Top 50 Richest Comedians in the World
With the popularity of streaming services, more individuals are now prepared to pay for high-quality material. As a result, comedians are now earning significantly more money. Today, comedians are among the most paid artists in the world. Here is a list of the 50 richest comedians in the world you should be aware of.
1. Jerry Seinfeld
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 950+ million Profession: Actor, TV Producer and comedian The fact that the show’s creator, Jerry Seinfeld, is ranked first on the list of richest comedians in the world may not come as a surprise given that Netflix paid US$500 million to buy Seinfeld as one of the most profitable shows out there. The son of Betty and Kalman Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld was born in Brooklyn, New York. After minor appearances in productions, while he was a college student, Jerry discovered a personal interest in stand-up comedy. He immediately went to an amateur night try-out in New York after finishing college. Jerry kept performing in Catskill Mountain resorts & neighborhood bars up until 1976 when Rodney Dangerfield’s appearance on an HBO special helped to advance his career. His career took off after his first lucrative appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1962. The comedian, according to sources, can make up to $50 million in just about any given year, especially if he is on a stand-up tour. The 68-year-old is said to have spent a whopping $50 million on his auto collection and his Hamptons home is estimated to be worth between $70 million and $100 million.
2. Larry David
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 800 million Profession: TV producer, actor, director, writer, and comedian The estimated net worth of Lawrence Gene “Larry” David is $800 million. He is a writer, actor, comedian, and producer from the United States. He quit the army after serving for a while and began a career as a comedian. David also worked as a TV repairman and limo driver. He started writing for the NBC program Fridays in 1980. The first show he co-created ended up becoming one of the most successful shows of all time, which inspired him to make some bigger and better ambitions. He became well-known for his body of work, which includes Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm. His job as the chief writer and executive producer of the comedy Seinfeld is his most well-known accomplishment and helped him reach the wealthiest comedians list. Any guy would indeed be proud of Larry’s accomplishments given the many honors he has garnered throughout his distinguished career. He has been nominated for three Golden Globe Awards and more than 26 Primetime Emmy Awards. This richest comedians in the world list would be incomplete without this icon.
3. Matt Stone
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 700 Million Profession: TV actor, screenwriter, producer, comedian, voice artist, and animator Matt stone is essentially a producer, writer, and voice artist and not a standup comedian, unlike many on the list. His current net worth of 700 million dollars comes from the show he created in the year 1997 called ‘South Park’. He created this political and social satirical cartoon with Trey Parker as his partner. He voiced most of the characters in the show. In the beginning, the show was only known by some people, then eventually it one of the favorites worldwide. Along with his work on South Park, Matt has appeared in several films with his co-star Trey Parker, such as ‘Orgazmo,’ ‘BASEketball,’ and ‘Team America: World Police.’ The two partners then collaborated on the lyrics for the 2011 Tony Award-winning musical ‘The Book of Mormon.’
4. Matt Groening
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 600 million Profession: TV producer, animator, and author Do you know the Simpsons? You must have known about this popular show, regardless of whether you are a fan or a viewer. Few people in this generation are unaware of it. Well, the main creator of this show, which has been running successfully since 1989 with 29 seasons and 600 episodes, is Matt Groening. He is the show’s brain. There is little doubt that his current net worth as wealthiest comedians is significantly influenced by this particular production of his. He also started several other television programs, such as ‘The Tracey Ullman Show,’ which aired for 48 episodes from 1987 to 1989, and ‘Futurama,’ which ran from 1999 to 2003 and then again from 2008 to 2013. The Netflix series ‘Disenchantment,’ which premiered in 2018 and is still in production, was also written and produced by him. Groening’s contribution was always recognized because his creations are what people remember him for. As of right now, Matt has won The British Comedy Award in addition to more than 18 Primetime Emmy Awards. You may argue that my life has been one of the remarkable accomplishments. Only a very small percentage of comedians have achieved his level of success and it is the reason why he is in this richest comedians in the world list.
5. Trey Parker
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 600 million Profession: Actor, director, producer, writer and animator He is popularly known as the co-creator of ‘South Park’ with Matt Stone. The team co-wrote and produced a full-length feature film based on the show ‘South Park’ as a result of the show’s popularity. Later he worked on the text, lyrics, and music for the theatrical performance ‘The Book of Mormon,’ a theological satire that debuted in 2011 along with Stone and Robert Lopez. He appeared in ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,’ and he even created the sets for the Little Shop of Horrors show at the local community theatre early in his career. After completing his education at Evergreen High School, he enrolled in Berklee College of Music, and from there onward his career took off. Today he is among the richest comedians in the world. Parker is incredibly creative and accomplished in many different art genres, as evidenced by the abundance of prizes in her closet for various mediums. He enjoys swimming against the current by utilizing challenging and unconventional art forms.
6. Ellen DeGeneres
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 500 million Profession: TV producer, actress, TV host, writer, and comedian Ellen DeGeneres is one of the most popular household names out there as a female comedian. She has also increased the bar for many aspiring female comedians who look up to Ellen. Although DeGeneres’ career first gained attention in 1997, her TV show was the real turning point. The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which DeGeneres launched in September 2003, ran as one of the most popular talk shows in the US until 2021. Since she debuted in 1989’s TV series Open House, DeGeneres has had a fantastic acting career. She first provided the voice of the endearing and memorable fish Dory in the 2003 film Finding Nemo, before returning to the role in the 2016 film Finding Dory. Since they wed in 2008, DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, who is also a savvy real estate investor, have sold and bought several high-profile residences. All this has garnered her place among the richest comedians in the world.
7. Byron Allen
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 500 Million Profession: TV producer and comedian Allen likes to operate covertly. He does have a good reputation in the Hollywood community, though. American comedian and TV producer Byron Allen is the head of Entertainment Studios and All Medio Group (AMG). Allen’s fascination with the entertainment industry started when he was a little boy and would go with his mother to the NBC studios in Burbank, where she worked as a publicist. Allen, who had free reign of the sound stages, would sneak into the set of ‘The Tonight Show,’ sit behind Johnny Carson’s desk and pretend to be the talk show host. On ‘The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,’ Allen made his TV debut. As the youngest standup comic to ever appear on the program, Allen holds the distinction. With his mother, Allen started Entertainment Studios in 1993. Allen made history in 2009 when he became the first TV entrepreneur to simultaneously acquire and operate a network of 6 24-hour HD television networks. He is definitely among the wealthiest comedians around.
8. Adam Sandler
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 480+ million Profession: Actor, producer, writer, and comedian Despite the inconsistent quality of his comedies, Sandler is nonetheless one of Hollywood’s most prominent actor-comedians and also one of the wealthiest comedians. Before moving to Hollywood, he gained a lot of attention after he joined the cast of SNL. He also secured a four-film deal with Netflix worth US$250 million back in 2016. His Happy Madison Production firm has produced the majority of his movies since 1999. Over US$4 billion has reportedly been made by his flicks globally. The Waterboy, Uncut Gems, Grown Ups, 50 First Dates, Click, and The Wedding Singer are just a few of the actor’s notable box office successes. All of these films helped significantly to Sandler’s sizable cash account. Apart from being one of the wealthiest comedians, he was listed as one of the top paid actors in 2020 at number nine. He has already appeared on the list eight times between 2010 and 2020, including four consecutive times that began in 2017. Also Read: Top 10 Richest Podcasters
9. Jay leno
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 450+ Million Profession: Actor, producer, TV host, writer, and comedian Most people are familiar with Jay Leno as a comedian and as one of the country’s veteran talk show hosts. He spent years performing stand-up comedy before hosting The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on channel NBC from 1992 to 2009. Jay announced his retirement in 2009, however, he returned to television with ‘The Jay Leno Show,’ a prime-time chat show right after. He subsequently took back control of ‘The Tonight Show’ hosting duties until 2014, at which point he returned with Jimmy Fallon as his chosen replacement. He is a passionate vehicle collector in addition to his appearances on talk shows. Leno is such a car enthusiast that you could say his fame for his collection of vehicles rivals that of his successful profession as a comedian. Leno owns a large collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and other uncommon automobiles true to his image as one of the wealthiest comedians.
10. Bill Cosby
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 400+ million Profession: TV actor, producer, and comedian Bill should be mentioned if there was ever a significant African American cultural pioneer. Even though his reputation may have been tarnished by a recent controversy in 2018, his accomplishments won’t go ignored. He is still among the richest comedians in the world. The Bill Cosby Show was considered one of the top shows in the USA between the mid-and late 1980s. The reason is that his efforts to illustrate how affluent Black Americans lived in the US were highly valued. Bill Cosby got a scholarship to Temple University after graduating as the baseball and track team captain at his high school in Philadelphia. However, he left school to pursue a career in comedy. Before touring the country, he started playing stand-up around Philadelphia on NBC’s The Tonight Show in 1963, which gave him his big break after he appeared on it and led to a deal with Warner Bros Records, which issued his first comedy albums. Before releasing his film Bill Cosby: Himself, in 1983 and starting The Cosby Show in 1994, Bill continued his stand-up comedy journey for another 20 years. He has garnered a good number of acting credits throughout these years helping him reach the list of wealthiest comedians.
11. Kevin Hart
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 450 million Profession: Actor, TV Producer and comedian He is one of the highest-paid comedians and is also a successful Hollywood actor. Kevin Hart has a $450 million net worth thanks to his work in stand-up comedy, acting, and other businesses. He is one of the richest comedians in the world. Hart’s production firm, HartBeat, accounts for a significant portion of his wealth. He also released a line of NFT for the dedicated comedy show. The 10,000 distinct NFTs are anticipated to generate $650,000. Hart studied at the Philadelphia Community College. Eventually, he quit pursuing stand-up comedy, where he made a disastrous debut at The Laff House in Philadelphia as ‘Lil Kev.’ Early on in his career, he kept missing the mark. I’m a Grown Little Man, Hart’s first stand-up comedy tour, set out in 2009, and Seriously Funny, his second, followed in 2010. However, Kevin Hart is best recognized for his stand-up and acting. One of their previous comedy tours by Kevin earned him around $70 million. During his acting career, he earns around $20 million per project which is a big reasons why he is counted as one of the wealthiest comedians.
12. David Letterman
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 400 million Profession: Actor, TV Producer, comedian, TV host, screenwriter, and voice actor David Letterman’s well-liked late-night program potentially generates $50 million a year in revenue through syndication. Since the debut of ‘Late Night with David Letterman’ in 1982, the comedian has enjoyed a sizable fan base and amassed a sizeable wealth. Letterman was a newscaster and announcer for Ball State’s student-run radio station, WBST during his early days. He was laid off for making jokes and sarcastic remarks about classical music. He worked as a weatherman for a TV station after graduating. On-air, he was renowned for his unpredictable antics and light humor. Letterman received 67 Emmy Award nominations along with 12 wins for his programs, which were extremely well-liked and well-regarded by critics. Letterman declared his retirement in April 2014, and on May 20, 2015, a lavish and celebrity-studded farewell edition of Letterman aired. 13.76 million People watched it worldwide. Today he is considered a legend in the comedy world and is one of the richest comedians in the world.
13. Seth MacFarlane
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 330+ million Profession: Actor, TV producer, comedian, director, animator, screenwriter, singer MacFarlane is one of the known faces in the world of comedy. The actor Seth Macfarlane is noted for portraying several well-known cartoon characters, including Stan Smith in American Dad, Stewie and Peter Griffin in Family Guy, and the potty-mouthed Ted in the acclaimed film series of the same name. His voice may be more famous than his face. His immense talent has made him one of the richest comedians in the world. In addition to lending his voice to those programs, he also creates and executive produces the majority of the endeavors he engages in. His skill for comedic acts opened doors for him that led to him presenting the prestigious 85th Academy Awards and guest hosting an episode of SNL along with his appearances in various live-action movies. Family Guy has 350 episodes total and new episodes are continuously released each year. MacFarlane has had great success presenting television specials in addition to a successful voice acting career. All this success has led him to become one of the wealthiest comedians in the world.
14. Johnny Carson
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 300+ million Profession: Host, TV Producer, comedian and writer Johnny Carson truly is the “king of late night,” as they say. From 1962 through 1992, Carson served as the host of ‘The Tonight Show’ on NBC, thereby creating the late-night talk show format. Carson presented 6,714 episodes throughout those 30 years, conducted hundreds of interviews with guests, and delighted millions of TV viewers and live audiences. Millions of dollars were also made by him for NBC and himself. His Midwestern warmth and sociable fashion were the keys to Carson’s attraction. He earned $4 million a year, making him the highest-paid TV personality in the entertainment industry by the middle of the 1970s. Notably this has been a reason why he is counted among the richest comedians in the world. The most remarkable aspect of Carson’s accomplishment is that it began on the radio rather than on television. He enlisted in the Navy during World War II and received a degree in radio and speech from the University of Nebraska after his discharge. At a radio station in Omaha, Carson quickly built a local following before relocating to Los Angeles in 1951 to chase greater things.
15. Dan Aykroyd
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 250+ million Profession: Actor, TV Producer, comedian and entrepreneur Dan has long been renowned for his wide range of abilities. He has achieved success and won awards as an entrepreneur, musician, comedian, actor, and writer. Despite having a long list of notable roles and performances, Dan Aykroyd is most recognized for his work on Saturday Night Live. Dan Aykroyd is renowned for his performances in films including My Girl, The Blues Brothers, and Ghostbusters. Dan has started various businesses as an entrepreneur, including distilleries. His admirers have been enthusiastic about his new vodka. Dan has long been a well-known figure in the vodka business. In reality, the majority of people think that his vodka business, not movies, is what has contributed most to his net worth. Regardless of the cause, Dan has been able to garner a lot of praise for his work in Hollywood which has earned him a spot in this list of wealthiest comedians.
16. Drew Carey
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 240+ million Profession: Actor, TV Producer, comedian, and photographer American actor, comedian, writer, and television show host Carey is a pretty renowned writer in the television industry and is one of the richest comedians in the world. He is well-known for hosting The Drew Carey Show. He is also known for hosting Whose Line Is It Anyway as well. The Price Is Right is currently hosted by Drew. Drew Carey also has different interests outside of show business, including photography (he used to photograph US National Team soccer matches), and is a minority owner of Seattle Sounders FC of the Major League Soccer. Drew was raised in Old Brooklyn after being born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1958. He was the youngest of three siblings in his family. For a comic, Drew Carey’s net worth is impressive. This is a result of his extensive experience in the comedic business. He has appeared in a variety of films, music videos, TV shows, and even video games. Also Read: How Much Is a 6-Figure Salary?
17. Conan O’Brien
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 200+ million Profession: TV host, TV Producer, comedian and writer The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien and Late Night With Conan O’Brien are two of the most well-known late-night TV programs ever produced. Additionally, he has contributed to the writing programs like The Simpsons and Saturday Night Live. He was a Brooklyn native who served as managing editor of the “Sagamore,” the school newspaper. He also worked as Congressman Robert Drinan’s intern due to his excellent performance. O’Brien was chosen to attend the esteemed Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and English Literature. He relocated to LA following his college graduation and joined the ‘Not Necessarily the News’ writing staff at HBO. He also did part-time work with the Groundlings. Conan began writing for Saturday Night Live in 1988 and stayed for over three years. He and the other members of the writing staff won an Emmy for ‘Outstanding Writing In A Comedy Or Variety Series’ after working for SNL. O’Brien stated in 2011 that his new program, Conan, would run on the cable channel TBS. For 11 years, he made almost $12 million yearly. Now you know why he is in this list of wealthiest comedians. Additionally, he is the owner of the production business TeamCoco. Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend is a weekly podcast that was launched in 2018 thanks to a partnership between TeamCoco and Earwolf. All his effort has made him one of the richest comedians in the world.
18. Jim Carrey
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 185 million Profession: Actor, TV Producer and comedian Everyone knows who Jim Carrey is. He is indeed one of the funniest and most talented Hollywood actors out there. Along with appearing in some of the funniest movies of the 1990s, he also brought attention to some crucial issues including growing up in poverty, his struggles with mental illness, and his neurodivergent diagnosis. He only recently announced his retirement from acting, which many of his followers found to be disheartening news. Carrey first became well-known in 1990 for his wild slapstick performance. Carrey introduced a fresh approach to the comedy film genre, which helped him amass millions of fans throughout his career. He struggled at first as a stand-up comedian, but through time and with practice, he succeeded. Carrey first entered the movie business in 1994, appearing in movies including The Mask, Ace Ventura, and Dumb & Dumber. Jim Carrey’s unconventional but great acting approach was a hit among viewers and producers. Carrey starred in several films in the early 2000s, including Eternal Me, Bruce Almighty, Myself & Irene, Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and others. The Mask, which grossed $352 million on a $23 million budget, gave him his first taste of enormous success. Carrey became one of the highest-paid performers and one of the richest comedians in the world during the following two decades, regularly earning $20 million or more for each of his projects.
19. Rowan Atkinson
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 150 million Profession: Actor, TV Producer, screenwriter, and comedian If you have watched Mr. Bean, then you know about Rowan Atkinson as well. He is one of the most well-known names in Hollywood when it comes to the wealthiest comedians and he is regarded as one of the most iconic personalities in English humor. His Mr. Bean character, who has graced everyone’s TV screen for decades, is his most well-known creation. Rowan has excelled in school and received great marks, making him not just a top student but also enabling him to pursue a degree in electrical engineering at Newcastle University. He later earned a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from The Queen’s College in Oxford in 1978. He took on many projects, created comedic sketches for the club, and even got involved with the Oxford University Dramatic Society. With ‘The Atkinson People,’ Rowan Atkinson launched his radio career in 1979, shortly after receiving his master’s degree. Atkinson’s career turned around in the following years when he landed his first significant lead part in the television series ‘Black Adder.’ Before releasing the ‘Mr. Bean’ film in 1997, he performed in numerous plays and events between the years of 1983 and 1997. Over $250 million was made by the successful film, increasing Rowan Atkinson’s net worth over time. He has a strong passion for automobiles and owns several high-end vehicles. In addition to his love of luxury automobiles, he is a very skilled driver, setting the second-fastest time ever on the circuit at Top Gear in his F1. Indeed a multitalented member of the richest comedians in the world list.
20. Joan Rivers
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 150 million Profession: Actor, TV Producer and comedian For those who have watched Joan Rivers perform, they know that her wit is unmatched. Perhaps best known for presenting ‘E Live !’s From the Red Carpet’ from 1996 to 2004 and then serving as a co-host on Fashion Police. She is among the wealthiest comedians on the planet. Before becoming a household name in comedy, Rivers graduated from Barnard College in New York City with a degree in anthropology and English literature. She supported herself by working as a tour guide, fashion advisor, and copywriter for an advertising agency. Rivers began acting on Broadway in the 1950s, but it wasn’t until she joined Johnny Carson on ‘The Tonight Show’ in the 1960s that she became well-known. In the late 1980s, she started to appear on television more frequently and eventually got her show, ‘The Joan Rivers Show.’ Rivers wrote 13 novels, had a successful TV career, and earned an average of $50 million annually.
21. Steve Harvey
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 280 million Profession: Actor, TV Producer, comedian and businessman Steve Harvey is well-known throughout the world as a result of his work as the host of Miss Universe, Family Feud, and Celebrity Family Feud. One of the top entertainers in America, this television and radio host began his entertainment career as a stand-up comedian. Steve Harvey has several enterprises and income streams in addition to hosting Family Feud or radio shows, which account for the majority of his yearly income and his place in the list of wealthiest comedians. The 2012 ensemble film Think Like a Man was inspired by Harvey’s 2009 book ‘Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man,’ among other projects. For 64 weeks, this book was on the New York Times bestseller list. In a collaborative venture with IAC, he also introduced the dating website Delightful in 2014. In 2016, Harvey and Ellen DeGeneres co-created the program Little Big Shots, which he continued to present until 2019.
22. Ray Romano
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 200 million Profession: Actor, TV Producer, comedian and screenwriter Ray Romano started as a stand-up comedian and then branched out as an actor and writer in the television industry. For his part in the popular sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, Ray Romano is best known. Romano decided to pursue stand-up comedy while he was pursuing accountancy and working a variety of part-time jobs. Ray Romano decided to pursue a full-time comedy career after seeing success on the stages of numerous comedy clubs in NYC. In 1989, Ray Romano was competing in and winning stand-up comedy contests all over the city. He also took part in The Johnny Walker Comedy Search. Ray has performed in a variety of roles on TV and in movies in addition to his appearances on his show. Outside of acting, Romano is a skilled poker player who has participated in events for pay. His illustrious career has earned him a spot in this list of wealthiest comedians.
23. Bill Murray
https://in.pinterest.com/pin/2111131064667049/ Net worth (as of 2022): USD 180+ million Profession: Actor, TV Producer, comedian and writer Bill Murray is among the most adored actors and wealthiest comedians in American history. Murray, who is well-known for his deadpan style of delivering his act, became well-known on Saturday Night Live. He had a difficult childhood as he grew up in the Chicago suburbs. Early in his life, he knew he wanted to become a doctor, so after graduating from high school, he entered a pre-med program at Denver College. However, that didn’t endure, and Bill Murray soon decided to leave school. He moved to New York City and befriended one of the popular comedians back in time, John Belushi. Bill Murray was granted access to a wide range of late-night shows which were quite popular during that time through guest appearances. In 1976, when Bill joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, he got his big break. For Bill Murray, the early 1980s were a terrific moment. He was cast in several fantastic roles, and the bulk of those movies were major box-office hits. He definitely belongs in the richest comedians in the world list.
24. Sacha Baron Cohen
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 170 million Profession: Actor, TV Producer and comedian One of the most well-known and well-paid celebrities on the planet is Sacha Baron Cohen. The Golden Globe winner isn’t overly flashy and is fiercely secretive, rarely appearing in public unless he’s explicitly promoting a project. With a record 51 acting credits under his belt, Cohen is a multifaceted figure because of his skills in comedy, drama, and music. His box office receipts have also been consistently great. It has earned him a spot in this list of wealthiest comedians. Cohen also has additional revenue sources other than his career in acting. He plays far too many different roles in the background of most of the projects, which allows him to profit from practically everything he does. Cohen also has numerous movies with off-screen credits. Also Read: Top 31 Highest Paid Bloggers
25. Stefan Raab
https://www.pinterest.de/pin/557531628839647539/ Net worth (as of 2022): USD 160+ million Profession: Actor, TV Producer, comedian and musician Stefan is a popular German TV personality and musician who is also known for his comedy career. Born in Cologne, Germany he is called ‘the most powerful man in German entertainment television. As the host of the comic television program Vivasion, he launched his career. He has been the host of the late-night comedy TV show TV Total since 1999. In 1994, Raab wrote a song parodying football coach Berti Vogts that became pretty popular. Bundesvision Song Contest and Schlag den Raab are two more television series he has produced. He has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest as a performer, writer, and producer. In Oslo, Raab assisted Lena Meyer-Landrut in winning the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest. His years of hard work have put him in this list of wealthiest comedians.
26. Terry Fator
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 160 million Profession: Impressionist, ventriloquist and comedian Following his appearance on ‘America’s Got Talent,’ Terry Fator, gained notoriety and a contract to host a show in Las Vegas. He is among the highest-paid entertainers in Las Vegas each year. He brings in $20 million a year which makes him one of the richest comedians in the world. When Fator was in the fifth grade, he got interested in ventriloquism after coming across a book on the subject. He quickly acquired a willie talk dummy and started honing his skills with his friends. When he was 18 years old, his mother bought him his 1st puppet after he had saved money for several years. In June 2007, Fator’s big break came when he was given a spot on ‘America’s Got Talent.’ After winning, he started playing at the prestigious Las Vegas Hilton, where Elvis Presley had sold out two straight performances and performed there for decades. He also made an appearance on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show,’ where his renditions of Bee Gees and Marvin Gaye songs astounded Oprah and the audience.
27. Bob Hope
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 150 million Profession: Actor, TV Producer, comedian, vaudevillian, dancer, and author His talent to emcee the Academy Awards unlike any other host and star in significant motion pictures and television shows is what made the comedian and vaudevillian so wealthy. Stage shows and vaudeville routines marked the beginning of his acting career in 1925 and stepping stone to be one of the wealthiest comedians out there. His career lasted over 80 years and started in the late 1910s. Over eight decades, he appeared in approximately 100 movies and television shows, hosted the Academy Awards 19 times, wrote 14 books, had a brief professional boxing career, and did 57 tours with the United Service Organizations. He made his movie debut in the 1934 short ‘Going Spanish.’ A few years later, he made his feature film debut as the star of ‘The Big Broadcast of 1938.’ The well-known television star’s varied careers and appearances in numerous shows, all in the entertainment industry, have contributed to his fame.
28. Bill Maher
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 140+ million Profession: Political Commentator, TV producer, host, and comedian Maher’s career as a stand-up comedian, together with his work in television and cinema, helped him amass his wealth. He is the host of the almost 20-year-old HBO political chat program Real Time with Bill Maher and one of the richest comedians in the world. Bill Maher has millions of dollars in profits as a stand-up comedian early in his career making him one of the wealthiest comedians. He received a Primetime Emmy Award in 2003 for his efforts as Vice’s executive producer. ‘When You Ride Alone You Ride with Bin Laden’ and ‘The New Rules: Polite Musings from a Timid Observer,’ are two of the best-selling books written by Bill Maher in conjunction with his successful career as a television personality. Additionally, he has been in a variety of movies, such as Pyramid, Dazed and Confused, and The Fantastic Four. Maher also earns money via investments in addition to the multiple occupations he holds. He has a small ownership stake in the baseball franchise the New York Mets.
29. Ricky Gervais
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 140 million Profession: Actor, filmmaker, comedian, and writer Gervais got his start in entertainment through the music industry. As the band’s lead vocalist in the 1980s, Seona Dancing, he attempted to become a pop sensation. Before deciding to pursue comedy, he also managed the up-and-coming band Suede. He made the majority of his money while serving as the showrunner for NBC’s The Office. The show made its premiere as a short-lived British television series in 2001. The Office in America, one of the most popular syndication-aired series ever, has made billions in rights and fees. Gervais consequently often makes millions of dollars anytime a partnership is expanded or the show is sold to a digital company. His stand-up career flourished when The Office gained fame and made him one of the richest comedians in the world. He has done a lot of touring with his act throughout the years. Netflix has frequently broadcast his comedy specials. Throughout his career, Gervais has won numerous awards, including 2 Primetime Emmys for Office and Extras. He has also received seven BAFTA Awards, five British Comedy Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards.
30. Jeff Dunham
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 140 million Profession: Actor, ventriloquist, and comedian Jeff Dunham is a well-known American comedian who was born in 1962. He is well known for his ventriloquist performance, which includes puppets including Walter, José Jalepeo on a Stick, and Peanut. Dunham’s Broadway debut as a variety performer in the play Sugar Babies was his big break. Later, he relocated to Los Angeles to improve his act in the city’s comedy clubs. He has established a reputation for being as obnoxious as possible and for his unique style of blue humor. In 2007, he performed on YouTube with his puppet Achmed the Dead Terrorist, and the performance quickly became one of the most popular videos on the platform. Dunham’s switch to Comedy Central was what made him wealthy. Dunham is currently one of the top successful and richest comedians in the world, earning an estimated $50,000 per year from his performances when he was still a student. He is also skilled at spotting business possibilities and uses his style of comedy and his puppets to market goods. He is among the wealthiest comedians today.
31. Steve Martin
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 140 million Profession: Actor, TV Writer, comedian, and musician For more than 50 years, actor Steve Martin has ruled every aspect of the entertainment industry. His acting prowess, singing voice, and humorous talents have helped him establish himself as one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors and one of the richest comedians in the world. His acting prowess, singing voice, and humorous talents have helped him establish himself as one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors. Since 1976, Steve has appeared on Saturday Night Live several times. At The New Show of 1984, he met experienced comedian Martin Short backstage, and they developed a lifelong friendship. Together with Selena Gomez, he executive produced and starred in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building in 2021. Along with Steve’s other nomination for writing, the series received Martin and Steve nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
32. Matthew Perry
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 120 million Profession: Actor, TV Producer, comedian and screenwriter Mathew Perry is a household name, as he remains one of the iconic comedic characters from the ever-popular show ‘Friends’. Without any doubt, one can say that the show boosted his career to new and unfathomable heights and now he is among the richest comedians in the world. At the age of 18, River Phoenix and Matthew were cast in ‘A Night In The Life Of Jimmy Reardon,’ which gave Matthew his big break in the acting world. At the LA Connection, he practiced improv comedy and he swiftly rose to the position of the featured performer. In the late 1980s, he made a few fleeting television guest appearances before declaring his decision to enroll at the University of Southern California. Due to his prior involvement in the TV drama ‘LAX 2194,’ he was initially passed up for the ‘Friends’ audition. The project didn’t get off the ground right away, but Perry was able to show up for the audition and landed the character of Chandler Bing, for which he is most known today. Friends continue to bring in over $1 billion annually from streaming and syndication arrangements. Each cast member has reportedly been known to make $10–20 million in royalties on their own in some years. It is the reason why Perry is in this list of wealthiest comedians. Also Read: 51 Ways to Make Money Online For Beginners
33. Jon Stewart
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 120 million Profession: Actor, TV Producer, comedian and screenwriter He achieved his greatest fame as the anchor of ‘The Daily Show,’ a well-liked satirical news program, from 1999 until 2015. He is currently wealthy primarily because of the TV show. It is the reason, he is in this list of richest comedians in the world. He used to receive $1.5 million yearly pay when he initially started working for the program. His pay was increased to $14 million by 2009 and then to $25 million. He founded Busboy Productions, a producing firm. His area of expertise was TV show hosting. His production company thus specialized in creating chat shows. Hundreds of performances were eventually released by his production business. He also rose to the position of Executive for a number of his company’s shows. Jon frequently parodied politics on The Daily Show. So it makes sense that his three books also have a political theme to them. Along with J.K. Rowling and Stephen King, he won two Quill Awards for Humor in addition to penning best-sellers.
34. Martin Lawrence
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 110 million Profession: Actor, TV Producer, and comedian With his leading role in What’s Happening Now? Lawrence made his acting debut and went on to land several other roles. He got his start in movies like Boomerang and Do the Right Thing. Lawrence recently co-starred with Will Smith in Bad Boys 3, the long-awaited continuation of the franchise after the initial two films were huge box office successes. Today, he is one of the wealthiest comedians. He grew up in Queens, New York, where he was an accomplished boxer. Lawrence went to Fairmont Heights High School and the Thomas G. Pullen School of Creative and Performing Arts. At first, he thought of pursuing a career in boxing, but after suffering a broken eye, he began to develop an interest in acting instead. Following his involvement in What’s Happening Now?, he hosted Def Comedy Jam on HBO and debuted his sitcom Martin for Fox, which lasted from 1992 to 1997. Blue Streak, Nothing to Lose, and Big Momma’s House are just a few of his box office successes. It was revealed in January 2013 that he would star alongside Kelsey Grammar in a drama for Lionsgate TV. Lawrence later acknowledged that writing for the Bad Boys 3 sequel was nearly complete.
35. Dennis Miller
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 100 million Profession: Actor, TV Producer, radio host, comedian and commentator His professional journey began in 1978, but his big break came in 1985 when he was allowed to host Saturday Night Live. He received both money and publicity from this show. Following the success of this program, he put out a few stand-up comedy CDs and presented numerous more programs, such as The Dennis Miller Show and Dennis Miller live. He also participated in other shows, worked as a presenter, political and sports commentator, and was a radio personality. He is among the richest comedians in the world. After graduating from college, Miller tried his hand at several odd jobs but was unable to land a career in journalism. He continued to work at Point Park’s Recreation Room, where he oversaw the air-hockey league, video games, and bowling alley. After seeing Robin Williams perform on HBO in 1979, Miller decided to follow his ambition of becoming a stand-up comedian. Miller moved to Pittsburgh in the early 1980s and changed his career to television. He made an appearance on KDKA-TV and acted in comedic skits on the nationally broadcast show ‘Evening Magazine.’ Miller started hosting ‘Punchline,’ a Saturday morning newsmagazine program, in 1983. Miller made his debut on ‘Late Night with David Letterman’ in 1985. His talent has earned him a spot in this list of wealthiest comedians.
36. Jeff Foxworthy
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 100 million Profession: Actor, TV Producer, comedian, radio personality, author and screenwriter His redneck jokes have made him a successful and well-known comic. He is also known for hosting ‘Are you smarter than a fifth-grader’ in 2007. In addition to the Jeff Foxworthy show from 1995, he also worked on ‘you might be a redneck if…’ which saw tremendous success. In addition to this, he is well-known for hosting the American Bible Challenge, and the American Baking Competition, and for serving as a judge on ‘Bring the Funny’ in 2019. He enjoys hunting, and when he was younger, he worked for IBM in mainframe computer repair before quitting to pursue a career in comedy. The Blue Collar Comedic Tour, a comedy group that also includes Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall, and Ron White, includes Foxworthy as a member. His major professional debut was in 1984 when he competed in and won the first Southeast laugh-off at an Atlanta punchline comedy club. One of his biggest achievements in his career was the sale of millions of copies of his 1993 redneck CD. Along with winning album awards, Games Rednecks Play received a Grammy nomination for the best-spoken comedy album.
37. Larry The Cable Guy
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 100 million Profession: TV Actor and comedian He originally rose to fame as a member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, when he developed the phrase that would become his catchphrase, ‘git-R-done.’ The RIAA awarded Larry numerous gold certifications for his comedic albums. He is also an actor, well known for lending his voice to Mater in the ‘Cars’ series. In reality, Larry began his career in the early 1990s by making a lot of radio appearances. The Chris Baker Show on KDGE, the nationally syndicated ‘The Ron and Ron Show,’ ‘The Bob and Tom Show,’ and others are just a few of the shows he performed on. After only finding little success and recognition when doing stand-up under his name, he created his Larry the Cable Guy persona. He uses catchphrase comedy while talking about everything from personal experiences to gags about his redneck ‘heritage.’ Larry’s big break came in 2000 when Jeff Foxworthy, a friend and fellow comic, asked him to accompany him on his ‘Blue Collar Comedy tour.’ The tour was an enormous success making him one of the wealthiest comedians. And to top it all off, the tour’s live comedy DVD, which was made available, sold over a million copies.
38. Mel Brooks
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 100 million Profession: Actor, filmmaker and comedian The former stand-up comedian and producer are most known for his work on 11 funny movies from the 1960s through the 1990s. He is still going strong at age 95. Mel Brooks will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest and wealthiest comedians of all time. Although he served as an infantryman in World War II and a psych major in the past, his main focus has always been entertainment. When he went to the Broadway show Anything Goes’ opening night in the 1930s, he caught the entertainment bug. In the late 1940s, Brooks made his stand-up comedy debut; the next ten years saw him transition to writing jokes for television programs. He co-created and wrote for the TV sitcom Get Smart, about a James Bond-like spy, in 1965 after migrating to Hollywood. Seven Emmys were won by the program throughout its five-year existence. For Brooks, 1974 was a breakthrough year. His comedy Blazing Saddles received three Oscar nominations and was the second-highest-earning US movie of the year. The movie Young Frankenstein which was touted as the third highest grossing movie in the US is also directed by Brooks.
39. Kevin James
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 100 million Profession: Actor, TV Producer, comedian and writer The popular actor and comedian has ruled both the big and small screens and has made an enduring mark on his fans for years now. Most people would agree that it’s hard to maintain composure when listening to Kevin James because of his talent for turning even the most ordinary moments in life into outright laughing riots. His lifelong interest has been bringing joy to the public, and he has amassed substantial wealth in the process. Kevin launched his stand-up comedy career in 1989. His public profile grew as a result of his appearances on the circuit, including The Late Late Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and Live with Regis and Kathie Lee. He was a regular on Comedy Central. He made his very first on-screen debut in the 1991 episode of The New Candid Camera. His career took off once he made an appearance on the popular Ray Romano program Everyone Loves Raymond. Kevin James’ debut performance as Doug Heffernan on the CBS mega program The King Of Queens turned out to be his most lucrative role. Every year that the program was on, from 1998 to 2007, additional money was added to Kevin James’ bank account. Kevin James agreed to become a producer on The King Of Queens, more than tripling his salary and placing him in a position to fully profit from the show’s popularity and get a spot in this list of wealthiest comedians.
40. Chris Rock
https://in.pinterest.com/pin/1055953443853921987/ Net worth (as of 2022): USD 100 million Profession: Actor, comedian and filmmaker His movies and television series have made millions of dollars at the box office, and every award from Grammys to Emmys rests on his mantle. This has easily made him one of the richest comedians in the world. Chris Rock has hosted the Oscars, provided the voice of a well-known cartoon character, and is a stand-up comedian who got his start on ‘Saturday Night Live.’ In addition to having a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Chris Rock is regarded as one of the all-time great comedians, surpassing role models like Richard Pryor. Chris Rock has evolved from a popular stand-up performer to a versatile and skilled Hollywood superstar. He has accumulated all this wealth because of the popularity of series like ‘Everybody Hates Chris,’ among others. Chris Rock has had several popular comedy specials during his career, including ‘Bring the Pain’ and ‘Bigger & Blacker’ on HBO. Also Read: 30 Best High Income Skills to Learn
41. Melissa McCarthy
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 90 million Profession: Actor, writer, TV Producer and comedian McCarthy has repeatedly appeared on yearly lists of the highest-paid actresses in the world. In 2016, Time named her among the 100 most influential people in the world. McCarthy’s first television appearance was in the NBC comedy series ‘Jenny,’ where she co-starred with her very own cousin Jenny McCarthy. When she was chosen to play Dena Stevens in the ABC comedy ‘Samantha Who?’ she had her second big break. Melissa once more portrayed the protagonist’s closest friend in a storyline that was quite twisted. She appeared in the 2015 comedy ‘Spy.’ McCarthy won a Golden Globe nomination for this performance in the critically acclaimed film. After that, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well. Her career has risen to new heights in the recent years putting her in this list of wealthiest comedians.
42. Nancy Walls
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 90 million Profession: Actor, writer and comedian Many know her as the wife of legendary Steve Carell, but Nancy herself is a successful actress and comedian which is the reason behind her being on the list. Nancy Walls is most recognized for her work on The Office and Saturday Night Live, she also has become pretty popular for a variety of other comedic endeavors. During her college days at Boston College, she was introduced to the world of comedy and acting. Walls developed a strong acting foundation while performing in the improv group ‘My Mother’s Fleabag’ at Boston College, which prepared her for her relocation to Chicago to join The Second City. Among the wealthiest comedians, she first met her future spouse, Steve Carell, at Second City, where he was a star performer with the group at the time. From 1995 to 1996, Walls stayed with SNL until departing to work as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The Goode Family, which debuted on ABC in 2009, featured Walls as Helen Goode, who delivered the show’s voiceover in 2009. Additionally, Walls has acted in some of the funny movies ever made, such as Bridesmaids and The 40-Year-Old Virgin.
43. Dany Boon
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 80 million Profession: Actor, TV Producer, comedian, writer and director Boon has performed in several one-person shows and plays in addition to writing, producing, and directing movies. He received his first breakthrough as a comic in 1992 when French television personality Patrick Sebastien invited him to appear on his show. Following that, Boon became well-known due to his skits and one-man performances. After that, he had offers for other film parts, which included one in the critically acclaimed 2005 movie Joyeux Noel. In addition, he earned 28 million Euros in 2008, making him the highest-paid actor in the annals of European cinema. He is also one of the most well-known and wealthy French actors in the world, earning $20 million or more annually. His sponsorship deals also provide a lot of revenue that garners his overall wealth. All this success has put him in this list of wealthiest comedians.
44. Fat Jewish AKA Josh Ostrovsky
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 450 million Profession: Actor, social media influencer, comedian and entrepreneur In February 1982, Josh Ostrovsky, better known as The Fat Jewish, was born in New York, New York. He was a member of the 2004-formed rap group Team Facelift, who in 2006 put out its sole album, Mixed Emotions. In 2009, he created the TheFatJewish Instagram account, which became quite popular in 2013. He has an Instagram following of 10 million and was included in Time magazine’s list of the 30 most influential online users in 2014. He has acted in movies including Zoolander 2, The American Meme, and Visual Display, in addition to Ben Banks. Additionally, he is featured in music videos for Charli XCX, The Chainsmokers, Dillon Francis, and Dillon Francis. He founded the business Swish Beverages, which in 2015 debuted the White Girl Rosé wine label.
45. Stephen Colbert
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 75 million Profession: Actor, TV Producer, comedian, and talk show host Stephen is a well-known name in the Washington circuit. Colbert is mainly remembered for presenting the chat show ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ on CBS and the satirical Comedy Central program ‘The Colbert Report’ from 2005 to 2014. Colbert’s started his career in 1988 after he enrolled in a free improvisation session. In 1995, he moved to New York from Second City to work on the television comedy series ‘Exit 57’. Despite receiving positive reviews, the series only had 12 episodes. Alongside Steve Carell, Dino Stamatopoulos, and others, he worked as a writer and cast member on ‘The Dana Carvey Show’ in 1996. His satire addressed President Bush and the media at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in 2006 when he performed as the star feature. He silenced the audience with his performance but became an internet sensation almost immediately. I Am America (And So Can You! ), a political satire, is a book he published in 2007.
46. Russell Peters
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 75 million Profession: Actor, TV Personality, comedian, producer, writer and DJ He became well-known as a stand-up comic and was the first in his field to land a Netflix special. The well-regarded artist and among the wealthiest comedians has received several honors, including Emmy and Gemini Awards. The comedian attempted to enroll in Sheridan College but was turned down. As a result, he started working as a DJ for the school’s radio station and quickly earned the moniker ‘DJ Russell.’ With a net worth of $10 million in 2009, he entered the top ten highest-paid comedians; by 2013, it had grown to $21 million. In Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Ontario, he is the owner of several real estate holdings.
47. Tina Fey
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 75 million Profession: Actor, TV Producer, comedian and writer She is best known for inventing the critically acclaimed comedy programs ’30 Rock’ and ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,’ as well as for her participation in the NBC sketch comedy series ‘Saturday Night Live.’ She has been a role model for many female comedians and among the richest comedians in the world today. When Tina was chosen as a writer for the NBC variety program ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 1997, her writing and acting career started. She was the first female chief writer for the program in 1999. In 2000, she started doing sketches, and in 2011, she and Jimmy Fallon took over as co-anchors of Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update. After Fallon was replaced, Amy Poehler co-anchored Weekend Update for the first time in 2004. She co-starred in the 2008 comedy ‘Baby Mama’ alongside her former coworker Amy Poehler. She provided her voice in the same year in the Japanese animated movie ‘Ponyo’. Amy Poehler and Tina co-hosted the 70th Golden Globe Awards in 2013. Her popularity has allowed her to make great wealth putting her in this list of wealthiest comedians.
48. Carrot Top
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 70 million Profession: Actor and comedian He is well-known for having red curly hair and using stage props in a way that always makes his audiences laugh. Since he has spent his whole life performing comedy, Carrot Top has amassed a substantial fortune. He performed in his first stand-up comedy act as a university freshman. Carrot Top gained notoriety in 1992 when Jay Leno invited him to perform on his Tonight Show appearance. His viewership was significantly expanded and he was exposed to a larger fan base as a result of the show. He was the first individual to receive votes for both comedian and performer of the year in 1993. Given that he has been in the business for more than 30 years, his one-liner method appears to be effective for him. The red-haired man appears to still have plenty of work ahead of him given the renewal of his contract with the Luxor Hotel but for now he has secured a spot in this list of wealthiest comedians. Also Read: 50 Richest YouTubers in the World
49. Peter Kay
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 70 million Profession: Actor and comedian Peter Kay is addressed as one of the clean comedians due to his hilarious comedy on general topics and observation of the theme that surrounds his hometown. He is also a Guinness world record holder. At the North West Comedian of the Year audition in 1996, when his performance won best in the show, Kay got his big break. He won the contest the next year. That Peter Kay Thing, which aired in 1999, and Phoenix Nights, which earned him a BAFTA for best comedy, marked Kay’s rapid entry into television comedy. In addition, he won the coveted Rose d’Or prize at the Montreux Television Festival. Kay broke the record for the most lucrative one-man standup comic in February 2012. A total of 1.2 million people saw his 140 performances during his tour.
50. Eric Idle
Net worth (as of 2022): USD 70 million Profession: Actor, TV Producer, writer, and comedian Legendary comedian Eric Idle is adored by admirers of all ages and is easily one of the richest comedians. With a vast list of accomplishments, including voice acting, supporting, and leading parts in movies, he is best known as a founding member of the renowned comedic group Monty Python. Idle has staged opera adaptations of Monty Python’s famous movies and sketches, gone on nationwide comedy tours with other Python alums, released several albums, and authored several books. His dedication and creativity have made him one of the wealthiest comedians. He already has an incredible record of over 200 IMDB credits, including acting, writing, producing, and more. Along with this, he made guest appearances on Laverne & Shirley, Fraiser, Mad TV, and Suddenly Susan.
