What is Bill Maher’s Net Worth? How the Controversial TV Host Makes His Money

Comedian, political commentator, and television host Bill Maher is no stranger to controversy. The New York native rose through the ranks of the comedy world building his brand on sarcasm and harsh language.  In the late ’70s, Maher began making the rounds in the New York comedy scene as an actor and comedian. He appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and David Letterman’s Late Show. His dedication landed him a slew of television appearances and even some smaller roles in B-list movies. However, his big break came in 1993 when he sealed the deal with his own late-night TV show called, Politically Incorrect.

When Politically Incorrect was canceled in 2003, Maher didn’t let that deter him. He headed over to HBO for Real Time with Bill Maher where he tried his hand at more political and serious-minded commentary. However, Maher’s raunchy rhetoric on religion, politics, and the media as a whole have been unable to keep him out of hot water. The more popular he becomes, the more controversy he seems to stir up. Check out the TV host’s net worth and some of his biggest controversies to date.

Bill Maher’s net worth

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Maher is worth an astounding $100 million. Much of that money stems from the salary that he receives as a host, co-producer, and co-writer of Real Time with Bill Maher. The show has been on the air since 2003, and Maher has garnered a salary of $10 million yearly for his efforts.

Maher’s wealth extends beyond television and comedy. The avid baseball fan also has a minority stake in the New York Mets which he purchased in 2012. The stake is rumored to be as high as 4%, and since the Mets are worth about $2 billion, Maher’s share is set to be worth around $80 million. The man might be crass, but he knows how to invest well.

A slew of controversies

Bill Maher seems to enjoy being in the thick of controversies. In 2002, ABC canceled Politically Incorrect because just after the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, Maher remarked on his show that the terrorists had not acted in a cowardly manner as then-President George W, Bush had stated. The public and advertisers were horrified.

Most recently, Maher has been in the news for saying the n-word on his show in June of 2017. He said, “Work in the fields? Senator, I’m a house n—–. No, it’s a joke.”  He apologized for his use of the racial slur and HBO backed him even when there were calls to pull his show off the air.

More recently following the death of Marvel legend Stan Lee, Maher mocked the impact that Lee has on generations of comic book fans. He said, “The guy who created Spider-Man and the Hulk has died, and America is in mourning. Deep, deep mourning for a man who inspired millions to, I don’t know, watch a movie, I guess. They pretended comic books were actually sophisticated literature.”

Though the comment stirred up dispute labeling Maher as “tone deaf” it was nowhere near as bad as the ire that he’s gotten from the public in the past. Still, it doesn’t look like Maher will stop his outlandish comments anytime soon. After all, it certainly pays to be provocative.