Mike Epps is a much-loved American entertainer. Best know as a stand up comedian with 3 Netflix specials under his belt. He has also had successful careers in Television, Film, and Music. He has an estimated net worth of $10 million.
| Full Name | Michael Elliot Epps |
| Date of Birth | November 18, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Indiana, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88m) |
| Net Worth | $10 Million |
Early Life
Mike Epps was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on November 18, 1970. He was born to Mary Reed and Tommy Epps who both encouraged his natural comedic ability. He was always trying to make others laugh whether by telling jokes or engaging in pranks.
As a teen, Epps began doing stand-up comedy. He worked at the Comedy Act Theater in Atlanta before he moved to Brooklyn in 1994 to star in Def Comedy Jam.
Mike Epps Net Worth
Epps is a versatile performer with many talents. He earns a consistent living through his roles in movies and TV shows as well as a few forays into the music industry.
However, his stand-up comedy appearances are by far his main source of income with 5 hugely successful specials to his name. These include 3 Netflix specials that made significant money for Netflix and himself.
Although it is hard to say how much Mike Epps is worth due to his multiple sources of income. We estimate that his net worth is in the region of $10 million.
Film Career Highlights
Mike Epps got his big break in the world of film in 1997 when he was cast in Vin Diesel’s second directorial film, Strays.
Although, he shot into fame when he joined Ice Cube for the Friday franchise. Appearing in 2 of the films, Next Friday (2000) and Friday After Next (2002).
Another of his most notable roles was as ‘Black Doug’ in the Hangover films. Although absent for the second film, he appeared in both the first and the third of the much-loved comedy trilogy.
Some other honorable mentions include, Hancock, Repentance, Death Wish and 2 Resident Evil films.
TV Career Highlights
His television career started with a guest spot on Def Comedy Jam aired in 1995. A show that he later went on to host for 4 episodes in 2006.
Mike Epps also hosted the BET Hip Hop Awards from 2009 – 2012.
Though he had a few small parts in successful TV shows such as The Sopranos, Judge Mooney, and The Boondocks, his big TV break did not come until 2014. When he was cast a main role in the series Survivor’s Remorse which ran for 3 seasons. All of which featured Epps heavily.
He went on to claim major leading roles in the 2016 reboot of the 90’s show Uncle Buck, as well as the 2021 sitcom The Upshaws.
Music Career Highlights
Mike Epps has released 1 full studio album in 2009 titled, Funny Bidness: Da Album. This album snuck into the Billboard Top 100 R&B/Hip-Hop Albums peaking at 98. Although it did reach number 9 in Billboard Top Comedy Albums.
He has also released 2 albums in collaboration with other artists. A Christmas-themed hip hop album in 2008 titled A Tribute to Bad Santa Starring Mike Epps by Jim Jones & Skull Gang. In addition to Omar Ray Life & Timez of Suge Gotti, Vol. 1 released in 2012.
Leading up to the launch of Epps studio album he also released 3 singles. “Big Girls” in 2008 along with “Trying To Be A Gansta” and “Ain’t Chu You?” both in 2009.
Stand Up Career Highlights
The comedians first major stand up special, titled “Inappropriate Behavior” was released in 2006 to much acclaim. This was followed by “Under Rated… Never Faded & X-Rated” in 2009.
Epps has to wait a while for his first Netflix special which did not come about until 2015 with “Don’t Take It Personal” which was a big success. This led to a further 2 Netflix specials “Only One Mike” and “Indiana Mike” in 2019 and 2022 respectively.
Controversies
Many campaigners have criticized Epps for making fun of physically and mentally disabled kids in his stand-up acts. Most notably during his early comic career.
On June 1, 2014, Epps allegedly attacked fellow stand-up comedian LaVar Walker outside of the Uptown Comedy Club. It was said that Epps and two of his bodyguards did this because Walker made a video roasting Epps and comedian Kevin Hart.
Epps is said to have thrown punches and kicks to Walker’s head and stomach. One of the other two men is said to have thrown the victim’s phone and broken his glasses. Two days later, on June 3, the Atlanta police put out a warrant for Epps’ arrest.
Epps was also criticized in the middle of 2017 for bringing a kangaroo on stage during one of his shows. Many people said that the animal looked scared because Epps was holding it against its will. Later, Epps said he was sorry and that it was totally unplanned and that he would never hurt an animal.
Social Media
Mike Epps has a good social media presence and is always active on Instagram and Twitter with well over 5000 posts on IG alone.
His Instagram account is followed by 7.7 million people and can be found by clicking here.
His Twitter account is followed by 3.3 million people and can be found by clicking here.
Personal Life
In 2006, Mike Epps wed the actress, Mechelle McCain. Before divorcing in 2017, their eleven-year marriage resulted in 2 children named Maddie and Mariah.
In addition, he has two daughters from earlier relationships. Bria and Makayla are the names of these elder daughters.
Epps went on to marry his current wife Kyra Robinson, an actress and film producer, in 2019 in Newport Beach, California.
As an actor, Epps has garnered a few accolades. In 2007, he received a Gotham Award for his film “Talk to Me.”
For his role in the 2012 film “Jumping the Broom,” he won the Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor.