Keegan-Michael Key Net Worth

Keegan-Michael Key has made audiences erupt with laughter through his comedic talents on shows like MadTV and the hugely popular sketch series Key & Peele, which he co-created with Jordan Peele. 

This has launched a successful comedy career for him, leading him to become a popular actor in both comedic and dramatic roles, even co-starring alongside Reese Witherspoon and other A-listers. 

With his continual presence on screens, big and small, along with his comedy tours, he has amassed an impressive net worth estimated in millions. This article will explore Key’s journey to stardom and financial success.

Keegan-Michael Key’s net worth and career

Key has amassed an impressive net worth of $12 million through his successful comedy career over two decades. He first got his big break in 2004 when he was hired as a cast member on the hit sketch comedy show MadTV. 

His hilarious impressions and characters quickly made him a standout on the show. This launched his comedy career and gave him the exposure to land more roles. 

In 2012, he reached new heights of fame when he co-created, wrote, and starred in the Comedy Central sketch series Key & Peele with former MadTV co-star Jordan Peele. 

The witty and satirical show earned praise and popularity, winning two Emmy awards. Key and Peele’s comedic chemistry propelled them both to stardom.

Capitalizing on his fame, he has starred in numerous films and television shows over the past decade. 

Keegan-Michael Key is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer (Source: The Second City)

He has appeared in movies like Horrible Bosses 2, Let’s Be Cops, and Pitch Perfect 2 and provided voice work in hits like Toy Story 4, The Lion King, and Hotel Transylvania 2 and 3.

His continual presence across screens, big and small, has significantly contributed to his multimillion-dollar net worth.

Now with an established reputation in Hollywood, he continues to land prominent acting roles, including projects currently in development with high-profile directors like Peele.

Between his comedy tours and busy acting schedule, his money-making days are far from over, ensuring his net worth will likely grow in the years to come.

His unique observational and physical comedy brand has carved him a comfortable niche in which to thrive.

Keegan-Michael Key’s partnership with Jordan Peele

Key and Peele have forged an incredibly successful comedic partnership, cementing them both as stars. Their chemistry was clear even when they first worked together on Mad TV in the early 2000s, often collaborating on sketches. 

Recognizing their comedic synergy, they decided to continue teaming up. In 2012, Key and Peele struck gold when they co-created and starred in the hit Comedy Central sketch series Key & Peele.

Their sharp satirical comedy resonated with audiences, earning praise and catapulting their careers. He revealed they intended to make themselves “indispensable” by writing and rehearsing sketches in their shared apartment. 

This tight-knit creative process allowed them to perform perfectly and pitch their hilarious ideas. With Key bringing his gift for physical comedy and impressions and Peele providing tactical comedic vision, they formed the perfect storm. 

Iconic segments like Luther the Anger Translator and parody sketches like East Coast vs West Coast Bowl showcased their talents. The popularity of their show demonstrated that their comedic chemistry deserved the spotlight.

After five successful seasons, both stars leveraged their newfound fame to land major acting roles while collaborating, like their guest appearance in battle rapping in the YouTube series Epic Rap Battles of History. 

Their decision long ago to keep teaming up has paid off in spades, making them both household names synonymous with cutting-edge comedy. Audiences are always eager to see Key and Peele join forces and bring the fun.

Keegan-Michael Key owns a condo in Jenga Tower

Key now owns a luxurious $5.2 million condominium in New York City’s iconic “Jenga Tower” building. 

According to reports from 2018, Key and his wife Elisa purchased a unit in this Tribeca high-rise known for its unique, stackable design resembling the game Jenga. 

This coveted apartment was likely alluring to him due to the building’s high-end amenities and gorgeous city views offered through floor-to-ceiling glass walls. His specific unit also features soaring ceilings, maximizing light and space. 

Though the details of his exact condo are unknown, units in the Jenga Tower range from open lofts to sprawling five bedrooms. 

Keegan-Michael Key owns a condo in the Jenga Tower (Source: NY Post)

His new home is more affordable for the building, with its 145 units ranging from $5.2 million to a jaw-dropping $47.8 million penthouse sold in 2017.

But even the lowest end commands rent between $8,500-39,500 per month. So while Key scored a “deal,” this Tribeca condo still carries elite status, fitting for his millionaire lifestyle.

Owning property in New York, specifically the distinct Jenga Tower seems a wise investment for someone of his means. It allows comfortable city living in an architecturally unique residence while potentially appreciating the lucrative NYC real estate market. 

And breathtaking skyline views are just an added perk as Key settles into life professionally and personally in New York.

A part of Keegan-Michael Key’s earnings goes to his ex-wife

A portion of Key’s earnings goes to his ex-wife, Cynthia Blaise, after their divorce settlement in 2017. 

Despite his successful TV and film career earning him an impressive net worth of $12 million, he owes Blaise substantial monthly alimony payments.

According to court documents, Key must pay Blaise $34,000 per month and 21% of his annual income over $2.15 million after taxes. This means every year, up to $700,000 of Key’s earnings from his acting work legally has to go to his ex-wife. 

On top of that, he paid Blaise over $650,000 to equalize asset division during their separation. This large chunk of change going to his ex is likely why his net worth seems lower than expected, given his level of fame and work history. 

Keegan-Michael Key with his ex-wife Cynthia Blaise (Source: Yahoo)

Without the costly divorce settlement, the comedic actor could have accrued more wealth at this stage of his prolific career. Unfortunately, as they had no prenuptial agreement, this post-divorce payment situation is now his reality for the foreseeable future or until Blaise remarries.

While Key has moved on personally and remarried producer Elisa Pugliese in 2018, financially, he is still tied to his first wife for years to come. These regular alimony installments mean his ex profits with him the more successful he becomes in Hollywood. 

So, a significant portion of the funnyman’s hard-earned and future earnings perpetually goes directly into his ex-wife’s pocket.