the richness of African American culture.

Spike Lee’s Early Life

Spike Lee whose real name is Shelton Jackson Lee was born in Atlanta, Georgia, United States on March 20, 1957, to William James Edward Lee III and Jacqueline Carroll.

His father was a song composer and jazz musician while his mother worked as an arts and black literature teacher.

Lee was a very naughty and energetic child. He was nicknamed ‘Spike’ by his mother due to his toughness. His passion for African American literature started to grow when he was a little boy as he had to accompany his mother to museums and plays.

After attending ‘John Dewey High School’, he enrolled into ‘Morehouse College’ where he became fully convinced that he would thread the path of film making.

He obtained a BA degree in mass communication before attempting film courses at ‘Clark Atlanta University’. He also attended New York University’s ‘Tisch School of the Arts’ where he graduated with a Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television.

Spike Lee’s Career

Lee started making films from his college days where he was part of the making of a student film. Upon completing his education and obtaining his masters degree, he began to work on feature film and started gaining experience.

He first films ‘She’s gotta have it’ and ‘Do the Right Thing’ were critically acclaimed. His next film which was released in 1989 was a hit as well, and was nominated for an Academy Award.

After achieving significant success with his initial films, he went on to write, direct, produce,  and act in a number of films including ‘Jungle Fever,’ ‘Love and Basketball’, ‘Summer of Sam,’ ‘Malcolm X,’ and more.

He also made documentary films including the likes of ‘4 Little Girls’, which earned an Oscar nomination for ‘Best Documentary Feature.’

Apart from directing films, Lee was also active in directing music videos, and has worked with popular acts like Prince, Michael Jackson, and a host of others.

He is one of those personalities that have utilized their influence and power in the best possible ways.

Most of his films issued strong statements on politics, racism, gender, unfair treatments on blacks in the United States, and other inequalities, and were nominated for numerous awards.

His films paved the way for a lot of upcoming African-American actors and directors, and made it possible for actors like Samuel L Jackson, Denzel Washington and Wesley Snipes to gain more recognition.

Lee is also the founder of the production company ‘40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks’ which has been in the business of producing films since 1983.

Spike Lee’s Movies

• Bad 25 (2012)
• Do the Right Thing (1989)
• 4 Little Girls (1997)
• Malcolm X (1992)
• 25th Hour (2002)
• BlacKkKlansman (2018)
• All the Invisible Children (2005)
• Inside Man (2006)
• Love & Basketball (2000)

Awards & Achievement

Lee has been nominated for lots of awards including the Peabody, Academy, and Emmy Awards. He has won awards like The Student Academy Award, Berlin International Film Festival Awards, Black Reel Awards, and Black Movie Award.

He is a highly respected individual who has come to let the world know about a lot of social inequalities and injustice by using his films.

Personal Life & Family

The actor and film director has been married to Tonya Lewis since the year 1992. They had a daughter in 1994 and a son three years afterwards. Now 64, Lee has a height of 168cm and weighs 68kg.

Spike Lee Net Worth

Spike has been a part of numerous films throughout his career as an actor and also as a director or producer. His production company as well as other roles have enabled him acquire a lot of wealth since he entered the movie industry.

Spike Lee net worth is $50 million. He is one of those notable people in the society who did not just work for money, but also to educate the world on several critical topics by any means.

His service to younger actors and filmmakers is greatly appreciated till this day and his name will continue to reign in the hearts of all of those who have come to be influenced and impressed by his works.