Top 20 richest comedians in the world laughing all the way to the bank

Top 20 richest comedians in the world laughing all the way to the bank

In a world where laughter is priceless, there is a select group of comedians who have mastered the skill of making everyone laugh and have also acquired astounding fortunes. Here are the top 20 richest comedians in the world.

richest comedians in the world
Top richest comedians in the world. Photo: Unique Nicole, Tasos Katopodis, Danny Delgado
Source: Getty Images

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Laughter is said to be the best medicine, but for the world's top 20 richest comedians, it's therapeutic and profitable. These comedians are cashing in on their hilarious skills, making millions of dollars each year from the delight they provide to their audiences.

Top 20 richest comedians in the world

How much do comedians make? Every comedian's earnings depend on tours, specials, and brand endorsements. Determining the richest individuals involved tracking the net worth of the comedians.

We used data from Celebrity Net Worth, Forbes and other publicly available data and compiled this list by analyzing the assets, investments, and financial holdings of wealthy individuals. Here is a list of comedians who have made the most money over the last twelve months.

Read also

Lowest-paid NBA player: 10 basketballers with small salaries

Name Net worth
Jerry Seinfeld$950 million
Byron Allen$800 million
Matt Stone$700 million
Trey Parker$600 million
Ellen DeGeneres$500 million
Jay Leno$450 million
Kevin Hart$450 million
Adam Sandler$440 million
Bill Cosby$400 million
David Letterman$400 million
Larry David$400 million
Seth MacFarlane$300 million
Dan Aykroyd$250 million
Conan O'Brien$200 million
Ray Romano$200 million
Steve Harvey$200 million
Bill Murray $185 million
Drew Carey$165 million
Ricky Gervais$160 million
Rowan Atkinson$159 million

20. Rowan Atkinson - $159 million

richest comedians
Rowan Atkinson attends the UK Premiere of "Man Vs Bee" at Everyman Borough Yards in London, England. Photo: Dave J Hogan
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Rowan Sebastian Atkinson
  • Date of birth: 6 January 1955
  • Age: 68 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Consett, United Kingdom

Rowan is one of the masters of physical comedy, best known for his character as Mr. Bean. Rowan Atkinson's net worth is around $159 million.

Atkinson frequently portrays authoritative characters, particularly priests and vicars, who say ludicrous lines in a flawlessly deadpan manner. Rowan is also an obsessive vehicle collector who owns several high-end sports cars.

Read also

Male Hallmark actors: channel’s most popular leading men

19. Ricky Gervais - $160 million

richest comedians in the world
British host Ricky Gervais arrives for the 77th annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: Valerie Macon
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Ricky Dene Gervais
  • Date of birth: 25 June 1961
  • Age: 62 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Whitley, Reading, United Kingdom

Ricky Gervais is one of the most wealthy stand-up comedians, earning $1.75 million for a single stand-up performance. His primary source of money has come from The Office, which he wrote, created and starred in from 2001 to 2003. Ricky Gervais is estimated to have a net worth of $160 million.

18. Drew Carey - $165 million

richest stand-up comedians
Drew Carey speaks onstage during A Grammy Salute to The Beach Boys at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Drew Allison Carey
  • Date of birth: 23 May 1958
  • Age: 65 years old as of 2023
  • Place of birth: Cleveland, Ohio, United States

Drew Carey is an American actor, comedian and television host with a net worth of $165 million. Drew Carey is best known for his appearances on The Drew Carey Show and as the host of The Price is Right.

Read also

50 attractive older actors over 50 who could still get it

What is Drew Carey's annual salary? He is one of the world's highest-paid TV hosts, receiving $12.5 million yearly for hosting The Price Is Right.

17. Bill Murray - $185 million

who are the richest comedians
Actor Bill Murray looks on during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship Sweet Sixteen round basketball game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the UConn Huskies Photo: Brian Rothmuller
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: William James Murray
  • Date of birth: 21 September 1950
  • Age: 72 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Evanston, Illinois, United States

Bill Murray is an actor and comedian with a net worth of $185 million. Bill has been an actor for almost 50 years and has acted in various films and television shows.

He gained fame after appearing on Saturday Night Live from 1977 until 1980. Bill Murray's most successful films include Meatballs, Stripes, Ghostbusters, and Kingpin.

16. Steve Harvey - $200 million

who are the top 10 richest comedians
Judge Steve Harvey. Photo: Erika Doss
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr.
  • Date of birth: 17 January 1957
  • Age: 66 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Welch, West Virginia, United States

Read also

"N25.3m monthly": Meet highest-paid female CEOs in Nigeria and their pay package

Steve is one of the richest black comedians and one of the most celebrated entertainers in the world. He hosts The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Family Feud, Celebrity Family Feud, and Family Feud Africa. Steve Harvey has an estimated net worth of $200 million.

15. Ray Romano - $200 million

who are the richest comedians?
Ray Romano attends a conversation and screening for "Somewhere In Queens" at The 92nd Street Y, New York, on April 18, 2023, in New York City. Photo: Dominik Bindl
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Raymond Albert Romano
  • Date of birth: 21 December 1957
  • Age: 65 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Queens, New York, United States

Raymond is one of the famous American stand-up comedians, best known for his role as Ray Barone on the CBS sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond.

He has also starred in Bupkis, Somewhere in Queens, Made for Love, One Day at a Time and Bad Education. Ray Romano is one of the wealthiest comedians, with a net worth of $200 million.

Read also

Australia gives Twitter 28 days to clean up 'toxicity and hate'

14. Conan O'Brien - $200 million

richest comedians in the world
Conan O'Brien visits SiriusXM at SiriusXM Studios on May 17, 2023, in New York City. Photo: Jamie McCarthy
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Conan Christopher O'Brien
  • Date of birth: 18 April 1963
  • Age: 60 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Brookline, Massachusetts, United States

O'Brien is best known as the host of Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Since 2018, he has also hosted the podcast series Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend and is planning to begin a travel show, Conan O'Brien Must Go, on Max. Conan O'Brien is worth $200 million as of 2023.

13. Dan Aykroyd - $250 million

who are the richest comedians?
Dan Aykroyd visits Build Series to discuss Crystal Head Vodka at Build Studio in New York City. Photo: Noam Galai
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Daniel Edward Aykroyd
  • Date of birth: 1 July 1952
  • Age: 70 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Ottawa, Canada

Dan Aykroyd is one of the best Canadian comedians who has gained success throughout his career. Dan Aykroyd has appeared as an actor in The Simpsons, Hotel Paranormal and Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return. Dan Aykroyd's net worth is alleged to be $250 million.

Read also

20 famous people from Spain: past and present Spanish celebrities

12. Seth MacFarlane - $300 million

richest stand-up comedians
Seth MacFarlane attends FOX's "Family Guy" 400th Episode Celebration at Fox Studio Lot in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Momodu Mansara
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Seth Woodbury MacFarlane
  • Date of birth: 26 October 1973
  • Age: 49 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Kent, Connecticut, United States

Besides comedy, Seth MacFarlane is also an American actor, animator, writer, producer, and singer. He is best known for creating the animated television series Family Guy and for his work on other animated shows, films, and music.

Seth MacFarlane has an estimated net worth of $300 million, making him one of the richest comedians in the industry.

11. Larry David - $400 million

who are the richest comedians
Larry David speaks onstage during the Curb Your Enthusiasm FYC Panel at DGA Theater Complex on April 10, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Charley Gallay
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Lawrence Gene David
  • Date of birth: 2 July 1947
  • Age: 75 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Sheepshead Bay, New York, United States

David pursued stand-up comedy while working odd jobs to make ends meet. He landed his first comedic writing and performing gig for the ABC variety show Fridays in 1980.

Read also

Nigerians missing as four African billionaires worth over N5 trillion pledge to give out at least 50% of their wealth

He rose to prominence after creating the HBO sitcom Curb Your Enthusiasm. Larry David's net worth is $400 million as of 2023.

10. David Letterman - $400 million

who are the top 10 richest comedians?
David Letterman attends the 92nd Street Y presents Senator Al Franken in conversation with David Letterman at 92nd Street Y in New York City. Photo: Andrew Toth
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: David Michael Letterman
  • Date of birth: 12 April 1947
  • Age: 76 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

David has a net worth of $400 million. He is an American television host, comedian, writer, and producer.

He is most recognized for his work as the host of Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with David Letterman. David Letterman currently hosts the Netflix series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman.

9. Bill Cosby - $400 million

richest comedians in the world
Actor/stand-up comedian Bill Cosby arrives for sentencing for his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pennsylvania. Photo: Gilbert Carrasquillo
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: William Henry Cosby Jr.
  • Date of birth: 12 July 1937
  • Age: 85 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Read also

Davido performs at 2023 Juneteenth commemoration with the US vice president in attendance: "OBO is doing well"

Cosby gained widespread fame and success in the 1960s and 1970s with his stand-up comedy performances. He has appeared in several television movies and shows, including Cosby, Touched by an Angel, The Cosby Mysteries, and Bradymania: A Very Brady Special.

The comedian has also received numerous awards throughout his career. Bill Cosby is among the top richest comedians, with an estimated net worth of $400 million.

8. Adam Sandler - $440 million

richest stand-up comedians
Adam Sandler onstage during the 24th Annual Mark Twain Prize For American Humor at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Photo: Paul Morigi
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Adam Richard Sandler
  • Date of birth: 9 September 1966
  • Age: 56 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, United States

He has a net worth estimated at $440 million. Adam Sandler rose to national prominence as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. Adam Sandler has also appeared in Murder Mystery, Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, and Saturday Night Live: Cut for Time.

Read also

"Roughly N17m, still no difference": Eniola Badmus stuns many as she reveals prices of her wears in viral skit

7. Kevin Hart - $450 million

who are the richest comedians
Kevin Hart attends the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix's "Me Time" at Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Photo: David Livingston
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Kevin Darnell Hart
  • Date of birth: 6 July 1979
  • Age: 44 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Kevin is one of the most popular stand-up comedians and one of the highest-paid entertainers in the world. Kevin Hart has a net worth of $450 million.

As an actor, Kevin has appeared in numerous films and TV series, such as Celebrity Game Face, Fatherhood and Kevin Hart: Irresponsible. He is currently married to Eniko Parrish.

6. Jay Leno - $450 million

who are the top 10 richest comedians?
Jay Leno attends the 2023 Rodeo Drive Concours D'Elegance at Rodeo Drive & Wilshire Boulevard on June 18, 2023, in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: Rodin Eckenroth
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: James Douglas Muir Leno
  • Date of birth: 28 April 1950
  • Age: 73 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: New Rochelle, New York, United States

Jay Leno has been one of the richest stand-up comedians in the industry for a while now. What is Jay Leno known for? He became famous for hosting NBC's The Tonight Show from 1992 until 2009.

Read also

Davido discloses he is building Mexican mansion for himself and Chioma, shares location, video trends

Leno has a regular piece in Popular Mechanics, where he shows off his automobile collection and gives automotive tips. He also contributes to The Sunday Times with "Motormouth" stories.

5. Ellen DeGeneres - $500 million

who are the richest comedians?
Ellen DeGeneres during the Game of Games. Photo: Mike Rozman
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Ellen Lee DeGeneres
  • Date of birth: 26 January 1958
  • Age: 65 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Metairie, Louisiana, United States

Ellen has a net worth of $500 million, making her one of the wealthiest female comedians. Ellen DeGeneres began her career as a stand-up comedian in the 1980s, and she quickly rose to prominence thanks to her observant humour and sympathetic storytelling. She is best known for hosting The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which aired from 2003 until 2022.

4. Trey Parker - $600 million

richest comedians in the world
Trey Parker poses at the opening night after party for Disney's new hit musical "Frozen" on Broadway at Terminal in New York City. Photo: Bruce Glikas
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Randolph Severn "Trey" Parker III
  • Date of birth: 19 October 1969
  • Age: 53 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Conifer, Colorado, United States

Read also

Basel defies forecast of art market slowdown

He is a writer, producer, director, composer, animator, and actor from the United States. Trey Parker has a $600 million net worth. He is best known for co-creating South Park and co-developing the Tony Award-winning musical The Book of Mormon.

3. Matt Stone - $700 million

richest stand-up comedians
Matt Stone attends Damian Loeb Sgr A* at Acquavella Galleries in New York City. Photo: Jared Siskin
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Matthew Richard Stone
  • Date of birth: 26 May 1971
  • Age: 52 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Houston, Texas, United States

Matt is an American actor, animator, filmmaker, and composer whose net worth is $700 million. He has been in the comedy industry for years. Matt Stone's works include Team America: World Police and South Park: Post COVID.

2. Byron Allen - $800 million

who are the richest comedians
Byron Allen on the red carpet at Byron Allen's Oscar Gala at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: Greg Doherty
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Byron Allen Folks
  • Date of birth: 22 April 1961
  • Age: 62 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Detroit, Michigan, United States

Read also

Asake's new album, Work of Art hits No 1 In 14 Countries within 24 hours, fans react: "The original landlord"

Besides comedy, Byron Allen is an American businessman and television producer. He founded the American media company Entertainment Studios.

Allen began his career as a stand-up comedian and rose to prominence after appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Real People. Byron Allen's current net worth is $800 million.

1. Jerry Seinfeld - $950 million

who are the top 10 richest comedians?
Jerry Seinfeld attends the LA Tastemaker event for Comedians in Cars at The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills City. Photo: Emma McIntyre
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Jerome Allen Seinfeld
  • Date of birth: 29 April 1954
  • Age: 69 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, United States

Jerry is a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer. Jerry Seinfeld is considered the richest comedian in the world, with a net worth of $950 million. One of his greatest creations is the TV show Seinfeld, which he co-created with Larry David.

Some of his TV specials include Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, Colin Quinn: Unconstitutional and Colin Quinn: Long Story Short.

Read also

France to plough cash into low-emission planes: Macron

Who are the top 10 richest comedians?

Here are the top 10 richest comedians in the world and their net worths.

  • Jerry Seinfeld - $950 million
  • Byron Allen - $800 million
  • Matt Stone - $700 million
  • Trey Parker - $600 million
  • Ellen DeGeneres - $500 million
  • Jay Leno - $450 million
  • Kevin Hart - $450 million
  • Adam Sandler - $440 million
  • Bill Cosby - $400 million
  • David Letterman - $400 million

Richest comedians
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC

These are some of the most well-known richest comedians and their estimated net worth. They have accumulated millions through their professions as comedians and other endeavours such as acting and business.

Legit.ng recently published an article about the top most popular women in the world. These influential figures come from various parts of the world and are involved in immensely different work areas.

They include actresses, singers, politicians, and women from numerous other sectors. These popular women often set the pace for different aspects of society, such as political views, dressing codes, culture, science, and art. Find out more about how they came to be and their areas of interest.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Mercy Mbuthia avatar

Mercy Mbuthia (Lifestyle writer) Mercy Mbuthia is a content writer with five years of experience writing on various topics, including biographies, entertainment, and lifestyle. She joined the Legit team in 2019. Mercy earned a Master of Science (Food, Nutrition & Dietetics) from Dedan Kimathi University in 2022. Her articles have appeared on several media sites such as The Health Channel, The Nation, Tekrati, ValiantCEO and Celebrity Leader. In 2023, Mercy finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Email: mercymmbuthia18@gmail.com

Jackline Wangare avatar

Jackline Wangare (Lifestyle writer) Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng, where she has worked since mid-2021. She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University. She has more than five years in writing. Jackline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2019) and a Diploma in Marketing (2015) from Kenyatta University. In 2023, Jackline finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024. Email: simwajackie2022@gmail.com.

Tags: