Andy Richter has been a fixture of American comedy for more than three decades, moving from his beginnings in improv theaters to television stardom and voice acting in hit animated franchises. Best recognized as Conan O’Brien’s long-time sidekick, Richter has also proven himself as an actor, writer, and producer. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $4 million, a figure earned through his talk show work, acting credits, voice roles, and production projects.
Early Life and Education
Paul Andrew “Andy” Richter was born on October 28, 1966, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, making him 58 years old in 2025. His mother, Glenda, worked as a kitchen cabinet designer, while his father, Laurence, was a Russian language professor at Indiana University. When Andy was four, his parents divorced, and his father later came out as gay. Andy grew up in Yorkville, Illinois, with three siblings and graduated from Yorkville High School in 1984.
He first enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign before transferring to Columbia College Chicago to study film. There, Richter’s interest in performance and comedy deepened, setting him on the path that would lead him to late-night television and beyond.
Early Career and Breakthrough with Conan
Andy left Columbia in 1988 and began working as a production assistant for commercials in Chicago. In 1989, he joined Improv Olympic and became a house performer, later working with the Annoyance Theatre. When the troupe’s popular parody production The Real Live Brady Bunch moved to New York City, Richter joined as “Mike Brady.” That gig introduced him to connections who would change his life, including Robert Smigel, who hired him to write for a new NBC late-night show.
Just before its 1993 premiere, Conan O’Brien offered Richter the role of sidekick on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Andy became an instant favorite, providing comic relief, sketches, and banter alongside O’Brien. Over seven years, he appeared in more than 1,200 episodes, helping shape the quirky humor that made the show a cult hit.
Building a Career Beyond Late Night
In 2000, Richter left Late Night to pursue acting full-time. He appeared in comedies such as Scary Movie 2 (2001), Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001), and Pootie Tang (2001). He headlined Fox’s sitcom Andy Richter Controls the Universe (2002–2003), which developed a strong critical following, though it ended after 19 episodes. He later starred in Quintuplets (2004–2005) and Andy Barker, P.I. (2007).
Richter also secured memorable roles in major films. In 2003, he appeared alongside Will Ferrell in the holiday classic Elf, which grossed over $223 million worldwide. He reunited with Ferrell in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006), Blades of Glory (2007), and Semi-Pro (2008). His versatility made him a steady presence in both sitcoms and comedies throughout the 2000s.
Voice Work and Animated Success
One of Richter’s most enduring roles is voicing Mort the mouse lemur in the Madagascar franchise (2005–2012). The films earned billions at the global box office, and Richter reprised the role in spinoff TV series including The Penguins of Madagascar (2008–2015) and All Hail King Julien (2014–2017). He also provided voices for Bob’s Burgers, Justice League Action, and Big Hero 6: The Series.
These projects cemented his reputation as a talented voice actor, expanding his career beyond late-night comedy and live-action sitcoms.
Return to Conan and Continued Success
In 2009, Richter returned to late-night television as announcer and sidekick for The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien. After NBC controversially reinstated Jay Leno to the earlier slot, O’Brien and Richter left the program, embarking on a live comedy tour documented in Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop (2011).
Later that year, O’Brien and Richter launched Conan on TBS, which ran from 2010 to 2021. Richter appeared in thousands of episodes and also contributed as a writer and producer. His chemistry with Conan became one of the defining features of both hosts’ careers, and the duo’s partnership is still remembered as one of late-night TV’s most beloved collaborations.
During this period, Richter continued to act in shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Black-ish, Santa Clarita Diet, and Arrested Development, where he famously played multiple versions of himself.
Net Worth and Earnings
As of 2025, Andy Richter’s net worth is $4 million. His wealth comes from his long career in television, film roles, voice acting, and podcasting. He has more than 120 acting credits, including both live-action and voice performances, and has served as a writer and producer on several projects.
Richter also branched into podcasting in 2019 with The Three Questions with Andy Richter, which continues to add to his portfolio. His steady mix of mainstream films, TV projects, and animated franchises helped him maintain financial stability even after his talk show years.
Awards and Recognition
Richter’s career has brought multiple accolades. He has been nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards for writing on Conan’s shows and has also received 10 Writers Guild of America Award nominations, winning twice for Late Night with Conan O’Brien. His voice work earned him Daytime Emmy nominations for All Hail King Julien in 2017 and 2018, plus several Behind the Voice Actors Award nominations.
Personal Life and Family
Andy Richter married actress Sarah Thyre in 1994 after meeting her in The Real Live Brady Bunch. They share two children, William and Mercy. After 27 years of marriage, the couple divorced in 2019, with Sarah retaining their Burbank home, purchased in 2013 for $1.225 million. She listed it in 2023 for $2 million.
Richter has been open about personal struggles and values. At a 2016 fundraiser, he shared how Planned Parenthood had helped him and Sarah make choices about their future early in their relationship. He is also known for philanthropy, donating his $68,000 Celebrity Jeopardy! winnings in 2009 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Legacy
At 58, Andy Richter remains a respected figure in comedy and entertainment. While he will forever be remembered as Conan O’Brien’s loyal sidekick, his body of work extends far beyond late-night TV. From voicing Mort in Madagascar to starring in his own sitcoms, Richter has crafted a diverse career that reflects both his comedic timing and adaptability. His estimated net worth of $4 million showcases a steady, multifaceted career built on talent, persistence, and versatility.
