Jerry Seinfeld tops, for the third consecutive year, the list of highest earning comedians compiled by Forbes magazine.
The 59-year-old actor earned revenues of $32 million in 2012, a $53-million drop compared to his 2009 earnings. The American star made his money from the sale of rights to broadcast his famous sitcom “Seinfeld” that generated over $3 billon in royalties and over 70 stand-up comedy performances last year.
Actor and ventriloquist Terry Fator, winner of the second season of the show-competition “America’s Got Talent” is in second place in this top, with revenues of $24 million. Terry Fator performed over 200 shows last year, thanks to a five-year contract worth $100 million with the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas.
Third place in the top ten of the highest-earning comedians, dominated by men, is claimed by the Canadian Russell Peters. Considered one of the most successful comedians in the world, Russell Peters made $21 million in 2012, with performances held in huge halls, such as Madison Square Garden in New York and the O2 Arena in London attended by over 16,000 people.
Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, who took first place in 2010, this time is in the fourth place with revenues of $19 million.
Louis CK, rewarded with an Emmy, debuted in fifth place in the top, with revenues of $16 million. He accomplished this feat after deciding to sell tickets to his comedy gigs through his site, avoiding the traditional ticket resellers. He made $4.5 million in just 45 hours.
This year’s top 10 of richest comedians is completed by Kevin Hart ($14 million), Larry the Cable Guy ($13 million), George Lopez in eight place ($12 million), Daniel Tosh and Gabriel Iglesias tied for 9th place (both made $11 million in 2012) and Ron White ($10 million).
To be included in this top made by Forbes, the main source of income for the actors had to come from ticket sales.
Forbes editors have made this top after having talked to agents, financial advisors and other sources in the actors’ entourage. The ranking was based on the income earned during the period 1 June 2012 – June 1, 2013.
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