Ron White: The Comedian, Actor, And Entrepreneur With A Net Worth Of $40 Million

What Does Ron White Have in His Wallet?

Hey there, let's talk about Ron White. This guy isn’t just your average comedian—he’s a multi-millionaire with a net worth of $40 million. Ron White has carved out an impressive career as a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer. If you’ve ever heard of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, then you’ve probably heard of Ron White. He’s one of the founding members, alongside Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy, and Bill Engvall. This tour was a massive success, taking comedy to a whole new level and making Ron a household name.

But Ron didn’t stop there. He's released a string of successful comedy albums, including "Tater Salad a.k.a. Busted in Des Moines" back in 1990, "Truckstop Comedy" in 1994, and the wildly popular "Drunk in Public" in 2003. And who could forget "You Can't Fix Stupid" in 2006 and "Behavioral Problems" in 2009? These albums weren’t just fun—they were chart-toppers, with "You Can't Fix Stupid" even hitting number two on the Billboard Comedy Albums chart.

Ron didn’t just stick to stand-up; he also starred in and produced several comedy specials, including "You Can't Fix Stupid," "Behavioral Problems," and "A Little Unprofessional." Beyond that, he's graced our screens with his talent, appearing in films like "Sex and the City 2," "Demoted," and "Horrible Bosses." Ron also played Phil Valentine on the Showtime series "Roadies" in 2016. He’s the author of a New York Times bestseller, "I Had the Right to Remain Silent…But I Didn't Have the Ability," and let’s not forget, he’s always got a cigar in hand and a glass of scotch nearby during his performances.

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Growing Up White: Ron’s Early Days

Ron White’s journey didn’t start on a red carpet. He was born Ronald Dee White on December 18, 1956, in the small town of Fritch, Texas. Life wasn’t easy for young Ron. His father, Charles, passed away when Ron was just a child, leaving him and his sister, Shea, to be raised by their mother, Barbara Joan Craig. Despite the challenges, Ron found his way through life with a sense of humor that would later become his trademark.

At 17, Ron made a life-changing decision to enlist in the United States Navy. This wasn’t just any enlistment; it happened during the tail end of the Vietnam War. While serving on the USS Conserver, Ron earned the nickname "Tater Salad." How did that happen? Well, during a picnic, Ron shouted to a soldier who was supposed to relieve him, "Get up here and relieve me before somebody eats all that Tater Salad!" That moment stuck, and the nickname followed him through life.

After his service, Ron briefly owned a pottery factory in Mexico. But deep down, he always knew he wanted to be a comedian. So, when he returned to the U.S., he decided to chase his dreams and dive headfirst into the world of comedy.

A Career That’s Anything But Ordinary

Ron White’s career didn’t happen overnight. It all started in 1986 when he first stepped onto a stage to perform stand-up comedy. He quickly gained traction, opening for big names like Jeff Foxworthy and Sam Kinison before becoming a headliner himself. His debut comedy album, "Tater Salad a.k.a. Busted in Des Moines," came out in 1990, followed by "Truckstop Comedy" in 1994.

In 2000, Ron joined the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, and the rest, as they say, is history. This tour traveled to over 270 cities across three years and raked in more than $35 million. The success didn’t stop there. "Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie" was released in 2003, followed by "Blue Collar Comedy Tour Rides Again" in 2005. Even though White wasn’t a main cast member of "Blue Collar TV," which aired on The WB from 2004 to 2006, he guest-starred in several episodes.

Ron’s 2003 album "Drunk in Public" was a game-changer, earning him a Gold certification and reaching number two on the Billboard Comedy Albums chart. His albums "You Can't Fix Stupid" in 2006, "Behavioral Problems" in 2009, and "A Little Unprofessional" in 2013 all topped the Comedy Albums chart. White even made appearances on shows like "12 Miles of Bad Road," "Reno 911!," and "Kath & Kim." In 2008, he served as a celebrity judge on "The Gong Show with Dave Attell."

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By 2010, Ron had formed Organica Music Group with producer Michael Blakey, and he appeared in "Sex and the City 2" and the TV special "Back from Hell: A Tribute to Sam Kinison." His acting career continued to flourish, with roles in "Demoted," "Horrible Bosses," and "Jayne Mansfield's Car." In 2015, he even announced his candidacy for the 2016 presidential election, running under the slogan "Vote Smart! Because You Can't Fix Stupid." And in 2018, his comedy special "If You Quit Listening, I'll Shut Up" premiered on Netflix.

Organica Media Group: Ron’s Business Venture

In 2009, Ron White ventured into the world of business by co-founding Organica Media Group (OMG) with British music producer Michael Blakey. This Los Angeles-based entertainment company aimed to bridge the worlds of music, comedy, film, and publishing. With a $1 million investment, OMG was born, focusing on creating a vertically integrated platform for talent development across various entertainment genres.

Blakey handled the music division, while Ron spearheaded the comedy arm, signing emerging comedians and supporting established performers. OMG quickly made a name for itself by partnering with Universal Music Group and building a diverse roster that included legends like Gladys Knight, pop star Taylor Dayne, and Playboy model-turned-singer Crystal Harris. The company also launched OMG VIP, a division that curates premium meet-and-greet experiences for touring artists and comedians, including big names like Martin Lawrence, LeAnn Rimes, Nick Cannon, and Ron himself.

For Ron White, OMG was more than just a business; it was an opportunity to combine his business acumen with his creative instincts, solidifying his role as both a performer and a savvy entertainment entrepreneur.

Life Beyond the Spotlight: Ron’s Personal Life

Ron White’s personal life has been as eventful as his career. In 1981, he married Lori Brice, and they welcomed a son, Marshall, before divorcing in 1992. Ron then married Barbara Dobbs in June 2004, but their marriage ended in 2008. In 2013, he married singer Margo Rey, but their relationship came to an end in 2017. Rey filed for spousal support, leading to a legal battle where Ron claimed they weren’t legally married. However, in August 2019, a judge ruled that according to Texas law, they were indeed in a common-law marriage. In April 2020, Ron asked a judge to end his $25,000 monthly payments to Margo due to the financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond his romantic life, Ron has been a strong supporter of the Red Cross and the Armed Forces Foundation. In 2009, he launched "Ron White's Comedy Salute to the Troops," an annual charity show where ticket and DVD sales benefit the Armed Forces Foundation. Comedians like Brian Regan, Lewis Black, Kathleen Madigan, and Dave Attell have performed at these events.

In early 2021, Ron decided to stop drinking alcohol, but he was reportedly seen enjoying a beer during a show in September 2023.

Recognition and Achievements

Ron White’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s been nominated for three Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album, including "Blue Collar Comedy Tour: One for the Road" (shared with Bill Engvall, Jeff Foxworthy, and Larry the Cable Guy), "You Can't Fix Stupid" in 2007, and "A Little Unprofessional" in 2014. In 2009, Ron received the Patriot Award from the Armed Forces Foundation, and Texas legislative officials even designated April 27th as "Ron White Day" in the State of Texas.

Real Estate Ventures

Ron White’s real estate portfolio is as impressive as his career. In 2010, he purchased a 4,800-square-foot home in the Beverly Hills Post Office area of Los Angeles for $1.505 million. He listed this three-bedroom, five-bathroom home on the market for a whopping $7 million in September 2020. Ron also owned a 2,290-square-foot home in Montecito, California, which he listed for sale for $4.475 million in 2014, and a 13,082-square-foot mansion in Suwanee, Georgia, that he listed for $3.5 million in 2009, $2.5 million in 2013, and $2.4 million in 2017.