What is Keegan-Michael Key's Net Worth?
Keegan-Michael Key is an American actor and comedian who has a net worth of $12 million. Keegan-Michael Key is best known for his work on the sketch comedy show "Key & Peele." He began his career as a theater actor in New York City. Key's breakthrough came in 2004 when he was hired as a cast member on "MADtv," where he quickly became known for his impressions and comedic characters. In 2012, he co-created and starred in "Key & Peele" alongside fellow comedian Jordan Peele, which aired for five seasons and earned critical acclaim for its clever satire and social commentary. Key has also appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "Fargo," "The Lion King," and "Dolemite Is My Name." He has won several awards for his work, including two Emmy Awards for "Key & Peele."
Early Life
Keegan-Michael Key was born on March 22, 1971, in Southfield, Michigan. The son of a black father and a white mother, he was soon adopted by foster parents. After being raised by his foster parents (who were social workers), Key discovered that he had two biological half-brothers. After graduating high school, Key attended the University of Detroit Mercy and obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater. He then attended Pennsylvania State University to earn his of Fine Arts in theater.
Career
Keegan-Michael Key first gained notoriety as a cast member of Mad TV, first joining in 2004. During his time on Mad TV, Key worked with Jordan Peele for the first time, playing many different characters, such as "Coach Hines." During his time on Mad TV, Key also became famous for impersonating various celebrities.
Following Mad TV, Keegan Michael-Key and Jordan Peele started their own comedy sketch show called Key & Peele. The show first debuted in 2012, running on Comedy Central until 2015. Much like Mad TV, Key and Peele both gained notoriety for several sketches, many of which went viral.
Key hosted Animal Planet's The Planet's Funniest Animals and National Geographic's Brain Games. He has also appeared in TV shows such as Gary Unmarried, Playing House, Reno 911!, and Whose Line Is It Anyway? Keegan-Michael Key has become well-known for various film roles as well. He has appeared in Horrible Bosses 2, Let's Be Cops, The Lego Movie, Pitch Perfect 2, and Tomorrowland. Key is also a voice actor, having booked the role of Murray in Hotel Transylvania 2 and Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation. He also lent his voice to the production of The Star, Toy Story 4, and The Lion King.
Keegan-Michael Key has appeared on stage in a number of capacities. Although he is known for his comedic stage performances, he also wowed audiences with a portrayal of Horatio in Shakespeare's Hamlet. Key made his Broadway debut in 2017 with the comedy Meteor Shower.
Relationships
In 1998, Keegan-Michael Key married Cynthia Blaise, a dialect coach. They separated in 2015. After Key's divorce was finalized in 2017, he was tied down to payments of $34,000 per month for alimony support. Reports also surfaced that suggested Key was obliged to pay 31% of his gross income to his ex-wife from that day forth for earnings of over $2.1 million. There is a cap for these payments at $700,000 per year. In addition, Keegan-Michael Key made a one-time payment of $655,650 before the divorce was finalized.
One year after his divorce was finalized, Keegan-Michael Key married again – this time to producer and director Elisa Pugliese. Their 2018 marriage took place in New York City.
Personal Life
Keegan-Michael Key has described himself as a spiritual person in the past and has explored aspects of Buddhism, Catholicism, and Evangelicism. In general, he identifies as a Christian. Key also cites his bi-racial heritage as an influence on his comedy. Keegan-Michael Key has worked with the Young Storytellers Foundation, which is an arts education charity.
Real Estate
Following his divorce, Keegan-Michael Key put his home in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, on the market. The 2,600-square-foot home was built in the 1960s, and Key managed to sell it for $1.48 million. In 2018, it was reported that Key had purchased a $5.2 million apartment in Manhattan's "Jenga Tower." The apartment building is home to many high rollers, including a hedge fund manager who spent $27 million on a penthouse. Amenities include a 75-foot infinity pool, a sauna, and a steam room.