Ali Wong Net Worth

Ali Wong’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into Her Career and Life

Introduction: Who is Ali Wong?

Ali Wong is a multifaceted American entertainer, celebrated for her roles as an actress, stand-up comedian, writer, producer, and director. With a career spanning stand-up stages, television screens, and film sets, Wong has carved a unique path in the entertainment industry, earning both critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. This article delves into the life and career of Ali Wong, exploring her journey from her early years to her current status as a prominent figure in Hollywood, with a focus on her impressive net worth and the factors contributing to it. Her financial success is a testament to her talent, hard work, and ability to connect with audiences.

Early Life and Education

Born Alexandra Dawn Wong on April 19, 1982, in San Francisco, California, Ali Wong’s upbringing significantly shaped her perspective and artistic sensibilities. Her father, Adolphus Wong, a Chinese-American anesthesiologist, provided a stable foundation, while her mother, Tam, a Vietnamese social worker, brought a diverse cultural influence to her life. Wong has three older siblings, and her early education at San Francisco University High School, where she served as student body class president, hinted at her leadership qualities and ambition. Following her high school graduation in 2000, she pursued higher education at UCLA, where she majored in Asian-American studies. During her time at UCLA, she immersed herself in the LCC Theatre Company, the oldest and largest Asian-American collegiate theater group in the United States. A summer spent working at The Lair of the Golden Bear, a family camp for UC Berkeley alumni, further broadened her experiences. Wong graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Asian-American studies in 2005. Her academic achievements earned her a Fulbright scholarship, which allowed her to study in Vietnam. Despite initial challenges, this experience ultimately fueled her desire to pursue comedy, as she revealed in a 2012 interview with “The Washington Post.”

Stand-Up Comedy and Breakthrough

At 23, Ali Wong took her first steps onto the stand-up comedy stage, marking the beginning of her professional career. She relocated to New York City, where she honed her skills and developed her unique comedic voice. In 2011, “Variety” recognized her potential by naming her one of “10 Comics to Watch.” This early recognition opened doors for her, leading to appearances on popular late-night shows, including “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” She also gained exposure on shows like “Chelsea Lately,” “Funny as Hell,” and “Comedy Underground with Dave Attell.” These appearances helped her build a reputation in the comedy world and establish a strong foundation for her future success.

Television Success: From “Are You There, Chelsea?” to “Beef”

Ali Wong’s career in television began with guest roles in shows such as “Breaking In” (2011) and “Inside Amy Schumer” (2014–2015). However, her breakthrough role came with NBC’s “Are You There, Chelsea?” (2012), where she played Olivia. This role, based on Chelsea Handler‘s book “Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea,” introduced her to a wider audience. Further success followed with her role as Dr. Lina Lark in ABC’s medical drama “Black Box” (2014) and as Doris in the ABC sitcom “American Housewife” (2016–2021). Wong’s television work has been consistently praised, with her role in “Beef” (2023), where she co-starred with Steven Yeun, earning her widespread critical acclaim, including Emmy and Golden Globe awards.

Film Career: “Always Be My Maybe” and Beyond

Beyond television, Ali Wong has also established herself as a significant presence in film. She appeared in the crime thriller “Savages” (2012) and the comedy “Dealin’ with Idiots” (2013). In 2019, she co-wrote and co-starred in the romantic comedy “Always Be My Maybe” with Randall Park. The film was a massive success, attracting over 30 million households on Netflix within its first month of release. She also appeared in “Birds of Prey” (2020). Her ability to write, produce, and star in films like “Always Be My Maybe” has solidified her status as a leading figure in the industry and contributed significantly to her financial success and recognition.

Voice Acting: Animated Roles

Ali Wong has also made her mark in the world of animation, lending her voice to several popular animated projects. She voiced Bertie in “Tuca & Bertie” (2019–present), Ali in “Big Mouth” (2019–present), and Becca in “Human Resources” (2022). Her voice acting credits also include roles in “BoJack Horseman” (2015), “The Angry Birds Movie” (2016), “The Lego Ninjago Movie” (2017), “Ralph Breaks the Internet” (2018), “OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes” (2018), and “Onward” (2020). Her involvement in these animated projects has expanded her reach and appeal, further contributing to her overall net worth and recognition within the entertainment industry.

“Beef” and Critical Acclaim: Awards and Recognition

Ali Wong’s role in the Netflix drama-comedy “Beef” (2023), where she also served as an executive producer, was a pivotal moment in her career. Alongside Steven Yeun, Wong delivered a powerful performance that earned her numerous accolades, including:

• Emmy Awards: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
• Golden Globe Awards: Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
• Screen Actors Guild Awards: Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie
• Independent Spirit Awards: Best Lead Performance in a New Scripted Series

These awards not only highlight her acting prowess but also significantly contribute to her market value and overall net worth, cementing her status as a top-tier actress and comedian.

(Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images)

Personal Life: Marriage, Divorce, and Motherhood

Ali Wong’s personal life has also been in the public eye. In 2010, she met Justin Hakuta, now vice president of GoodRx, and they married on November 27, 2014. Justin is the son of Ken Hakuta, known for hosting the children’s invention program “The Dr. Fad Show.” The couple welcomed two daughters, Mari (born November 2015) and Nikki (born December 2017). Wong and Hakuta filed for divorce in April 2022, but they remain on good terms, with Hakuta continuing to work as her tour manager. She has also spoken candidly about her experiences with miscarriage, using humor to cope and connect with her audience, further illustrating her willingness to share her life experiences and vulnerability.

Award Nominations

Throughout her career, Ali Wong has garnered numerous award nominations, underscoring her contributions to the entertainment industry. In 2022, she received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special for “Ali Wong: Don Wong.” She was nominated for a Legacy Award in 2018 for Best Stand Up Comedian Female at the Legionnaires of Laughter Legacy Awards. Further nominations include a People’s Choice Award for Favorite Comedy Movie Star in 2019. For her work on “Tuca & Bertie,” she received nominations from the Annie Awards and the Gotham Awards. These nominations reflect her consistent excellence and contribution to her craft.

Conclusion

Ali Wong’s net worth of $10 million is a testament to her success as a comedian, actress, writer, and producer. Her journey from stand-up stages to Hollywood stardom showcases her talent, versatility, and ability to connect with audiences. With numerous successful projects, including stand-up specials, films, and television shows, Wong has cemented her place as a significant figure in the entertainment industry. Her future endeavors are eagerly anticipated as she continues to build on her impressive career.