The latest list of the 100 highes-paid entertainers features six comedians. After missing the top spot last year for the first time since 2006, Jerry Seinfeld is once again the highest-paid comedian in the world. If he never worked another day in his life, Seinfeld would never have to worry about money. The cash he earns from just the reruns of Seinfeld would keep him firmly in the ranks of the 1%. But it isn't like Jerry to rest. He tours pretty relentlessly, for one thing. For another, he has a $100 million Netflix deal that includes two comedy specials, two more seasons of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, and a development deal. It isn't a stretch to think that Jerry Seinfeld could become the world's first billionaire comedian in a handful of years. With a net worth of $870 million, Jerry Seinfeld is $750 million richer than the next richest comedian, Kevin Hart.
Speaking of Kevin Hart, last year's highest-paid comedian is in sixth place this year with $32.5 million in earnings. His 52 million Instagram followers and 24 million Facebook followers make up a very loyal fan base for the comedian. Fifth place goes to the only woman on the list of highest-paid comedians, Amy Schumer. The first woman to ever make the list of highest-paid comedians, Schumer cashed in with her Netflix stand up special The Leather Special, her book The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo, and endorsement deals with Old Navy and Bud Light.
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Dave Chappelle, once the king of the mountain in comedy, is back in a big way this year. His $60 million deal for three comedy specials for Netflix padded his bank account this year. His Saturday Night Live hosting gig right after the U.S. Presidential election put him back in the minds of his fans. Chappelle is nominated for an Emmy for his SNL gig. He made $47 million this year.
Louis CK is the third-highest-paid comedian of the year despite the fact that his show Louie is on extended hiatus. He signed a deal with Netflix to do two stand up specials – one of which has already aired. Both specials bring in eight figure paychecks for the comic. Louis CK made $52 million this past year.
Chris Rock is the second-highest-paid comedian of the year. Rock made the list of the top paid entertainers for the first time in almost 10 years. Rock banked $40 million for a pair of stand up specials with Netflix and brought in many millions more from his Total Blackout tour.
#6. Kevin Hart – $32.5 million earned
Net Worth: $120 million
#5. Amy Schumer – $37.5 million earned
Net Worth: $16 million
#4. Dave Chappelle – $47 million earned
Net Worth: $42 million
#3. Louis CK – $52 million earned
Net Worth: $35 million
#2. Chris Rock – $57 million earned
Net Worth: $100 million
#1. Jerry Seinfeld – $69 million earned
Net Worth: $920 million
