The world’s richest comedian-turned-actor, Jerry Seinfeld went from New York stand-up clubs to a game-changing 1981 Tonight Show spot that made him a national name. In 1989 he co-created Seinfeld and secured a coveted 15% backend stake, the reason he's nudging billionaire status today.

Seinfeld became TV's first million-dollar-per-episode actor and is said to have earned at least $800 million (£600m) from syndication and streaming, including a $75 million (£56.3m) payday from Netflix. Add up to $50 million (£37.6m) a year from touring and Netflix specials, plus a vast car and property portfolio, and Seinfeld remains the ultimate comedy mogul.

Liked this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveMONEY

Now discover the richest models-turned actors, ranked by riches

The 25 wealthiest comedians who conquered the big screen