You would possibly assume the discuss present host is the best earner on set—however that’s not at all times true. In lots of instances, sidekicks, announcers, or bandleaders are making critical cash behind the scenes—and generally earn greater than the host themselves. Wage disclosures are uncommon, however what’s recognized about sidekicks’ compensation exhibits a shocking pay dynamic. If you happen to’ve ever questioned whether or not the sidekick is likely to be cashing greater checks than the host, these 9 personalities would possibly simply show it. Let’s peel again the curtain on discuss present sidekicks’ wage secrets and techniques.
1. Andy Richter (Conan O’Brien)
Picture Supply: YouTube/Workforce Coco
Andy Richter grew to become Conan O’Brien’s trusty sidekick when Late Evening with Conan O’Brien debuted in 1993. Although Conan’s wage has been estimated within the hundreds of thousands, Richter has lengthy been known as “the richest late-night sidekick” because of profitable contracts and years of constant work. His earnings reportedly rival—and even surpass—these of some early Conan contracts. Whereas Conan earned huge as a number, Richter’s regular multi-decade paycheck established him as one of the crucial well-compensated sidekicks within the style. That makes him a standout case the place a chat present sidekick’s wage could exceed expectations.
2. Guillermo Rodriguez (Jimmy Kimmel Reside!)
Picture Supply: YouTube/Jimmy Kimmel Reside
Guillermo Rodriguez is commonly launched as Jimmy Kimmel’s parking zone safety guard-turned-sidekick, delivering viral red-carpet moments and on-screen humor. Surprisingly, experiences estimate Guillermo earns about $500,000 per season, including as much as roughly $3 million in internet value. On condition that Jimmy Kimmel is thought to make round $15 million yearly, Guillermo’s paycheck isn’t fairly extra, however contemplating his secondary standing, it’s unusually excessive. Followers and media have joked that Guillermo deserves a increase—and his pay displays rising star energy behind the host. He demonstrates how a sidekick can turn into important—and extremely paid.
3. Paul Shaffer (David Letterman)
Picture Supply: YouTube/Letterman
Paul Shaffer served as bandleader and sidekick for The Late Present with David Letterman, and his position was value way over background accompaniment. Although Letterman’s contract reportedly reached upwards of $50 million yearly in his prime, Shaffer’s compensation was typically one of many highest-paying bandleader salaries in late-night TV. His twin position—offering musical route and comedic interaction—made him indispensable. Whereas precise numbers aren’t disclosed, insiders have lengthy acknowledged Shaffer as one of the crucial generously paid sidekicks. His instance exhibits how multi-role expertise can eclipse expectations in discuss present sidekicks.
4. George Fenneman (Groucho Marx)
George Fenneman was an announcer and sidekick on You Wager Your Life, Groucho Marx’s long-running quiz present. Although Groucho was the star, Fenneman reportedly earned extra early in his profession—beginning at $55 per week when Groucho had assured contract phrases together with revenue shares. Over time, announcers sometimes earned flat salaries, whereas hosts took dwelling residuals. In Fenneman’s period, a dependable announcer was valued and compensated accordingly. It exhibits how true discuss present sidekicks’ wage historical past has lengthy had hidden twists.
5. Geoff Peterson (Craig Ferguson)
The robotic skeleton sidekick Geoff Peterson grew to become a fixture on The Late Late Present with Craig Ferguson. Although voiced by Josh Robert Thompson, the character is credited alongside creators Grant Imahara and others. Whereas precise salaries aren’t public, insiders word Peterson was a part of a serious revamp of Ferguson’s present and was handled as expertise—not only a novelty. Which will translate into a considerable wage that, in mixture throughout stakeholders, rivaled segments of Craig Ferguson’s compensation. It’s one other instance of non-host expertise valued extremely.
Sidekicks Are Extra Than Simply the Chuckle Observe
Whether or not it’s Andy Richter, Guillermo, or perhaps a robotic skeleton, these sidekicks present that fame isn’t the one path to pay. Many hosts get the headline identify, however sidekicks typically deliver important charisma, content material, and continuity—and more and more, compensation to match. So subsequent time you tune in, bear in mind: the identify above the desk could get the highlight, however a number of the largest checks go to the reliable voices beside them. Understanding discuss present sidekicks wage reveals simply how a lot affect—on and off display screen—the sidekick can wield.
Which sidekick shocked you probably the most? Share your choose within the feedback—did any of those earn greater than their host, in your opinion? Let’s debate!
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