David Adkins, known as Sinbad, is an American stand-up comedian and actor. He became a popular name in comedy during the late 1980s and 1990s.
Audiences loved his clean jokes and direct style. His HBO specials and TV shows gained wide attention. He stood out in roles like A Different World and The Sinbad Show.
In this article, we will explore Sinbad’s life and career, but first, let’s review some quick facts about him.
Mini Bio
| Full Name | David Adkins |
| Stage Name | Sinbad |
| Date of Birth | November 10, 1956 |
| Place of Birth | Benton Harbor, Michigan |
| Age | 69 Years ( as of 2025) |
| Height | 6’ 3” ( 1.92m) |
| Parents | Donald Adkins and Louise Adkins |
| Profession | Stand-up Comedian and Actor |
| Spouse | Meredith Adkins
Married twice (1985–1992, remarried in 2002) |
Early Life
Sinbad was born on November 10, 1956, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. His father, Donald Adkins, was a Baptist minister who served in the military. His mother, Louise Adkins, cared for the home. He had five siblings.
He studied at Benton Harbor High School. His tall frame and strong build made him a natural basketball player.
Later, he joined the University of Denver. He continued sports and started telling jokes. His humor stood out even then.
He served in the United States Air Force. He used that time to sharpen his comedy. He performed for fellow airmen and gained confidence. His dream of comedy became clear during that phase.
Career
Sinbad entered the comedy scene in the early 1980s. He was noticed on Star Search, which helped launch his career. He then started getting roles on TV.
He played Coach Walter Oakes in A Different World. Viewers loved his energy and positive tone. That role gave him national fame.
In the 1990s, Sinbad reached his peak. HBO offered him his own specials, and titles like Brain Damaged, Afros, and Bellbottoms boosted his popularity. He kept his humor clean and relatable.
He then starred in The Sinbad Show as David Bryan. His character was a single man who became a foster parent. The show ran for one season. Still, it showed his softer, caring side.
His film career also gained momentum. Some of his key movies include:
- Houseguest (1995)
- First Kid (1996)
- Jingle All the Way (1996)
- Good Burger (1997)
He often played smart and funny characters. That image helped break stereotypes in Hollywood.
In later years, Sinbad continued performing stage shows and public events. New comedians often mentioned him as a role model, and his influence stayed strong.
Personal Life
Sinbad married Meredith Fuller in 1985. They separated in the 1990s and later remarried in 2002. They have two children, Paige and Royce. Paige chose music, while Royce entered film and TV.
He valued family and spoke about it often. His comedy reflected simple family life. He used humor to connect with everyday struggles.
In 2020, Sinbad had a severe stroke. He faced surgeries and a long recovery. Family members shared regular updates. He kept fighting through the challenges. Fans showed great support during that time.
Net Worth
His estimated net worth is between $100,000 and $200,000. Health costs affected the family’s finances.
Even so, his work in comedy kept his name alive. He earned money from live shows, TV roles, and films.
