Katt Williams Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What Is Katt Williams’ Net Worth and Salary?

Katt Williams, an American comedian, rapper, and actor, boasts a net worth of $5 million. He rose to fame through his stand-up comedy, characterized by an energetic style and insightful commentary on various subjects. His acclaimed comedy specials include “Katt Williams: Live” and “It’s Pimpin’ Pimpin’.” He’s recognized for his participation in the improv show “Wild ‘n Out” and his role in films such as “Norbit” (2007), but perhaps his most memorable performance was as Money Mike in the comedy “Friday After Next” (2002).

2024 Shannon Sharpe Interview

In January 2024, Katt made a guest appearance on an episode of Shannon Sharpe’s YouTube show/podcast, “Club Shay Shay.” During the episode, Shannon posed several questions regarding Katt’s financial situation. For instance, Shannon referenced Terry Crews’ statement about Katt being reportedly homeless during the shooting of “Friday After Next.” Katt clarified that he had to undergo a dental surgery that would cost $100,000 before filming started, and without the funds, he opted to stay in his trailer throughout the shoot.

Katt also spoke about his net worth, seemingly addressing our estimates at CelebrityNetWorth. For the sake of transparency, he mentioned that when he checked his net worth, he had more cash on him than what was reported. Additionally, he asserted that he earned more from his recent Netflix special than his listed net worth. Katt claimed to pocket $100k for stand-up performances in smaller towns, donating $10k to local charities when he does. Moreover, he stated that he had “turned down $50 million four times” throughout his career to preserve his integrity, considers himself “one of the richest men that ever lived,” earns $10 million per Netflix special, and claims that Ludacris sold his soul to the Illuminati for $200 million. Here’s a specific moment where Katt mentions his net worth:

this Katt Williams interview an instant classic 😭😭😭

“I’m one of the richest men that ever lived, please don’t look at my net worth, I saw my net worth and… I had that on me!” pic.twitter.com/4romOlHnVI

— SOUND (@itsavibe) January 3, 2024

While it’s plausible that our net worth estimate may be too conservative and Katt is indeed a high-income individual, he has faced numerous legal challenges and some reported financial issues in recent years, including a rumored home foreclosure on a property in Calabasas, California. Currently, Katt seems to reside in a relatively modest home in Lawrenceville, Georgia, which he purchased in 2013 for $235,000. And then there’s the matter of the alleged $59 million theft…

Allegedly Stolen $59 Million

In a June 2019 interview with Jemele Hill, Katt disclosed that he lost an astonishing $59 million due to embezzlement perpetrated by some of his former employees. According to Katt, he first realized the seriousness of his financial predicament when federal authorities began investigating his finances as part of a broader inquiry. During these investigations, a scheme targeting the comedian’s finances was uncovered.

“In my exploration of who was behind all the recurring misfortunes I faced when they shouldn’t have occurred, we discovered it was, in fact, my own people involved… We only came to realize this once the Department of Justice began indicting these individuals for embezzling $59 million from Katt Williams.”

Williams remarked that he needed to remain vague regarding the case’s specifics, stating, “[i]t’s been extensive, and much of it is not something I can discuss. The situation is still ongoing.” This explains the limited information available about the actual events; however, Williams mentioned that upon uncovering the crimes committed against him, he terminated the employees involved, who then attempted to extort more money from him through blackmail.

Another noteworthy detail is that at one stage, authorities allegedly suspected Williams himself of conducting a money laundering operation:

“They believed I had devised a method to conceal the funds until they investigated further and realized ‘why would I be laundering my own money.’”

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Katt Williams, born Micah Sierra Williams on September 2, 1971, hails from Cincinnati, Ohio. He was raised in Dayton, Ohio, by parents who were politically and socially active. Excelling academically, he achieved exceptional grades and numerous honors. At the age of 13, he gained emancipation from his parents and relocated to Florida, where he earned a living as a street vendor.

He began his comedy journey in Cincinnati’s Avondale neighborhood, using the comedians’ entrance to enter clubs, despite being underage. In his late teens, he moved to San Francisco, where he developed his standup routine at various local nightclubs.

Comedy Career

During the late 1990s, as a standup comedian in San Francisco, Katt performed at various prominent venues, such as the Hollywood Park Casino, The Icehouse, and The Improv. His standup performances made him a regular on BET’s standup shows like “Comic View.” He also ventured into acting, focusing on topics such as Michael Jackson, middle-American evangelism, Martha Stewart’s incarceration, and the complexities of race in America. Over the years, he built a substantial and dedicated fanbase, particularly among young African-American men.

His debut comedy special, “Katt Williams Live: Let a Playa Play,” premiered in 2006, followed by his second special (the first for HBO) in the same year, titled “The Pimp Chronicles, Pt. 1.” His breakout film role came with “American Hustle” in 2007, which received critical acclaim and positive responses. In 2008, his third comedy special, and second for HBO, “It’s Pimpin’ Pimpin’” was released, showcasing more politically charged material. That year, he embarked on a comedy tour recognized as the best of the year by “Billboard.”

Following a four-year break,In 2012, Williams made a return to standup, launching his third HBO comedy special, “Kattpacalypse.” He began his “Growth Spurt” tour in 2013 and subsequently released his fourth HBO comedy special, “Katt Williams: Priceless: Afterlife,” directed by the esteemed Spike Lee. In 2018, Williams premiered his first Netflix comedy special, “Great America,” filmed in Jacksonville, Florida. Another Netflix special, “World War III,” was released in 2022.

Film and Television Career

Williams made his acting debut in 2002 on the American police procedural drama “NYPD Blue.” He then rose to fame as a cast member on MTV’s improv series “Wild ‘n Out” from seasons 1 to 4, and he appeared in Nick Cannon’s 2003 music video for “Gigolo.” Other notable television appearances include multiple roles as Bobby Shaw on ABC’s “My Wife and Kids,” and serving as roastmaster for the “Comedy Central Roast of Flavor Flav.” His performance on “Atlanta” earned him an Emmy in 2018 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.

The big screen welcomed Williams in 2002 with his role as Money Mike in the Christmas stoner comedy “Friday After Next.” He went on to portray supporting characters in films such as “Ganked” (2005), “Norbit” (2007), “The Perfect Holiday” (2007), “Internet Dating” (2008), “Lonely Street” (2008), and “First Sunday” (2008). His filmography also includes appearances in “Scary Movie 5” (2013), “Father Figures” (2017), “2 Minutes of Fame” (2020), “The House Next Door: Meet the Blacks 2” (2021), and “For the Love of Money” (2021).

Legal Issues and Incidents

Williams has faced a series of confrontational incidents during live performances, often leading to early show endings. He has been arrested multiple times, including a November 2006 incident at Los Angeles International Airport where a stolen gun was discovered in his briefcase, for which he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of carrying a concealed firearm, resulting in three years’ probation. His second arrest occurred in June 2011 related to an alleged assault on a tractor driver, followed by a third arrest in November 2012 for suspected assault with a deadly weapon, stemming from an incident in which he allegedly struck a man with a bottle on his tour bus.

Personal Life

At one point, Williams was a member of the Nation of Islam while residing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Nowadays, he is often seen wearing a cross during his standup performances to signify his Christian faith. He is a father to 10 children, one of whom, Micah Stephen Williams, is known for his role in the Disney Channel series “Good Luck Charlie.”