Conan O’Brien, born on April 18, 1963, in Brookline, Massachusetts, has cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in late-night television. As of 2024, O’Brien’s net worth is estimated to be an impressive $200 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His career spans decades, marked by notable achievements in comedy, writing, hosting, and digital media.
O’Brien’s academic journey began with excellence—he graduated as valedictorian from Brookline High School in 1981 before attending Harvard University. At Harvard, he majored in History and Literature, graduating in 1985. During his college years, he honed his comedic skills as a writer for The Harvard Lampoon, a stepping stone that paved the way for his illustrious career in entertainment.
Early Career: Writing for SNL and The Simpsons
After graduating, O’Brien moved to Los Angeles, where he joined the writing team for Not Necessarily The News on HBO. However, his major breakthrough came when he joined Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 1988. His time at SNL (1988–1991) was highly successful, culminating in an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy or Variety Series.
In 1991, O’Brien transitioned to The Simpsons, where he worked as a writer and producer. His tenure on the show was short but impactful, contributing to classic episodes like “Marge vs. the Monorail.” His comedic brilliance in scripting paved the way for his next major career move.
Hosting Late Night with Conan O’Brien and The Tonight Show
In 1993, O’Brien’s career took a defining turn when he was chosen to host Late Night with Conan O’Brien on NBC. Initially met with skepticism, the show gradually gained a strong following and became a staple in late-night comedy. By 2005, Late Night was averaging 2.5 million viewers per episode.
In 2009, O’Brien was appointed as the host of The Tonight Show, succeeding Jay Leno. However, this transition led to the infamous “Tonight Show conflict,” resulting in O’Brien’s departure from NBC in 2010. He received a reported settlement of $32.5 million but remained determined to continue his career in television.
The TBS Era and the Birth of Team Coco
Following his exit from NBC, O’Brien launched a 30-city comedy tour, demonstrating his ability to engage audiences beyond television. Later in 2010, he debuted his new late-night show, Conan, on TBS. The show ran successfully until June 2021, with O’Brien earning a $10 million annual salary.
During his time at TBS, O’Brien founded Team Coco, a production company that revolutionized digital content distribution. By sharing clips from Conan on YouTube and social media, Team Coco significantly expanded his audience and revenue streams.
Podcast Success and the $150 Million SiriusXM Deal
In 2018, O’Brien launched Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, a podcast under the Team Coco brand. The podcast quickly became a hit, accumulating millions of downloads and featuring high-profile guests.
By 2022, Team Coco’s podcast network was garnering 200 million downloads annually. This success led to a lucrative deal in May 2022, when O’Brien sold Team Coco to SiriusXM for $150 million, further solidifying his financial standing.
Personal Life and Real Estate Investments
On the personal front, O’Brien met his wife, Elizabeth Ann “Liza” Powel, in 2000. The couple married in 2002 and has two children. Beyond his professional success, O’Brien has made savvy real estate investments. He has owned multiple properties in New York City and Los Angeles, including a beachfront estate in Carpinteria, California, which he sold for $16.5 million in 2022.
Conan O’Brien’s Legacy and Future Endeavors
Conan O’Brien’s net worth of $200 million in 2024 reflects his resilience, adaptability, and talent. From his early days at SNL and The Simpsons to his late-night television dominance and podcasting success, O’Brien has consistently reinvented himself in the entertainment industry.
As he continues to explore new opportunities, including digital media and stand-up comedy, O’Brien remains a beloved figure whose influence on comedy and late-night television is undeniable. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring comedians and entertainers, proving that talent, perseverance, and innovation can lead to lasting success.