Net Worth Ranker
What Is Paula Poundstone’s Net Worth?
Paula Poundstone, a celebrated American stand-up comedian, author, and commentator, has a net worth estimated at $2 million. This financial standing reflects her long and successful career in comedy and entertainment, dating back to the late 1970s. Her income streams are diversified, stemming from stand-up performances, writing, podcasting, and appearances on television and radio.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Paula Poundstone’s career began in 1979, performing at open mic nights in Boston. She then embarked on a journey across the United States via Greyhound bus, honing her skills in comedy clubs along the way. She built a strong reputation for her improvisational sets, particularly at the Holy City Zoo and The Other Café. 1984 marked a turning point when Robin Williams saw her act and encouraged her to move to Los Angeles. Soon after, Williams hosted “Saturday Night Live,” giving Poundstone a platform to perform on national television.
Poundstone’s early success in the 1980s was marked by appearances on various late-night talk shows. Her unique style of observational humor and audience interaction set her apart. In 1989, she won the American Comedy Award for “Best Female Stand-Up Comic”, marking a significant early achievement in her career.
Comedy Specials and Television Appearances
In 1990, Paula Poundstone achieved critical acclaim for her HBO special “Cats, Cops and Stuff.” This special won the CableACE Award, making her the first woman to win the award in the Standup Comedy Special category. Comedian Tig Notaro later named it one of the 5 Funniest Stand-Up Specials Ever in TIME Magazine in March 2019, solidifying its enduring impact.
Poundstone followed up with another successful special, “Paula Poundstone Goes to Harvard.” She also had her own special on Bravo in 2006, which was included in the channel’s three-part “Funny Girls” series, titled “Paula Poundstone: Look What the Cat Dragged In.” These specials likely contributed significantly to her income during those years.
In 1992, Poundstone was the first woman to host the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a high-profile event that undoubtedly increased her visibility and demand. She also worked as a political correspondent for “The Tonight Show” during the 1992 US Presidential campaign, further boosting her career and earning potential. In 1996, she worked on “The Rose O’Donnell Show,” contributing to her recurring revenue streams.
Poundstone also hosted her own show, “The Paula Poundstone Show,” on HBO, which won a CableACE Award. She was a regular panelist on “To Tell the Truth” and had a recurring role on the series “Cybill,” further solidifying her presence in television.
Voice Acting and Radio
Paula Poundstone’s distinctive voice has led to voice acting roles. She voiced Judge Stone on “Science Court,” an educational cartoon series for children that aired on ABC Kids in 1997. She also voiced the character of the mom in the cartoon series “Home Movies” on UPN until its cancellation in 1999. These roles likely provided additional income throughout the late 1990s.
Since 2001, she has been a panelist on NPR’s “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!”. Her long-running role on this popular show has provided a consistent platform for her comedic talents, and also likely contributes to her net worth through appearance fees and residuals. The show’s popularity provides continued exposure for Poundstone.
She also worked with NPR on a science-comedy interview program called “Live from the Poundstone Institute,” which aired throughout 2017. In July 2018, she started hosting an information-based comedy podcast called “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone,” along with Adam Felber. Podcasts are an increasingly viable revenue stream for comedians, typically through advertising revenue and potentially subscription models.
Author and Continued Touring
Paula Poundstone has written two books: “There is Nothing in This Book That I Meant to Say,” published in 2006, and “The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness,” published in 2017. While specific sales figures are not available, book royalties would contribute to her overall income. She has also written for publications such as “Mother Jones,” “The Los Angeles Times,” “Glamour,” and “Entertainment Weekly,” likely earning fees for her articles.
Throughout her career, Paula Poundstone has maintained a regular touring schedule, performing live stand-up across the country. Live performances are a major source of income for comedians. She has also released three comedy CDs in 2009, 2013, and 2016, which would contribute to her overall revenue stream. Specific box office or sales figures aren’t available, but continuous touring and merchandise sales likely bring in a sizable amount of money.
Personal Life and Activities
Paula Poundstone is an atheist and identifies as asexual. She began serving as a foster parent in the 1990s and has fostered eight children, adopting three of them. She is also the National Spokesperson for the American Library Association’s “United for Libraries” since 2007. While these activities don’t directly contribute to her net worth, they highlight her commitment to causes she cares about.
Net Worth and Legacy
Paula Poundstone’s $2 million net worth is a testament to her decades of hard work and consistent presence in the comedy world. She has successfully navigated various platforms, from stand-up stages to television, radio, and podcasting. Her net worth likely comes from a combination of sources: live performance fees, income from television appearances, payment for radio work and podcasting, and revenue from her books and merchandise.
While specific details about Poundstone’s investments, real estate holdings, or other assets are not publicly available, it is common for entertainers to diversify their investments. Given her long career, it’s likely she has some investments or other assets that contribute to her overall net worth. While her net worth may not be as high as some of the biggest names in comedy, Paula Poundstone has built a successful and enduring career through her unique comedic voice and her commitment to her craft. Her contributions to comedy, particularly as a pioneering female comedian, have left a lasting legacy.
