Net Worth Ranker
What Is Jim Norton’s Net Worth?
Jim Norton, an American comedian, radio personality, actor, and author, has accumulated a net worth of $3 million. He gained national recognition as the “third mic” comedian on the “Opie & Anthony” radio show, which is no longer active. Currently, he co-hosts the “Jim Norton & Sam Roberts” radio show on SiriusXM. He is also a stand-up comedian, with several DVDs and specials released.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
James Joseph Norton, Jr. was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, on July 19, 1968. His father worked as a US postal services truck driver, while his mother was a librarian. Jim also has a sister named Tracy. Norton experienced a troubled childhood, beginning to drink heavily at the age of 13 and dropping out of high school during his senior year. Following a suicide attempt, he entered rehab. Norton earned his GED after staying sober for three years and subsequently enrolled at Middlesex County College to study law but dropped out after a month. He then worked as a forklift operator before starting his stand-up career in April 1990. In 1997, Jim appeared on an episode of Louie Anderson’s “The Louie Show”.
Radio and Stand-up Career
Andrew “Dice” Clay noticed his appearance and, after meeting at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles, invited Jim to be his touring opener for three years. Through Dice, Jim was introduced to the “Opie & Anthony” radio show, which was highly popular in the late 90s and early 2000s. Jim became a regular guest on the show by 2000. In 2001, he became the full-time third mic on Opie & Anthony. He remained with the show, which later became “Opie with Jim Norton,” even after the firing of host Anthony Cumia. In 2016, he began co-hosting the “Jim & Sam” show with Sam Roberts.
Jim Norton’s stand-up career includes the release of four standup albums and eight official DVDs/Specials. His 2017 Netflix special “A Mouthful of Shame” and his 2019 special “The Degenerates: Jim Norton” received positive reviews.
Other Works and Acting Roles
Jim has also appeared in various TV shows and films. He co-starred in the sitcom “Lucky Louie” on HBO and FX’s “Louie”. He made appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and starred as Father Callahan in the TV series “Power” from 2016 to 2017. Norton’s film credits include “Spider-Man” (2002), “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” (2008), “Trainwreck” (2015), “The Comedian” (2016), and “The Irishman” (2019), where he played Don Rickles, after being invited by Robert De Niro.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Jim Norton is a fan of KISS, Black Sabbath, and Ozzy Osbourne. He became friends with Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne. In 2023, he married his long-term girlfriend, Nikki. In September 2006, Norton purchased a 1-bedroom apartment in Manhattan, New York, for $1.05 million, which he sold in April 2016 for $1.4 million. In September 2021, he bought a three-bedroom, 1,800-square-foot penthouse in downtown Manhattan, featuring a 650-square-foot private deck with city views and a hot tub, reportedly for $585,000.
Income and Financial Overview
While specific details of Jim Norton’s annual salary are not publicly available, his income is derived from various sources. These include his radio show “Jim Norton & Sam Roberts” on SiriusXM, his stand-up comedy performances and specials, acting roles in television and film, and his podcasting ventures such as “The Chip Chipperson Podacast” and “UFC Unfiltered.” Revenue from his stand-up specials, particularly those on platforms like Netflix, contributes substantially to his income. The success of specials like “A Mouthful of Shame” and “The Degenerates: Jim Norton” indicates significant viewership, translating to higher royalties and fees. Furthermore, his appearances in movies such as “The Irishman,” where he portrayed Don Rickles, contribute to his overall earnings. In addition to performance-based income, Jim Norton has also generated income from his authored books, one of which ranked #7 on the top ten bestsellers list and another that hit #13. Although exact sales figures are not disclosed, achieving such rankings would lead to considerable royalties. His real estate investments also play a role in his financial portfolio. The sale of his Manhattan apartment in 2016 for $1.4 million, after purchasing it for $1.05 million in 2006, demonstrates a profitable real estate transaction. His subsequent purchase of a penthouse in downtown Manhattan in 2021 represents a further investment in real estate. The total annual income for Jim Norton is estimated based on a combination of these factors, aligning with his reported net worth of $3 million. While the exact breakdown of each income stream remains private, the diversity of his professional activities indicates a multi-faceted approach to wealth generation.
Stand-Up Comedy Career: Details and Achievements
Jim Norton’s career in stand-up comedy began in April 1990 at an open mic event. He had aspired to be a stand-up comedian since the age of 12. Early in his career, a significant break came when Andrew “Dice” Clay saw Norton’s performance on an episode of Louie Anderson’s “The Louie Show” in 1997. This led to an invitation from Clay to tour as his opening act, a partnership that lasted for three years. As of 2025, Jim Norton has released four stand-up albums and eight official DVDs/Specials. His comedy style is known for its raw, often controversial, and deeply personal nature, which has garnered both critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Some notable releases include: * **A Mouthful of Shame (2017):** This Netflix special received high praise for its unflinching exploration of Norton’s personal struggles and dark humor. Although specific viewership numbers are not publicly available, Netflix specials are typically viewed by millions of subscribers, leading to substantial royalties and recognition. * **The Degenerates: Jim Norton (2019):** As part of Netflix’s “The Degenerates” series, Norton’s performance continued to showcase his unique comedic perspective. The series format provides significant exposure, further boosting his profile and income. In addition to these specials, Norton has released several stand-up albums that have contributed to his income. While sales figures vary, a successful comedy album can generate tens of thousands of dollars in royalties, depending on distribution and popularity. Norton’s stand-up performances have also included numerous live shows across the United States and internationally. While specific earnings from these shows are not disclosed, a well-established comedian like Norton can command significant fees per performance, contributing substantially to his annual income.
Radio Career Milestones and Earnings
Jim Norton’s radio career is a significant part of his professional journey, beginning with his involvement in the “Opie & Anthony” show. His transition from a guest to a full-time “third mic” in 2001 marked a pivotal point. Specific contract details from that period are not publicly available. When the show moved to XM in 2004, after a two-year hiatus, Norton remained a key part of the team. The evolution of the show to “Opie with Jim Norton” and then to “Jim Norton & Sam Roberts” on SiriusXM reflects his growing role and influence in the radio industry. Norton’s current co-hosting role on the “Jim Norton & Sam Roberts” show on SiriusXM is a primary source of his income. While exact salary figures are not publicly disclosed, radio hosts on SiriusXM with similar profiles can earn anywhere from $200,000 to $500,000 per year, depending on the show’s popularity and their contract terms. These contracts typically include base salaries, performance bonuses based on listenership, and potential revenue sharing from advertising. In addition to his base salary, Norton also generates income from related ventures such as live appearances, merchandise, and endorsements associated with the show. These activities can add significantly to his annual earnings. SiriusXM contracts often include clauses that allow hosts to pursue outside projects, provided they do not conflict with their obligations to the network. Furthermore, Norton’s involvement in controversial public stunts and his arrest in 2000 with fellow comedian Lewis Black, while not directly contributing to his income, highlight the visibility and notoriety that have been part of his radio career, indirectly boosting his profile and earning potential. The longevity and success of Norton’s radio career have provided a stable and significant source of income, contributing substantially to his overall net worth.
Acting Career Details and Financial Impact
Jim Norton’s acting career, though not his primary focus, has contributed to his income and public profile. He has appeared in various TV shows and films, with notable roles in both comedic and dramatic projects. Some significant milestones include: * **Lucky Louie (HBO):** Co-starring in this sitcom provided Norton with a steady income stream and valuable experience in television acting. Specific salary details for his role are not publicly available, but co-starring roles in HBO sitcoms typically command salaries ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 per episode, depending on experience and contract terms. * **Louie (FX):** His appearances on FX’s “Louie” added to his television credits and income. Guest appearances on such shows can earn actors anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 per episode. * **Power (TV Series):** Norton’s role as Father Callahan in the TV series “Power” from 2016 to 2017 marked a move into more dramatic roles. Recurring roles in series like “Power” can generate significant income, potentially ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 per episode. * **Film Appearances:** Norton has made several film appearances, including roles in “Spider-Man” (2002), “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” (2008), “Trainwreck” (2015), and “The Comedian” (2016). While these roles may not have been leading parts, film appearances contribute to an actor’s overall income and visibility. Depending on the size and scope of the role, Norton’s earnings from these films could range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per project. * **The Irishman (2019):** His portrayal of Don Rickles in Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman” was a career highlight. While specific salary details are not publicly disclosed, working on a high-profile film directed by Scorsese would have provided a substantial boost to his earnings and reputation. In addition to direct income from acting roles, Norton also benefits from increased visibility and opportunities that arise from his acting work. These can include endorsements, further roles, and increased demand for his stand-up performances and radio appearances.
Real Estate Investments and Financial Strategy
Jim Norton’s real estate investments reflect a strategic approach to wealth management, with key transactions in Manhattan, New York. In September 2006, Norton purchased a 1-bedroom apartment in Manhattan for $1.05 million. This investment demonstrates his early recognition of the value of real estate in prime urban locations. Over the years, the property appreciated in value, reflecting the overall growth in the Manhattan real estate market. Norton sold this unit in April 2016 for $1.4 million, after listing it in September 2015 for $1.499 million. This sale resulted in a profit of $350,000 before taxes and other transaction costs, showcasing a successful real estate investment strategy. The profit from this sale could have been reinvested or used to fund other ventures. In September 2021, Norton bought a three-bedroom, 1,800-square-foot penthouse in downtown Manhattan. The penthouse includes a large (650 square foot) private deck with city views and a hot tub. According to real estate records, the purchase price was $585,000. This purchase indicates a continued interest in real estate as a means of building wealth. A penthouse in downtown Manhattan is a valuable asset, given the desirability and high property values in the area. The choice to invest in a penthouse with unique features like a private deck and hot tub suggests a focus on properties that offer both lifestyle benefits and potential for appreciation. Such properties are often in high demand, making them sound investments. While Norton’s real estate holdings are concentrated in Manhattan, his approach aligns with common financial strategies for high-net-worth individuals, emphasizing diversification and investment in appreciating assets.
