| Net Worth | $6,000,000 |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Elliot Epps |
| Date of Birth/Age | November 18, 1970 (age 48) |
| Source of wealth | Television Personality, Stand-Up |
| Height | 6’2’’ |
| Country of origin | U.S |
| State/City of origin | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Last Updated | 2019 |
What is Mike Epps’ Net Worth?
Mike Epps’ net worth is $6 million.
How Did Mike Epps Make His Money?
Epps is a stand-up comedian, actor, and movie producer who has starred in both leading and secondary roles in dozens of movies.
Epps is not an instantly recognizable, megastar name or face, but he delivers an appealing performance in every movie.
Epps’ most popular roles were in the hit buddy-caper movies Next Friday and Friday After Next. He played a character named Day-Day Jones in both movies.
Epps was cast in the movies at the insistence of the movie’s lead Ice Cube, who had seen Epps doing stand-up and thought he would be perfect in the role.
Although Epps can get into dark territory in his stand-up, he also has an open, friendly style that worked well in the role of the dim but likable Day-Day.
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Steady Work
The roles brought Epps to national prominence. Epps was never cast as a lead in any major movies, but he continued working steadily. That’s an achievement in itself in the cutthroat world of entertainment.
For several years, he continued doing stand-up and appearing in small movies, music videos and as a voice artist in animated films. Audiences grew familiar with Epps and his brand of sunny, spirited acting.
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Bigger Roles
Epps gradually got bigger roles and parts in bigger movies. In 2013, he was cast in the blockbuster hit The Hangover in the part of Black Doug.
His other credits include:
- Sparkle in 2012.
- Mac and Devin Go to High School in 2012.
- The Hangover Part 3 in 2013.
- Repentance and School Dance in 2014.
- Bessie in 2015.
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Richard Pryor Biopic
Epps’ luck and status changed dramatically in 2017, when he was chosen to play Richard Pryor in the big-budget biopic I Am Richard Pryor. The movie is slated to release in 2020.
He was cast in the role despite open lobbying for the part by many leading comedians and actors. Epps will star alongside a star-studded cast that includes Oprah Winfrey and Kate Hudson.
Relationships
Epps married actress Mechelle McCain in 2006. They divorced in 2017.
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Mike Epps Early Life
Epps grew up in what he calls a rough neighborhood with little adult supervision. His mother worked two jobs to support them.
He ended up selling drugs simply because he couldn’t think of any other money-making opportunity. In 1989, he was arrested, convicted and sent to prison for two years.
Def Comedy Jam
While he was locked up, Epps began to focus seriously on his plans for the future. He had always been known for his funny riffs and takes on life, and now he decided to pursue comedy as a career. When he got out, he began doing standup and honing his craft.
In 1994, he joined the Def Comedy Jam group that was then touring the country. He also moved to New York City. He still makes his home there.
Movie and TV Roles
After the Friday movies, Epps was cast in a series of parts. He starred as the voice of Sonny the bear in the Eddie Murphy comedy Dr. Doolittle.
In 2001, he was cast in How High and Baby Powder. In 2002, he had roles in All About the Benjamins and several TV spots. In 2003, he kept busy in both Malibu’s Most Wanted and The Fighting Temptations.
In 2005, he got his first starring lead as Ed Norton in the big-screen remake of the Honeymooners. Epps later said in an interview that the original Honeymooners had been one of his mother’s favorite shows. He described how she had watched it the whole time he as growing up.
He said he felt honored that he could recreate a role that had meant a lot to him and his family.
In 2010, Epps produced the documentary Napoleon: Life of an Outlaw. It told the story of one of the prominent members of Tupac Shakur’s Outlawz group.
Epps was cast in Resident Evil: Apocalypse in 2004 and Resident Evil: Extinction in 2007. He has also had roles in the Sopranos, Ridiculousness and 106 & Park.
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Recent Roles
The hardworking actor and comedian have kept busy. During 2018 and 2019, he was in several movies that increased his fame and visibility. In 2016, he was in the hit parody Fifty Shades of Black.
He was also cast in:
- Girls Trip in 2017.
- Where’s the Money? in 2017.
- Acts of Violence in 2018.
- Death Wish and Love Jacked in 2018.
- The Trap, the Last Black Man in San Francisco and Meet the Blacks 2 in 2019.
- Troop Zero and Dolemite Is My Name in 2019.
He announced that he would return to the big screen as Day-Day in the third installment of the Friday franchise, Last Friday.
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Awards
Epps won an NAACP Image Award in 2002 for Outstanding Supporting Actor for Jumping the Broom. He won it again in 2016 as an Outstanding Supporting Actor for Survivor’s Remorse.
He has been nominated for several Black Entertainment Television (BET) awards and Black Reel awards.
Interesting Facts About Mike Epps
- Two of his movie roles were as characters who won the lottery. These were Next Friday and All About the Benjamins.
- He has been cast as a character named Reggie in four movies.
- He is a huge fan of old, classic Hollywood movies.
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Favorite Quotes From Mike Epps
“I’m a survivor of life. I try to give the glory to God and appreciate what’s happening to me.”
“I watch old school film so that I can learn. I watch so much that I just sort of miss all the new stuff. I think Hollywood, to be quite honest, I think they’ve run out of material.”
“I left Indiana, and I ain’t been back since. I’ve been doing comedy and paying my bills.”
Mike Epps Success Tips
- “To have longevity in this business, you have to reinvent yourself. You can’t keep doing the same stuff. Sometimes I’ve turned down stuff and lost money.”
- “Just the fact that I’m in the game is great. I’m just blessed to be working. I got a plan, but I’m humble and I try to stay humble.”
