Gabe Kaplan Net Worth

What Is Gabe Kaplan’s Net Worth?

Gabe Kaplan, an American comedian, actor, investor, and professional poker player, has a net worth estimated at $50 million. This wealth is attributed to his diverse career, spanning from his early fame in the sitcom “Welcome Back, Kotter” to his successful ventures in the world of professional poker and financial investments.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Gabriel Weston Kaplan on March 31, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, to a Jewish family, Gabe Kaplan’s early life provided the foundation for his multifaceted career. Though he attended New Utrecht High School, he did not graduate. Initially, Kaplan aspired to be a Major League Baseball player. However, after being unable to make a minor league team’s roster, he explored other avenues. He began his career as a bellman at a hotel in Lakewood, New Jersey, where he was exposed to touring comedians. This exposure inspired him to pursue stand-up comedy, honing his routine in 1964 at venues like the Cafe Tel Aviv in New York City. Kaplan’s comedy, centered around his Brooklyn childhood, resonated with audiences, leading to a successful national tour and multiple appearances on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson”.

Acting Career and “Welcome Back, Kotter”

Kaplan’s breakthrough role came with the 1970s sitcom “Welcome Back, Kotter” (ABC, 1975–1979), where he portrayed the character of Gabriel “Gabe” Kotter. This role launched John Travolta’s career and solidified Kaplan’s presence in popular culture. Following the show’s cancellation, Kaplan made occasional appearances in feature and TV movies, including “Fast Break” (1979), “Nobody’s Perfekt” (1981), and “Tulips” (1981), as well as the short-lived sitcom “Lewis & Clark” (NBC, 1981-82).

Poker Career: From Hobby to Professional Success

Gabe Kaplan transitioned from acting to focus on financial investments and poker, entering the poker world long before its surge in popularity in the 2000s. He participated in Amarillo Slim’s Super Bowl of Poker between 1979 and 1985. In 1980, he won the main event at Amarillo Slim’s Super Bowl of Poker, earning $190,000. Kaplan’s poker skills led to numerous competition wins and hosting televised events. He gained recognition through “No-Limit Texas Hold-‘Em” and as a commentator on “High Stakes Poker” on GSN. According to the research, Kaplan had $22,800 earnings on High Stakes Poker.

Kaplan’s poker career highlights include:

Finishing third in a World Poker Tour no-limit Texas hold ’em event in July 2004, earning over $250,000 ($256,519).
Finishing second in the 2005 World Series of Poker $5,000 Limit Hold ‘Em event, winning $222,515.
Winning on NBC’s Poker After Dark in 2007 in the episode “Queens and Kings”.
In the 2007 World Series of Poker, Kaplan finished in ninth place in the $50,000 World Championship HORSE event, winning $131,424.
Winning $120,000 at the Poker After Dark tournament in 2007, 2008, and 2010.
Finishing 8th in the $100,000 No-Limit Hold’em Eight Max at the 2014 Summer High Roller Series in Las Vegas, earning $258,390.
Finishing 27th in the $7,000 + 3,000 No Limit Hold ’em Super Turbo Bounty event at the 54th WSOP in 2023, winning $24,528.

As of June 2017, Kaplan’s total live tournament winnings were $1,991,248. As of 2024, his total live earnings are $2,015,776. Considering inflation, his lifetime winnings have been estimated to be over $3 million. His eleven cashes at the WSOP accounted for $539,159 of those winnings.

Financial Investments and Other Ventures

Beyond acting and poker, Gabe Kaplan has been involved in financial markets and various investments, contributing significantly to his $50 million net worth. While specific details of his investments are not widely publicized, his focus on ventures outside Hollywood has been a key factor in his financial success.

“High Stakes Poker” and Commentary Career

Kaplan gained renewed attention as a commentator for “High Stakes Poker” on GSN. He provided commentary alongside A.J. Benza for the first six seasons. He was replaced by Norm Macdonald for season seven. Kaplan returned with Benza for Season 8 in 2020. Kaplan announced his retirement from “High Stakes Poker” on January 24, 2023.

Wealth Habits

Notably, there is another individual named Gabriel Kaplan who is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and CPA. He is the founder of Wealth Habits, a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. This Gabriel Kaplan specializes in tax planning, retirement planning, and income optimization for business owners, but is distinct from the actor and poker player.

Poker Statistics

Gabe Kaplan has participated in numerous poker events, showcasing his skill and strategic approach to the game. As of the latest updates, Gabe Kaplan’s poker statistics reveal a career marked by consistent performance and strategic gameplay.