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What Is Jackie Martling’s Net Worth?
Jackie Martling, an American comedian, comedy writer, radio personality, and actor, has accumulated a net worth of $5 million. His career spans various entertainment avenues, with significant contributions to comedy and radio. Martling’s primary sources of income include his work on “The Howard Stern Show,” stand-up comedy performances, album sales, and subsequent ventures into film and television.
Career Highlights and Earnings
Martling’s career trajectory started with a passion for music and developed into a successful comedy career. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1971 with a mechanical engineering degree, he initially worked as a construction worker before fully immersing himself in the entertainment world. During his early days, he joined bands and started incorporating jokes into his performances, leading him to pursue stand-up comedy full-time in 1979.
Jackie’s foray into comedy began in local Long Island venues, with performances at open mics like Catch a Rising Star in New York City. He quickly developed a reputation for his unique blend of dirty jokes and songs. In 1979, he launched his “dial-a-joke” phone line, which still operates today. That same year, he self-produced his first comedy album, “What Did You Expect?” using his own recording equipment, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Throughout the 1980s, Martling released several comedy albums, including “Going Ape!” (1980) and “Normal People Are People You Don’t Know That Well” (1981). His exposure increased when a Los Angeles radio producer discovered his joke line and started featuring it on Rick Dees’ show on KIIS, earning him the moniker “The Joke Man.”
A pivotal moment in Jackie Martling’s career came in 1982 when he partnered with Howard Stern. After Stern heard Martling perform in Washington, D.C., he invited him to send over his comedy albums. By 1983, Martling had already worked at several New York City-based radio stations. Stern subsequently invited Martling onto his show as a guest, which led to weekly appearances without initial compensation.
In 1985, Jackie joined “The Howard Stern Show” as a writer, marking the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration. He eventually became the head writer for the show, contributing to its radio broadcasts, TV shows, videos, and albums. During his tenure on “The Howard Stern Show,” Martling’s salary peaked at $578,000 per year. This was a substantial income that solidified his financial standing.
In 2001, Martling left “The Howard Stern Show” due to unsuccessful contract negotiations. He had requested a salary increase to $1 million per year for the next five years, but Stern offered $650,000 instead. Despite the departure, Jackie continued to make occasional appearances on the show, maintaining a connection with his longtime audience.
Following his departure from “The Howard Stern Show,” Martling continued to diversify his career. He released more comedy albums and developed an iPhone app, a DVD, and a line of electric joke products. Additionally, he ventured into acting, with roles in films like “The Aristocrats,” “Mail Order Bride,” and “White Irish Drinkers,” as well as a TV role on “Leverage.” He also hosted his own show on satellite radio called “Jackie’s Joke Hunt” and returned to his musical roots, releasing an album titled “Happy Endings.” In 2017, Martling released his autobiography, “The Joke Man: Bow to Stern,” further solidifying his legacy in the comedy world.
Property and Investments
Martling owns property in Bayville and Manhattan. He splits his time between an apartment in Manhattan and a home in Bayville, which is on Long Island Sound. The specific addresses and details of these properties are not publicly disclosed, however, owning real estate in these areas signifies a substantial investment and a portion of his overall wealth.
Substance Abuse and Sobriety
Jackie Martling has been candid about his struggles with substance abuse and his journey to sobriety. He has been sober since 2001, noting that his dependency on alcohol was one of the contributing factors to his departure from “The Howard Stern Show.”
