Arsenio Hall is a well-known comedian, actor and talk show host who has a net worth of $20 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He is best known for hosting the late-night talk show, The Arsenio Hall Show, from 1989 to 1994, and again from 2013 to 2014. He has also appeared in several movies, such as Coming to America (1988), Coming 2 America (2021), and Harlem Nights (1989). But how did he achieve his success and wealth? Here is a brief overview of his career and earnings.
Early Years and Career Beginnings
Hall was born on February 12, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio. His father was a Baptist minister and his mother was a teacher. He performed as a magician when he was a child and graduated from Warrensville Heights High School in 1973. He later attended Ohio University and Kent State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in speech in 1977.
Hall moved to Chicago and then Los Angeles to pursue a career in comedy. He made several appearances on Soul Train and other shows. In 1984, he was the announcer and sidekick for Alan Thicke on his short-lived talk show, Thicke of the Night. He also appeared on five weeks of episodes of the NBC game show, Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour, from 1983 to 1984. He was also the original voice of Winston Zeddemore in the animated series, The Real Ghostbusters, from 1986 to 1987.
In 1988, he co-starred with Eddie Murphy in the comedy film, Coming to America, which was a huge hit at the box office. He played the role of Semmi, Murphy’s loyal friend and assistant. He also played multiple characters in the film, such as a barber, a preacher, and a singer. He earned $900,000 for his performance in the film.
The Arsenio Hall Show
Hall’s breakthrough came in 1986 when he was chosen to host The Late Show on Fox, after Joan Rivers was fired from the program. His stint proved immensely popular and led to him being offered his own show in syndication. The Arsenio Hall Show debuted on January 2, 1989, and became a cultural phenomenon. It attracted younger audiences and notable guests, such as Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Oprah Winfrey, and many more. Hall’s signature move was chanting “Woof, woof, woof!” while pumping his fist in the air.
The Arsenio Hall Show ran for five seasons until May 27, 1994. It was canceled due to declining ratings and increased competition from other late-night shows. Hall reportedly earned $12 million per year at the peak of his show’s popularity.
Later Career and Comeback
After his talk show ended, Hall continued to work in television and film. He hosted shows like Star Search and Martial Law. He also appeared in movies like Blankman (1994), Black Dynamite (2009), and Sandy Wexler (2017). He also did voice work for animated shows like The Proud Family and Scooby-Doo! Pirates Ahoy!.
In 2012, he won the fifth season of NBC’s reality-competition game show, Celebrity Apprentice. He beat out Clay Aiken in the final task and raised $250,000 for his charity of choice, the Magic Johnson Foundation.
In 2013, he returned to late-night with a revival of The Arsenio Hall Show. However, the show was canceled after one season due to low ratings and syndication issues.
In 2021, he reprised his role as Semmi in Coming 2 America, the sequel to Coming to America. The film was released on Amazon Prime Video and received mixed reviews from critics and audiences.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Hall has never been married but has a son named Arsenio Hall Jr., who was born in 1999. His mother is Cheryl Bonacci, whom Hall dated from 1987 to 2002. Hall has said that he is a single dad who took time off from his career to raise his son.
Hall is also involved in various charitable causes. He supports organizations such as the Magic Johnson Foundation, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and many more.
Conclusion
Arsenio Hall is one of the most influential comedians and talk show hosts of his generation. He has entertained millions of people with his humor and charisma. He has also earned a substantial fortune from his various endeavors. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Arsenio Hall’s net worth is $20 million as of October 2023.
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