Net Worth Ranker
What Is Chris Kattan’s Net Worth?
Chris Kattan, the American actor and comedian best known for his work on “Saturday Night Live,” has accumulated a net worth of approximately $4 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his successful career in television, film, and stand-up comedy. His tenure on “SNL,” spanning from 1996 to 2003, significantly contributed to his overall earnings through performance fees and royalties. His post-SNL endeavors, including roles in various movies and TV series, alongside stand-up performances and writing projects, have further solidified his financial portfolio.
Early Career and “Saturday Night Live” Earnings
Before achieving mainstream success on “Saturday Night Live,” Kattan honed his comedic skills with The Groundlings, a Los Angeles-based improv troupe. His early TV appearances included a small role in the “NewsRadio” episode “No, This Is Not Based Entirely on Julie’s Life,” where he played a photo shop employee. These early roles, while not substantial in terms of immediate financial gain, provided invaluable experience and exposure that helped pave the way for his later success.
Kattan’s breakthrough came with “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), where he was a main cast member for 148 episodes from 1996 to 2003. While the exact salary figures for SNL cast members during that era are not publicly disclosed, estimates suggest that new cast members typically started with a salary of around $150,000 per season. As cast members gained seniority and became more integral to the show, their salaries could increase substantially, potentially reaching upwards of $300,000 to $500,000 per season. Considering Kattan’s seven-year run on SNL and his rising popularity, it’s plausible that his earnings from the show contributed significantly to his current net worth. Some sources estimate that a seasoned SNL cast member, during the late 1990s and early 2000s, could earn between $3,000 and $7,000 per episode, in addition to their base salary.
During his time on “SNL,” Kattan created several memorable characters, including Mango, Mr. Peepers, and Doug Butabi (one half of the Butabi Brothers alongside Will Ferrell). The Butabi Brothers sketch was so popular that it was adapted into the 1998 film “A Night at the Roxbury.” While Kattan’s salary for the film is not publicly known, the success of “A Night at the Roxbury” likely provided him with a significant boost in earnings and increased his visibility in the entertainment industry.
Post-“SNL” Career and Income Streams
After departing “SNL” in 2003, Chris Kattan continued to pursue various acting and comedy projects, contributing to his net worth through diverse income streams. His post-SNL career included roles in films like “Corky Romano” (2001) and “Undercover Brother” (2002), as well as television series such as “The Middle,” where he played Bob, a colleague of Frankie Heck’s at the car dealership. Specific salary figures for these roles are not publicly available, but they undoubtedly contributed to his overall income. Guest appearances on shows like “How I Met Your Mother” in 2010 and 2014 would have also provided income, albeit on a smaller scale compared to his recurring roles.
In August 2009, Kattan starred in the IFC miniseries “Bollywood Hero,” where he portrayed himself navigating the challenges of transitioning from a comedic actor to a leading man. While the financial details of this project are not publicly disclosed, it represents another avenue through which Kattan generated income and maintained his presence in the entertainment industry. The exact compensation for his role in “Bollywood Hero” remains undisclosed, but these independent projects are valued for their creative control, and may not provide the same level of financial compensation compared to mainstream television networks.
In 2017, Kattan participated in “Dancing with the Stars,” which, despite being eliminated early, provided him with additional income and exposure. Celebrity contestants on “Dancing with the Stars” typically receive a base payment for participating, with additional payments awarded based on how far they advance in the competition. While the specific amounts vary from season to season, contestants can earn tens of thousands of dollars for appearing on the show. For example, the initial payment for simply appearing is in the 10,000 dollars. For several weeks, the payments range between $10,000 to $60,000. However, for final placement, the earning can range up to $350,000. This would have provided a temporary boost to Chris Kattan’s net worth. Kattan was the first celebrity dancer eliminated in Season 24 of “Dancing With the Stars.”
Kattan’s memoir, “Baby Don’t Hurt Me: Stories and Scars from Saturday Night Live,” published in May 2019, also contributed to his income. Book advances and royalties from book sales can provide a significant source of revenue for authors, especially those with a built-in audience. While the exact financial terms of Kattan’s book deal are not publicly available, the publication of his memoir would have added to his overall net worth.
Real Estate Ventures
In September 2001, Chris Kattan purchased a home in the Hollywood Hills for a little over $1 million. This property represented a significant investment and an asset that contributed to his overall net worth. In January 2014, Kattan listed the home for sale for just under $2 million, indicating a potential profit on the initial investment. However, he ultimately accepted $1.55 million for the property in August 2014. This real estate transaction provided a capital gain, although less than the initial asking price.
The Hollywood Hills home, located in a desirable neighborhood known for its celebrity residents and scenic views, likely appreciated in value over the years due to market conditions and improvements made to the property. The sale of the home provided Kattan with a substantial amount of capital that he could reinvest or use for other purposes, further contributing to his financial stability.
Personal Life and Other Ventures
Kattan’s personal life has also influenced his financial decisions. His marriage to Sunshine Deia Tutt in June 2008 lasted only eight weeks, ending in divorce in February 2009. Divorce settlements can sometimes impact an individual’s net worth, depending on the division of assets and spousal support agreements. The specifics of Kattan’s divorce settlement are not publicly known, but it is possible that it had some effect on his financial situation.
In 2014, Kattan was arrested for a DUI, which he attributed to pain medication he was taking following his fourth neck surgery. Legal troubles can incur significant costs, including fines, legal fees, and potential damage to one’s reputation, which can indirectly impact earning potential. While the financial impact of Kattan’s DUI arrest is not precisely quantifiable, it represents a potential drain on his resources. In addition to these factors, Kattan’s appearances at comedy clubs and various live venues across the country provide him with further streams of revenue. His ability to draw audiences based on his “SNL” fame and subsequent work enables him to continue earning from live performances.
Disclaimer: Net worth figures are often estimated based on publicly available information and may not reflect an individual’s exact financial situation. The information provided here is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice.
