Overview

Janeane Garofalo (born September 28, 1964) is an American comedian, actress, and writer. She has a net worth of $5 million. Garofalo began her career as a stand-up comedian and became a cast member on The Ben Stiller Show, The Larry Sanders Show, and Saturday Night Live, then appeared in more than 50 movies, with leading or major roles in The Truth About Cats & Dogs, Wet Hot American Summer, The Matchmaker, Reality Bites, The Wild, Steal This Movie!, Clay Pigeons, Sweethearts, Mystery Men, The Minus Man, The Independent, Ratatouille, and Flora & Ulysses. She has been a series regular on television programs such as The West Wing, Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp, 24, Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce, and Ideal.Garofalo is also known for her outspoken political views. She co-authored the best seller “Feel This Book,” with Ben Stiller. Garofalo was a cast member of the Emmy Award-winning Ben Stiller Show and played the role of Paula, the acerbic talent booker, on “The Larry Sanders Show,” for which she received an Emmy nomination.

What Is Janeane Garofalo’s Net Worth?

Janeane Garofalo, a multifaceted American talent encompassing acting, comedy, and writing, has accumulated a net worth estimated at $5 million. This financial standing reflects her diverse career trajectory, starting from early television appearances to prominent roles in both comedic and dramatic films. Although specific details regarding the breakdown of her net worth into assets such as real estate holdings, investment portfolios, or earnings from specific projects are not publicly available, her long-standing career suggests a diversified income stream.

Early Career and Television Ventures

Born on September 28, 1964, in Newton, New Jersey, Janeane Marie Garofalo’s journey to comedic prominence began during her time at Providence College in Rhode Island. While specific financial details from her early career are not readily accessible, her victory in a comedy talent search during her college years, earning her the title of “Funniest Person on Rhode Island,” marked a pivotal moment. This early recognition paved the way for her initial forays into the entertainment industry. Garofalo’s early television work included appearances on MTV’s “Half Hour Comedy Hour” and “The Ben Stiller Show,” where she formed a close friendship with Ben Stiller. Although “The Ben Stiller Show” was short-lived, it garnered critical acclaim and provided Garofalo with valuable exposure and connections that would prove instrumental in her subsequent career endeavors.

Garofalo’s career gained momentum in the 1990s with her role as Paula on “The Larry Sanders Show,” a critically acclaimed HBO comedy series. While specific salary details from her time on “The Larry Sanders Show” remain undisclosed, her performance earned her two Primetime Emmy nominations, significantly enhancing her profile within the industry. Following her stint on “Saturday Night Live,” Garofalo made appearances on various television shows, including “Mad About You,” “Seinfeld,” “TV Nation,” “Newsradio,” and “Felicity.” Although specific episode fees or contract terms for these appearances are not publicly available, her consistent presence on popular television series during this period contributed to her growing income and recognition.

Film Career and Notable Roles

Garofalo transitioned into film with a breakthrough role in “Reality Bites” (1994), directed by Ben Stiller and starring Winona Ryder. Although specific salary details for her role in “Reality Bites” have not been disclosed, the film’s success at the box office and its enduring cult status helped to solidify Garofalo’s presence in the film industry. In 1996, she starred in the romantic comedy “The Truth About Cats & Dogs,” which garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. While specific financial compensation for her role in “The Truth About Cats & Dogs” is not publicly available, the film’s positive reception further elevated Garofalo’s profile and opened doors for future film opportunities.

Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Garofalo appeared in a range of films, including “Cop Land” (1997), “Mystery Men” (1999), “Wet Hot American Summer” (2001), and “The Laramie Project” (2002). While specific salary figures for these roles are not publicly accessible, her consistent presence in both mainstream and independent films contributed to her overall income and net worth accumulation. In 2007, Garofalo lent her voice to the animated film “Ratatouille,” providing voice acting services. The financial details of her voice acting work in “Ratatouille” are not publicly disclosed, the film’s immense success at the box office likely resulted in a sizable compensation for Garofalo. Further film credits include “Sweethearts,” “Manhood,” “Bad Parents,” “The Cable Guy,” “Half Baked,” and “The Wild,” none of which have specific financial earnings available publicly.

Later Television Work and Stand-Up Comedy

In the mid-2000s, Garofalo expanded her television presence with roles in shows such as “The West Wing” and the animated series “Freak Show.” Her appearances in subsequent television series, including “The Henry Rollins Show,” “24,” “Ideal,” “Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior,” and “Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce,” further diversified her income streams. While specific episode fees or contract terms for these television appearances are not publicly accessible, her continued work in television contributed to her overall net worth accumulation. In 2015, Garofalo reprised her role in the Netflix series “Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp,” a revival of the original film. The financial details of her involvement in the Netflix series are not publicly disclosed, the series’ popularity likely resulted in a significant compensation for Garofalo. In 2017, Garofalo starred in the comedy-drama series “Gap Year,” further demonstrating her versatility as an actress.

In addition to her acting roles, Garofalo has maintained a consistent presence in the world of stand-up comedy. In 2010, she released a one-hour stand-up special for Epix entitled “If You Will.” Her stand-up special “If I May,” performed in San Francisco, further showcased her comedic talents. The financial earnings from Garofalo’s stand-up performances and specials are not publicly disclosed, her continued dedication to stand-up comedy throughout her career has likely contributed to her overall income.

“The Majority Report” and Political Activism

In 2004, Garofalo co-founded the internet talk radio program “The Majority Report” alongside Sam Seder. This platform provides Garofalo with a space to voice her political views and engage in debates on various issues. While specific financial details regarding her involvement with “The Majority Report” are not publicly accessible, this venture likely contributes to her income stream and provides her with a platform to amplify her political voice. As a prominent progressive political figure, Garofalo has been outspoken on issues such as fracking, organized religion, and the Iraq War. Her political activism has led to on-air debates with figures like Bill O’Reilly and Jonah Goldberg, further amplifying her public profile.

Personal Life

In 1991, Janeane Garofalo married Robert Cohen, a writer for “The Ben Stiller Show,” in Las Vegas. The marriage, initially intended as a joke, was later dissolved in 2012. Garofalo has also been open about her struggles with substance abuse, particularly alcoholism. After seeking help, she has maintained sobriety since 2001. These personal experiences have shaped her perspective and contributed to her authenticity as a performer and public figure.

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