Bill Maher's Net Worth in Real Time
Bill Maher’s net worth is $140 million, making him one of the high net worth individuals in the United States. His wealth comes from a successful career as an actor, comedian, and TV host. The well-known celebrity has worked on numerous major television networks like ABC and HBO. Most importantly, he made money from his hard work and investments. He didn’t take from others, something he’s criticized wealthy Americans about.
"Somehow, it is not enough to spend lavishly on themselves [the majority of rich people]. They have to actively take from others."
Bill didn't start with a lot of money. He built his wealth gradually as his career advanced.
Bill Maher's Net Worth: Career
Bill Maher started off in his career making far less than his current salary of $10 million.
In the late 70s, Bill started out as a stand-up comedian. By 1979, he was a host for a New York City stand-up comedy show. Soon, he appeared regularly for televised comedians like David Letterman and Johnny Carson.
Feature Films and Television Shows
As Bill’s career advanced, he debut in a feature film in 1983. The movie was called “D.C. Cab.” Even then, his career did not take off yet. But he kept on appearing in various movies and shows, like:
‘Sara’
‘Hard Knocks’
‘House II’
He only acted small characters in those movies and shows.
Major Roles
“You know, the only place in America where the millionaires and billionaires are predominantly liberal is here in Hollywood.”
In 1993, he managed to go beyond the small roles. That’s when he started hosting “Politically Incorrect”. It was his own political talk show on Comedy Central. The show later moved to ABC. Unfortunately, Politically Incorrect ended in 2002. It was canceled. This came after Bill made controversial remarks concerning September 11th. Bill continued acting and moving forward towards his iconic career. He played himself in “EDtv,” a 1998 film. He also acted for “Be More cynical,” a 2000 film, and a documentary called “The Party’s Over.”
Following his controversial remarks in his canceled show, Maher appeared on several television and radio shows. As he discussed his remarks on those shows, HBO eventually hired him in 2003. That was the start of his show, “Real Time with Bill Maher”. He still went on to appear in more film documentaries and movies like:
“Religious”
“A Million Ways to Die in the West”
"Ted 2"
That’s not all. He also had a comedy special in 2010 called “Bill Maher: But I’m Not Wrong.” He appeared as himself in major films like ‘Iron Man 3.” Besides, he appeared in such popular television series as ‘House of Cards.’ Apart from acting, Maher also periodically contributes to the Huffington Post. In his writing, he airs his opinions on social issues and politics.
And it doesn’t stop there. A significant proportion of his wealth comes from book sales. Being a successful author, he published numerous books. Top book retailers like Amazon stock his books, available in audiobook and hardcover formats. Maher actively tours the country as a stand-up comedian.
Awards
During his successful career, Maher won multiple awards. Here are some of the notable awards:
Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Series from Primetime Emmy Awards – nominated in 1995, 1997, 1998-2002, and 2005-2011
Comedy/Variety (Including Talk) by Writers Guild of America – awards in 2001, 2002, 2004-2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2018
Outstanding Variety Talk Series by Primetime Emmy Awards – nominated in 2016 and 2017
Outstanding Informational Series or Special by Primetime Emmy Awards – nominated in 2014-2017
Bill Maher's Net Worth: How He Spends His Money
Maher doesn’t spend lavishly like some of the richest celebrities. Instead, he made smart investments that has increased his net worth and he donates to charities. For being such a controversial comedic figure, he certainly does the right things. Calling out Trump being one of those bar none.
Everything You Need To Know About Money In One Place.
Bill Maher's Net Worth: Donations
Bill Maher’s passion for charity is evident by the fact that he serves on the PETA board. His charity efforts prove his support for gay marriage. In 2008, he was against California’s Proposition 8. Maher is an outspoken environmentalist. In his show Real Time, he frequently alludes to global warming. Bill donated an item for auction, with the proceeds going to Save the Chimps. He has supported as many as 14 different charities and foundations, including:
Best Friends Animal Society
Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes
Comic Relief
Farm Sanctuary
Dogs Deserve Better
Global Green
NYCLASS
Hillsides
Operation USA
Robert F Kennedy Memorial
PETA
Save the Chimps
The Humane Society
Fair Park Music Hall
One notable donation relates to an event at the Fair Park Music Hall. He initially failed to show for the event where more than 3,400 people attended on January 22nd. He failed to show due to mechanical difficulties on the plane he booked to Dallas. The sold-out crowd was disappointed. Many had driven many miles to get to the event.
Maher promised to make it up to them, and he did. He promised to return to Fair Park Music Hall for his stand-up routine. The proceeds of the show were destined for four local charities. Maher even offered a treat to patrons who hoped to see him but had to leave: a Texas barbecue dinner.
The recipient local charities of Bill’s earnings from the event included:
Duck Team 6: A charity that works to combat the enormous stray-dog epidemic in Dallas. It’s an all-volunteer group which humanely captures stray dogs. They provide vet care, vaccinations, and other services to the dogs. And they find foster homes and permanent homes for those captured dogs by working with rescue organizations.
Dallas Pets Alive: This charity rescues animals from being euthanized in high-kill shelters. They also help get the dogs fostered and adopted.
R.I.S.E.: This charity was constructing a smart home for a Dallas area double-amputee veteran called Jake Murphy. The charity operates under the Gary Sinise Foundation, benefiting soldiers with physically disabling injuries. They do that by providing specially adapted new construction homes.
CitySquare: A charity dedicated to fighting causes and effects of poverty in Dallas. This is achieved through services and advocacy. Working with the local community, they develop sustainable partnerships to provide health services, feed, and house the homeless.
Bill Maher's Net Worth: Political Support
Maher’s donations don’t end with social issues. He also gives financial support to political causes. He famously donated $1 million to Barack Obama. Barack Obama was up against Mitt Romney.
Bill Maher and Obama interview
Image source: www.usatoday.com
Bill Maher's Net Worth: Real Estate Property
Maher doesn’t splurge on real estate properties. However, his residence is quite opulent. He lives in Beverly Hills, California. Ben Affleck and Drew Barrymore previously owned the house he lives in. Even 'L.A. Law' and 'The Partridge Family' actress Susan Dey lived there at some time in the past.
Bill Maher's Net Worth: Investments
“The great thing about having been poor is how liberated it makes you if you eventually become rich.”
Bill’s net worth comes from his career, complemented by investments. He made one significant investment that enhanced his wealth. He bought a minority stake in the New York Mets in 2012. His stake may be as high as 4% or he could have a part in the 4% stake. Such a 4% stake was worth $20 million in 2012. Since the Mets increased in value to approximately $2.6 billion, that 4% stake is worth more than $80 million.
Lifestyle and Relationships
Lifestyle choices typically have a big impact on your debt-to-income ratio. If you overspend, you can end up using more than you earn. Although Maher’s lifestyle isn’t as “boring” as many other Americans, he certainly doesn’t overspend. As reflected on his Instagram story, Bill parties a lot with friends. He's often on the Hollywood party scene with close friends. Even when touring, he spends a lot of time with his comic friends.
Concerning his personal life, he has had multiple relationships. However, he didn’t marry any of his girlfriends. He has had relationships with such notable personalities as Anjulie Persaud, Cara Santa Maria, Jasmine Boussem. He also dated Charmaine Blake, Karrine Steffans, Thora Birch, Rochelle Loewen. Besides them, he was in a relationship with Kaya Jones, Rochelle Brewster, Bai Ling, Audra Wise, and Aiko Tanaka.
Bill doesn’t spend too much on luxury items either. He doesn’t have a fleet of cars like other celebrities. But he does have a pricey black Ferrari, valued at around $231K. He doesn’t collect pricey art pieces.
Conclusion
Bill Maher has maintained a high net worth through hard work, consistent saving, and careful spending. Best of all, he gives to charity efforts to help many others who don't have as much as he does. If you dream of getting a high net worth by age 60, you need to observe similar attributes as Bill Maher. Money management skill is very important. To invest in right things, beside knowledge about money, you need an initial capital. Start saving with a savings account, and wait for the right opportunity to invest.