Net Worth Ranker
What Is Tim Meadows’s Net Worth?
Tim Meadows, a celebrated American actor and comedian, has amassed a considerable net worth of $4 million. This financial standing reflects his decades-long career, highlighted by his prominent role on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) and subsequent ventures in film and television. His journey, rooted in improvisational comedy, showcases a blend of talent, perseverance, and strategic career choices.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on February 5, 1961, in Highland Park, Michigan, Timothy Meadows’s early life laid the foundation for his comedic pursuits. Raised in Detroit, he pursued higher education at Wayne State University, focusing on television and radio broadcasting. This academic background provided him with a theoretical understanding of the media landscape, which would later prove invaluable in his career.
Meadows’s career officially commenced at the Soup Kitchen Saloon, where he honed his improvisational skills. Moving to Chicago, he became a member of The Second City comedy troupe, a breeding ground for comedic talent. This period saw him collaborate with future stars like Chris Farley, developing a network and refining his comedic timing.
“Saturday Night Live” Tenure
The year 1991 marked a turning point in Meadows’s career as he joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live.” His decade-long stint on the show established him as one of its longest-standing cast members. Until 2005, Meadows held the record for the longest tenure on “SNL,” a testament to his consistent performance and audience appeal. In 1993, his contributions were acknowledged with an Emmy Award nomination, further solidifying his reputation.
During his time on “SNL,” Meadows became known for impersonating celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Erykah Badu, and Tiger Woods. His character, ‘The Ladies’ Man,’ which was based on a fictitious talk show, proved so popular that it inspired a film of the same name in 2000. While precise financial data for his earnings per season on “SNL” is not publicly available, it is widely understood that cast members’ salaries varied based on experience and tenure. Industry sources suggest that seasoned performers could earn between $10,000 to $20,000 per episode, with potential increases for writers and those involved in creating skits. Given Meadows’s lengthy presence on the show, it’s reasonable to assume that he reached the upper echelons of this pay scale.
Aside from “SNL,” Meadows appeared in “Three Days” and “The Even Stevens Movie,” adding to his early filmography. These roles, while not headlining projects, contributed to his growing profile in the entertainment industry.
Post-“SNL” Career
After leaving “SNL,” Meadows diversified his career, venturing into various television and film projects. He secured a central role in “The Michael Richards Show” on NBC, but the sitcom faced early cancellation. He also made a guest appearance on “The Office” before landing a significant role as a high school principal in the hit movie “Mean Girls.” It’s worth mentioning that his role in “Mean Girls” was pivotal for diversifying his filmography beyond comedic skits. While specific salary details for “Mean Girls” are not publicly available, supporting roles in successful films can provide substantial income.
In 2007, Meadows appeared in “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story,” further showcasing his versatility. He continued to collaborate with “SNL” alumni in films such as “Coneheads,” “It’s Pat,” “Benchwarmers,” and “Wayne’s World 2.” These collaborations provided steady work and allowed him to leverage established comedic partnerships.
The late 2000s saw Meadows appear on talk shows like “The Colbert Report” and “The Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” increasing his visibility. Over the next few years, he featured in shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “The Bill Engvall Show,” expanding his acting portfolio. These guest appearances likely contributed incrementally to his income.
In the 2010s, Meadows joined the cast of the NBC sitcom “Marry Me,” which experienced a short run. He found greater success with a recurring role in “The Goldbergs” starting in 2013. In 2016, he secured a central role in “Son of Zorn,” adding another significant credit to his resume. His recurring role in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” during this period also helped solidify his comedic presence.
The financial impact of these roles is notable. For instance, actors in recurring roles on network sitcoms can earn anywhere from a few thousand dollars per episode to upwards of $10,000, depending on their prominence and the show’s success. “The Goldbergs” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” were particularly successful, meaning Meadows likely benefited from higher pay scales associated with these productions.
As of the current time, March 31, 2025, Tim Meadows continues to perform improvisational comedy at venues like ImprovOlympic and Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. This ongoing engagement indicates an active commitment to live performance, generating additional income from ticket sales and workshops. Meadows also remains active in film and television projects, ensuring a continued stream of income.
Meadows starred in “The Ladies Man,” a film based on his popular SNL character Leon Phelps. While “The Ladies Man” didn’t achieve blockbuster success, it highlights Meadows’s ability to leverage his SNL fame into other projects. Although the film’s box office performance was modest, Meadows’s involvement would have provided him with an initial salary and potential back-end profits.
Tim Meadows has also been a frequent presence in TV shows, showcasing his versatility in series like “The Goldbergs,” “Schooled,” and “No Activity.” His film appearances include roles in comedies like “Mean Girls,” “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story,” and “Grown Ups.” Each of these roles contributes to his overall income and net worth.
Personal Life
Tim Meadows married Michelle Taylor in 1997, and they had two children together before divorcing in 2005. While the financial specifics of their divorce settlement are not publicly available, divorce proceedings can sometimes impact an individual’s net worth. As such, this event may have influenced Meadows’s financial status to some extent.
The culmination of his extensive career in comedy, television, and film has solidified Tim Meadow’s net worth at $4 million. This amount reflects not only his earnings but also his strategic career moves and sustained relevance in the entertainment industry.
