Net Worth Ranker
What Is Michael Che’s Net Worth?
Michael Che, an accomplished American actor, comedian, writer, and producer, has amassed a net worth of $10 million. His financial standing primarily stems from his successful career in the entertainment industry, with significant contributions from his work on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) and other ventures.
Michael Che’s “Saturday Night Live” Earnings
As a prominent cast member and co-head writer on “Saturday Night Live” since 2014, Michael Che commands a substantial salary per episode. Reports indicate that he earns approximately $25,000 per episode. With an average of 21 episodes per season, his annual income from SNL alone reaches around $525,000. This figure highlights the significant role “Saturday Night Live” plays in his overall net worth.
Beyond his on-screen presence, Che’s contributions as a writer also contribute to his earnings. As co-head writer, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the show’s content and direction, further solidifying his financial standing within the SNL framework.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Michael Che Campbell on May 19, 1983, in Manhattan, New York City, Che’s upbringing on the Lower East Side provided a unique perspective that would later inform his comedic style. Growing up in public housing with his six siblings, Che experienced firsthand the challenges and realities of urban life, which he would later channel into his stand-up routines and writing.
Before venturing into comedy, Che explored various creative outlets. He attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, showcasing his artistic talents from a young age. After high school, he worked as a customer service representative for a Toyota dealership for two years. In addition, he designed t-shirts featuring acrylic portraits of celebrities, which he sold in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. His designs caught the attention of Tommy Hilfiger, who offered him freelance logo design work. While he didn’t pursue that opportunity, these early endeavors demonstrate his entrepreneurial spirit and creative versatility.
Che’s transition to comedy began in 2009 at the age of 26. He started performing stand-up at open mic nights in New York City comedy clubs, honing his craft and developing his unique voice. His early performances at the Comedy Cellar and Caroline’s laid the foundation for his later success in the comedy world.
A pivotal moment in his early career came in 2012 when he won a New York’s Funniest Stand-Up competition, which led to his late-night talk show debut on the “Late Show with David Letterman.” This breakthrough appearance exposed him to a wider audience and solidified his status as a rising star in comedy.
In 2013, Che received recognition from prominent publications, being named one of “The 50 Funniest People” by “Rolling Stone” magazine and one of “10 Comics to Watch” by “Variety.” These accolades further propelled his career and opened doors to new opportunities.
Career Highlights and Notable Projects
In 2013, Michael Che’s career trajectory took a significant turn when he was hired as a writer for “Saturday Night Live.” This marked his entry into the world of sketch comedy and set the stage for his subsequent role as a cast member and “Weekend Update” co-anchor.
Before his full-time commitment to SNL, Che briefly served as a correspondent for Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” in 2014. This experience further honed his comedic timing and political commentary skills.
In September 2014, Che achieved a historic milestone when he replaced Cecily Strong as the co-anchor of “Weekend Update” on “Saturday Night Live.” This appointment made him the first African-American co-anchor in the show’s history, breaking barriers and paving the way for greater diversity on the program.
Alongside his work on “Saturday Night Live,” Che has pursued other creative endeavors. In 2014, he appeared in the Chris Rock film “Top Five,” showcasing his acting abilities on the big screen.
In late 2017, Che’s role on “Saturday Night Live” expanded further when he became a co-head writer, alongside Colin Jost. This promotion recognized his contributions to the show’s writing team and solidified his leadership position within the SNL creative process.
One of the most popular segments on “Weekend Update” involves Che and Jost writing jokes for each other, which they then have to deliver without prior knowledge. This segment showcases their comedic chemistry and willingness to push boundaries, often resulting in hilarious and unexpected moments.
In 2014, Che starred in his own “The Half Hour” special (now known as “Comedy Central Stand-Up Presents”), showcasing his stand-up prowess to a wider audience. This special served as a stepping stone to his first Netflix special, “Michael Che Matters,” which premiered in 2016.
In 2019, Che made guest appearances on “Sesame Street” and the Comedy Central series “The Other Two,” further expanding his reach beyond “Saturday Night Live.” He also appeared on “WWE Raw” and “WrestleMania 35” alongside Colin Jost, demonstrating his versatility and willingness to engage with different audiences.
In 2021, Che released his second Netflix special, “Michael Che: Shame the Devil,” which tackled provocative topics with his signature comedic style. That same year, he premiered his own show on HBO Max, “That Damn Michael Che,” a sketch comedy series that explores various aspects of contemporary life through a comedic lens. The first season featured appearances from his “SNL” co-stars and other notable guest stars, showcasing Che’s ability to attract top talent to his projects.
HBO Max renewed “That Damn Michael Che” for a second season in July 2021, signaling the network’s confidence in Che’s creative vision and comedic appeal.
Accolades and Recognition
Michael Che’s talent and contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized with numerous awards and nominations. He has shared five consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series with his fellow “Saturday Night Live” writers, beginning in 2017. These nominations highlight his contributions to the show’s writing quality and comedic success.
In 2021, “That Damn Michael Che” earned him three Black Reel Awards for Television nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Actor, Comedy Series, and Outstanding Writing, Comedy Series. These nominations acknowledge his work as a creator, writer, and performer on his HBO Max show.
Che has received nine Writers Guild of America Award nominations, winning Comedy/Variety Sketch Series for “Saturday Night Live” in 2017 and 2018. He has also earned six other nominations for “SNL” in that category, and in 2022, he earned a Comedy/Variety Sketch Series nomination for “That Damn Michael Che” as well. These accolades underscore his talent as a writer and his contributions to the success of both “Saturday Night Live” and “That Damn Michael Che.”
