Category:
Richest Business › Producers
Net Worth:
$250 Million
Birthdate:
Dec 26, 1968 (55 years old)
Birthplace:
Ridgefield
Gender:
Male
Profession:
Screenwriter, Television producer, Television Director, Writer, Actor
Nationality:
United States of America
Bill Lawrence is an American screenwriter, producer and director who has a net worth of $250 million. Bill Lawrence earned his fortune as the creator and producer of several very successful television shows, notably as “Scrubs,” “Spin City,” “Ted Lasso,” and “Shrinking.”
He started his career writing for shows like “Boy Meets World” and “The Nanny,” showcasing his knack for character-driven, witty humor. Lawrence’s major breakthrough came with the creation of “Scrubs,” a medical comedy-drama that premiered in 2001. The show was celebrated for its unique blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling, running for nine seasons and earning numerous awards, including a Peabody.
Following the success of “Scrubs,” Lawrence continued to leave his mark on television comedy. He co-created “Cougar Town,” a sitcom starring Courteney Cox, which aired from 2009 to 2015. The show was well-received for its humorous take on life’s second acts and complex relationships. He was also involved in the creation and production of “Spin City,” which starred Michael J. Fox and later Charlie Sheen, showcasing his ability to create and sustain successful, long-running sitcoms.
Lawrence’s work often features an ensemble cast, quick-witted dialogue, and relatable characters, making him a respected figure in the TV industry. His knack for balancing humor with emotional depth has made his shows not only popular but also critically acclaimed. In addition to his creative roles, Lawrence has also been a mentor to many writers and directors in the industry, further solidifying his legacy as a significant contributor to modern television comedy. His ongoing career continues to influence and shape the landscape of TV comedy.
Bill has made his home at Warner Brothers for several decades. And as the years have gone by and Bill’s hits have gotten bigger and bigger, so have his contracts. In 2022 he signed a 5-year contract extension with Warner Brothers that is in the “nine figures.” As a comparable, around the same time Shonda Rhimes signed a 4-year, $150 million deal with Netflix. Based on that comp, it’s likely that Bill’s 2022 deal was worth at least $200 million.
William Van Duzer Lawrence IV was born on December 26, 1968 in Ridgefield, Connecticut. His production company, Doozer, is a wordplay on his middle name. His great-great grandparents Sarah and William Van Duzer Lawrence I are the namesakes of Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers, New York.
He went on to attend the College of William & Mary in Virginia, where he graduated in 1990 with a degree in English. It was during these formative years that Lawrence honed his craft, setting the foundation for his future success in television.
After graduating from the College of William & Mary, where he studied English, his first writing job was as a staff writer on the short-lived ABC sitcom Billy. He then briefly wrote for Boy Meets World and The Nanny. In 1996, he wrote for the short-lived sitcom Champs.
Bill Lawrence’s first show as creator was the ABC multi-camera sitcom “Spin City,” co-created with Champs creator Gary David Goldberg. The series originally starred Michael J. Fox as a deputy mayor of New York City. In later season’s Michael’s role was taken over by Charlie Sheen. Spin City lasted for six seasons, 145 episodes, and won a Primetime Emmy Award and four Golden Globes.
In 2001 he created the hit single-camera sitcom “Scrubs.” The show premiered in 2001 and ran for 9 seasons in total, 7 on NBC and 2 on ABC. Scrubs received critical acclaim as well, with 17 Emmy nominations. Scrubs produced 182 episodes and has been highly successful in syndication.
After the conclusion of “Scrubs,” Lawrence co-created the sitcom “Cougar Town” in 2009. The show, starring Courteney Cox, was a departure from Lawrence’s previous works, leaning more heavily into the dramedy genre. “Cougar Town” ran for six seasons and was praised for its sharp humor, complex characters, and emotional depth, once again showcasing Lawrence’s versatility as a writer and creator.
Lawrence has found significant success as the co-creator and executive producer of “Ted Lasso.” The critically acclaimed show, which premiered in 2020 and stars Jason Sudeikis, follows an American football coach who moves to the UK to manage a struggling soccer team. “Ted Lasso” has been lauded for its heartfelt storytelling, humor, and optimism, earning numerous awards and becoming a cultural phenomenon. The show’s success has underscored Lawrence’s enduring impact on television and his ability to create content that resonates deeply with audiences.
Bill has been married to Scrubs actress Christa Miller since 1999. They have three children together and Christa has appeared in many of his shows.
Bill and Christa preside over a very impressive real estate portfolio.
In 2003 they paid $4.75 million for an incredible mansion high up on a Malibu cliff in the Point Dume area. They bought the home from Pat Benatar. They sold the home in 2017 for $21 million. In June 2023 Google co-founder Sergey Brin bought the home for $35 million.
In 2007 they paid $12.6 million for a six-bedroom home in Los Angeles. The seller was Dallas actress/entrepreneur Victoria Principal. They have tried to sell this home (so far unsuccessfully) a number of times over the years. They last listed in 2013 for $11 million.
In April 2018 they paid $7.6 million for a 2,700 square-foot home in New York City.
