Larry Wilmore Net Worth

What Is Larry Wilmore’s Net Worth?

Larry Wilmore, a celebrated American comedian, writer, actor, and television producer, has an estimated net worth of $3 million. His career spans several decades and includes significant contributions to the world of comedy and television. From his role as the “Senior Black Correspondent” on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” to his own late-night show, “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore,” Wilmore has consistently brought insightful and humorous commentary to the forefront.

Wilmore’s impressive resume includes creating, executive producing, and writing for “The Bernie Mac Show,” which earned him a Primetime Emmy. He has also been involved in the production of several successful shows, such as “Black-ish” and its spin-off, “Grown-ish,” as well as “The PJs” and “Insecure.” Beyond television, Wilmore launched the popular podcast “Black on the Air” in 2017 and hosted the talk show “Wilmore” on Peacock in 2020.

His diverse talents have led to more than 30 acting credits, including roles in films like “I Love You, Man” and “Jerry & Marge Go Large,” and television series such as “The Facts of Life” and “The Office.” He also lent his voice to the animated series “Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero” and hosted the prestigious White House Correspondents’ Dinner in 2016. This multifaceted career has solidified his place as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Early Life

Larry Wilmore was born Elister Larry Wilmore on October 30, 1961, in Los Angeles County, California. Raised in a Catholic household with five siblings, he developed a diverse range of interests during his youth. His father was Larry and mother was Betty Wilmore. One of his siblings, Marc, also made a mark in the entertainment industry. Marc, who passed away in 2021, was a successful actor, TV writer, and producer, winning a Primetime Emmy for his work on “The Simpsons.”

Wilmore’s early interests extended beyond typical childhood pursuits. He was fascinated by magic, fantasy, science, and science fiction. In a 2015 NPR interview, Wilmore shared insights into his passions:

“I grew up doing magic tricks, but I also played sports. I’m still a magician. I’m a member of the Magic Castle in Hollywood, which I’m very proud of. … I always have my cards with me. I’m always practicing. I’m always doing tricks, and that’s kind of the nerdiest thing that I do — like I’m a space nerd. I love anything about space. If we’re going to Mars, I’ll have to stop everything and just talk about that all the time.“

After completing his education at Damien High School in 1979, Wilmore enrolled at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, to study theatre. However, he made the bold decision to drop out before graduating to pursue a career in stand-up comedy and acting, a move that would ultimately shape his successful career trajectory.

Career

Larry Wilmore’s career began in the early 1980s with his film debut in “Good-bye Cruel World” in 1982. He subsequently made guest appearances on series like “The Facts of Life” and “Sledge Hammer!” In the 1990s, Wilmore transitioned into writing and producing, contributing to several popular shows. He wrote for “Into the Night,” “In Living Color,” “Sister, Sister,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “The Show,” “The Jamie Foxx Show,” and “Teen Angel.” He also took on executive producer roles for shows like “The PJs,” which he co-created with Eddie Murphy and Steve Tompkins.

His involvement in the television industry extended beyond writing and producing. Wilmore also produced series like “Sister, Sister,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “The Show,” “The Jamie Foxx Show,” and “Teen Angel.” Additionally, he made guest appearances on “In Living Color” and “Sister, Sister,” showcasing his versatility as a performer.

One of Wilmore’s most notable roles was as Mr. Brown in “The Office,” where he appeared in episodes like “Diversity Day” and “Gay Witch Hunt.” He also served as a writer and consulting producer for the series. From 2006 to 2014, Wilmore became a household name as the “Senior Black Correspondent” on “The Daily Show,” appearing in over 70 episodes. His insightful commentary and comedic timing made him a favorite among viewers. During this period, he continued to make guest appearances on shows like “Help Me Help You,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “Traffic Light,” and “Happy Endings.”

Wilmore’s career also includes significant film roles. He co-starred in “I Love You, Man” alongside Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, and Rashida Jones and in “Dinner for Schmucks” with Paul Rudd and Steve Carell. His filmography also includes “Vamps,” “Date and Switch,” and “The Laundromat.”

From 2015 to 2016, Wilmore hosted “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore,” which followed “The Daily Show.” The show received critical acclaim and was nominated for NAACP Image Awards. In 2016, he hosted the final White House Correspondents’ Dinner of Barack Obama’s presidency. He has continued to appear in various television shows, including “Difficult People,” “The Mayor,” “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” and “Upload.”

Wilmore’s contributions extend beyond television and film. His podcast, “Black on the Air,” was recognized by “Time” magazine as one of the “Top 10 Podcasts of 2017.” In 2020, he hosted the talk show “Wilmore” on Peacock. In 2022, he starred in the film “Jerry & Marge Go Large” and became an executive producer on the Hulu legal drama “Reasonable Doubt.”

Personal Life

Larry Wilmore was married to Leilani Jones for two decades. They have two children together, Lauren and John. Leilani is also involved in the entertainment industry, working as an actress. She has appeared in various television shows, including “Cheers,” “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper,” and “Sister, Sister,” as well as providing voice work for several video games, such as the “Monkey Island” series. The couple divorced in 2015.

Awards and Nominations

Throughout his career, Larry Wilmore has received numerous awards and nominations. He has been nominated for three Primetime Emmys, winning Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for “The Bernie Mac Show” in 2002. His other nominations include Outstanding Individual Achievement in Writing in a Variety or Music Program for “In Living Color” and Outstanding Animated Program (For Programming One Hour or Less) for “The PJs.”

He also received two Humanitas Prize nominations for “The Bernie Mac Show,” winning for the episode “Sweet Home Chicago: Part 2.” Wilmore has been nominated for four Writers Guild of America awards, including for “The Bernie Mac Show” and “The Office.” His work on “Insecure” earned him a Black Reel Awards for Television nomination and an NAACP Image Award nomination. Additionally, he received an Image Award nomination for “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore.” Furthermore, he shared a Behind the Voice Actors Award nomination for “Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero.”

Real Estate

In 2015, Wilmore purchased a 2,800 square foot condo in Pasadena, California, for $980,000. The two-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home, which includes a fireplace, wet bar, chef’s kitchen, and two-car garage, was listed for sale for $1.149 million in 2017. This reflects his success and investments in real estate.