Kevin James Net Worth Breakdown: Earnings from TV, Film, and Stand-Up

Kevin James is not just a household name in comedy but also a significant force in Hollywood. Known for his lovable characters and physical comedy, Kevin James has accumulated a massive fortune over the years. As of 2024, Kevin James’ net worth stands at an impressive $100 million.
From his early days as a stand-up comedian to his role as Doug Heffernan in The King of Queens and his successful film career, James has built a financial empire that few can match. This article explores Kevin James net worth, the key moments in his career, and the projects that contributed to his financial success.
Kevin James Biography/ Wiki
Attribute | Details |
Full Name | Kevin George Knipfing |
Nickname | Kevin James |
Gender | Male |
Birthday | April 26, 1965 |
Age | 59 years (as of 2024) |
Birthplace | Mineola, New York, USA |
Current Residence | Long Island, New York, USA |
Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | White |
Religion | Catholic |
Education | State University of New York at Cortland (Did Not Graduate) |
Profession | Actor, Comedian, Producer |
Father | Joseph Valentine Knipfing Jr. |
Mother | Janet Knipfing |
Siblings | Gary Valentine (Brother) |
Sexuality | Straight |
Marital Status | Married |
Spouse | Steffiana de la Cruz (m. 2004) |
Children | 4 |
Height | 5′ 8″ (1.73 m) |
Weight | 209 lbs (95 kg) |
Body Measurements | N/A |
Hair Color | Brown |
Eye Color | Brown |
Net Worth | $100 Million (as of 2024) |
Source of Income | Acting, Stand-Up Comedy, Producing, Syndication Deals |
Social Media | Instagram: 1.9M, Twitter: 467.5K, Facebook: 2.9M |
Who is Kevin James?
Kevin James, born Kevin George Knipfing on April 26, 1965, in Mineola, New York, is a well-known comedian, actor, and producer. He first rose to fame for his portrayal of Doug Heffernan in the long-running CBS sitcom The King of Queens. The show aired from 1998 to 2007 and was a massive hit, making James a familiar face in households around the world. This role was the foundation for his successful career in both television and film.

Apart from TV, Kevin James has also made a mark in the film industry, often collaborating with close friend and fellow actor Adam Sandler. Their work together on films like Grown Ups, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, and Pixels has further solidified James’ position as one of Hollywood’s top comedic actors. Beyond acting, James has ventured into producing and writing, continuing to diversify his professional portfolio.
Early Life and Path to Comedy
Kevin James grew up in Stony Brook, New York, and developed an early interest in sports, excelling in wrestling and football during his time at Ward Melville High School. However, his dreams of a career in sports were cut short by a back injury during college at State University of New York at Cortland. This pivotal moment redirected his focus toward comedy, and James soon found himself on a different path.
In 1989, James began his stand-up comedy career, performing at East Side Comedy Club in Long Island. His talent quickly caught the attention of major talk show hosts, leading to appearances on popular programs such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Late Show with David Letterman. These early gigs showcased his comedic timing and charisma, paving the way for his television breakthrough.
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Kevin James Net Worth
As of 2024, Kevin James’ net worth is estimated to be around $100 million, making him one of the wealthiest comedians in Hollywood. His substantial fortune comes from multiple sources, including television, film, stand-up comedy, and producing. A significant part of his wealth was earned from his role on The King of Queens, where his salary increased significantly over the years as the show’s popularity grew.

In addition to his television work, Kevin James has earned millions from his successful film career. His earnings are further supplemented by residuals from syndication deals, as The King of Queens continues to air in reruns globally, providing James with a steady stream of income.
TV Salaries and Syndication Fortunes
The bulk of Kevin James’ net worth can be traced to his role on The King of Queens. Early in the series, James earned $300,000 per episode, but as the show gained traction, his salary jumped to $400,000 per episode in the later seasons. This was a significant salary for a sitcom at the time, and it played a major role in building his wealth.
However, the real financial windfall came from syndication deals. Since The King of Queens continues to air worldwide, Kevin James has earned more than $50 million from syndication. These deals have allowed him to maintain a consistent income long after the show ended in 2007, contributing greatly to his net worth.
Journey in Film and Television
After gaining fame on television, Kevin James transitioned to film, making his big-screen debut in the 2005 romantic comedy Hitch, alongside Will Smith. The movie was a massive success, grossing $368 million worldwide and proving that James could hold his own in major Hollywood productions. This role set the stage for future film successes.
James’ role in Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009) further cemented his status as a box office star. The movie was a surprise hit, grossing $219 million worldwide, and led to a sequel in 2015. His ability to star in family-friendly comedies has made him a go-to actor for films that resonate with broad audiences.
Blockbuster Hits and Box Office Triumphs
The success of Paul Blart: Mall Cop was a defining moment in Kevin James’ net worth journey. The film earned $39 million in its opening weekend and went on to gross over $219 million globally. This unexpected box office success led to a sequel, Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, which also performed well and added to James’ growing wealth.
James also found success with Adam Sandler in the Grown Ups franchise. The first Grown Ups movie (2010) earned $271 million worldwide, and its sequel was equally profitable. These films, along with others like I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry and Pixels, have significantly boosted James’ box office earnings and overall financial standing.
Major Film and TV Earnings Over the Years
In addition to his TV salary from The King of Queens, Kevin James has earned millions from his work in films. Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Hitch, Grown Ups, and Pixels are just a few of the box office hits that have contributed to his substantial earnings. Each of these films has grossed millions worldwide, helping James maintain his high net worth.

James has also made strategic moves behind the camera as a producer. He started his own production company, Hey Eddie Productions, and has produced shows like Kevin Can Wait and The Crew. These ventures have provided him with additional income streams, further adding to his financial success.
Personal Life and Charitable Efforts
Beyond his professional life, Kevin James is dedicated to his family. He married actress Steffiana de la Cruz in 2004, and together they have four children. Despite his busy career, James places a strong emphasis on family life and is often seen enjoying time with his wife and kids.
Kevin James is also involved in several charitable endeavors. He has supported causes related to children’s welfare and other important social issues. His commitment to giving back to the community adds another layer to his public persona, showing that his success is not just about financial gain but also about making a difference.
Ongoing Collaboration with Adam Sandler
A significant part of Kevin James’ career has been his close collaboration with Adam Sandler. The two comedians have worked together on numerous films, including I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, Grown Ups, and Pixels. Their comedic chemistry has led to several box office hits and solidified both actors as a comedic duo in Hollywood.
This partnership has been financially rewarding for James. Movies with Sandler often perform well at the box office, adding millions to James’ overall earnings. Their friendship and professional relationship continue to thrive, making them one of the most recognizable duos in comedy.
Conclusion
Kevin James’ net worth of $100 million as of 2024 is a reflection of his incredible career in the entertainment industry. From his early days in stand-up comedy to his breakthrough role in The King of Queens, and later his success in films like Paul Blart: Mall Cop, James has consistently worked to build a lasting legacy. His diverse career has allowed him to accumulate wealth from acting, producing, and stand-up, all while maintaining a strong presence in Hollywood.
As he continues to explore new projects and opportunities, there’s no doubt that Kevin James’ net worth will keep growing. His dedication to his craft, his ability to connect with audiences, and his smart financial choices have made him one of the most successful comedians and actors of his generation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How did Kevin James build his net worth?
Kevin James built his net worth through television, film, stand-up comedy, and producing. His role in The King of Queens and films like Paul Blart: Mall Cop played a significant role.
What is Kevin James’ highest-grossing film?
Paul Blart: Mall Cop is one of Kevin James’ highest-grossing films, earning $219 million worldwide.
Is Kevin James still working in Hollywood?
Yes, Kevin James continues to act, produce, and perform stand-up comedy. He has also worked on several Netflix projects in recent years.
How much does Kevin James make from syndication deals?
Kevin James has earned over $50 million from syndication deals for The King of Queens, contributing significantly to his net worth.
What projects has Kevin James produced?
Kevin James has produced several projects, including Kevin Can Wait, The Crew, and various stand-up specials through his company Hey Eddie Productions.