Rich Dudes│How Chris Rock Joked His Way To A $60 Million Net Worth
With four Emmys and three Grammys, Chris Rock is estimated to have a net worth of $60 million. Learn how he made millions by telling jokes and what he invests his money in.
Updated Apr 6, 2023
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Chris Rock is an American actor, comedian, director, producer, and writer. He’s best known for his stand-up comedy routines, his sitcom Everybody Hates Chris, and his recurring role in the Madagascar films. He has won four Emmys and three Grammys and has an estimated net worth of $60 million.
Chris Rock began his career as a regular stand-up comedian—performing on stage and also appearing on television shows such as Saturday Night Live, In Living Color, and The Ben Stiller Show.
In 2016, Rock secured a $40 million deal with Netflix for two comedy specials, making it the biggest deal in the streaming platform’s history.
He became popular for his unique style of observational humor and his ability to make light of topics such as race, class, and politics. He has gone on to become one of the most successful stand-up comedians of all time—releasing several comedy albums and specials along the way.
Rock has invested in businesses such as Lowell Herb Co., which specializes in Cannabis-based products in California. His net worth took a hit in 2016 after filing for divorce with Malaak Compton and being forced to surrender $40 million worth of assets. Nevertheless, Rock recovered and is still an incredibly accomplished comedian and businessman.
Here’s how Chris Rock amassed immense wealth through his natural talent and ingenious investments.
Chris Rock net worth at a glance
Net worth | $60 million |
Born | February 7, 1965 |
Nationality | American, born in Andrews, South California |
Became a millionaire at | 43 |
Occupations | Stand-up comedian, actor, screenwriter, and producer |
Sources of wealth | Netflix, movies & stand-up comedy shows |
Asset classes | Real estate, cars, & startups |
How Chris Rock made his money
How Chris Rock made his money
Christopher Julius Rock III was born in 1965 in Andrews, South Carolina. He went to James Madison High School and moved to Brooklyn, New York shortly after. In 1984, Rock started out as a stand-up comedian at New York City's Catch a Rising Star, slowly getting better and more famous.
He got his first big break that year when Eddie Murphy watched him perform at a nightclub and chose him for a small role in Beverly Hills Cop II.
He went on to join the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 1990 and released his first comedy album Born Suspect in 1991. He also earned various roles in TV projects, most notably Saturday Night Live where he started his career as a writer and comedian.
Chris Rock earned about $20 million for his Netflix special ‘Selective Outrage.’
Source: hollywoodreporter.com
Rock has won four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Special, Outstanding Writing for a Variety or Music Program, and Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Special.
Rock's career soared to new heights as the commentator for Comedy Central’s Politically Incorrect during the 1996 U.S. Presidential Elections, propelling him to fame and earning him two Emmy Awards and three Grammy Awards for his comedic endeavors. His highly acclaimed 1999 HBO comedy special Bigger & Blacker further solidified his status in the entertainment industry.
The Chris Rock Show on HBO received widespread praise for Rock’s interviewing skills with celebrities and politicians and earned him an Emmy for writing.
Rock's fifth HBO special Kill the Messenger released in 2008 earned him another Emmy Award for outstanding writing—marking his entrance into the millionaire club.
A large chunk of Chris Rock's net worth came from his comedy specials, his film and television roles, and his stand-up tours. His hard work and dedication over the years have paid off, making him one of the most successful comedians of all time.
He has worked with notable TV personalities like Chris Farley and Adam Sandler in movies like Grown-Ups and its sequel, as well as in films like The Week Of, Sandy Wexler, and New Jack City. Chris Rock also makes money from his distinct voice, earning $5 million for voicing Marty in Madagascar 3.
Netflix special
In 2016, Rock secured a $40 million deal with Netflix for two comedy specials, marking the biggest deal in the streaming platform’s history.
When Chris Rock's special Selective Outrage aired, it was bookended with star-studded pre and post-show specials—and that couldn’t have been cheap. Not to mention, Rock also addressed his infamous slap from Will Smith at the 2022 Oscars for the first time. The entire event likely generated more than $20 million for the Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa star.
How Chris Rock invests
How Chris Rock invests
Chris Rock, famously known for his comedic talent, is also an avid spender, possessing luxury homes, and cars, and investing in business ventures.
Startups
Chris Rock has shown his acumen for investment by supporting two innovative businesses in diverse industries: Lowell Herb Co. and Mojo.
Lowell Herb Co. is a cannabis company founded in 2017 that gained support from Chris Rock and other A-list celebrity investors. With its number one product Lowell Smokes, the company has made a significant impact in the competitive Californian cannabis market.
Lowell Herb Co. also focuses on social justice, employing non-violent cannabis offenders. Chris Rock's investment has helped the company expand its product line and market them to new consumers.
Chris Rock also invested in Mojo, a platform that blends sports betting, fantasy competition, and stock market mechanics. Launched in New Jersey with $100 million in funding, Mojo aims to transform fantasy sports by enabling fans to invest in athletes. Chris Rock's investment, along with other prominent names, propels Mojo's growth and potential expansion into more states.
Real estate
In 1994, Chris Rock bought a house in Brooklyn, New York, for $3.25 million. Later, in 2001, he purchased a 13,000-square-foot mansion in Alpine, New Jersey, for $3 million. Chris rented his Brooklyn property for $8,000 per month until 2017. He then sold the 3,700-square-foot Brooklyn house for $3.35 million after listing it for $3.85 million.
Chris Rock used his Clinton Hill carriage house as a rental property before selling it in 2017.
Source: ny.curbed.com
Chris Rock is a smart real estate investor, starting out with properties in sought-after locations like New York and New Jersey. But due to his divorce, Rock’s ex-wife now lives in the large Alpine, New Jersey, mansion.
Cars
Chris Rock is a vintage car fan, with a collection that includes a $4 million limited edition Lamborghini Miura and an Audi A6 supercar worth $55,900.
Chris Rock’s Bentley is reportedly worth $182,990.
Source: 21motoring.com
He also has a Bentley Bentayga, an opulent SUV with outstanding performance that’s worth an estimated $182,990. It has a spacious, elegant interior that is outfitted with state-of-the-art materials and sophisticated technology.