Jemaine Clement’s Net Worth and Career: From Flight of the Conchords to Hollywood

Jemaine Clement is a highly acclaimed New Zealand-born actor, comedian, musician, writer, director, and producer. Best known for his work as one-half of the musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords, Clement has established himself as a versatile talent in the entertainment industry. This comprehensive article explores Jemaine Clement’s net worth, career highlights, early life, musical endeavors, acting roles, personal life, and the numerous awards and nominations he has received throughout his illustrious career.

Table of Contents

• What is Jemaine Clement’s Net Worth?
• Early Life and Education
• Flight of the Conchords: A Groundbreaking Music Career
• Expanding Horizons: Jemaine Clement’s Acting Career
• Personal Life and Family
• Awards, Nominations, and Accolades
• Conclusion

What is Jemaine Clement’s Net Worth?

As of late 2024, Jemaine Clement’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $7 million. This figure reflects his earnings from various successful ventures, including his music, acting, writing, and production work. His diverse career portfolio has ensured a steady income stream and contributed to his financial success.

Jemaine is best known for his role in Flight of the Conchords, a musical comedy act he formed with Bret McKenzie. The duo’s unique brand of humor, combined with catchy original songs, garnered a substantial following and critical acclaim. Flight of the Conchords has been described as the “fourth-most-popular folk duo in New Zealand.”

Their success transitioned to television with the critically-acclaimed HBO series “Flight of the Conchords,” which aired from 2007 to 2009. The show further cemented their status and expanded their audience. They have released two studio albums, “Flight of the Conchords” and “I Told You I Was Freaky,” in addition to live albums and an EP, which have all contributed to his net worth. Their music and comedic performances have continued to earn revenue through streaming, downloads, and live appearances.

Early Life and Education

Jemaine Atea Mahana Clement was born on January 10, 1974, in Masterton, New Zealand. He spent his childhood in the Wairarapa area with his Māori mother and two brothers. Clement received his education at Makoura College. Later, he relocated to Wellington to pursue film and drama at Victoria University of Wellington.

During his university years, he crossed paths with Taika Waititi, who would become a lifelong friend and collaborator. They co-founded the comedy troupes The Humourbeasts and So You’re a Man, producing stage shows that showcased their comedic talents. The Humourbeasts’ stage production, “The Untold Tales of Maui,” won the prestigious Billy T Award in 2004, recognizing excellence in New Zealand comedy. Bret McKenzie, Clement’s future Flight of the Conchords bandmate, was a member of So You’re a Man, and the two were roommates at Victoria University, cementing their early bond.

Flight of the Conchords: A Groundbreaking Music Career

In 1998, Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie formed Flight of the Conchords. The duo’s musical style combines folk-inspired melodies with witty, often self-deprecating lyrics. Their initial TV appearances in May 2000 on the Wellington show “Newtown Salad” helped gain local recognition. Their initial work culminated in live performances and studio albums.

The band released the live album “Folk the World Tour” in November 2002, followed by the EP “The Distant Future” in August 2007. Their 2008 self-titled studio album was a significant breakthrough, achieving 2x Platinum certification in New Zealand and topping various U.S. charts. The band’s success extended internationally, with their albums charting in the United States. Subsequent releases, including “I Told You I Was Freaky” (2009) and “Live in London” (2019), further solidified their musical presence, with the latter initially released as an HBO comedy special.

Flight of the Conchords also hosted a comedy radio series on BBC Radio 2 in 2005. Their memorable performances on prominent late-night shows, including “Late Show with David Letterman“, “Late Night with Conan O’Brien“, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert“, and “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” along with HBO’s “One Night Stand,” expanded their fanbase. The duo’s charitable efforts included the release of the single “Feel Inside (And Stuff Like That)” in 2012, which supported the New Zealand organization Cure Kids. Their appearance on “The Simpsons” in 2010 as performing arts camp counselors added to their varied resume. Clement’s soundtrack contributions to films like “Rio”, “Rio 2”, and “Muppets Most Wanted” further showcase his vocal talents.

Expanding Horizons: Jemaine Clement’s Acting Career

Beyond music, Jemaine Clement has cultivated a successful acting career, displaying versatility across film and television. In 2002, he co-wrote and starred in the New Zealand film “Tongan Ninja,” beginning a collaborative relationship with director Jason Stutter. They subsequently worked together on “Diagnosis: Death” (2009) and “Predicament” (2010). Clement’s collaboration with Taika Waititi continued with the 2007 film “Eagle vs Shark.”

Clement’s starring role in “Flight of the Conchords,” alongside Bret McKenzie and Rhys Darby, marked a pivotal moment in his acting career. The HBO series received critical acclaim and numerous nominations, including the 65th spot on “The Guardian”‘s list of the “100 best TV shows of the 21st century.”

His acting credits include roles in major films such as “Dinner for Schmucks” (2010), where he co-starred with Paul Rudd and Steve Carell, and as Vladislav in the vampire mockumentary “What We Do in the Shadows” (2014). He voiced roles in animated features like “Rio” (2011) and its sequel, “Rio 2” (2014), as well as “Moana” (2016) and “Despicable Me” (2010) where he voiced Jerry the Minion. Clement’s performance in “What We Do in the Shadows” won him critical praise, and the film continues to be celebrated.

Clement’s television roles include appearances in “Divorce” (2016) and “Legion” (2017–2019). He served as a writer and producer on the “What We Do in the Shadows” film and TV series, as well as the “Wellington Paranormal” TV series. The creative contributions reflect his expanding influence in the industry. In 2019, Clement was cast as Dr. Ian Garvin in the sequels to “Avatar”, indicating his continued relevance in Hollywood.

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Personal Life and Family

Jemaine Clement married playwright and theatre actress Miranda Manasiadis in August 2008. Two months later, the couple welcomed their son, Sophocles Iraia, in New York City. They named their son Sophocles after Miranda’s grandfather and Iraia as a tribute to Jemaine’s heritage, as he is a descendant of the Wairarapa chief Iraia Te Whaiti. The birth announcement in “The Dominion Post” described Sophocles as “magnificently cute, with his father’s lips.”

Awards, Nominations, and Accolades

Jemaine Clement has received numerous awards and nominations over his career, recognizing his contributions to music, comedy, and acting. With Flight of the Conchords, he has been nominated for three Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album, winning in 2008 for “The Distant Future.” His work with Flight of the Conchords earned him eight Primetime Emmy nominations. He has also won an ASCAP Film and Television Music Award and received several Writers Guild of America nominations for his work on “Flight of the Conchords” and “What We Do in the Shadows.”

The film “What We Do in the Shadows” was recognized with numerous awards from the “Fangoria” Chainsaw Awards, Fantaspoa International Fantastic Film Festival, Hawaii International Film Festival, and more. Clement’s performance in “People Places Things” earned him the Best Actor award at the 2016 River Bend Film Festival. Flight of the Conchords secured wins at the New Zealand Music Awards, including Album of the Year, Best Group, and International Achievement in 2008, and Highest Selling New Zealand Single for “Feel Inside (And Stuff Like That)” in 2013. These accolades underscore the breadth and depth of Jemaine Clement’s impact on entertainment.

Conclusion

Jemaine Clement’s net worth of $7 million is a testament to his versatile and successful career. From his groundbreaking work with Flight of the Conchords to his diverse acting roles, writing, and production endeavors, Clement has established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. His continued creative projects and critical acclaim ensure that he remains a respected and influential artist for years to come.