Jerrod Carmichael Net Worth 2026 Comedy Fortune
Jerrod Carmichael built an estimated net worth of $5 million to $8 million as of 2026 through his successful career as a stand up comedian, actor, writer, and filmmaker.
Born Rothaniel Jerrod Carmichael on April 6, 1987, in Winston Salem, North Carolina, the 39 year old star became a household name through his groundbreaking work in comedy and television.
He created, wrote, and starred in the NBC sitcom The Carmichael Show during 2015 to 2017, which tackled controversial social and political topics with sharp wit and honesty. His HBO comedy specials Love at the Store, 8, Rothaniel, and Don’t Be Gay showcased his unique perspective on race, family, and identity.
Carmichael made history by coming out as gay in his 2022 special Rothaniel, which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special. He directed and starred in the dark comedy film On the Count of Three in 2021 and hosted the 80th Golden Globe Awards in 2023. His eight figure HBO deal signed in 2022 solidified his position as one of comedy’s most influential voices.
Quick Facts About Jerrod Carmichael
| Fact | Detail |
| Full Name | Rothaniel Jerrod Carmichael |
| Real Name | Rothaniel (stage name: Jerrod) |
| Date of Birth | April 6, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA |
| Net Worth (2026) | $5 million to $8 million |
| Primary Occupations | Comedian, Actor, Writer, Filmmaker |
| Career Span | 2008 to present |
| Notable Works | The Carmichael Show, Rothaniel, On the Count of Three |
Who is Jerrod Carmichael?
Jerrod Carmichael is an American stand up comedian, actor, writer, and filmmaker who revolutionized comedy through his brutally honest approach to social issues and personal topics. Born in Winston Salem, North Carolina, he grew up in poverty with his older brother Joe and parents Cynthia and Joe Carmichael.
He attended Robert B. Glenn High School in Kernersville, North Carolina, graduating in 2005. At age 20, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue stand up comedy despite never having performed before. His first performance happened at an open mic night at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood.
He quickly rose through comedy clubs and became known for his observational humor and fearless commentary on race, politics, and identity. His willingness to tackle uncomfortable subjects set him apart in the competitive LA comedy scene. Today he stands as one of the most respected voices in modern comedy, influencing a new generation of performers.
Jerrod Carmichael Social Media
| Platform | Handle | Followers | Content Focus |
| @jerrodcarmichael | 19500+ | Personal moments, career updates | |
| Limited activity | N/A | Occasional posts | |
| No official page | N/A | Minimal presence | |
| IMDb | Jerrod Carmichael | N/A | Filmography credits |
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Early Life and Moving to Los Angeles
Jerrod Carmichael grew up poor in Winston Salem, North Carolina, an experience he frequently references in his comedy work. His mother Cynthia and father Joe raised him alongside his older brother Joe in challenging financial circumstances that shaped his worldview. He hosted a morning news show on his elementary school’s local access channel while in fifth grade, showing early performance skills.
His comedic influences included George Carlin, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, and Sinbad, whose work he studied intensely. After graduating high school in 2005, he made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles at age 20. He had never performed stand up comedy before but felt driven to pursue this dream regardless of the risks.
The move represented a massive risk for someone with no industry connections or performing experience in entertainment. His determination to succeed pushed him past the fear of failure that stops most aspiring comedians before they start. He arrived in Los Angeles with little money but unlimited ambition to make his mark.
Stand Up Comedy Breakthrough
Carmichael performed stand up for the first time at The Comedy Store’s open mic night in West Hollywood. He worked his way up through the LA comedy club scene, developing his distinctive style and voice over several years. In 2011, he appeared in the New Faces showcase at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, gaining industry attention.
Spike Lee directed his first HBO special Love at the Store in 2014, filmed at The Comedy Store. The special showcased his relaxed delivery and sharp social observations that connected with audiences immediately. Fellow comedian Bo Burnham directed his second HBO special 8 in 2017, filmed at New York’s Masonic Hall.
His third special Rothaniel arrived in 2022, also directed by Burnham, and won him his first Emmy Award. The partnership with Burnham created a unique visual style that elevated his comedy beyond traditional stand up formats. Each special showed his growth as both performer and storyteller, pushing boundaries further each time. His willingness to be vulnerable on stage created deeper connections with audiences than typical comedy specials achieve.
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The Carmichael Show and Television Success
Jerrod Carmichael co created, co wrote, produced, and starred in The Carmichael Show on NBC during 2015 to 2017. The semi autobiographical sitcom ran for three seasons and tackled controversial topics including Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ issues, gun rights, and politics. His co stars included Amber Stevens West, Lil Rel Howery, Tiffany Haddish, Loretta Devine, and David Alan Grier.
The show received critical acclaim for its honest approach to difficult conversations about being Black in America. Critics praised the show’s willingness to address topics most sitcoms avoided in favor of safer material.The success of this series significantly boosted his profile and income in the entertainment industry.
Each episode resembled a family dinner conversation where no topic was off limits or too controversial. The show proved audiences wanted smart comedy that challenged them rather than simply making them laugh without thought. Network executives initially worried the topics would alienate viewers but ratings proved them wrong consistently. The show’s cancellation after three seasons disappointed fans who appreciated its unique voice in television comedy.
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Film Career and Directing Debut
Carmichael made his film debut in 2014 playing Garfield Slade in the comedy Neighbors alongside Seth Rogen and Zac Efron. He reprised this role in the 2016 sequel Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, expanding his character’s story. He appeared in The Meddler in 2015 opposite Susan Sarandon, showing his dramatic acting range beyond comedy.
His other film credits include Transformers: The Last Knight, The Disaster Artist, and the animated film Ferdinand. In 2018, he played a security guard in Jonah Hill’s coming of age film Mid90s. He made his feature directorial debut with On the Count of Three in 2021, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
He directed, produced, and starred in this dark comedy about friendship and mental health alongside Christopher Abbott. The film received mostly positive reviews and showcased his talents beyond comedy into serious dramatic territory. His role in the Academy Award winning film Poor Things in 2023 further proved his versatility as an actor. Film work provides significant income while allowing him to explore different creative avenues outside stand up comedy.
Rothaniel and Coming Out
Carmichael’s third HBO special Rothaniel premiered in April 2022 and became a cultural milestone in comedy history. The special’s title references his actual first name, which he rarely uses publicly in professional settings. During the performance, he publicly came out as gay, discussing his sexuality openly for the first time.
He shared personal stories about his relationships with both men and women throughout his life before this moment. The special won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special in 2022. It also earned him the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Television Writing in a Comedy/Variety Special.
Two days after Rothaniel’s release, he hosted Saturday Night Live, earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. The special sparked important conversations about masculinity, family expectations, and living authentically in conservative communities. His vulnerability resonated with audiences struggling with their own identity issues and family dynamics around acceptance. The special’s impact extended beyond comedy into broader cultural discussions about sexuality and family relationships.
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HBO Deal and Recent Projects
Carmichael signed an eight figure overall deal with HBO in September 2022 covering a two year period. The deal includes his fourth stand up special and other creative projects across multiple platforms and formats. Nina Rosenstein, EVP of HBO Programming, praised his ability to push comedy boundaries in new directions.
In 2024, he starred in the HBO documentary series Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show, which premiered at South by Southwest. The series follows him as he navigates life, relationships, and his search for connection after coming out publicly. His fourth HBO special Don’t Be Gay premiered on Max in May 2025, continuing his exploration of identity.
He continues living in New York City and working on various film and television projects simultaneously. The HBO partnership gives him creative freedom that few comedians enjoy at his career level in entertainment. This deal positions him for continued growth and influence in the entertainment industry for years to come. His ability to command eight figures demonstrates his value to the network and streaming platforms.
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Creative Work Beyond Performing
Carmichael served as executive producer on the Fox sitcom Rel during 2018 to 2019, expanding his behind the scenes experience. He directed Drew Michael’s stand up comedy special Drew Michael in 2018, which critics praised for its unusual style. He created, directed, produced, and starred in HBO’s autobiographical documentaries Home Videos and Sermon on the Mount in 2019.
He appeared on rapper Tyler, the Creator’s album Igor in 2019, narrating portions of the record creatively. Quentin Tarantino hired him in 2019 to co write a film adaptation based on the Django/Zorro crossover comic book series. His behind the scenes work as writer, director, and producer contributes significantly to his income and creative control.
These roles demonstrate his skills extend far beyond performing stand up comedy on stage for audiences. His work behind the camera often receives as much critical praise as his on screen performances do. The variety of his creative pursuits ensures multiple income streams beyond traditional stand up comedy touring. His production company allows him to develop projects that reflect his artistic vision without studio interference.
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Jerrod Carmichael Income Sources
| Income Source | Estimated Amount |
| HBO Overall Deal (2022 to 2024) | Eight figures total |
| The Carmichael Show (NBC salary) | $1 million to $2 million |
| Stand Up Specials | $2 million to $3 million |
| Film Appearances | $1 million to $2 million |
| Golden Globes Hosting Fee | $500,000 |
| Directing and Producing Work | $500,000 to $1 million |
| Reality Show and Documentaries | $500,000 to $1 million |
Net Worth Comparison with Comedians
| Comedian | Net Worth | Famous For | Career Start |
| Jerrod Carmichael | $5 million to $8 million | The Carmichael Show, Rothaniel | 2008 |
| Bo Burnham | $4 million | Inside, Eighth Grade | 2006 |
| Tiffany Haddish | $6 million | Girls Trip, The Last O.G. | 1990s |
| Lil Rel Howery | $3 million | Get Out, Rel | 2000s |
FAQs About Jerrod Carmichael
Conclusion
Jerrod Carmichael’s $5 million to $8 million net worth reflects his groundbreaking comedy career and fearless authenticity. His Emmy winning special Rothaniel changed conversations about sexuality and identity in comedy. Through stand up, television, film, and his HBO deal, he continues building his fortune while pushing creative boundaries. Carmichael remains one of comedy’s most compelling voices.
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