When you think of Hollywood comedians who can make you laugh and pull in massive box office numbers, Kevin James immediately comes to mind. From his breakout role on The King of Queens to family-friendly hits like Paul Blart: Mall Cop and voice work in Hotel Transylvania, James has become a household name.
But behind the jokes and slapstick humor, fans often wonder: how much has this talented actor and comedian actually earned? Exploring Kevin James net worth reveals a fascinating story of career choices, smart investments, and television syndication deals that have built him a fortune. Let’s uncover how he turned laughs into lasting wealth.
Kevin James Wiki
| Fact/Category | Details |
| Full Name | Kevin George Knipfing |
| Birthplace | Delray Beach, Florida |
| Sibling | Gary Valentine (brother) |
| Net Worth | $100 million |
| Salary per Episode | $300,000–$400,000 |
| Major Sitcom | The King of Queens |
| Emmy Nominations | Yes, for The King of Queens |
| Notable Movies | Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Grown Ups, Hitch |
| Voice Work | Hotel Transylvania |
| TV Show Roles | Kevin Can Wait, Everybody Loves Raymond (guest appearance) |
| Collaborators | Ray Romano, Will Smith |
| Wife | Steffiana de la Cruz |
| Children | 4 |
| Real Estate | Delray Beach, Florida; Los Angeles, California; vacation property |
| Stand-up Comedy | Early career in small clubs |
| Executive Producer Roles | Kevin Can Wait |
| Box Office Success | Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Grown Ups, Hitch |
| Comedy Specials | Multiple stand-up specials |
| Career Start | Stand-up comedy and minor TV roles |
| Education | Degree in Education |
| Career Highlights | Sitcom success, blockbuster films, voice acting, producing, writing |
What Is Kevin James’ Net Worth and Salary?
Kevin James’ net worth is estimated at around $100 million, making him one of the wealthiest comedians in the United States. Most of his fortune comes from his successful sitcom, film career, and syndication deals. For instance, The King of Queens, which aired on CBS, continues to earn him residual income through syndication.
His salary per episode of the show reportedly ranged between $300,000 and $400,000 at the height of its run. Add to this the box office success of movies like Hitch alongside Will Smith and family-friendly hits like Hotel Transylvania, and you get a clear picture of how his fortune grew.
James also benefits from his work as a writer and producer, which adds additional revenue streams. His roles as executive producer on projects such as Kevin Can Wait have not only increased his creative control but also his earnings. Over the years, smart business decisions and consistent work in comedy and film have made his net worth impressive, setting him apart from many of his peers in Hollywood.
Salary
- Kevin James’ salary per episode for The King of Queens was among the highest for sitcom stars at the time.
- He reportedly earned $400,000 per episode during the later seasons of the show, which ran for nine years on CBS.
- Syndication deals brought him steady residual income, making The King of Queens one of the most profitable elements of his career.
- In film, James earned lucrative contracts for movies such as Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Grown Ups, and Hitch.
- His salary for Paul Blart: Mall Cop reportedly exceeded $10 million, with additional bonuses tied to box office success.
- Voice work in animated films like Hotel Transylvania added to his wealth, leveraging his comedic talent across multiple entertainment sectors.
- Across television and film, James’ income has been remarkably consistent, showing that versatility in the entertainment industry pays off.
Early Life
Kevin James was born in Delray Beach, Florida, where he grew up in a close-knit family. His father worked in business, while his mother was a homemaker, providing Kevin with a supportive environment. He is the younger brother of fellow comedian Gary Valentine, who has also appeared in sitcoms and comedy projects.
From a young age, James showed a knack for humor, entertaining friends and family with sketches and jokes. He attended local schools and eventually graduated with a degree in education, though comedy remained his true passion. These early experiences helped shape his comedic timing, work ethic, and the relatable, everyman persona that fans admire today.
Career Beginnings
Before becoming a household name, Kevin James started his career in stand-up comedy, performing in small clubs and local venues. His humor, often centered around everyday situations and family life, quickly gained traction. Early television appearances, including spots on Comedy Central and guest roles on shows like Everybody Loves Raymond, introduced him to a wider audience.
He faced challenges like many aspiring comedians, performing for small crowds and dealing with rejection. However, his persistence paid off. By the late 1990s, James had secured minor roles in film and television, laying the groundwork for his breakout role in The King of Queens.
Acting Career
Kevin James is best known for his lead role as Doug Heffernan in The King of Queens, a sitcom that ran for nearly a decade and earned him an Emmy nomination. His charm, comedic timing, and everyman appeal made him a fan favorite. On the big screen, James starred in Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Grown Ups, Hitch, and provided voice work for Hotel Transylvania.
He has collaborated with major stars like Ray Romano and Will Smith, further solidifying his reputation in Hollywood. His career has been marked by versatility, moving from slapstick comedy to voice acting and family-friendly roles. These roles have not only contributed to his fame but also significantly boosted his net worth.
Other Work
In addition to acting, Kevin James has worked as a writer and producer, often taking executive roles in his projects. Kevin Can Wait, a sitcom on CBS, showcased his talent both in front of and behind the camera.
He has also performed in comedy specials and live tours, which remain lucrative ventures for entertainers like him. James’ engagement in various areas of entertainment demonstrates how diversification can strengthen a celebrity’s financial position.
Personal Life
Kevin James has been married to Steffiana de la Cruz since 2004, and the couple has four children. James often credits his family as a source of inspiration and motivation. Despite his fame, he maintains a relatively private life, enjoying hobbies like sports and spending time in his home. His personal life reflects stability and balance, which contributes indirectly to his professional success and long-term financial planning.
Real Estate
James has invested heavily in real estate, owning multiple properties across the U.S. He has homes in Los Angeles and Florida, including luxurious estates in Delray Beach, Florida. These properties not only serve as residences but also as investments that appreciate over time, adding significantly to his net worth. His taste in real estate reflects both his personal comfort and smart financial strategy.
| Property Location | Estimated Value | Notes |
| Delray Beach, Florida | $5 million | Family home and primary residence |
| Los Angeles, California | $7.5 million | Luxury estate near Hollywood |
| Vacation property | $3 million | Rental and investment property |
Conclusion
From stand-up comedy in small clubs to starring in hit sitcoms and blockbuster films, Kevin James has built a remarkable career and a net worth of around $100 million. His consistent work in television, film career, and executive producer roles, combined with smart real estate investments and syndication deals, have made him one of Hollywood’s most successful comedians. Beyond the money, his talent, perseverance, and ability to connect with audiences have ensured that Kevin James remains a beloved figure in entertainment. His story proves that dedication, versatility, and smart financial choices can turn comedic talent into lasting success.
FAQs
What is Kevin James’ net worth?
Kevin James’ net worth is estimated at around $100 million, earned through his sitcoms, films, voice work, stand-up comedy, producing, and lucrative syndication deals.
How much does Kevin James make per episode?
Kevin James earned between $300,000 and $400,000 per episode of The King of Queens, with additional income from syndication and residuals boosting his overall earnings.
What movies has Kevin James starred in?
Kevin James starred in films like Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Grown Ups, Hitch, and voiced characters in Hotel Transylvania, earning significant box office success.
Who is Kevin James married to?
Kevin James is married to Steffiana de la Cruz, and the couple has four children, maintaining a private and family-focused personal life.
Where was Kevin James born?
Kevin James was born in Delray Beach, Florida, and grew up in a supportive family environment with his brother Gary Valentine, who is also a comedian.
Did Kevin James ever receive an Emmy nomination?
Yes, Kevin James received an Emmy nomination for his lead role in the sitcom The King of Queens, recognizing his outstanding comedic performance.
Does Kevin James work as a producer or writer?
Yes, Kevin James has worked as a writer and executive producer on projects like Kevin Can Wait, contributing to both creative control and financial growth.
What real estate does Kevin James own?
Kevin James owns properties in Delray Beach, Florida, and Los Angeles, California, including luxury estates and vacation homes, which significantly add to his net worth.
How did Kevin James start his career?
Kevin James began in stand-up comedy, performing in small clubs before landing minor television roles, eventually breaking out with The King of Queens sitcom.
Who are some famous collaborators of Kevin James?
Kevin James has collaborated with stars like Ray Romano and Will Smith, appearing alongside them in shows and films, enhancing his career and industry reputation.
Dome Ellis, the founder of TrueHeartBlessings, a space created to bring faith into everyday moments where hope is needed most. Through heartfelt reflections and soul-lifting blessings, my mission is to share divine encouragement, inspire inner peace, and remind readers that even the smallest moments can carry powerful miracles. Every word I write is rooted in love, faith, and the belief that light always finds its way to those who seek it.