Top 10 Richest Canadian Comedians (And How They Got There)

Canada has quietly produced some of the most successful — and wealthiest — comedy stars in the world. From international headliners to streaming powerhouses and late-night legends, these comedians turned jokes into empires.

Here are the richest Canadian comedians, how they made their money, and what helped them rise to the top.

🏆 1. Jim Carrey

Estimated Net Worth: $180–$200 million
Claim to Fame: Ace Ventura, The Mask, Liar Liar, Dumb and Dumber
How He Got There:
Jim Carrey started as a stand-up in Toronto before exploding onto In Living Color in the early ’90s. He became the first actor to earn $20 million per film, starring in a string of box office hits and transitioning into more dramatic roles like The Truman Show and Eternal Sunshine. He also earned millions through licensing, backend deals, and even art sales.
🎭 Canadian Roots: Born in Newmarket, Ontario

Their success wasn’t just financial; they influenced generations of comics. See how they stack up on our list of the most influential stand-up comedians of all time.

💼 2. Mike Myers

Estimated Net Worth: $200 million
Claim to Fame: Wayne’s World, Austin Powers, Shrek
How He Got There:
Myers turned sketch characters into billion-dollar film franchises. Austin Powers became a global cult hit, and voicing Shrek netted him massive residuals. He also co-wrote and produced many of his own projects, giving him ownership stakes that continue to pay out.
🎭 Canadian Roots: Born in Scarborough, Ontario; Second City Toronto alum

🎤 3. Russell Peters

Estimated Net Worth: $75 million
Claim to Fame: Outsourced-style cultural comedy, global touring legend
How He Got There:
One of the first comedians to truly go viral, Peters built his empire through massive international touring and DVD sales. He remains one of the highest-paid touring comedians globally and was the first to sell out arenas in India, Dubai, and South Africa. His material resonates across cultures, and his fan base spans continents.
🎭 Canadian Roots: Born in Toronto to Anglo-Indian parents

📺 4. Dan Aykroyd

Estimated Net Worth: $60–$70 million
Claim to Fame: Saturday Night Live, Ghostbusters, Blues Brothers
How He Got There:
Aykroyd’s wealth stems from a legendary SNL career and co-creating Ghostbusters, which turned into a global brand. He also co-founded Crystal Head Vodka, expanding his income beyond entertainment. Though less active on screen today, his business ventures keep the money flowing.
🎭 Canadian Roots: Born in Ottawa, Ontario

🎬 5. Seth Rogen

Estimated Net Worth: $80 million
Claim to Fame: Superbad, Pineapple Express, This Is the End
How He Got There:
Rogen made his name as an actor but cemented his wealth as a writer and producer. He co-wrote Superbad and Pineapple Express and runs Point Grey Pictures, which produces films, shows, and animation. Add in voice work (Kung Fu Panda, The Lion King remake) and his cannabis company, Houseplant, and he’s become a true comedy entrepreneur.
🎭 Canadian Roots: Born in Vancouver, British Columbia

🎤 6. Howie Mandel

Estimated Net Worth: $60 million
Claim to Fame: Deal or No Deal, America’s Got Talent, stand-up
How He Got There:
Mandel went from stand-up stages in Canada to starring on network TV. He voiced Bobby’s World, hosted Deal or No Deal, and currently earns millions annually as a judge on America’s Got Talent. His longevity and versatility make him one of Canada’s most consistent earners.
🎭 Canadian Roots: Born in Toronto, Ontario

🧳 7. Martin Short

Estimated Net Worth: $40 million
Claim to Fame: SCTV, Saturday Night Live, Only Murders in the Building
How He Got There:
Martin Short built a legacy as one of comedy’s most versatile performers. His stage work, TV appearances, and film roles, combined with recent streaming success on Hulu, have kept his profile (and earnings) high for decades.
🎭 Canadian Roots: Born in Hamilton, Ontario

🏰 8. Catherine O’Hara

Estimated Net Worth: $10–$12 million
Claim to Fame: Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Schitt’s Creek
How She Got There:
A beloved character actress and comedy icon, O’Hara’s career spans decades. But her role as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek won her a new generation of fans — and several major awards. Syndication, streaming deals, and voice work continue to generate income.
🎭 Canadian Roots: Born in Toronto, Ontario

📢 9. Samantha Bee

Estimated Net Worth: $8–$10 million
Claim to Fame: The Daily Show, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
How She Got There:
Bee was the longest-serving correspondent on The Daily Show before launching her own late-night series on TBS. Her production company and executive producing roles helped expand her wealth beyond hosting.
🎭 Canadian Roots: Born in Toronto, Ontario

🎙️ 10. Norm Macdonald (Posthumous)

Estimated Net Worth: $2.5–$5 million
Claim to Fame: Saturday Night Live, stand-up, dry wit legend
How He Got There:
Norm’s delivery and persona made him a comedian’s comedian. While never one of the wealthiest, he was one of the most beloved. His work on Weekend Update, Netflix specials, and voice acting gave him consistent income, and his legacy continues to grow.
🎭 Canadian Roots: Born in Quebec City, Quebec

🧠 Final Thoughts

Many of the comedians on this list started small, producing their own shows, grinding through local venues, and building loyal audiences. If you’re thinking of launching your own show, check out our guide on how to produce your first comedy show.

Canadian comedy is more than just polite punchlines and SCTV nostalgia. These comedians built empires from stand-up sets, sketch stages, and late-night gigs. Whether by selling out arenas or voicing ogres, they proved you don’t need to be American to dominate the comedy world, just funny, fearless, and willing to hustle.

Post by Eddie Case, exclusively for Comedyville.ca, All rights reserved.
Comedyville is a Comedy Club located in Downtown Montreal.