You would possibly assume the discuss present host is the very best earner on set—however that’s not at all times true. In lots of instances, sidekicks, announcers, or bandleaders are making severe cash behind the scenes—and generally earn greater than the host themselves. Wage disclosures are uncommon, however what’s identified about sidekicks’ compensation exhibits a stunning pay dynamic. In the event you’ve ever puzzled whether or not the sidekick is perhaps 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/Crew Coco
Andy Richter grew to become Conan O’Brien’s trusty sidekick when Late Night time 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 massive as a bunch, 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 might exceed expectations.
2. Guillermo Rodriguez (Jimmy Kimmel Dwell!)
Picture Supply: YouTube/Jimmy Kimmel Dwell
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 web price. On condition that Jimmy Kimmel is understood 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 grow to be 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 function was price excess of background accompaniment. Although Letterman’s contract reportedly reached upwards of $50 million yearly in his prime, Shaffer’s compensation was usually one of many highest-paying bandleader salaries in late-night TV. His twin function—offering musical course and comedic interaction—made him indispensable. Whereas actual 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)
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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 residence 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)
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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 actual salaries aren’t public, insiders observe Peterson was a part of a significant revamp of Ferguson’s present and was handled as expertise—not only a novelty. Which will translate into a considerable wage that, in combination 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 Monitor
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 usually carry 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 might 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 stunned 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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Amanda Blankenship is the Chief Editor for District Media. She regularly writes for a handful of blogs and likes to share her personal private finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time along with her daughter, son, husband, and canine. Throughout her free time, you’re more likely to discover her along with her nostril in a e book, mountaineering, or taking part in RPG video video games.
