Black Celebrities Whose Net Worth Made Us Have A Double Take
- Corey Holcomb has built a $3M net worth through stand-up, acting, and his podcast empire
- Ella Mai’s fortune has grown to $6M following her Grammy win and successful international tours
- Raven Goodwin has amassed $4M through her transition from child actor to adult roles
- Several unexpected Black celebrities have quietly built 8-figure net worths through savvy investments
- The wealth gap between A-list and B-list Black celebrities remains significant in Hollywood
In an entertainment landscape where financial success often correlates with visibility, many Black celebrities have built impressive fortunes that don’t always align with their public profiles. From comedians who’ve leveraged their platforms into multimedia empires to musicians who’ve made savvy business moves behind the scenes, the financial standings of these stars might surprise you.
Corey Holcomb
Estimated Net Worth: $3 Million
The self-proclaimed “ghetto Dr. Phil” has transformed his raw, unfiltered comedy into a substantial fortune. Beyond his stand-up success, Holcomb has built wealth through his wildly popular “5150 Show” podcast, which has become a lucrative platform through sponsorships and merchandise. His recurring roles in shows like “Black Jesus” and voice work in “The Cleveland Show” have provided steady income streams that complement his touring revenue.
Despite maintaining a relatively modest lifestyle compared to other celebrities, Holcomb has made strategic investments in real estate, particularly in his hometown of Chicago, contributing significantly to his overall net worth. His continued relevance in comedy circles and growing digital presence suggest his financial portfolio will continue expanding through 2025.
Ella Mai
Estimated Net Worth: $6 Million
Since bursting onto the scene with her breakout hit “Boo’d Up,” British R&B singer Ella Mai has quietly built an impressive fortune. Her Grammy-winning debut album went platinum, but it’s her savvy approach to touring and publishing rights that has substantially increased her wealth. Unlike many artists who sign away their masters, Mai has maintained ownership of key aspects of her catalog, resulting in higher-than-average royalty payments.
Her carefully curated social media presence has attracted lucrative endorsement deals with beauty and fashion brands targeting Gen Z consumers. While she maintains a relatively low profile compared to some of her contemporaries, her financial portfolio reflects the wisdom of patient career building in the streaming era.
Raven Goodwin
Estimated Net Worth: $4 Million
Transitioning successfully from child actor to adult roles has proven challenging for many stars, but Raven Goodwin has navigated this path with both artistic and financial success. Beginning with roles in “Lovely & Amazing” and “Good Luck Charlie,” Goodwin has built consistent income through television work on shows like “Being Mary Jane” and “SMILF.”
Her portrayal of legendary actress Hattie McDaniel in the biopic “Behind the Smile” showcased her dramatic range while opening new revenue streams. Unlike many former child actors, Goodwin has made prudent investments in income-generating properties and maintains minority ownership in a production company focused on creating content for underrepresented voices.
Lance Gross
Estimated Net Worth: $8 Million
While he may not generate headlines like some of his peers, actor Lance Gross has built an impressive fortune through consistent work and business ventures outside Hollywood. Best known for his role in “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne,” Gross has leveraged his steady television presence into a diverse portfolio of investments.
His passion for photography has evolved into a secondary career, with his work featured in major publications and commissioned by luxury brands. Additionally, his partial ownership of several restaurants and a production company specializing in content for streaming platforms has significantly boosted his wealth in recent years.
Issa Rae
Estimated Net Worth: $25 Million
While Issa Rae’s success is no secret, the extent of her wealth might surprise many fans. Beyond creating and starring in “Insecure,” Rae has built a media empire through her production company, Hoorae, which has deals with major studios and streaming platforms. Her venture into music with Raedio, an audio content company and record label, has diversified her revenue streams.
Rae’s investments in South Los Angeles real estate and businesses reflect her commitment to community development while building long-term wealth. Her partial ownership stakes in several tech startups focused on creator economies have positioned her to capitalize on emerging digital trends.
Lil Rel Howery
Estimated Net Worth: $5 Million
Since his breakout role in the Oscar-winning film “Get Out,” Lil Rel Howery has strategically built his career and finances through a combination of film roles, stand-up specials, and production deals. Unlike many comedians who focus solely on performing, Howery has secured executive producer credits on several projects, ensuring a larger slice of backend profits.
His financial portfolio includes investments in tech startups focused on content creation tools and a minority stake in a comedy club chain. Howery’s voice work in animated features provides passive income that complements his more visible projects.
Keke Palmer
Estimated Net Worth: $12 Million
A true entertainment polymath, Keke Palmer has been working steadily since childhood, building wealth through acting, music, producing, and authorships. Her transition to adult roles was seamless, with critically acclaimed performances in “Hustlers” and “Nope” commanding increasingly higher salaries.
Palmer’s business acumen extends beyond performing; she’s launched a digital network, KeyTV, aimed at showcasing underrepresented creators. Her investments include a production company, skincare line, and strategic real estate holdings. Unlike many child stars, Palmer’s financial growth has been consistent and sustainable, reflecting careful career management.
Rotimi
Estimated Net Worth: $7 Million
Nigerian-American actor and musician Rotimi has built dual revenue streams through his work on “Power” and his R&B music career. His international appeal, particularly in African markets, has created lucrative touring and endorsement opportunities often overlooked by entertainment analysts.
Rotimi’s wealth has been significantly enhanced by smart investments in tech startups and real estate developments in Lagos, Nigeria, positioning him to benefit from Africa’s growing entertainment market. His multi-language fluency has opened doors to international projects with higher-than-average payouts for performers with cross-cultural appeal.
J. Alphonse Nicholson
Estimated Net Worth: $3.5 Million
Best known for his role as Lil Murda on “P-Valley,” J. Alphonse Nicholson has translated his critically acclaimed performance into a growing fortune. Beyond acting, Nicholson is an accomplished drummer who performs and records with established musicians, creating a diversified income stream uncommon among television actors.
His careful selection of roles has allowed him to command increasingly higher per-episode rates, while his growing social media influence has attracted endorsement deals with lifestyle brands targeting upwardly mobile Black consumers. Nicholson’s investments in music production facilities and artist development programs reflect his commitment to building sustainable wealth within creative industries.
Chloe Bailey
Estimated Net Worth: $8 Million
One half of the Grammy-nominated duo Chloe x Halle, Chloe Bailey has successfully leveraged her music career into acting opportunities and brand partnerships that have substantially increased her wealth. Her solo music ventures and high-profile roles in series like “Grown-ish” have established multiple revenue streams at a relatively young age.
Bailey’s endorsement deals with major fashion and beauty brands capitalize on her growing social media influence, while her investments in music publishing and production technologies position her for long-term financial growth independent of performing. Her mentorship from Beyoncé through Parkwood Entertainment has provided invaluable guidance for building sustainable wealth in the entertainment industry.
Damson Idris
Estimated Net Worth: $10 Million
British-Nigerian actor Damson Idris has seen his financial portfolio grow dramatically since starring in “Snowfall.” His careful selection of roles and ability to command increasingly higher salaries for film projects have accelerated his wealth accumulation. Unlike many actors who focus solely on performing, Idris has secured producer credits on several projects, ensuring a larger percentage of profits.
His investments in British and American real estate markets have appreciated significantly, while his minority stakes in production companies specializing in international content position him to benefit from the growing global demand for diverse storytelling. Idris’ fashion partnerships with luxury brands provide substantial supplemental income beyond his acting work.
Ryan Destiny
Estimated Net Worth: $4 Million
Former girl group member turned actress Ryan Destiny has built impressive wealth through her transition to screen roles and strategic brand partnerships. Her work on “Star” and “Grown-ish” established her as a rising television talent, but it’s her business ventures outside entertainment that have substantially grown her net worth.
Destiny’s beauty and fashion endorsements capitalize on her strong social media following, while her investments in digital content creation platforms position her to benefit from emerging media consumption trends. Unlike many young performers, she has allocated significant resources to financial assets rather than conspicuous consumption, building long-term wealth beyond her performing career.
Dominique Thorne
Estimated Net Worth: $5 Million
Marvel’s newest star has quickly built substantial wealth through her role as Ironheart in the MCU. Beyond her Disney+ series and film appearances, Thorne has leveraged her sudden visibility into lucrative voice acting roles for animation and video games, creating multiple revenue streams early in her career.
Unlike many actors who experience sudden financial windfalls, Thorne has established a structured investment portfolio focused on sustainable technologies and educational initiatives. Her careful approach to selecting endorsement deals prioritizes long-term partnerships over quick paydays, reflecting financial wisdom beyond her years.
Daniel Kaluuya
Estimated Net Worth: $20 Million
Oscar-winner Daniel Kaluuya’s financial portfolio has grown exponentially since his breakout role in “Get Out.” His selective approach to projects allows him to command top-tier salaries while maintaining artistic credibility. Beyond acting, Kaluuya has established 59% Productions, developing film and television projects that provide ownership stakes rather than just performing fees.
His investments span international real estate, technology startups focusing on virtual production, and community development initiatives in London. Unlike many actors who overlook international markets, Kaluuya has cultivated a global presence that creates diverse revenue opportunities across multiple entertainment ecosystems.
Lakeyah
Estimated Net Worth: $2 Million
Quality Control Music artist Lakeyah has built impressive wealth early in her career through a combination of music releases, touring, and strategic brand partnerships. Unlike many rappers who focus solely on music, Lakeyah has diversified her income through fashion collaborations and content creation partnerships.
Her investments in music publishing and digital distribution platforms reflect an understanding of where true value lies in today’s music industry. While her fortune may seem modest compared to some established artists, her strategic approach to wealth building positions her for substantial financial growth as her career expands.
Jill Scott
Estimated Net Worth: $18 Million
Neo-soul pioneer Jill Scott has built a substantial fortune through music, acting, and entrepreneurial ventures. Fans were reminded of her musical prowess during her Verzuz battle with Erykah Badu, but music is just one side of her legacy. Beyond her Grammy-winning music career, Scott has established multiple revenue streams through her Blues Babe Foundation, book publications, and film production work.
Her wellness and lifestyle brand reflects her holistic approach to both personal and financial health. Unlike many artists whose wealth fluctuates with performing schedules, Scott has established sustainable passive income through real estate holdings, music publishing rights, and strategic investments in health and education companies.
Jonathan Majors
Estimated Net Worth: $4 Million
Despite recent legal challenges affecting his career trajectory, Jonathan Majors built significant wealth through his roles in major franchises including the Marvel Cinematic Universe and “Creed.” His brief but lucrative tenure as Kang the Conqueror and high-profile leading roles allowed him to command substantial paydays during his career peak.
While future earning potential remains uncertain, Majors’ existing investments in production development and intellectual property acquisitions continue generating returns independent of his acting work. His case highlights the volatility of entertainment industry fortunes and the importance of diversified income streams.
Brian Tyree Henry
Estimated Net Worth: $7 Million
Emmy and Tony-nominated actor Brian Tyree Henry has built impressive wealth through his versatility across television, film, and theater. His recurring role on “Atlanta” provided baseline financial stability, while high-profile film projects like “Eternals” and “Bullet Train” commanded increasingly higher salaries.
Unlike many actors who focus exclusively on screen work, Henry’s continued presence in theater productions has maintained his artistic credibility while creating diverse income opportunities. His investments in production companies specializing in adapting literary properties for screen and stage reflect his commitment to sustainable wealth building within his artistic community.
Jazmine Sullivan
Estimated Net Worth: $10 Million
R&B powerhouse Jazmine Sullivan has built substantial wealth through her critically acclaimed music career, strategic touring decisions, and songwriting for other artists. Unlike many performers who focus solely on releasing their own material, Sullivan has created additional revenue streams through her compositions for other vocalists.
Her approach to touring prioritizes profitability over frequency, with carefully planned shows in markets with strong fan bases rather than exhaustive global schedules. Sullivan’s investments in music education initiatives and production facilities reflect her commitment to reinvesting in the creative community while building long-term financial stability.
Teyana Taylor
Estimated Net Worth: $15 Million
Multi-hyphenate talent Teyana Taylor has built impressive wealth through music, acting, choreography, and business ventures. While her recording career established her reputation, Taylor’s production company, The Aunties, has become a significant profit center through music video and commercial production.
Her fitness platform “Fade2Fit” capitalizes on her renowned physique, while her fashion collaborations leverage her style influencer status. The brand makes her one of a few influencers and celebrities with fitness brands. Unlike many performers who rely primarily on entertainment industry income, Taylor has established multiple businesses that operate independently of her performing career, creating sustainable wealth regardless of public visibility.
Which Black celebrity net worth shocked you most? Tell us in the comments!
