What Is Aries Spears’ Net Worth?
Aries Spears, a multifaceted American stand-up comedian and actor, has cultivated a substantial career in the entertainment industry. As of 2024, Aries Spears’ net worth is estimated to be $4 million. This figure primarily stems from his work in television, film, stand-up comedy, and various other ventures within the entertainment sector. His long-standing presence on “MADtv” and subsequent projects have contributed significantly to his financial standing.
Aries Spears’ Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on April 3, 1975, in Chicago, Illinois, Aries Spears’ early life was marked by frequent relocations. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to New York, where he spent his infancy. His mother, Doris Spears, a jazz singer, played a crucial role in shaping his artistic inclinations. At the age of 11, Aries relocated to New Jersey, attending Arthur M. Judd Elementary School. It was during this period that his comedic talents began to emerge.
By the age of 14, Aries Spears had already embarked on his journey as a comedian, performing stand-up routines in various comedy clubs throughout New York City. His inaugural performance took place at the Upton Comedy Club in Harlem, where he showcased impressions of iconic figures such as James Brown and Jack Nicholson. This early exposure to the world of comedy laid the foundation for his future success.
A pivotal moment in Aries Spears’ early career occurred with his appearance on “Def Comedy Jam” with Russell Simmons. This exposure led to further opportunities, including a performance on “It’s Showtime at the Apollo” in 1987. By the early ’90s, Aries Spears had moved to Los Angeles, where he pursued acting roles on shows like “A Different World” while simultaneously honing his comedy act in renowned venues such as The Improv and The Laugh Factory. He also secured roles in films such as “Malcolm X,” “South of Sunset,” “Home of Angels,” and “Jerry McGuire.” Additional television credits during this period include appearances on “Crosstown Traffic,” “The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.,” and “Soul Train.” These early experiences provided Aries Spears with valuable exposure and paved the way for his breakthrough role on “MADtv.”
Aries Spears’ Stint on “MADtv”
In 1997, Aries Spears joined the cast of “MADtv,” marking a significant turning point in his career. He remained on the show for eight seasons, becoming the second-longest-serving cast member with 198 episodes. During his tenure on “MADtv,” Aries Spears gained widespread recognition for his celebrity impersonations, mimicking figures such as LL Cool J, Eddie Murphy, Queen Latifah, 50 Cent, O.J. Simpson, Al Roker, and Shaquille O’Neal. He also impersonated actors like Robert De Niro, Sylvester Stallone, Denzel Washington, Al Pacino, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as fellow comedians like Eddie Murphy and Paul Mooney. These impersonations showcased his versatility and comedic talent, solidifying his position as a key member of the “MADtv” cast.
Beyond impersonations, Aries Spears also created original characters for the show. These included Belma Buttons, co-host of the fictional BET show “Reality Check”; Dollar Bill Montgomery, host of the urban parody of “Politically Incorrect” called “Real **********ing Talk with Dollar Bill Montgomery”; James Brown Jr., co-host of “Cabana Chat”; and controversial rapper Emcee Esher. These original characters allowed Aries Spears to showcase his creativity and further expand his comedic repertoire. His departure from “MADtv” at the end of the show’s tenth season in 2005 marked the end of an era for both Aries Spears and the show itself.
Life After “MADtv” and Subsequent Projects
Following his departure from “MADtv,” Aries Spears continued to pursue various projects in the entertainment industry. In 2005, he appeared in a season two episode of Comedy Central’s “Mind of Mencia,” parodying Jamie Foxx’s role in Kanye West’s music video for “Gold Digger.” In 2006, he appeared in the movie “Hood of Horror.” He also had roles in “The Underground” and voiced the character Wizard Kelly in “The Proud Family.” Additionally, Aries Spears appeared as Shaquille O’Neal in two episodes of Frank Caliendo’s sketch comedy show, “Frank TV.”
In 2009, Aries Spears joined Cedric the Entertainer and other comedians in the All-Star Comedy Jam. His other TV and film credits include “Love Chronicles,” “Josie and the Pussycats,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “Out-of-Sync,” “The Boondocks,” “American Dad,” and “Black Dynamite.” These appearances demonstrate his continued presence in both television and film, contributing to Aries Spears’ net worth.
In 2011, Aries Spears released a stand-up comedy special called “Aries Spears: Hollywood, Look I’m Smiling,” which aired on Showtime. This special provided him with a platform to showcase his stand-up talents and further solidify his reputation as a comedian. In 2021, Aries Spears appeared in the dark comedy feature film “The Immoralist.” This role showcased his ability to take on more serious roles, expanding his range as an actor.
Personal Life and Marital History
Aries Spears’ personal life has been marked by significant events, including his marriages and divorces. He married Elisa Lerrgui in 2010, but the couple divorced in 2014. As part of the divorce settlement, Aries Spears was ordered to purchase his former wife a new house in Florida, with the stipulation that the house must be of her choosing and cost between $300,000 and $375,000. He was also required to buy her a luxury SUV in the price range of $60,000 to $70,000. These financial obligations had an impact on Aries Spears’ net worth.
Aries Spears and Elisa Lerrgui later reconciled and remarried on May 31, 2015. However, their reunion was short-lived, as they separated again on August 1, 2018, and were divorced by 2019, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple has two children together, named Jordan and Jada. These personal events have undoubtedly had an impact on Aries Spears’ life and career.
Details regarding specific endorsement deals, real estate holdings, or other investments contributing to Aries Spears’ net worth are not publicly available. The $4 million figure is based on publicly available information and estimates of his earnings from his various entertainment endeavors. The exact breakdown of his assets and liabilities remains private.