Scott Aukerman Net Worth

Scott Aukerman Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Comedian’s Career and Finances

What is Scott Aukerman’s Net Worth?

Scott Aukerman, a multifaceted American entertainer, has carved a niche for himself in the comedy world as a writer, producer, actor, comedian, director, and podcast host. As of late 2023, Scott Aukerman’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This financial success is a testament to his diverse talents and his ability to adapt to the ever-evolving entertainment landscape. He is best known for his work in the popular sketch comedy show “Mr. Show” and the acclaimed podcast “Comedy Bang! Bang!”, a project that has significantly boosted his popularity and financial standing.

Beyond these, Aukerman has also been involved in several other notable ventures. He co-created the popular interview show “Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis,” which has garnered significant attention. Furthermore, he is a co-founder of the Earwolf podcast network, contributing to the growth and diversification of the podcasting industry.

Early Life and Education

Scott Aukerman’s journey began on July 2, 1970, in Savannah, Georgia. His family later moved to Orange County, California, where he spent his formative years. During high school, Aukerman attended a specialized arts school, demonstrating an early interest in creative pursuits. He immersed himself in acting and musical theater, even writing his own plays. Raised in a Baptist household, he attended church regularly until graduating from high school. In his teens, he also formed a short-lived band with Adrian Young, who would later become the drummer for the band No Doubt.

After high school, Aukerman attended Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, where he formed a creative partnership with B.J. Porter. They collaborated on writing projects and worked together on a radio show called “Lutz Radio.” He later further honed his skills at the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts before launching his career in earnest.

The Rise to Fame: Career Beginnings

Aukerman’s early career involved touring the country as a musical theater actor during the 1990s. However, his comedic talents soon took center stage. He began performing stand-up comedy at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles. This exposure caught the eye of Bob Odenkirk, the creator of “Mr. Show.” Odenkirk recognized Aukerman’s comedic sensibilities and brought him on board as a writer and performer for his sketch series. Aukerman quickly became a key contributor to the show, solidifying his presence in the comedy scene. In 1999, his contributions to “Mr. Show” were recognized with an Emmy nomination, shared with the other cast members.

“Mr. Show” and Early Screenwriting Ventures

Following the cancellation of “Mr. Show,” Aukerman shifted his focus to screenwriting for film and television. He contributed to scripts for movies such as “Run Ronnie Run!,” “Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny,” and “Shark Tale.” While some of his scripts remained unproduced, this period allowed him to further develop his writing skills. Aukerman continued his creative partnership with B.J. Porter, working on various stand-up comedy projects in Los Angeles, including “Comedy Death-Ray,” during the 2000s.

“Comedy Bang! Bang!” and “Between Two Ferns”

A significant milestone in Aukerman’s career was the creation of “Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis,” a sketch show that quickly gained popularity. The show, which features Zach Galifianakis interviewing celebrities between two potted ferns, was initially featured on the website Funny or Die. The show’s unique format and awkward, often hilarious, interviews resonated with audiences. It featured interviews with a variety of celebrities including, Jon Hamm, Natalie Portman, Bradley Cooper, Charlize Theron, Ben Stiller, Steve Carell, Sean Penn, Bruce Willis, and Jennifer Aniston, and many others.

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The Success of “Between Two Ferns”

The show’s unique premise and execution led to widespread recognition. Even Barack Obama appeared on “Between Two Ferns,” using the platform to promote the Affordable Care Act. This episode was particularly successful, earning Scott Aukerman an Emmy Award in 2014 for Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program (Aukerman directed the episode). The success of the show continued with every episode garnering millions of views. In 2015, he won another Primetime Emmy Award for the Brad Pitt episode, further cementing his reputation in the industry.

In 2011, Aukerman and Porter’s partnership dissolved, and Aukerman rebranded “Comedy Death-Ray” as “Comedy Bang! Bang!” The show continued for another year before ending in 2012. However, Aukerman had already launched a podcast called “Comedy Death-Ray Radio” in 2009, later renamed “Comedy Bang! Bang!”, which ultimately surpassed the show in popularity, remaining a prominent fixture in the comedy podcast landscape into the 2020s.

The Podcasting Empire

Aukerman’s involvement in podcasting led him to create his own podcast network, the Earwolf network. This network has produced and released a large number of podcasts, demonstrating Aukerman’s keen understanding of the medium. Earwolf has also collaborated with Funny or Die on various projects. A sister network, Wolfpop, was later established and led by comedian Paul Scheer. However, in 2016, both networks were merged into a single entity.

“U Talkin’ U2 to Me?” and Spin-Off Podcasts

Another significant achievement in Aukerman’s podcasting career is his long-standing collaboration with Adam Scott. The pair are best known for creating the podcast series “U Talkin’ U2 to Me?,” which, despite its name, often veers into humorous tangents and unrelated topics, providing a unique blend of entertainment and comedy. Aukerman and Scott eventually secured interviews with several members of the band U2. They then expanded their podcasting efforts by releasing spin-off podcasts focused on bands such as R.E.M and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Personal Life

Scott Aukerman is married to Kulap Vilaysack, a Laotian comedian, actress, and showrunner. The couple has maintained a strong presence in the entertainment industry, and their personal and professional lives often intersect.

Real Estate Ventures

In 2019, it was reported that Aukerman and Vilaysack listed their Hollywood Hills home for approximately $2.05 million. The sale reflected a modest profit of $380,000, as they had originally purchased the property for $1.7 million five years prior. The property, built in 2005, features 3,369 square feet of living space, including glass walls, hardwood floors, and scenic views. It also includes a skylighted staircase, three bedrooms, and a fireplace.

Conclusion

Scott Aukerman’s net worth of $5 million reflects his successful and diverse career. He’s excelled as a writer, performer, producer, and host, adapting to different formats, from sketch comedy to podcasts. His ability to identify and capitalize on emerging trends, his creative partnerships, and his entrepreneurial spirit have all contributed to his financial success. From “Mr. Show” to “Comedy Bang! Bang!” and “Between Two Ferns,” Aukerman has left an indelible mark on the comedy landscape, and his continued presence in the industry suggests further achievements and a sustained net worth.