RICHARD PRYOR | $40 MILLION (NOTE: DECEASED)
Richard Pryor was an American actor and comedian, considered one of the biggest comedic contributors in Hollywood. If you asked the modern comedy greats like Dave Chappelle, Joe Rogan, or Kevin Hart, who they consider to be the best comedian is, one of the names they’d most probably say is Richard.
His rise to fame was a sight to behold as it came at a time when comedy was heavily standardized and commercialized. He set himself apart from this with his legendary and vulgar jokes. His comedy brand was rarely or never been seen before his time and thus becoming his greatest asset. With several comedy records and specials to his credit, he became a recipient of several Grammys and Emmys. Gaining popularity with his comedy career, he’d also land roles in movies such as The Muppet Show, Stir Crazy, Superman III, and Silver Streak. Sadly he passed in 2005, but his comedy brand is a legacy that would last for centuries to come.