Since Forbes started tracking the earnings of the highest-paid comedians in 2006, Jerry Seinfeld has topped the list every year with the exception of
Since Forbes started tracking the earnings of the highest-paid comedians in 2006, Jerry Seinfeld has topped the list every year with the exception of 2016, when he was dethroned by Kevin Hart. Though Seinfeld is on top this year, Hart certainly gave him a run for his money. Kevin Hart ranks second with $57 million, only $500,000 behind Seinfeld. The Kevin Hart Irresponsible Tour, which was the biggest comedy tour of 2018, topped 1 million tickets sold and banked Hart more than $30 million. He also starred in the wildly successful Jumanji remake, which grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide. Hart was recently picked to host the 2019 Oscars, but he stepped down due to backlash against his prior homophobic tweets.
The world’s ten highest-paid comedians made a grand total of $292 million, before taxes and fees, from June 1, 2017, to June 1, 2018. This is a whopping $82.5 million lower than last year’s haul due to fewer Netflix deals. Gabriel Iglesias, who last made the list in 2015, returns with a career-best haul of $20.5 million, enough for sixth place. The comedian, affectionately known as “Fluffy,” made most of his millions from performing a stunning 136 gigs, but he also inked a three-project deal with Netflix last April for a multi-camera comedy series and two new stand-up specials. He might clinch a higher spot on next year’s list thanks to his Beyond the Fluffy world tour, which starts in February.
The one newcomer is a familiar face. British comedian Ricky Gervais, who claims fifth place with $25 million, made a killing on Humanity, his first stand-up tour in seven years. He received at least $15 million, Forbes estimates, for his Netflix special of the same name. The Office co-creator has signed on for a second Netflix special that has yet to be filmed.
Here is the list of the world’s highest-paid comedians of 2018
- Sebastian Maniscalco
Earnings: $15 million
- Jeff Dunham
Earnings: $16.5 million
- Jim Gaffigan
Earnings: $17.5 million
- Terry Fator
Earnings: $18 million
- Gabriel Iglesias
Earnings: $20.5 million
- Ricky Gervais
Earnings: $25 million
- Chris Rock
Earnings: $30 million
- Dave Chappelle
Earnings: $35 million
- Kevin Hart
Earnings: $57 million
- Jerry Seinfeld
Earnings: $57.5 million
