Ron White, the American stand-up comedian, has frequently been featured in Forbes for his impressive earnings from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour. This article explores Ron White’s net worth, the sources of his wealth, and his career, personal life, and some lesser-known facts about him.
Who is Ron White?
Ron White, born on December 18, 1956, in Fritch, Texas, is a renowned American stand-up comedian, actor, and author. He is best known as a founding member of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour. Over a career spanning more than three decades, White has received several accolades, including Grammy nominations. His substantial wealth often attracts media attention, making his net worth a topic of interest.
Early Life and Education
Ron White grew up in a well-off family. His parents, Barbara Jon Craig and Charles Don White, were a working professional and refinery worker, respectively. He has a sibling, Shea White, who is a co-host, author, comedy show producer, and lapidarist. Influenced by comical characters since childhood, Ron White cited Pat Paulsen as an early inspiration.
White graduated from North Richland Hills High School, where he ranked 36th out of 550 students. He then attended the University of North Texas but was suspended due to poor grades.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Ron White’s estimated net worth is $40 million, primarily from his comedy tours.
Name Ron White
Career Standup Comedian
Net Worth (As of 2024) $40 Million, Approximately
Last Updated 2024
Factors Contributing to Ron White’s Net Worth
Real Estate Investments
White has made significant investments in real estate, owning three luxurious mansions. In 2009, he bought a 13,082-square-foot mansion in Suwanee, Georgia, which he later listed for $3.5 million. In 2010, he purchased a 4,800-square-foot mansion in Beverly Hills, California, for $1.505 million. In 2014, he listed a 2,290-square-foot mansion in Montecito, California, for $4.475 million.
International Tours
The Blue Collar Comedy Tour, a major contributor to White’s net worth, brought in substantial income. In a 2020 court filing, White claimed a monthly income of $200,000 from his tours, stating, “I have spent 200+ days per year traveling the country every year to do stand-up shows, and I made more than $200,000 per month doing it.” However, his income dropped significantly during the pandemic, from $2.4 million annually to $300,000. A 2013 Forbes article ranked him among the top-earning comedians, with an annual income of $8 million.
Albums and Specials
White’s album “Drunk in Public,” certified gold by the RIAA, earned over $500,000.
Career Highlights
Ron White began his comedy career in 1986 and quickly gained prominence, opening for comedians like Sam Kinison and Jeff Foxworthy. In 2000, he co-founded the Blue Collar Comedy Tour with Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, and Larry the Cable Guy. The tour visited 270 cities over three years and grossed $35 million.
In 2003, White released his breakthrough comedy CD “Drunk in Public,” followed by the one-hour TV special “They Call Me Tater Salad.” His 2005 special, “You Can’t Fix Stupid,” aired on Comedy Central, attracting over 4.5 million viewers and becoming the number-one show on Primetime Basic Cable. The CD reached number one on the Billboard Comedy Charts and earned White his first Grammy nomination.
In 2006, White received a second Grammy nomination for the concert movie “Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie.” His other works include “Behavioral Problems” (2009), “A Little Unprofessional” (2013), and “If You Quit Listening, I’ll Shut Up” (2018). In 2013, he co-produced the documentary “Bridegroom,” which won the Best Documentary award at the Audience Award and premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Personal Life
Ron White married Lori Brice in 1981, with whom he had a child. The couple divorced in 1993. He married Barbara Dobbs in 2004, but they divorced in 2008. In 2013, he married singer Margo Rey; they separated in 2017.
Awards and Recognition
- April 27, 2009, was declared “Ron White Day” by Texas Legislative Officials.
- In 2009, White received the Armed Forces Foundation’s “Patriot Award” for his contributions to wounded soldiers.
- He received Grammy nominations for Best Comedy Album in 2017 and 2014.
Lesser-Known Facts
In 2020, White petitioned the court to end his monthly spousal support of $25,000 to his ex-wife Margo Ray due to financial strain from the pandemic. Known for drinking whiskey and smoking during his acts, White quit drinking in 2021 with the help of a hypnotherapist and Ayahuasca.
Besides his entertainment career, White is a philanthropist. He has supported the US military for over 20 years and started “Ron White’s Comedy Salute to the Troops” in 2008, with proceeds benefiting the Armed Forces Foundation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, White’s income dropped to zero. A court statement revealed he had $433,000 in expenses and typically netted just over $300,000 annually.
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