Comedians – they make us laugh after a tough day, bring people together, and just add a little more joy to the world. Some of them make the big bucks (ahem, Jon Stewart and Kathy Griffin, anyone?), and seeing all the happiness they contribute to our lives – and all the money they donate to charity through comedy fundraisers – they’ve certainly earned it.
Jon Stewart – $80 Million
Who hasn’t watched The Daily Show with Jon Stewart? After all, there are 17 seasons in total – that’s a lot of TV and a lot of $$ in Stewart’s pocket. Although the comedian has moved on from The Daily Show (in 2015, he signed a deal with HBO), he didn’t miss the chance to do some good with all that moola – before he left the show, Stewart auctioned off some suits he wore on TV for charity. In total, Jon Stewart is worth a total of $80 million, and he’s earned every bit of it.
Jon Stewart – 80 Million
Tracy Morgan – $50 Million
Tracy Morgan got his start on Saturday Night Live, but it was really 30 Rock that made him his fortune. In both shows, his outrageous characters and crazy behavior paid off in a huge way – he is currently worth $50 million. He is also Emmy-nominated, proving that he’s not just rich, but talented too.
Tracy Morgan – 50 Million
Melissa McCarthy – $50 Million
From her early days as the lovable and immensely talented Sookie on Gilmore Girls, Melissa McCarthy has made a major splash in Hollywood. She has starred in movies from Ghostbusters to Bridesmaids, making the $50 million she has in the bank well-earned. Since the early 2000s, McCarthy has been a household name – she didn’t just stumble into fame. Her hilarity and comedic timing on screen have caused the sustainable development of her career over the past few decades.
Melissa McCarthy – 50 Million
Jay Leno – $350 Million
I don’t need to tell you about Jay Leno – I mean, the guy had a successful TV show named after him! As The Tonight Show with Jay Leno became increasingly popular, the comedian made over $30 million per year (!!!). Now Leno is retired from the show and sitting on a nest egg of over $350 million – living the good life.
Jay Leno – 350 Million
Mel Brooks – $100 Million
At 91 years old, Mel Brooks is more than just a comedian – he’s an icon. Not only is he incredibly talented (he won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar AND a Tony – talk about sustainable development of his career!), but especially at the height of his professional life, he was raking in the big dough. In the 70s, Brooks directed many of the top money-making movies of the year, putting his net worth at $100 million.
‘An Audience With Mel Brooks’ TV Programme. 1983
Sacha Baron Cohen – $110 Million
Best known for ridiculously hilarious movies that cause every fan to laugh so hard they’re sore the next day, Sacha Baron Cohen is in a league of his own. His crazy accents draw movie goers to the theaters, and his absurd characters keep them coming back for more. Baron Cohen has cashed in on those laughs in a major way – $110 million, to be exact. Pretty poor showing, Borat… not.
Sacha Baron Cohen – 110 Million
Rebel Wilson – $2.5 Million
Relatively new to the comedy scene, Rebel Wilson brings an Aussie twist to her comedy. Who can forget Wilson’s hilarious antics in Pitch Perfect, where she brought us “horizontal running” (those of us who are fitness-challenged might want to give it a try), or Bridesmaids, where she stole the show as Kristen Wiig’s absurdly intrusive roommate? Sure, she has only made a paltry $2.5 million so far, but Rebel Wilson has stolen our hearts – we’re sure there’s lots more success (and $$) in her future.
Australians In Film’s 5th Annual Awards Gala Arrivals
Ellen DeGeneres – $360 Million
Ellen DeGeneres – we don’t think it’s an exaggeration to call her the queen of daytime talk show comedy. Her interviews, antics, and ridiculous dancing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show bring in the viewers – and the moolah. DeGeneres is also a leader in social issues, and gives a huge amount of her income to charity. In addition to her hilarious show and social leadership, Ellen DeGeneres has an addicting game app called Heads Up – if you like laughing and having fun, I highly recommend downloading it before any party.
Ellen DeGeneres – 360 Million
Tina Fey – $65 Million
Tiny Fey’s career got going about 20 years ago, and has shown no sign of stopping since. From her early days at SNL to 30 Rock, from Sisters to Baby Mama, what hasn’t Fey been a part of? Recently, she even created the super-popular Netflix original series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and wrote a New York Times best selling book, Bossypants. Bossypants – more like busypants! Tina Fey’s busy career has paid off to the tune of $65 million.
Tina Fey – 65 Million
Jerry Seinfeld – $870 Million
Jerry Seinfeld – the man so famous one of the biggest sitcoms of all time is named after him. Who hasn’t seen Seinfeld?! You can’t turn on the TV without catching a rerun – so you also shouldn’t be surprised that Jerry Seinfeld has the highest net worth of any comedian. These days, you can find Jerry Seinfeld performing on comedy tours worldwide – so if you need your Seinfeld fix, grab your tickets now and get ready for some major laughs.
Jerry Seinfeld – 870 Million
Steve Harvey – $120 Million
Nowadays, Steve Harvey is incredibly successful as the host of Family Feud – in fact, this might even be an understatement as he currently makes $30 million a year. However, he wasn’t always so wealthy – Harvey broke into comedy while he was homeless, and was even living out of his car. He’s certainly come a long way since, but he hasn’t forgotten his roots – he and his wife Marjorie run a charity foundation to help those in need. Some people truly know how to give back once they’ve made it (to the tune of $120 million, at that), and Steve Harvey is one of them.
Steve Harvey – 120 Million
Bill Murray – $140 Million
Like many comedians, Bill Murray got his start on Saturday Night Live. SNL certainly seems to be the recipe for success – in Murray’s case, success takes the form of $140 million. Murray’s career got started 40 years ago, but he shows no signs of stopping – his career shows signs of serious sustainable development. Bill Murray’s been in so many movies (do Ghostbusters, Dumb and Dumber, and Garfield ring a bell?) that it may be easier to ask what he hasn’t appeared in. Either way, his career (and his fortune) seem likely to just continue to grow.
Bill Murray Widescreen
Stephen Colbert -$45 Million
Oh, Stephen Colbert – who hasn’t chuckled along with his sarcastic political humor while maybe learning a thing or two about the news at the same time? First on The Daily Show, then on The Colbert Report, and now on The Late Show, Colbert has mastered the political comedy game – and has the $15 million yearly salary to show for it. So far, he is worth $45 million, and his career is still young – get ready to keep laughing with Colbert as his earnings keep growing.
Stephen Colbert 45 Million
Johnny Carson – $300 Million
Johnny Carson – the original comedic master. When he passed away in 2005, Carson was worth $300 million. A true expert at late night television, Carson was also truly a good person – he gave over half of his money to charity after his death. His donation of $156 million benefited dozens of charities, including (but certainly not limited to) the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.
Undated Photo Of Johnny Carson On The Tonight Show
Matt Groening – $500 Million
Who is Matt Groenig, you may ask? And more importantly, how did he make $500 million?! Well, this behind-the-scenes genius has earned his paycheck, and won’t be stopping anytime soon – he created The Simpsons, and new episodes are still a’coming. With a show like that, he has certainly earned his 12 Emmys, his Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and yes – his enormous fortune.
Matt Groening – 500 Million
Billy Crystal – $45 Million
Mahvelous! Billy Crystal certainly is. From acting on Broadway to SNL to hosting the Oscars, Crystal has had quite the career. And, who can forget When Harry Met Sally?! For this role alone, Crystal has earned his $45 million – without a doubt.
Billy Crystal – 45 Million
Terry Fator – $115 Million
Terry Fator – the famous ventriloquist, and self-taught at that. Fator got his start on America’s Got Talent – and even won the million dollar prize. Since then, he began headlining at Las Vegas The Mirage hotel/casino, cementing his career success and sustainable development in the long term. He has earned $115 million thus far, and his career is only just getting started.
Terry Fator – 115 Million
Adam Sandler – $360 Million
From 50 First Dates to The Wedding Singer to Click, what movie hasn’t Adam Sandler starred in? He has good reason to continue taking all these roles – Sandler makes $20 million a pop. Not just an actor, but also a savvy businessman, Adam Sandler produces movies with his production company, Happy Madison. It’s Adam Sandler, after all – is anyone really surprised he’s worth a cool $360 million?
Adam Sandler – 360 Million
Jeff Dunham – $60 Million
Jeff Dunham – some find his ventriloquist dummies hilarious, others find them creepy, but no one can deny their (and his) genius. In particular, his Ahmed “the dead terrorist” dummy act has received over 150 million YouTube views. Dunham is not only popular, but he’s even a record holder – he won the Guinness world record for the greatest number of tickets purchased for a stand-up tour. Given his record-holding status, a $60 million net worth seems like just the beginning.
Jeff Dunham – 60 Million
Dave Chappelle – $45 Million
Although he got his start in stand-up and comedy films, Dave Chapelle has finally reached the pinnacle of comedy goals – he now stars in his own show, Chapelle’s Show. Having a TV show named after yourself has major benefits outside of just career success – one of them being a nice nest egg of $45 million.
Dave Chappelle – 45 Million
Rowan Atkinson – $130 Million
You may not know the name Rowan Atkinson, but you most certainly know Mr. Bean – and if not, go turn on your TV and get ready to laugh hysterically! Mr. Bean is famous for his awkwardness, his clumsiness, and his overall physical comedy, earning Atkinson quite the fortune. Getting a few bruises for laughs on TV is nothing in return for the $130 million Rowan Atkinson now has in the bank.
Rowan Atkinson – 130 Million
Conan O’Brien – $85 Million
Conan O’Brien got his start on Saturday Night Live – as a writer, in fact. His clever, quirky humor contributed to his time hosting Late Night and The Tonight Show. This period didn’t work out for him career-wise, but financially, earned him $32 in a settlement payment – not bad at all. At $85 million in total, whatever he chooses to do next, Conan O’Brien is set for life.
Conan O’Brien – 85 Million
Jeff Foxworthy – $100 Million
Jeff Foxworthy is quite the fox with working-class comedy. He came up with the “you might be a redneck” jokes and hosted the Blue Collar Comedy tour, leading him to top the comedy charts and top off his bank account with a nice $100 million. These days, he hosts Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader, a show which he helped bring back.
Jeff Foxworthy – 100 Million
Eddie Murphy – $75 Million
Eddie Murphy – another name that got his start on Saturday Night Live, and went on to take over the comedy scene. Who can forget him as Donkey in Shrek, the lead character in Dr. Doolittle, and the overwhelmed dad in Daddy Day Care? One of the biggest names in comedy from the 80s until today, Murphy has cashed in on his success to the tune of $75 million.
Eddie Murphy – 75 Million
Ricky Gervais – $80 Million
With roots in stand-up, Ricky Gervais is quite the character. Like the unintentionally hilarious Michael Scott on his show The Office, Gervais is never afraid to speak his mind. When asked about his fortune, Gervais joked about taking over Libya, but also pointed out his generous donations to charity. As it turns out, Gervais has a huge heart – especially for furry friends. He is a top celebrity contributor to animal rights charities, showing that he makes good use of his $80 million fortune.
Ricky Gervais – 80 Million
Chelsea Handler – $35 Million
Chelsea Handler doesn’t hold back (most famously demonstrated by her topless publicity stunt) – and her $35 million net worth shows that neither do her paychecks. Most recently known for Chelsea Lately, Handler’s Netflix deal and books on the New York Times Best Sellers list have bolstered her fame, career, and wallet.
Chelsea Handler – 35 Million
Martin Lawrence – $110 Million
Martin Lawrence nearly didn’t go into show business – but thank goodness for us, and for his bank account, he made the plunge. He started off with What’s Happening Now!!, which led to role after role – including big earners Blue Streak and the Bad Boys films. His success demonstrates how easily one decision can change someone’s life – his choice to forgo a career in boxing for one in comedy resulted in a cool $110 million.
Kinopoisk.ru
Drew Carey – $165 Million
We all know Drew Carey – but did you know he started off serving in the military? His life changed after his release, when he went into stand-up, which he hasn’t stopped since. Probably best known for hosting Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Carey now hosts The Price Is Right, so don’t worry – you can still find him on your TV screen. Those of us who have laughed along with Carey and the other ridiculously hilarious and talented comedians on his various TV shows can agree that he has definitely earned his $165 million.
Drew Carey – 165 Million
Bill Cosby – $400 Million
Just to put it lightly – Cosby is not everyone’s grandpa anymore. Before his recent legal issues, Cosby paved the way for African-American comedians, and began his own TV empire. He earned three Emmys for I Spy, but is best known (until recently, at least) for the extremely popular series The Cosby Show.
Bill Cosby – 400 Million
Stephen Merchant – $35 Million
Who is Stephen Merchant, you may ask? Well, he’s only behind one of the most successful and hilarious sitcoms of all time. Merchant, alongside Ricky Gervais, co-created the British series The Office – which became the basis for the popular American version. Love Jim’s hilarious pranks and Dwight’s extreme social awkwardness? Well, you have Stephen Merchant to thank.
Stephen Merchant – 35 Million
Adam McKay – $40 Million
Unlike many typical successful comedians, Adam McKay did not get his start as a Saturday Night Live performer – in fact, he was rejected by the show before he became a successful behind-the-scenes writer and director. He even worked for the show that had previously rejected him – as head writer, nonetheless. You’ve definitely heard of (and fallen over laughing at) the first movie he directed. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy is one of the most successful comedies in history, and for good reason. Now, every time you watch Will Ferrell’s hilarious performance, you can think of the genius behind the scenes – the one and only Adam McKay.
Adam McKay – 40 Million
Eric Idle – $40 Million
Despite his name, Eric Idle is anything but – as a member of Monty Python, he has been busy playing a variety of characters in the sketch comedy group. He even adapted the group’s feature film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, into the hugely successful and Tony-winning Broadway musical Spamalot. Fun fact – Idle even has an asteroid named after him!
Eric Idle – 40 Million
Steve Martin – $130 Million
We all know Steve Martin for his hilarious movies and stand-up comedy (do Father of the Bride, Cheaper By the Dozen, and The Pink Panther ring a bell?), but did you know he is also a Grammy-winning bluegrass artist? We see you, Steve – quite the double threat. Impressively, Martin has hosted Saturday Night Live 15 times – more than anyone in the world except for Alec Baldwin. Whether through acting or music, sitcom or sketch comedy, expect to see Steve Martin on your screen for quite some time – he has worked hard to achieve the sustainable development of his career, and he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
Steve Martin – 130 Million
Robin Williams – $50 Million
Robin Williams will always be one of the most beloved comedians of all time, bringing his unique humor to his acting gigs and his smart and honest take on life to the public eye. Williams began his career in stand up comedy in the 1970s, but is perhaps best known for his many treasured family films, such as Mrs Doubtfire and Good Will Hunting. After his death, Robin Williams left a legacy of grace, hilarity, and charity, not to be soon forgotten.
Robin Williams – 50 Million
Kathy Griffin – $20 Million
Kathy Griffin – controversial, hilarious, and spunky. She began her career in stand up in the 80s, and like many comedians, used her stand up background to jump into acting afterwards. Her comedy roles aren’t her only claim to fame – she is also rumored to live next door to Kim Kardashian and Kanye West!
Kathy Griffin – 20 Million