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Nowadays, comedy is not only a stand-up routine — it has become a whole billion-dollar industry for the biggest comedians. Ratings from television deals to huge business empires, the 10 richest comedians in the world as of 2024.
Jerry Seinfeld – $900 Million
Jerry Seinfeld, in the #1 spot His riches come from the syndication and streaming residuals surrounding the success of his sitcom Seinfeld. Seinfeld, of course, also maintains his earnings with stand-up tours and projects like Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.
Byron Allen – $800 Million
While Byron Allen debuted as a comedian he easily transitioned into being a media mogul. He launched Allen Media Group and owns several TV networks, including The Weather Channel. The timely acquisitions and programming deals have helped make Allen one of the richest men in show business.
Matt Stone – $700 Million
Matt Stone co-creator of South Park continues to rake in massive money from the long-running animated show which premiered on the airwaves about 20 years ago. Stone has not shown any signs of slowing down financially, with many spin-offs, as well as lucrative streaming contracts.
Matt Groening – $600 Million
Writer Matt Groening: If you read Wikipedia, which is the bane of my life writing fiction, he has a fortune from The Simpsons [Editor’s note: it has been reported that he is worth almost $1 billion] because it went on for so long. Factor in his involvement with Futurama and Netflix show Disenchantment, and it should come as no surprise that Groening is among the elite when it comes to the wealthiest comedians worldwide.
Trey Parker – $600 Million
Trey Parker — who is Matt Stone’s partner in the making of South Park —has similarly amassed a significant fortune. Parker has been winning awards for the movie and enjoys a lucrative income from The Book of Mormon, which he co-wrote and directed on Broadway.
Ellen DeGeneres – $500 million
The Ellen DeGeneres Show has won her many awards and positive acclaim, including the title of the highest-paid female host in the world. Despite ending, her brand remains strong with production deals, real estate ventures and business partnerships.
Jay Leno – $450 Million
Today Show alum and another comedian who has added an enormous amount of cash to his name is Jay Leno. In addition to his TV gig, Mr. Leno’s fortune comes in part from an impressive array of cars displayed on Jay Leno’s Garage.
Kevin Hart – $450 Million
And, it is his hard work that has helped Kevin Hart be named one of the richest comedians in the world. Hart continues to grow his business empire, branching out into stand-up tours, blockbuster films and a successful production company.
Adam Sandler – $440 Million
The quirky Adam Sandler likened to the goofy humour of Happy Gilmore or Billy Madison, had a long-term payoff on his Netflix deal. Happy Madison Productions, his production company, keeps him afloat.
Bill Cosby – $400 Million
Bill Cosby, is one of the richest comedians despite his legal challenges. He is enjoying further windfalls from his work on The Cosby Show and other projects.
