Wanda Sykes is one of the most successful comedians of our time. With a career spanning over three decades, Sykes has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry as a writer, actress, comedian, and producer. She is known for her unique style of humor, which blends social commentary, political satire, and personal anecdotes. In addition to her creative talents, Wanda Sykes is also a savvy businesswoman with an estimated net worth of $10 million. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Sykes’ career and the sources of her wealth.
Wanda Sykes Net Worth and Philanthropy
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Wanda Sykes has an estimated net worth of $10 million. This worth puts her among the top comedians in terms of wealth. Sykes’ success in the entertainment industry has allowed her to live a comfortable life and provide for her family.
Sykes is also an accomplished stand-up comedian who has been performing since 1997. She has released several comedy specials, including Wanda Sykes: I’m a Be Me and Wanda Sykes: Sick & Tired. Her specials have been highly successful and have allowed her to increase her net worth further.
In addition to her acting and comedy career, Sykes has also earned money as a producer. She has produced many television series, including Wanda Does It and Wanda at Large, which aired on Fox in 2004 and 2005. Sykes has also made the films Evan Almighty, My Super Ex-Girlfriend, and Ice Age: Continental Drift.
Sykes has also made money from endorsement deals, appearances at comedy clubs, and book deals. She has appeared in commercials for American Express, Burger King, and Snickers, and her books include her memoir Yeah, I Said It.
In addition to her wealth, Sykes is also famous for her philanthropic efforts. She has been involved with several charitable organizations, including the National Day of Racial Healing and the Trevor Project, which focuses on suicide prevention among LGBTQ youth. Sykes has also been vocal about her support for various political causes, including women’s rights and environmental protection.
Early Life and Career
Wanda Sykes was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1964. She grew up in a middle-class family and attended Hampton University, where she majored in marketing. After graduation, she worked at the National Security Agency before pursuing a career in entertainment. Sykes started her career in stand-up comedy and quickly gained a reputation as a talented performer. She appeared on various TV shows, including “The Arsenio Hall Show” and “Politically Incorrect.”
In the mid-1990s, Sykes began writing for TV shows, including “The Chris Rock Show” and “The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show.” She was also a writer and producer for the sitcom “The Wanda Sykes Show,” aired on Fox in 2009. Her work as a writer and producer helped her establish herself as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.
Education
Sykes attended Arundel High School in Maryland, where she graduated in 1985. She then attended Hampton University in Virginia, earning a degree in marketing in 1989. During her time at Hampton, Sykes was a member of the Gamma Sigma Sigma sorority.
After college, Sykes began her career as a procurement contracts officer for the National Security Agency. She worked at the NSA for five years before deciding to pursue a career in comedy. Sykes began performing stand-up comedy in 1997 and quickly found success. In 1999, she won the HBO Comedy Arts Festival Award for Best Female Stand-Up Comic.
Sykes has also had a successful career as an actress and writer. She has appeared in several television shows and movies, including The New Adventures of Old Christine, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and The Chris Rock Show. She was also a writer for The Chris Rock Show and The Ellen Show. Sykes has received several Emmy nominations for her writing work and won an Emmy in 1999 for her writing on The Chris Rock Show.
Sykes is an advocate for the LGBT community and has used her celebrity platform to speak out on equality and civil rights issues. She was the first openly lesbian comedian to perform at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in 2009 and is a vocal critic of the Trump administration.
Breakout Success and Career Highlights
Sykes’ big break came in 1998 when she worked as a writer and performer for “The Chris Rock Show.” Her work on the show earned her two Emmy Awards, and she quickly became a fan favorite. In 2003, Sykes starred in her TV special, “Wanda Sykes: Tongue Untied,” which aired on HBO. The special was a critical and commercial success and helped establish Sykes as a top-tier comedian.
Throughout the early 2000s, Sykes appeared in several popular TV shows, including “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” and “The Ellen Show.” She also had recurring roles in hit sitcoms like “Black-ish” and “The Carmichael Show.” In addition to her acting work, Sykes has also lent her voice to several animated films, including “Over the Hedge” and “Ice Age: Continental Drift.”
Sykes’ success in the entertainment industry has been broadened beyond TV and film. In 2009, she hosted the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, where she roasted politicians and media figures in front of a live audience. People widely praised the event and helped elevate Sykes’ profile as a comedic powerhouse. She has also released several comedy specials, including “I’m a Be Me” and “What Happened…Ms. Sykes?”
Sources of Income
Sykes’ wealth comes from her success in multiple areas of the entertainment industry. She has earned substantial income from TV shows and movies as a writer.
Sykes has also earned money through endorsements and speaking engagements. She has appeared in commercials for brands like Old Navy and Comcast and has been a guest speaker at corporate events and colleges.
One of Sykes’ most high-profile projects in recent years was her role as executive producer, and host of “Wanda Sykes Presents Herlarious,” a comedy special that featured female comedians. The special aired on OWN in 2013 and was a critical and commercial success. Sykes has also produced several other TV shows, including “Unprotected Sets” and “Talk Show the Game Show,” both aired on truTV.
Sykes’ comedy tours are also a significant source of income. She has performed stand-up comedy in venues across the United States, Canada, and Europe. In 2019, she embarked on a tour called “Wanda Sykes: Oh Well,” which included over 40 shows in cities across North America. Sykes’ comedy tours have been popular with fans and have helped establish her as one of the most successful comedians in the world.
Controversies and Criticisms
Like any public figure, Wanda Sykes has faced criticism and controversy throughout her career. One notable incident occurred in 2009 when she was booed offstage during a charity event for autism. Sykes had made jokes about Sarah Palin, who was attending the event, and some audience members were offended. She later apologized for her comments and defended her right to free speech.
Sykes has also faced criticism for some of her political statements. In 2016, she called then-presidential candidate Donald Trump a “racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, [and] narcissistic” person during a stand-up routine. Some Trump supporters criticized Sykes for her comments, but many fans and fellow comedians applauded her for speaking her mind.
FAQs on Wanda Sykes Net Worth
How much does Wanda Sykes make?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Sykes makes an estimated $1 million a year from her various endeavors, with a monthly income of around $100,000. Her income came from her production company which produces a variety of projects, including an upcoming Netflix show.
Was Wanda Sykes married to Dave Chappelle?
Wanda Sykes and Dave Hall were previously married. They were married in 2001 and divorced in 2009. They have no children together.
Conclusion
Wanda Sykes’ net worth is a testament to her success in the entertainment industry. Her success is a reminder that pursuing your passions and building a career in the arts can lead to financial success. Despite facing criticism and controversy over the years, Sykes has remained true to her values and has used her platform to speak out on important issues. Whether you’re a fan of her comedy or not, there’s no denying that Wanda Sykes is one of our time’s most successful and influential comedians.
