Top 10 earning comedians from June 08 to June 09

[edjr 6,580]

1) Jerry Seinfeld

Estimated Earnings*: $85 million

 

The comedian-turned-TV superstar continues to cash in on the syndication rights for Seinfeld more than a decade after the show ended its run on NBC. He brings in millions more doing stand-up on the road. What's more, he was reportedly paid $10 million to star in a Microsoft ad alongside Bill Gates; the marketing campaign eventually ditched.

 

2) Chris Rock

Estimated Earnings*: $42 million

 

Between June 2008 and June 2009, the multitasking comic added multiple Hollywood films to his résumé (Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, the upcoming Death at a Funeral), released a new HBO stand-up special (Kill the Messenger) and embarked on his very profitable, worldwide "No Apologies" stand-up tour. He also snagged a new book contract. His TV show, Everyone Hates Chris, will begin a lucrative syndication run in the fall.

 

3) Jeff Dunham

Estimated Earnings*: $30 million

 

The ventriloquist struck comic gold after two decades of paying dues on the club circuit. Dunham's banner year included the highest-grossing stand-up tour of 2008 and a YouTube clip that drew more than 89 million views. The native Texan makes millions more with merchandise and DVD sales. In January, he inked a multiplatform deal with Comedy Central to create a new special, tour and TV show slated to debut in late 2009.

 

4) Dane Cook, (tie)

Estimated Earnings*: $20 million

 

Over the course of the year, the 37-year-old comic graced the big screen (opposite Kate Hudson in the My Best Friend's Girl) and the small screen (in a Comedy Central special), released an album (Isolated Incident) and embarked on a comedy tour. Earlier this year, Cook's half-brother and former manager was charged with embezzling millions from the comedy star.

 

4) George Lopez, (tie)

Estimated Earnings*: $20 million

 

Lopez is nothing if not busy. Over the course of the year, the Mexican-American comedian made big money on the road. His eponymous sitcom, which ended in 2007, lives on in repeats and his film résumé continues to grow. Next up, the multi-platform comedian is heading to late night with a new 11 pm show on TBS.

 

6) Howie Mandel

Estimated Earnings*: $15 million

 

Deal or No Deal has proved a great deal for its host, who now appears in both prime time and syndicated versions. Mandel added another NBC series, prank show Howie Do It, to his résumé this past season. Lest that were enough, he's also a spokesman for online retailer Buy.com and spends much of his time perfecting his act on the road.

 

7) Larry the Cable Guy

Estimated Earnings*: $13 million

 

Though he's no longer the country's top touring act as he's been in years past, Larry the Cable Guy continues to bank big money on the road. Along with his Blue Collar pals, he still cashes in on Blue Collar merchandise as well. Earlier this year, the veteran jokester was also the subject of a Comedy Central roast. Up next, he once again lends his voice as Mater in the Cars sequel.

 

8) Jeff Foxworthy

Estimated Earnings*: $11 million

 

Over the course of his career, the best-selling comedy recording artist of all time has sold in excess of 15 million comedy albums, more than twice as many as Steve Martin and Richard Pryor combined. This past year, the comic added a slew of stand-up gigs, a third season as host of his TV quiz show, Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader? and another book, How to Really Stink at Work, a Guide to Making Yourself Fire-Proof While Having the Most Fun Possible to the portfolio.

 

9) Terry Fator, (tie)

Estimated Earnings*: $10 million

 

The season-two winner of NBC talent competition show America's Got Talent has been dubbed "the million dollar voice" and "the human jukebox." In February, the 44-year-old ventriloquist/impressionist, along with his 16 puppets, began a five-year stint at Sin City's Mirage Hotel. The reported price tag on the multi-year commitment? $100 million.

 

9) Russell Peters, (tie)

Estimated Earnings*: $10 million

 

It was another lucrative year for the Canadian funnyman, who's act frequently focuses on race Among the résumé additions: Peters sold an unprecedented 9,000-plus tickets in a single day to his his 20th Anniversary Tour show at London's 02 Arena. In addition to a steady stream of shows and a gig hosting the Juno Awards (Canada's Grammy Award equivalent), he released his comedy DVD, Red, White and Brown, which was filmed to a sold-out audience at Madison Square Garden in 2008.

[jerryskids 6,710]

I remember when comedians were funny people. Other than Chris Rock, this list is funnier than any of their acts.

[GettnHuge 2]

19,488,010) redtodd

 

Estimated Earnings*: $740

 

The comedian-turned message bored phenomenon continues to cash in on his pron comic book character known as PenusPhist more than a decade after DC took over the project. He brings in dollars more doing stand-up in daycare centers. What's more, he was reportedly paid $70 to star in a 'Don't say, that's so gay' ad; the spots were never aired due to violently negative responses from focus groups.

[edjr 6,580]

19,488,010) redtodd

 

Estimated Earnings*: $740

 

The comedian-turned message bored phenomenon continues to cash in on his pron comic book character known as PenusPhist more than a decade after DC took over the project. He brings in dollars more doing stand-up in daycare centers. What's more, he was reportedly paid $70 to star in a 'Don't say, that's so gay' ad; the spots were never aired due to violently negative responses from focus groups.

 

 

Well played.

[edjr 6,580]

I remember when comedians were funny people. Other than Chris Rock, this list is funnier than any of their acts.

 

Sienfeld was a funny comedian in the 80's, not so much anymore.

[GettnHuge 2]

8) Jeff Foxworthy

Estimated Earnings*: $11 million

 

Over the course of his career, the best-selling comedy recording artist of all time has sold in excess of 15 million comedy albums, more than twice as many as Steve Martin and Richard Pryor combined.

 

I didn't even know he did that.

[nzoner 937]

Still love Dunham's Sweet Daddy D's take on NASCAR as a sport though,"walk away for 10 minutes and come back and you ain't missed a focking thing."

[edjr 6,580]

Still love Dunham's Sweet Daddy D's take on NASCAR as a sport though,"walk away for 10 minutes and come back and you ain't missed a focking thing."

[Thornton Melon 618]

3) Jeff Dunham

Estimated Earnings*: $30 million

 

9) Terry Fator, (tie)

Estimated Earnings*: $10 million

 

9) Russell Peters, (tie)

Estimated Earnings*: $10 million

 

Never heard of 'em

[parrot 789]

About the only redeeming quality of that list is the fact that Carlos Mencia isn't on it.

[IronToe Nedney 0]

Russel Peters is a pretty funny guy, itsbigmoni would appreciate his brand of humor.

[edjr 6,580]

About the only redeeming quality of that list is the fact that Carlos Mencia isn't on it.

[nzoner 937]

Never heard of 'em

 

Jeff Dunham and Sweet Daddy D

[ADD1CT36 1]

About the only redeeming quality of that list is the fact that Carlos Mencia isn't on it.

 

truer words are rarely written on here!!!

 

jeff dunham earns it i think. he works really hard and is hilarious. a few of those are just riding on their laurels and whatnot. havent done anything worthwhile in... well, awhile..

[washers 0]

surprised to see no katt williams.

[shotsup 832]

surprised to see no katt williams.

 

Oh hes's there - just not tall enough for you to see him.

[GettnHuge 2]

Oh hes's there - just not tall enough for you to see him.

[Blitzen 0]

What's more, he was reportedly paid $10 million to star in a Microsoft ad alongside Bill Gates; the marketing campaign eventually ditched.

 

Microsoft is aware of this issue and a patch will soon be issued making Ad 2.0 far better.

[phillybear 366]

Jeff Dunham is an unfunny sh!t heap. Nothing he has ever done has come close to amusing me. What an awful, awful, awful prop comic. CarrotTop and Gallagher are superstars compared to this hack.

[Rusty Syringes 478]

I have never seen a single episode of "Seinfeld."