Denis Leary Biography: Children, Net Worth, Siblings, Height, Parents, Age, Wife, Songs, Films

Denis Colin Leary, also known as Denis Leary, is a fiery American comedian, actor, and writer, known for his sharp stand-up specials like No Cure for Cancer and his starring role as Tommy Gavin in Rescue Me.

His fast-talking, in-your-face style has made him a standout in comedy and film.

Denis is a proud American who channels his Irish heritage and love for firefighters into his work, making him a beloved figure in entertainment.

Profile

• Full Name: Denis Colin Leary
• Stage Name: Denis Leary
• Born: August 18, 1957
• Age: 68 years old
• Birthplace: Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
• Nationality: American-Irish
• Occupation: Comedian, Actor, Writer, Producer, Director, Singer
• Height: 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
• Religion: Catholic
• Parents: John Leary, Nora Sullivan Leary
• Siblings: Three
• Spouse: Ann Lembeck Leary (m. 1989)
• Children: John Joseph “Jack” Leary, Devin Leary
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $30 million to $40 million

Early Life

Denis Leary was born on August 18, 1957, in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Irish immigrant parents, John Leary, an auto mechanic, and Nora Sullivan Leary, a maid. His ethnicity is Irish-American, and he’s proud of his roots, often weaving his heritage into his comedy.

Raised in a strict Catholic household as the second of four children, Denis grew up in a working-class neighbourhood. He dreamed of being a professional hockey player until seeing Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets inspired him to act.

Education

Denis attended Saint Peter-Marian High School in Worcester, graduating in 1975. He then studied theatre at Emerson College in Boston, where he co-founded the Emerson Comedy Workshop, a troupe still active today. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in 1979, he stayed at Emerson for five years, teaching comedy writing and honing his craft.

Career

Denis started as a stand-up comedian in Boston’s underground scene at Play It Again Sam’s, performing at Rascals Comedy Club for The Rascals Comedy Hour in 1990.

His fast, ranting style caught attention on MTV, where he played characters like Keith Richards and ranted about R.E.M.’s “Shiny Happy People.” His 1993 special, No Cure for Cancer, and the song “Asshole” made him a star, with the song hitting number 58 on the UK Singles Chart.

He released Lock ’n Load (1997) and Merry F#$%in’ Christmas (2004). In the 1990s, he appeared in films such as The Ref (1994), Wag the Dog (1997), and The Thomas Crown Affair (1999). He starred in TV shows The Job (2001–2002) and Rescue Me (2004–2011), which he co-created, earning three Emmy nominations.

He voiced Diego in the Ice Age franchise and Francis in A Bug’s Life. In 2012, he played Captain George Stacy in The Amazing Spider-Man. From 2015 to 2016, he starred in Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll on FX. In 2022, he joined Law & Order: Organized Crime as Frank Donnelly.

He’s hosted the Comics Come Home benefit for Cam Neely’s cancer charity since 1995 and narrated Behind the B for the Boston Bruins. Denis also produced Blow (2001) and the documentary Burn (2012). His outspoken style and love for firefighters make him a proud American icon.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @denisleary
• Facebook: Denis Leary

Personal Life

Denis, 68, has been married to author Ann Lembeck Leary since 1989, whom he met while teaching at Emerson College. They have a son, Jack (born 1990), and a daughter, Devin (born 1992). His height is 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm), and he’s known for his gapped front teeth and fast-talking delivery.

Denis is a huge Boston sports fan, cheering for the Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins, and also supports the Green Bay Packers. He has a backyard ice rink in Roxbury, Connecticut, reflecting his love for hockey. A self-described “Jack Kennedy Democrat,” he admires Barack Obama and supports the military.

Net Worth

Denis Leary’s net Worth is estimated between $30 million and $40 million. His wealth comes from his comedy specials, acting in films like The Amazing Spider-Man and Ice Age, and starring in Rescue Me (earning $250,000–$350,000 per episode in 2009–2011). He’s also earned from producing Blow and writing books like Why We Suck (2008).

Discography:

• No Cure for Cancer (1993) – Comedy album, includes “Asshole” (No. 58 UK Singles Chart)
• Lock ’n Load (1997) – Comedy album.
• Merry F#$%in’ Christmas (2004) – EP, comedy and music

Filmography (Selected):

• The Sandlot (1993) – Bill
• Demolition Man (1993) – Edgar Friendly
• The Ref (1994) – Gus
• Operation Dumbo Drop (1995) – David Poole
• Wag the Dog (1997) – Fad King
• A Bug’s Life (1998) – Francis (voice)
• The Thomas Crown Affair (1999) – Michael McCann
• Jesus’ Son (1999) – Wayne
• Blow (2001) – Producer only
• Ice Age (2002) – Diego (voice)
• Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006) – Diego (voice)
• The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) – Captain George Stacy
• Draft Day (2014) – Vince Penn
• Ice Age: Collision Course (2016) – Diego (voice)

TV (Selected):

• The Job (2001–2002) – Mike McNeil
• Rescue Me (2004–2011) – Tommy Gavin (also co-creator)
• The Simpsons (2008) – Himself (voice, “Lost Verizon”)
• Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll (2015–2016) – Johnny Rock
• Law & Order: Organized Crime (2022) – Frank Donnelly
• Behind the B (2013–present) – Narrator