Net Worth Ranker
What Was Sam Kinison’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death in April 1992, Sam Kinison, the Grammy-winning stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer, had a net worth of $800,000. This figure represents the culmination of his diverse career in entertainment, spanning stand-up comedy, acting roles, album sales, and television appearances.
Kinison’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Samuel Burl Kinison was born on December 8, 1953, in Yakima, Washington, to Samuel and Marie Kinison. His early life was marked by his father’s profession as a Pentecostal preacher. The family moved to East Peoria, Illinois, when Sam was just three months old. An incident at age three, where he was hit by a truck, resulted in brain damage. He has three brothers, Richard, Bill, and Kevin. Kinison’s formative years were spent in various locations as his father pastored different churches, often for minimal pay. He attended East Peoria Community High School and later studied at the Pinecrest Bible Training Center in New York during the late 1960s. From the ages of 17 to 24, Kinison worked as a preacher, adopting a “fire and brimstone” style in his sermons. According to his brother Bill, he never made more than $5,000 in a year as a minister.
In 1980, after a divorce, Kinison transitioned from preaching to comedy. He began his comedy career in small clubs in Houston, Texas, becoming a member of the Texas Outlaw Comics at the Comedy Workshop, alongside Bill Hicks, Steve Epstein, Jimmy Pineapple, and Ron Shock. By 1980, he moved to Los Angeles, taking a job as a doorman at The Comedy Store before gaining the opportunity to perform there. His brother Bill managed his career. Kinison got his break in 1985 with an appearance on “Rodney Dangerfield’s Ninth Annual Young Comedians Special” on HBO. This appearance led to further opportunities, including a role in Dangerfield’s 1986 film “Back to School”.
Rise to Fame, Albums, and Television Appearances
From 1985 to 1986, Sam Kinison appeared on “Saturday Night Live” several times. His debut on “Late Night with David Letterman” in 1985 further solidified his status in the comedy world. His first comedy album, “Louder Than Hell,” was released in 1986. In 1988, he released a music video of a cover of the Troggs hit “Wild Thing,” which earned him his first Grammy nomination. Kinison’s final album, “Live from Hell,” was released posthumously and won a Grammy for Best Spoken Comedy Album in 1995.
Kinison’s career extended to television, with appearances on “Married… with Children” (1989), “Tales from the Crypt” (1990), and “Charlie Hoover” (1991). He also appeared in the films “Savage Dawn” (1985) and “Back to School” (1986). His presence in music videos, such as “Bon Jovi: Bad Medicine” (1988) and “Mötley Crüe: Kickstart My Heart” (1989), showcased his versatility as an entertainer.
Key Milestones and Financial Overview
Kinison’s net worth of $800,000 at the time of his death reflected the income from his stand-up performances, album sales, and appearances in television and film. While specific figures for each revenue stream are not available, his success in comedy and entertainment significantly contributed to his financial status. The release of albums like “Louder Than Hell” and “Have You Seen Me Lately?” generated income through sales, although precise sales figures are not publicly documented. The Grammy Award for “Live from Hell” further cemented his legacy and contributed to posthumous earnings.
The Rodney Dangerfield special and subsequent role in “Back to School” were pivotal in elevating Kinison’s profile and increasing his earning potential. His stand-up tours, known for their raw and provocative humor, likely generated substantial income through ticket sales. However, the specific financial details of these tours are not accessible.
Kinison’s impact on the comedy scene is further highlighted by the 1999 documentary “Sam Kinison: Why Did We Laugh?”, which won awards at the Columbus International Film & Video Festival and New York International Independent Film & Video Festival. This documentary likely boosted the continued interest in his work and potentially generated additional revenue for his estate.
Personal Life and Challenges
Kinison’s personal life was marked by struggles with drug and alcohol abuse. His behavior led to a temporary ban from The Comedy Store, with owner Mitzi Shore insisting he seek rehabilitation. Kinison was married three times. His first marriage was to Patricia Adkins on November 28, 1975, which ended in divorce in 1980. He then married Terry Marze on May 28, 1981, and they divorced in 1989. During the end of that marriage, he began an affair with dancer Malika Souiri. In 1990, Souiri accused Kinison’s bodyguard of rape, leading to a trial that ended with a deadlocked jury. The charges were eventually dropped at Souiri’s request. Kinison married Malika Souiri on April 4, 1992.
In 2011, it was revealed that Kinison had fathered a daughter with his best friend’s then-wife in the 1980s. The friend, Carl LaBove, had been paying child support for nearly 13 years before DNA tests confirmed Kinison as the father.
Tragic Death and Legacy
Sam Kinison’s life was tragically cut short on April 10, 1992, when his car was struck head-on by a vehicle driven by 17-year-old Troy Pierson on Needles Highway in California. Pierson was driving under the influence of alcohol. Kinison was pronounced dead at the scene at the age of 38. His wife, Malika, was injured but recovered. According to Bill Kinison and Carl LaBove, who were following close behind, Sam was conscious after the accident and spoke about not wanting to die before passing away.
An autopsy revealed that Kinison suffered multiple injuries, including a torn aorta, a dislocated spine, and torn blood vessels in his abdomen. Pierson was charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, but he received no jail time, instead being sentenced to a year of probation, a two-year suspension of his driver’s license, and 300 hours of community service.
Sam Kinison was buried at Tulsa’s Memorial Park Cemetery. His gravestone bears the inscription “In another time and place he would have been called prophet.” This epitaph reflects the profound impact he had on the comedy world and the unique perspective he brought to his performances.
Awards and Nominations
Kinison received two Grammy nominations, one of which was awarded posthumously. In 1990, “Wild Thing” was nominated for Best Comedy Recording. In 1995, “Live From Hell” won the Grammy for Best Spoken Comedy Album, underscoring the enduring appeal and recognition of his comedic talent.
Real Estate and Personal Possessions
Information regarding Sam Kinison’s specific real estate holdings or personal possessions, such as luxury cars or private planes, is not publicly available. Details about his residences, vehicle collection, or other assets are not documented in accessible records.
Sam Kinison’s Impact
Despite his relatively short career, Sam Kinison left a lasting impact on the world of comedy. His raw, unfiltered style and willingness to tackle controversial subjects set him apart from his peers. Kinison’s ability to connect with audiences on a visceral level made him a beloved and influential figure in comedy. He earned $800,000 of net worth
