Rickey Smiley is an American stand-up comedian, television host, actor, and radio personality who has been in the entertainment industry for over 25 years. He is known for his prank phone calls, his sitcom “The Rickey Smiley Show,” and his role in “Friday After Next.” His success in the entertainment industry has led many to wonder about his net worth.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Rickey Smiley’s estimated net worth as of 2024 is $2.5 million. He has accumulated his wealth through his various roles in the entertainment industry, including his clean comedy, acting gigs, and radio show. Smiley is also an author and has written several books, including “Stand by Your Truth: And Then Run for Your Life!” which was published in 2017.
Despite his success, Rickey Smiley has faced challenges in his personal life, including the loss of his daughter in 2020. He has used his platform to advocate for social justice and has been vocal about issues affecting the Black community. With his continued success in the entertainment industry and his dedication to activism, it is clear that Rickey Smiley’s impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
Rickey Smiley’s Early Life
Rickey Smiley was born on August 10, 1968, in Birmingham, Alabama. He grew up in a large family with several siblings. Smiley attended Woodlawn High School in Birmingham and later graduated from Alabama State University in 1992.
During his childhood, Smiley discovered his passion for comedy and started performing stand-up routines in local clubs. He was heavily influenced by comedians such as Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby, and Redd Foxx.
After graduating from college, Smiley worked as a teacher for several years before pursuing a career in comedy full-time. He began performing at comedy clubs across the country and soon became known for his unique style of humor.
In 1999, Smiley landed his own television show, “The Rickey Smiley Show,” which aired on BET. The show was a hit and helped to launch Smiley’s career as a television personality.
Throughout his early career, Smiley also worked as a radio host, first in Birmingham and later in Dallas. He gained a large following for his prank phone calls, which he would often play on his radio show.
Overall, Rickey Smiley’s early life was marked by his passion for comedy and his dedication to pursuing his dreams. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks along the way, he persevered and ultimately achieved great success in the entertainment industry.
Rickey Smiley Career Highlights
Stand-Up Comedy
Rickey Smiley is a renowned American stand-up comedian who has been in the entertainment industry for over two decades. He started his career as a comedian in the early 2000s and quickly gained popularity for his unique brand of humor and witty punchlines. He has performed in various comedy clubs and venues across the country and has released several comedy albums.
Rickey Smiley Radio and Television
Apart from stand-up comedy, Rickey Smiley is also a successful radio and television personality. He hosts a popular morning radio show called “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show,” which is syndicated in over 60 markets across the United States. The show features a mix of music, celebrity interviews, and comedy skits, and has won several awards over the years.
In addition to his radio work, Rickey Smiley has also appeared on several television shows. He has been a regular cast member on the reality TV show “Dish Nation” since 2012 and has also made guest appearances on shows like “The Steve Harvey Show,” “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
Film Appearances
Rickey Smiley has also ventured into the world of movies and has appeared in several films over the years. He made his acting debut in the 2002 film “Friday After Next” and has since appeared in movies like “Baggage Claim,” “First Sunday,” and “All About the Benjamins.” He has also lent his voice to animated films like “The Proud Family Movie” and “Hotel Transylvania.”
Rickey Smiley Net Worth Estimation
Rickey Smiley has been in the entertainment industry for several years, and his net worth has fluctuated over time. According to Celebrity Net Worth, as of June 2024, Rickey Smiley’s estimated net worth is $6 million.
His primary source of income is his career as a radio personality. He hosts several shows, including The Rickey Smiley and Rickey Smiley For Real. Additionally, he is a columnist for Dish Nation.
Rickey Smiley has also invested in his career in the entertainment industry. He has released numerous comedy albums, eight of which have topped the charts. His album “Prank Calls Vol. 6” peaked at no. 4 on the Billboard chart in 2011 and spent six weeks atop.
It’s worth noting that net worth estimations can vary depending on the source. While some sources estimate Rickey Smiley’s net worth to be $6 million, others estimate it to be $2.5 million. However, regardless of the exact figure, it’s clear that Rickey Smiley has been successful in his career and has accumulated a significant amount of wealth.
Rickey Smiley Business Ventures and Investments
Rickey Smiley has invested his wealth in a variety of business ventures, contributing to his impressive net worth. One of his most significant income streams comes from his successful radio show, “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show,” which reaches millions of listeners daily. Smiley has also invested in his career in the entertainment industry by releasing numerous comedy albums, eight of which have topped the charts. His album “Prank Calls Vol. 6” peaked at no. 4 on the Billboard chart in 2011 and spent six weeks atop.
In addition to his radio show and comedy albums, Smiley has also ventured into television. He has appeared in several TV shows, including “All About the Andersons,” “The Rickey Smiley Show,” and “Dish Nation.” Smiley has also hosted several award shows, including the BET Awards and the NAACP Image Awards.
Smiley has also made investments in real estate. In 2018, he purchased a $1.3 million home in Atlanta, Georgia. The home spans over 9,000 square feet and features six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and a pool.
Furthermore, Smiley has used his platform to give back to his community. He has established the Rickey Smiley Foundation, which provides scholarships to students attending historically black colleges and universities. Additionally, Smiley has organized several charity events, including a back-to-school supply drive and a turkey giveaway for Thanksgiving.
Overall, Rickey Smiley’s diverse portfolio of investments and business endeavors has contributed significantly to his net worth. He has proven himself to be a savvy businessman and a philanthropist dedicated to giving back to his community.
Rickey Smiley Philanthropy and Community Influence
Rickey Smiley is known for his philanthropic efforts and community influence. He has used his platform to support causes that are important to him and give back to the community.
One of the causes that Rickey Smiley supports is education. He has donated to various schools and organizations that focus on improving education for children. In addition, he has hosted back-to-school events where he provides school supplies and backpacks to children in need.
Rickey Smiley is also an advocate for health and wellness. He has participated in events that promote healthy living and has encouraged his fans to make positive changes in their lives. He has also donated to organizations that support research and treatment for diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
In addition to his philanthropic efforts, he has also had a positive influence on his community. He has used his humor and positive attitude to inspire others and bring people together. He has hosted events that promote unity and has encouraged his fans to support local businesses and organizations.
Overall, Rickey Smiley’s philanthropic efforts and community influence have made a positive impact on many people’s lives. His dedication to supporting causes that are important to him and his commitment to making a difference in his community have earned him respect and admiration from fans and peers alike.