Kevin James, born April 26, 1965, is an American comedian and actor who began his career performing stand-up comedy on Long Island in the 1980s. He gained fame as Doug Heffernan on the CBS sitcom The King of Queens (1998–2007), earning an Emmy nomination in 2006.
James made his film debut in 50 First Dates (2004) and starred in hits like Hitch (2005), Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009), and the Hotel Transylvania franchise (2012–2018). He also received a People’s Choice Award nomination for Kevin Can Wait (2016–2018).
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Table of Contents
Kevin James Net Worth
Kevin James has a net worth of $100 million. During the middle seasons of “The King of Queens,” his salary was $300,000 per episode, increasing to $400,000 per episode in the final seasons. As an executive producer and owner of a percentage of the show’s backend equity, he has earned over $50 million from syndication deals to date.
Early life
Kevin George Knipfing, known as Kevin James, was born on April 26, 1965, in Mineola, New York, to Janet Klein and Joseph Valentine Knipfing Jr. He grew up in Stony Brook with a sister, Leslie, and comedian brother, Gary Valentine. Raised in a Catholic household, James graduated from Ward Melville High School, excelling in wrestling alongside future wrestler Mick Foley.
After suffering a back injury, he transitioned to the State University of New York at Cortland, where he played halfback on the varsity football team until another injury ended his sports career.
Career
Kevin James began his stand-up career in 1989 at Richie Minervini’s East Side Comedy Club, adopting his stage surname in honor of a beloved teacher. He gained fame through appearances on major talk shows and was ranked No. 76 on Comedy Central’s list of the 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comedians.
His sitcom The King of Queens aired from 1998 to 2007, earning him an Emmy nomination. He hosted the 2010 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards and starred in Kevin Can Wait (2016) and The Crew (2021). James is set to portray John Daly in an upcoming series.
Personal life
Kevin James married actress Steffiana de la Cruz on June 19, 2004, after meeting on a blind date. The couple has four children and resides in California. A devoted New York Mets fan, he threw the first pitch at a game in August 2024.
Raised in a Catholic household, James expressed his commitment to his faith in 2012, hosting a Catholic retreat in 2019 with priest Chad Ripperger and theologian Scott Hahn.
Does Kevin James still make money from King of Queens?
Kevin James continues to profit from “The King of Queens” as an executive producer, earning significant revenue from reruns. He has reportedly made around $50 million in backend and residual earnings from the series through his syndication deal.
Conclusion
Kevin James’ journey from a high school athlete to a beloved comedian and actor with a substantial net worth is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. His successful transition from television to the big screen and continued ventures in the entertainment industry reflects his versatile talent and enduring appeal.
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FAQs about Kevin James’ Net Worth
- How did Kevin James become famous?
- James rose to fame through his stand-up comedy and his role in “The King of Queens.”
- What are some of Kevin James’s most successful films?
- Notable films include “Paul Blart: Mall Cop,” “Here Comes the Boom,” and “Hitch.”
- Does Kevin James have any upcoming projects?
- In May 2023, James is set to star in the action-comedy film “Guns Up.”
- What contributes to Kevin James’s net worth?
- His earnings from acting, stand-up comedy, and production roles, especially from “The King of Queens,” significantly contribute to his net worth.
- Has Kevin James won any awards for his work?
- He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor for “The King of Queens” and for a People’s Choice Award for “Kevin Can Wait.”
