David Hyde Pierce was born on 3 April 1959 in Saratoga Springs, New York, USA. He is the youngest child of George and Laura Pierce (both deceased) and has two older sisters (Barbara and Nancy) and an older brother (Thomas). As a child he was very interested in music (particularly piano) and regularly played the organ at his local church (Bethesda Episcopal Church). David discovered a love of drama in high school and, upon his graduation in 1977, he received the Yaddo Medal for best Dramatic Arts student. However, his love of music was still strong so he decided to study classical piano at Yale University. Unfortunately, he soon grew bored with music history lessons and found that he wasn't dedicated enough to practice the required amount of hours to become a successful concert pianist. Instead, he returned to his love of drama and graduated in 1981 with a double major in English and Theatre Arts. He then moved to New York where he worked several menial jobs (including selling ties at Bloomingdales and working as a security guard) while acting in the theater during the late 80s and early 90s. He appeared in small roles in films such as "Bright Lights Big City" (1988) before his life and career changed forever when he landed the role of Dr. Niles Crane in the television series "Frasier" (1993). Throughout the show's eleven year run (1993-2004), David was nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor each year (he won four times: 1995, 1998, 1999 and 2004). David currently resides in Los Angeles with his two Wheaton Terriers, Emma and Mabel, and remains very close to his three siblings.
Frasier (1993): $750,000/episode
Received the Yaddo Medal as best dramatic arts student upon graduation from Saratoga Springs High School, 1977. Plays both the piano and the organ. Attended Bethesda Episcopal Church in Saratoga Springs. He received his initial interview with the creators of Frasier due to his close resemblance to Kelsey Grammer. After the interview, the part of Niles Crane was written for him. Once worked as a security guard. Is active in the fight to find a cure for Alzheimer's, which his grandfather suffered from. Holds the record for being nominated for most Best Supporting Actor Emmys for a character, Dr. Niles Crane on "Frasier". He was nominated 11 times. Graduated from Yale University with a double major in English and theater arts. Attended Yale with Jodie Foster. When she was preparing to direct Little Man Tate, she remembered him from a play he was in at that time and called and offered him a part. Once sold ties at Bloomingdales in New York. He kickboxes. Made his debut with the New York Philaharmonic in April 2003 in the role of Benedict, in the concert staging of Berlioz's opera Beatrice and Benedict. Harriet Harris, (Agent Bebe Glazer on Frasier) played Beatrice opposite Pierce. Asked not to be credited as the voice of Abe Sapien in Hellboy (2004) because he felt the characterization of Abe truly belonged to Doug Jones (the actor who played Abe on the set). One year when he was performing at the international comedy festival "Just for Laughs", he arrived in Montreal for check-in with the festival exhausted and disheveled. He remarked to one of the festival workers how he was looking forward to resting in his hotel room. The worker replied with empathy, saying how tired they were working overtime with few breaks trying to tie up the lose ends and help the performers before the comedy routines. Moments later, Pierce returned with fresh coffee and pastries for all those working at the Festival's check-in.