What is Russell Brand's Net Worth?
Russell Brand is an English comedian, actor, author, and radio host with a net worth of $20 million. Brand gained initial recognition in 2004 as the host of "Big Brother's Big Mouth." He landed his first significant film role in 2007's "St Trinian's" and starred as Aldous Snow in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" (2008) and its sequel "Get Him to the Greek" (2010). Russell has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, earning accolades like three British Comedy Awards. Recently, he’s known for hosting podcasts and YouTube channels such as "The Russell Brand Podcast" and "Under the Skin with Russell Brand."
In September 2023, Russell faced serious allegations of rape and sexual assault, leading to the demonetization of his YouTube channel, which was earning over $1 million annually. Brand denied the allegations, stating all his relationships were consensual.
Subscription Earnings
Post-demonetization, Russell launched a paid subscription club on the Locals platform. By early 2024, he attracted 120,000 subscribers, each paying $50 annually, resulting in approximately $5 million per year after the platform’s cut.
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Early Life
Russell Edward Brand was born on June 4, 1975, in Grays, Essex, England. His father, Ronald, left when he was six months old. Brand's mother, Barbara, battled uterine and breast cancer during his childhood, leading Russell to live with relatives. At 14, he developed bulimia nervosa and left home at 16, subsequently turning to drugs. He made his stage debut at 15 and attended the Italia Conti Academy but was expelled for poor attendance and drug use.
Stand-Up Comedy Career
In 2000, Brand placed fourth in the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year competition and performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2000, 2004, and 2005. He toured nationwide in 2006, co-hosted an event for the Teenage Cancer Trust in 2007, and performed for royalty. Comedy Central aired "Russell Brand in New York City" in 2009, and Brand began international tours. His stand-up specials include "Russell Brand: Live" (2006), "Russell Brand: Doin' Life" (2008), and "Russell Brand: Messiah Complex" (2013).
Movie and TV Career
Brand has hosted TV shows like "RE: Brand" (2002), "Russell Brand's Got Issues" (2006), and "Brand X" (2012-2013). He also hosted the "MTV Video Music Awards" in 2008 and 2009 and the "MTV Movie Awards" in 2012. His film credits include "Bedtime Stories" (2008), "Arthur" (2011), "Rock of Ages" (2012), and "Paradise" (2013). He voiced characters in the "Despicable Me" franchise, "Hop" (2011), and "Trolls" (2016).
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Writing Career
Brand released his autobiography, "My Booky Wook," in 2007. He signed a publishing deal with HarperCollins in 2008, releasing "Articles of Faith" and "My Booky Wook 2." His other works include "Irons in the Fire" (2007), "Russell Brand's Trickster Tales: The Pied Piper of Hamelin" (a children's book), "Revolution" (2014), "Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions" (2017), and "Mentors: How to Help and Be Helped" (2019). He also contributed to "The Guardian."
Controversies
In 2010, Brand was arrested for allegedly assaulting a paparazzo in Los Angeles. In 2012, he threw a paparazzo's phone through a window in New Orleans and voluntarily offered to pay for the damages. Post-9/11, he was fired from MTV for dressing as Osama Bin Laden. In 2013, he was expelled from the "GQ" Men of the Year Awards for mentioning Hugo Boss's association with the Nazis. Brand's substance abuse and promiscuity have been publicized, and he has incorporated these into his comedy.
Activism
Brand advocates for addiction recovery, climate change awareness, and wealth inequality. In 2012, he hosted a youth event for the Dalai Lama and joined the People's Assembly Against Austerity in 2014. His political activism inspired films like "Russell Brand: End the Drugs War" (2014) and "The Emperor's New Clothes" (2015), as well as the YouTube series "The Trews."
Personal Life
Russell married singer Katy Perry in 2010, and they divorced in 2012. He married blogger Laura Gallacher in 2017, with whom he has two daughters, Mabel and Peggy. Brand has battled drug addiction, staying sober since 2002. He has been diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar disorder. Brand has followed a vegetarian diet since 14 and became vegan in 2019.
Katy Perry Divorce Settlement
During their marriage, Perry earned $44 million and Brand $6 million. Without a prenuptial agreement, Brand could have claimed a significant share of Perry's earnings but settled for an undisclosed, likely lower, amount.
Real Estate
In 2009, Brand bought a $3.25 million home in Los Angeles for then-girlfriend Katy Perry. He later purchased a home in Hollywood Hills West for $2.224 million in 2013 and an Oxfordshire cottage for £3.3 million in 2016.
