Ever wonder what happened to the guy who played Commander Harmon “Harm” Rabb Jr. on JAG? Well, let’s just say David James Elliott hasn’t done too badly for himself. With a net worth estimated around $15 million, this Canadian-born actor has turned a once-uncertain career path into a lasting Hollywood success story.
From dreaming of becoming a rock star to commanding TV courtrooms, Elliott’s story is all about timing, persistence, and smart financial moves. Let’s take a deep dive into how he built — and kept — his impressive fortune.
1. David James Elliott’s Net Worth at a Glance
Let’s start with the headline number: $15 million.
Most of Elliott’s wealth came from his decade-long run on JAG (1995–2005), one of CBS’s most successful shows of the early 2000s. But he didn’t stop there.
Even after JAG wrapped, Elliott continued working in TV, took on film roles, and got involved in production and real estate — smart moves that helped keep his finances solid.
At 64, Elliott’s career is still active. And while JAG royalties probably still trickle in, he’s clearly not just relying on reruns to pay the bills.
2. From Rock Dreams to Screen Success: His Early Life
Before he was the confident Commander Rabb, David James Elliott was just David William Smith — a kid from Milton, Ontario, with dreams of rock stardom.
His parents, Patricia and Arnold Smith, were ordinary working folks — his mom in an office job, his dad running a plumbing and heating business. Elliott’s childhood was grounded and middle-class, which probably explains his down-to-earth attitude later in life.
In high school, he was convinced music was his destiny. He even dropped out during his senior year to focus on his band — a bold move for a teenager. But by 19, reality hit hard: the rock career wasn’t taking off.
So, he did what many people don’t have the courage to do — he went back, finished high school, and charted a new course. That decision changed everything.
After enrolling at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University), Elliott discovered acting — and it was love at first script. He graduated in 1982 and joined the Stratford Shakespeare Festival’s Young Company, launching a career that would eventually make him millions.
3. How JAG Made David James Elliott a TV Millionaire
The turning point came in 1995 when Elliott landed the role of Commander Harmon “Harm” Rabb Jr. in the military legal drama JAG.
The show’s start was rocky — NBC canceled it after one season — but CBS saw potential and gave it a second life. From there, JAG became a ratings powerhouse, running for 10 seasons and 227 episodes.
Elliott’s portrayal of Harm Rabb turned him into a household name, and his paycheck reflected that.
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Early seasons: roughly $200,000 per episode
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By 2003: up to $300,000 per episode after a major contract renegotiation
With around 22 episodes per season, that means Elliott was earning $6–7 million annually at the peak of JAG. Add in residuals and syndication rights, and it’s no surprise his net worth crossed into eight-figure territory.
Few TV actors manage to turn one breakout role into long-term wealth — but Elliott’s business sense helped him pull it off.
4. Beyond JAG: Staying Relevant in Hollywood
When JAG ended in 2005, Elliott could’ve easily faded into TV nostalgia. Instead, he kept his career alive with steady work across genres.
Before JAG, he’d already built a resume with appearances on shows like Knots Landing, Street Legal, The Untouchables, and Melrose Place. These early gigs gave him valuable exposure before his big break.
After JAG, Elliott took on diverse projects:
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Close to Home and The Guard (TV series)
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Scoundrels and GCB, where he continued showing off his versatility
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Portraying John Wayne in the 2015 biopic Trumbo — a standout performance that earned critical praise
And for longtime JAG fans, his 2019 guest appearance on NCIS: Los Angeles as Harm Rabb was a nostalgic treat. The cameo sparked rumors of a JAG reboot — something Elliott himself hasn’t ruled out.
Today, he stars in the SyFy series Revival, proving he’s still in demand nearly four decades after his debut.
5. Building Wealth Beyond Acting: Production & Real Estate
Like many smart actors, Elliott realized that the biggest paydays in Hollywood often come from producing rather than just performing.
He co-founded Firefly Productions, which has been involved in multiple projects. Producing offers not just creative control, but also potential profit-sharing — a long-term wealth strategy many actors overlook.
Elliott also tried his hand at directing, further diversifying his income. Each role behind the camera added to his experience and earning potential.
But perhaps his best financial move? Real estate.
He and his wife, actress Nanci Chambers, owned a luxurious property in Brentwood, one of Los Angeles’ most sought-after (and expensive) neighborhoods. The home, valued near $8 million, reflects both status and smart investing.
Brentwood real estate has consistently appreciated, meaning Elliott’s properties are likely worth far more today than when he bought them. For an actor whose income can fluctuate, investing in stable assets like real estate was a smart hedge against industry ups and downs.
6. Family, Stability, and a Drama-Free Life
In an industry known for chaos, David James Elliott’s personal life is refreshingly steady.
He’s been married to Nanci Chambers since 1992 — an impressive 30+ years together. The two met while working in Canada and later shared the screen on JAG, where Chambers played Lieutenant Loren Singer.
They have two children — Stephanie and Wyatt — and have managed to keep their family life mostly private.
Unlike many Hollywood couples, Elliott and Chambers have avoided public scandals and financial meltdowns. Their focus on family, stability, and smart choices likely played a big role in maintaining their wealth.
That grounded Canadian upbringing seems to have rubbed off — no lavish tabloid spending, no messy divorces, just quiet success.
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7. What’s Next for David James Elliott?
Even in his 60s, Elliott’s career is far from over. His work on Revival proves that he’s still a draw for audiences and producers alike.
He’s also teased the idea of a JAG revival, saying there’s “always a chance.” Considering Hollywood’s current love for reboots, that’s more than just wishful thinking.
If JAG does return, Elliott would be in an excellent negotiating position — a legacy actor with a built-in fanbase and the rights to one of CBS’s classic characters. That could easily push his net worth well past the $15 million mark.
Between ongoing projects, real estate, and potential production deals, his financial future looks as solid as ever.
How David James Elliott Manages His Money
Unlike many celebrities who live flashy, Elliott seems to take a smart, conservative approach to money.
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Invests in property, not just luxuries
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Focuses on steady work instead of risky ventures
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Keeps his family life low-profile, avoiding unnecessary drama
You won’t find him showing off designer cars or diamond watches on Instagram. His approach is simple: earn, invest, and preserve. That kind of mindset is why his wealth has remained stable even as Hollywood’s spotlight shifts to newer faces.
Lessons from David James Elliott’s Success
Elliott’s journey offers a few life lessons worth noting:
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It’s never too late to pivot.
When his music career didn’t work out, he didn’t give up — he reinvented himself. -
Play the long game.
Instead of chasing short-term fame, Elliott built steady, lasting success. -
Invest wisely.
From production work to real estate, he turned his earnings into wealth-building assets. -
Stay grounded.
Fame fades fast, but discipline and stability keep your fortune intact.
Final Thoughts: From Wannabe Rock Star to Hollywood Mainstay
David James Elliott’s $15 million net worth isn’t just about the money — it’s about resilience, smart choices, and adapting when life throws you curveballs.
He went from a small-town Canadian kid with a guitar to a Hollywood actor known worldwide — and managed to stay both relevant and financially secure along the way.
With his steady career, lasting marriage, and grounded personality, Elliott is proof that success doesn’t have to come with scandal or excess. Sometimes, the smartest way to win in Hollywood is simply to stay the course — quietly, confidently, and consistently.
