Michael Richards Net Worth

Anyone who was part of the primetime television audience in the ‘90s will remember the show Seinfeld, the brainchild of comedian Jerry Seinfeld and starring Michael Richards as his slightly cooky and often annoying neighbor, Cosmo Kramer. Richards’ stand-up comedy work thoroughly prepared him for the role. He went on to other projects after Seinfeld, but it is his role in the show with which Michael Richards is still associated. With the show’s success, reruns, and a showbiz career spanning around 50 years, Richards must have accumulated quite a solid nest egg. How much, then, is Michael Richards worth?

What is Michael Richards’ net worth?

The latest figures put Michael Richards’ net worth at around $50 million. He has earned this over a 50+ year career as an actor and comedian.

Richards is retired from acting and stand-up comedy, so his annual income is derived from interest on assets and royalties. He makes occasional public appearances and has made a few sporadic appearances on the screen.

Who is Michael Richards?

Michael Richards is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for his role as Cosmo Kramer in the hit sitcom Seinfeld. He starred alongside comedian Jerry Seinfeld, Julie Louis-Dreyfuss, Larry David, and Jason Alexander. Richards played the role of Kramer in all 9 seasons of the program, from 1989 – 1998.  He received the Primetime Emmy award for an actor in a supporting role in a comedy three times during the run. The cast of Seinfeld was also recognized for its ensemble work.

Richards was born in Culver City, California. His mother was Phyllis Nardozzi, and his father was William Richards. Michael was educated and graduated in 1975 with a BA in Drama from Evergreen State College. He was interested in physical comedy, which he used in his career as a stand-up comedian. 

Much of Richards’ career before 1989 and after 1997 can be described concerning his successful run on Seinfeld. Before appearing on the show, he was recognized as a successful stand-up comedian. Richards first stepped onto the center stage when he participated in Billy Crystal’s first television special in 1979.  After that, he worked on and off with Billy, appearing in some of his other shows.

Before landing his role as Cosmo Kramer on Seinfeld, Richards appeared as a guest on television shows. Amongst others, he was featured on Cheers, Night Court, and Mad About You. He also appeared in a few television films, including David Copperfield.

While he was busy on Seinfeld, Richards worked on building a film career.  Films include UHF, Problem Child, and Coneheads. In 1997, he starred in the film Trial and Error. His film appearances have been quite sporadic since then. He has featured in Bee Movie, Walk the Light and Faith, Hope and Love. He also appeared on Saturday Night Live.

A few years after Seinfeld ended, Richards launched his own sitcom, The Michael Richards Show, on which he played a character called Vic Nardozza. The series was canceled after two months. He returned to primetime television in the sitcom Kirstie, which ran from 2013 – 2014.

Michael Richards has been married twice, to Cathleen Lyons and Beth Skip. He has two children, a daughter and a son (one from each marriage).

Facts about Michael Richards

Michael Richards’ interest in acting was sparked when he attended a class on drama in Grade 8.

In 1970, Michael Richards began his stint in the US Army after he was drafted into the service. He served for two years.

Richards is said to have landed the role of Cosmo Kramer by standing on his head and saying the lines in the audition.

Michael Richards’ first film, Trial and Error, was not a box-office success.

The character, Cosmo Kramer, has been described by the creator of Seinfeld as the show’s nucleus. He was based on how real people may behave or think, but in an exaggerated, over-the-top manner.

Michael Richards was very involved in the costume choice for his character, Cosmo Kramer. All the character’s clothing was from the ‘70s, so his pants are always too short for him.

In the pilot of Seinfeld, Kramer has a dog, which never features again in the series.

Kramer’s entrance onto the set of Seinfeld made the character stand out to audiences. This was along with his quirkiness and odd appeal. The two created a trademark entry when he would just arrive without an invitation and spout some irrelevant and strange comment.

When one of the other actors in the cast of Seinfeld, especially Jason Alexander, started laughing during filming, Richards would break character.

What is Michael Richards up to now?

Michael Richards has retired from acting and stand-up comedy. He briefly went back to live stand-up in 2021, but that was short-lived. He indulges in his hobbies of reading and writing and does some traveling. He is also a hands-on father to his son, Antonio.

Over the last few years, Richards has made some public appearances and has done some voice work. He has also appeared in the occasional television special.

What’s to come for Michael Richards?

It seems as though retirement agrees with Michael Richard. Unless he decides to make an unexpected return to the limelight, he will likely continue enjoying spending time with his family and pursuing hobbies.

Michael Richards FAQ

What is Michael Richards’ net worth?

Michael Richards’ net worth is $50 million.

How much money does Michael Richards earn?

Michael Richards earns around $5 million per year.

How tall is Michael Richards?

Michael Richards is 6’4’’ (191 cm).

How old is Michael Richards?

Michael Richards is 73 years old.

When is Michael Richards’ birthday?

Michael Richards’ birthday is on July 24, 1949.

Michael Richards FAQs