Michael Blackson at a Glance
- Categories: Celebrities > Actors, Celebrities
- Net Worth: $4 Million
- Birthdate: Nov 28, 1972 (51 years old)
- Birthplace: Ghana
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Actor, Comedian, Screenwriter
- Nationality: Ghana
Michael Blackson’s Net Worth: A Comedian’s Journey to $4 Million
Michael Blackson, the charismatic comedian and actor, has captivated audiences with his unique brand of humor and memorable performances. This article delves into the life and career of Michael Blackson, exploring his journey from his early days to his current net worth of $4 million. We’ll examine his work in television and film, his personal life, and the factors that have contributed to his success.
Early Life and Rise to Comedy
Michael Blackson, originally named Kojo Bediako, was born on November 28, 1972, in Monrovia, Liberia. His parents were of Ghanaian descent. Blackson spent his formative years in both Liberia and Ghana before immigrating to the United States in the mid-1980s. After initially residing in Newark, New Jersey, he eventually settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
His career path took an unexpected turn when, while working at Domino’s, a coworker suggested he try stand-up comedy. This pivotal moment sparked Blackson’s interest in the comedy world, setting the stage for his future success. His stage name, Michael Blackson, is a playful nod to the iconic pop star Michael Jackson.

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Television Success and Popular Appearances
Encouraged by his initial foray into comedy, Bediako, now known as Michael Blackson, began pursuing his comedy career. His television debut came in 1995 on the show “Snaps.” This initial appearance set the stage for a series of noteworthy roles and appearances on various television programs. In 2000, Blackson showcased his comedic talents on BET’s “ComicView,” where he gained wider recognition. He then adopted his stage name, a humorous reference to Michael Jackson, which would become synonymous with his comedic persona.
Blackson’s career continued to ascend as he performed on “The Bad Boys of Comedy” in 2005. In 2006, he made a brief appearance on an episode of the popular sitcom “30 Rock.” He returned to “ComicView” in 2008 and, in the following year, was featured on Martin Lawrence’s “1st Amendment Stand-Up.” A significant milestone in his career was his recurring role on the TBS sitcom “Are We There Yet?” from 2011 to 2012, which further solidified his presence in the television landscape. Over the years, he also appeared on “The Arsenio Hall Show,” “In the Cut,” “50 Central,” and “Leave it to Stevie,” diversifying his television portfolio.
From 2017 to 2019, Blackson was a cast member on Nick Cannon’s “Wild ‘n Out,” a sketch comedy game show, which further increased his popularity. During this time, he was also a recurring panelist on “Hip Hop Squares.” He also hosted the BET Social Awards in 2018 and was a main cast member on “Rich Africans.” In 2019, he hosted the Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards and launched his own show, “Dr. Blackson.” In 2020, he served as a judge on “Casting One Mo’ Chance.” He also joined the cast of “VH1 Couples Retreat” in 2021 and made an appearance on “MTV Cribs.” In 2023, “The Michael Blackson Show” premiered, showcasing his continued relevance in the world of television.

(Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Filmography: From ‘Next Friday’ to ‘Coming 2 America’
Blackson’s film career began in 2000 with a small role in the stoner comedy “Next Friday.” This marked his transition from television to the silver screen. He subsequently took on minor roles in “Repos” and “The Last Stand” in 2006, adding to his growing list of credits. His filmography expanded to include a role in “The Savages” in 2007.
Following these early appearances, Blackson was involved in several direct-to-video releases, including “Black Supaman,” “You’re Triflin’,” “Internet Dating,” “What We Do,” and “Ex$pendable,” demonstrating his willingness to work across various platforms. In 2013, he played Mr. Roland in the Nigerian film “One Night in Vegas.” He continued to appear in films such as “Mutumbo the Lost Prince,” “Kony Montana,” and the parody film “Tooken.” In 2016, Blackson gained more prominence with his role as Mr. Wooky in the black comedy horror film “Meet the Blacks,” a parody of “The Purge.” He later reprised this role in the 2021 sequel, “The House Next Door: Meet the Blacks 2.”
2018 proved to be a busy year for Blackson, as he was featured in five films: “Easy Money,” “The Stuff,” “Got My Hustle Up,” “Sliders,” and Tyler Perry’s rom-com “Nobody’s Fool.” He continued his prolific work in 2019, appearing in “Angel and the Mailman,” “I Got the Hook Up 2,” and “The Lick Movie.” The following year, he was in “American Dream.” One of his most notable roles came in the romantic comedy sequel “Coming 2 America” (2021), starring Eddie Murphy, where he played Nexdorian Lieutenant, further expanding his audience and showcasing his comedic timing.
Beyond Television and Film: Comedy Albums and Music Videos
In addition to his work in television and film, Michael Blackson has ventured into other media formats. He has released comedy albums, including “Modasucka: Welcome to America,” which has been well-received by his fans. He has also appeared in several music videos, collaborating with artists such as Shawty Put (