What Is Jay Pharoah’s Net Worth?
Jay Pharoah, an accomplished American actor, stand-up comedian, and producer, has cultivated a net worth of $4.5 million. This financial standing reflects his diverse career across various entertainment platforms, showcasing his talent and versatility. His income streams are multifaceted, encompassing earnings from television appearances, film roles, stand-up performances, voice acting, and production ventures. Pharoah’s net worth is a testament to his sustained presence and success in the competitive entertainment industry.
Early Career and “Saturday Night Live” Stardom
Born Jared Antonio Farrow on October 14, 1987, in Chesapeake, Virginia, Jay Pharoah’s journey into entertainment began early. At the age of six, he started honing his impression skills, notably mimicking Gilbert Gottfried’s Iago from “Aladdin.” This early talent led to his participation in a talent competition, where he secured fifth place. His sister, Shaina, plays a significant role in his career, serving as his manager. After graduating from Indian River High School in 2005, Pharoah pursued business studies at Virginia Commonwealth University and Tidewater Community College.
Pharoah’s stand-up career took off at age 15, performing in Virginia comedy clubs and community theaters. He toured with established comedians like Charlie Murphy and Corey Holcomb, building a reputation for his celebrity impressions, including notable figures like Will Smith, Denzel Washington, and DMX. His Barack Obama impersonation gained significant traction on YouTube, leading to a pivotal moment in his career: being hired by “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) at the age of 22. Joining the cast as a featured player in 2010, Pharoah spent six seasons on the iconic show. During his time on “SNL,” he showcased his talents in films such as “Lola Versus” (2012), “Underdogs” (2013), and “Balls Out” (2014), and he co-starred with Chris Rock in “Top Five” (2014). These roles significantly contributed to his early earnings and established him as a rising star.
Film and Television Roles
Beyond “Saturday Night Live,” Jay Pharoah has built an impressive filmography. He appeared in the 2014 action-comedy “Ride Along,” starring Ice Cube and Kevin Hart. In 2016, he lent his voice to the animated film “Sing,” voicing Meena’s Grandfather. “Sing” was a massive box office success, grossing $634.2 million worldwide, contributing to Pharoah’s earnings through royalties and residuals. That same year, Jay co-hosted the American Music Awards alongside Gigi Hadid, further boosting his visibility and market value. He also appeared in an Old Navy commercial with his “SNL” castmates Cecily Strong and Nasim Pedrad, adding to his endorsement income.
Pharoah’s television career includes notable roles such as voicing Montrel / Randy on Comedy Central’s “Legends of Chamberlain Heights” (2016–2017). He then took on the lead role of Floyd Mooney on the Showtime series “White Famous” (2017), which was based on Jamie Foxx’s life. This role provided him with significant exposure and likely came with a substantial salary. In 2018, he starred in the YouTube Premium series “Champaign ILL,” further diversifying his income streams. He also guest-starred on two episodes of ABC’s “A Million Little Things” in 2019 and appeared on “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: ‘All in the Family’ and ‘Good Times'” as James “J.J.” Evans Jr.
In 2020, Pharoah appeared in the films “Bad Hair” and “All My Life,” and starred as an aspiring stand-up comic in “2 Minutes of Fame.” He also hosts and executive produces the game show “Nickelodeon’s Unfiltered” (2020–present), adding another layer to his earnings through production credits. In June 2019, it was announced that Jay had been cast as WBLS DJ Frankie Crocker in the film “Spinning Gold,” a biopic about record producer Neil Bogart. By the time filming began two years later, his role had been switched to Casablanca Records executive Cecil Holmes. During the summer of 2020, Pharoah filmed the Netflix romantic comedy “Resort to Love” with Christina Milian, expanding his reach and potential income through streaming platforms.
Additional Ventures and Income Streams
Jay Pharoah’s career extends beyond acting and stand-up. He released the stand-up comedy special “Can I Be Me?” in 2015, adding to his revenue through sales and streaming. His voice acting roles in animated projects such as “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” (2021), “Legends of Chamberlain Heights” (2016–2017), “BoJack Horseman” (2017), and “Family Guy” (2017–2020) also contribute to his income. Pharoah also produced his 2020 IMDB series “Special Skills,” demonstrating his entrepreneurial side. These diverse roles and projects have helped solidify his financial standing and contribute to his impressive net worth.
Real Estate Investments
In late 2018, Jay Pharoah invested in real estate, purchasing a 5,650 square foot home in the Tarzana area of Los Angeles for $2.4 million. Built in 2017, the property features six bedrooms and six bathrooms. The home also includes a three-car garage, a fountain, an outdoor kitchen, and a swimming pool with a waterfall. This real estate investment is a significant component of his overall asset portfolio, showcasing his financial acumen and long-term investment strategy. The property’s current market value likely contributes to his overall net worth, which is estimated at $4.5 million.