Comedy's big earners
Peter Kay was recently named Britain's wealthiest comedian by a newspaper, cementing his status as one of the most successful and beloved entertainers in the country. With a staggering reported fortune of £34.6 million, it shows how comedy really can pay.
Best known for Phoenix Nights, Max And Paddy's Road To Nowhere and Car Share, Kay has built an extraordinary career spanning over two decades on screen, and on the stage. His return to stand-up in 2022 after a prolonged hiatus has really reinforced his position as one of the most bankable names in British comedy.
Kay's vast wealth has been accumulated through a combination of sold-out stand-up tours, DVD sales, television series, book deals, and merchandising. His unique observational humour, relatable storytelling, and signature catchphrases have made him a household name, ensuring that demand for his work remains consistently high.
Despite taking a lengthy break from live performances due to "unforeseen family circumstances" in 2018, his return to the stage since has been nothing short of spectacular. His stand-up tour, which has so far spanned three years, has been a massive success, with arena-sized venues selling out within minutes of tickets being released. His final performance is currently set for December 2025 at Birmingham's Utilita Arena... and it is already at full capacity, reflecting the unwavering popularity of the comedian.
Kay isn't the only comedian on the comedy rich list though. It could be argued that Ricky Gervais may be the richest British comedian. His Netflix specials, including Humanity and SuperNature, have been highly lucrative, drawing millions of global viewers. He can also coin it in via live shows - with one gig setting a record after it earnt him £1.41m... not bad for an evening's work! And that's not even including his film work and the sitcoms he has created.
With an international following and multiple sell-out world tours, Gervais remains one of the most commercially successful comedians of his generation. His ability to appeal to both UK and international audiences has ensured a steady stream of revenue through live performances and streaming deals.
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Stephen Merchant, who co-created The Office with Gervais, also has amassed notable wealth. With the American version of their sitcom still one of the most popular shows on Netflix, Gervais and Merchant have been well-rewarded for their creation. However, Merchant has also his his wealth bolstered by his diverse ventures in film and television. His role in the Oscar-winning film Jojo Rabbit, along with his BBC One crime comedy series The Outlaws, has contributed to his earnings. Merchant has also enjoyed other successes in the US market, collaborating with major Hollywood studios and appearing in blockbuster films such as Logan.
Russell Howard is another comedian to add to the rich list. Known for his observational humour and quick wit, one measure places his wealth at over £10m. The Bristol-born comedian has built his fortune through television appearances and stand-up tours. His transition into international touring has further increased his earnings.
Whilst the comedy wealth list is mainly male-based, but Sarah Millican is reported to have earnt big. She has carved out a unique space in the comedy world, using her sharp wit and relatable humour to attract a loyal following. Her stand-up specials, books, and television appearances have made her one of the UK's most successful comedians.
Other comedians likely to have bank accounts will millions in them include Jack Whitehall, Michael McIntyre, John Bishop and Micky Flanagan... they've all filled arenas via their live shows and had their name in the title of successful TV series: two indicators that wealth has headed their way.