Sinbad: Net Worth, Age, Movie, Genie

Sinbad, a name synonymous with comedy in the 1990s, is much more than just a stand-up icon. With his unique blend of clean, observational humor and charismatic storytelling, He carved out a niche in both comedy and Hollywood. Over the decades, he has entertained millions through television, film, and live performances. Known for his standout roles in Jingle All the Way, Houseguest, and The Sinbad Show, he remains a beloved figure in pop culture.
But He’s fame goes beyond his professional work. A strange internet myth surrounds him—claims that he starred in a movie as a genie titled Shazaam. Despite no evidence of this film existing, the rumor has persisted for years, becoming a cornerstone example of the Mandela Effect.
Quick Bio Table
Attribute | Information |
---|---|
Full Name | David Adkins (Stage Name: Sinbad) |
Date of Birth | November 10, 1956 |
Age | 68 years old (as of 2025) |
Birthplace | Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Comedian, Actor, Writer |
Years Active | 1981–present |
Height | 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm) |
Education | University of Denver |
Net Worth | Estimated $4 million (as of 2025) |
Relationship Status | Married to Meredith Fuller |
Children | Two |
Known For | Houseguest, Jingle All the Way, A Different World, The He Show |
Notable Myth | Alleged genie role in nonexistent movie Shazaam |
Early Life and Background
Born David Adkins on November 10, 1956, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Sinbad grew up in a modest and disciplined household. His father, a Baptist minister, instilled strong values of faith and integrity that would later influence Sinbad’s clean comedic style. Despite facing challenges as a young Black man in America, He remained focused and determined, always finding humor even in life’s toughest moments.
He attended Benton Harbor High School, where he was an athlete, particularly in basketball. His height and athletic build made him stand out both on and off the court. However, his true calling was entertainment—a passion he would pursue after some unexpected twists in his early adulthood.
Education
He enrolled at the University of Denver, where he majored in broadcasting and continued playing basketball. While he never made it to the NBA, he was a standout college athlete.
After college, He served briefly in the United States Air Force. Interestingly, it was during his military service that he began performing stand-up comedy. He would entertain his fellow airmen with stories and impersonations, and eventually, he started entering (and winning) talent shows under the stage name Sinbad, inspired by the swashbuckling sailor from Middle Eastern folklore.
He’s time in the Air Force laid the groundwork for his comedic discipline—his respect for structure, timing, and audience awareness.
Age and Physical Appearance
As of 2025, He is 68 years old. His towering height of 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm) has always made him a physically imposing presence on stage and screen. With a bald head, expressive facial features, and a booming voice, Sinbad commands attention in any room.
Throughout his career, Sinbad has maintained a distinctive style—a mix of colorful suits in the ’90s and a more laid-back, approachable look in recent years. Despite health challenges later in life, He contines to radiate a charismatic presence.
His Father
He’s father, Dr. Donald Adkins, was a well-known Baptist preacher and spiritual leader in Benton Harbor. His influence on He was profound, especially in shaping his moral and philosophical outlook on life.
Growing up with a strict but loving father who emphasized community service, honesty, and faith helped Sinbad develop the positive message that has long defined his comedy. He often credits his father for his clean comedic approach, which stands in contrast to the profanity-laden routines of many of his contemporaries.
His Mother
Sinbad’s mother, Louise Adkins, also played a pivotal role in his life. Supportive yet practical, she balanced the strong spiritual leadership of her husband with warmth and compassion. He often speaks fondly of her influence, sharing that she was a grounding force during his upbringing and career.
Louise encouraged his creative pursuits, even when they deviated from the more traditional path his father hoped he might follow. Her nurturing helped build Sinbad’s emotional intelligence—something reflected in his storytelling and stage presence.
Children
Sinbad is the proud father of two children, including a daughter named Paige Adkins, who is a singer and songwriter. His family has largely stayed out of the limelight, but Sinbad occasionally shares anecdotes about fatherhood in his stand-up routines.
His daughter Paige has spoken publicly about her father’s role in her life and how he encouraged her artistic ambitions while also teaching her the value of humility and integrity. Sinbad’s devotion to his family is one of his defining traits both off and on screen.
Who Is Sinbad?
Sinbad is an American comedian, actor, and cultural commentator, best known for his clean, observational humor and his iconic roles in 1990s comedies. He rose to prominence through his appearances on Star Search, which led to acting roles in The Redd Foxx Show and A Different World.
He headlined his own sitcom, The Sinbad Show, in 1993 and starred in a series of successful family-friendly films. Sinbad’s humor often revolves around everyday topics—family dynamics, parenthood, generational gaps, and social issues—all delivered with a mix of physical comedy and heartfelt sincerity.
He’s one of the few comedians to maintain a long career without relying on shock value or vulgarity. His legacy is one of accessibility, wholesomeness, and universal appeal.
The Genie Movie Myth – Did Sinbad Play a Genie in Shazaam?
Perhaps one of the most bizarre and persistent urban legends in pop culture is that Sinbad starred in a 1990s movie called Shazaam, where he played a genie. The truth? This movie never existed.
The confusion likely stems from several overlapping cultural elements:
- Sinbad’s name, reminiscent of a mythical Arabian sailor, made people associate him with genie-like characters.
- A 1990s promotional event, where Sinbad dressed in genie attire for a TV marathon of Sinbad movies, may have added to the confusion.
- Shaquille O’Neal’s movie Kazaam (1996), in which he played a genie, is often conflated with the fictional Shazaam.
The Shazaam genie movie is now widely cited as a classic example of the Mandela Effect, a psychological phenomenon where a large group of people remember an event that never occurred. Sinbad himself has played along with the joke, once even participating in a parody video to mock the myth.
Career Highlights and Filmography
Sinbad’s career includes a long list of notable appearances in both television and film. Some of his most recognized works include:
Stand-Up Specials
- Sinbad: Brain Damaged (1990)
- Sinbad: Afros and Bellbottoms (1993)
- Son of a Preacher Man (1996)
- Where U Been? (2010)
Movies
- Necessary Roughness (1991)
- Houseguest (1995)
- First Kid (1996)
- Jingle All the Way (1996) – co-starring with Arnold Schwarzenegger
Television
- The Redd Foxx Show (1986)
- A Different World (1987–1991)
- The Sinbad Show (1993–1994)
Each of these roles demonstrated his talent for family-oriented entertainment that still tackled meaningful themes.
Current Life
In recent years, He has faced significant health challenges. In 2020, he suffered an ischemic stroke, which left him with serious complications. His family launched a public campaign to help cover medical expenses and raise awareness of his condition.
Despite these challenges, Sinbad has shown incredible determination and resilience. His family periodically shares updates on his recovery, with thousands of fans around the world sending well-wishes and support.
While his public appearances have been limited, Sinbad remains a beloved figure, and there is hope that he may return to the stage or screen in some capacity when his health permits.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Sinbad’s estimated net worth is approximately $4 million.
Key Sources of Income:
- Television and film roles in the 1980s and 1990s.
- Stand-up comedy specials and live tours.
- Hosting gigs and public speaking, particularly in the early 2000s.
- Merchandise and licensing revenue from DVDs and re-airings.
- Endorsements and promotional appearances, though limited compared to modern influencers.
He also faced financial troubles in the late 2000s and early 2010s, including two high-profile bankruptcies. However, he managed to stabilize his career and finances through continued performances and digital ventures.
Conclusion
Sinbad is more than a comedian; he is a cultural icon whose impact spans generations. With a career rooted in integrity, creativity, and accessibility, he broke barriers in the world of entertainment while maintaining authenticity.
From Jingle All the Way to the mythical Shazaam that never was, Sinbad has entertained, inspired, and enlightened millions. His journey—marked by triumphs, trials, and transformation—is a compelling story of perseverance in the ever-changing landscape of fame.
FAQ
Q: What is He’s net worth in 2025?
A: Sinbad’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million.
Q: How old is Sinbad?
A: Sinbad is 68 years old, born on November 10, 1956.
Q: Did Sinbad star in a movie called Shazaam as a genie?
A: No, this movie never existed. It is an urban legend linked to the Mandela Effect.
Q: What are Sinbad’s most famous movies?
A: Houseguest, Jingle All the Way, First Kid, and Necessary Roughness.