What is Susie Essman's net worth?
Susie Essman is an American stand-up comedian, actress, writer, and producer who has a net worth of $8 million.
Susie Essman is an American actress, comedian, and author best known for her role as the foul-mouthed Susie Greene on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Born Susan Essman on May 31, 1955, in Mount Vernon, New York, she grew up in a Jewish family where humor and quick wit were valued traits. Her father was a doctor and her mother worked as a Russian teacher and principal.
Essman's journey into comedy began after graduating from SUNY Purchase College. In the late 1970s, she started performing stand-up comedy in New York City clubs, at a time when the comedy scene was predominantly male-dominated. She distinguished herself with her sharp, acerbic humor and fearless approach to controversial topics. Throughout the 1980s, she became a regular performer at iconic venues like Catch a Rising Star and The Comic Strip.
Her breakthrough role came in 2000 when she was cast as Susie Greene in "Curb Your Enthusiasm." The character, who is married to Jeff Greene (played by Jeff Garlin), Larry David's manager, became one of the show's most beloved elements. Essman's portrayal of the short-tempered, expletive-hurling Susie Greene has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted following. Her character's explosive confrontations with Larry David have become some of the series' most memorable moments.
(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Turner)
Despite her strong association with Susie Greene, Essman's career spans far beyond "Curb Your Enthusiasm." She has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "Broad City," "Law & Order," and "Crank Yankers." Her voice work includes roles in animated series such as "American Dad!" and "Kim Possible." She has also maintained her presence in stand-up comedy, performing across the country and appearing in various comedy specials.
In 2009, Essman published her book "What Would Susie Say: Bullsh*t Wisdom About Love, Life and Comedy," which combines personal essays with humorous observations about relationships, family, and her experiences in show business. The book showcased her ability to translate her comedic voice into written form while offering genuine insights into her life and career.
Unlike her explosive on-screen persona, Essman is known in real life for being thoughtful and measured. She married real estate broker Jim Harder in 2008, becoming a stepmother to his four children. She has often spoken about how different she is from her character Susie Greene, though she admits to occasionally using her character's signature outbursts when fans request it on the street.
Essman's comedy style is characterized by its honesty and directness, often addressing topics like family dynamics, aging, relationships, and the absurdities of modern life. She has been particularly noted for her ability to deliver harsh truths with humor while maintaining a underlying warmth that makes her relatable to audiences.
Throughout her career, Essman has been an advocate for women in comedy, often speaking about the challenges she faced as a female comedian in the male-dominated industry of the 1980s and 1990s. She has mentored younger comedians and spoken about the importance of maintaining authenticity in comedy, regardless of gender.
(Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage)
In recent years, Essman has continued to balance her role on "Curb Your Enthusiasm" with other projects, including television appearances, speaking engagements, and comedy performances. Her longevity in the entertainment industry speaks to both her talent and her ability to adapt while maintaining her distinctive voice.
Essman's influence on comedy extends beyond her performances. She has helped pave the way for female comedians who don't conform to traditional expectations, showing that women can be both funny and confrontational in their comedy. Her success has demonstrated that audiences appreciate authentic, unfiltered female voices in comedy.
As she continues her career, Susie Essman remains a respected figure in the comedy world, admired for her quick wit, fearless approach to controversial topics, and ability to create memorable characters while staying true to her comedic roots. Her contribution to television comedy, particularly through her role on "Curb Your Enthusiasm," has secured her place as one of the most distinctive voices in American comedy.
Real Estate
In April 2011, Susie and her husband, John Harder, paid $529,00 for a property in Selkirk, New York. They sold this home in September 2019 for $800,000. In 2007, they paid $1.3 million for an apartment on Manhattan's Upper West Side. They sold this unit in August 2011 for $1.35 million. In 2019, they paid $1.3 million for a new NYC apartment. They sold this property in June 2023 for $1.7 million.
