Craig Kilborn is a household name for fans of late-night television and sports commentary. His career spans from being the first host of The Daily Show to his time hosting The Late Late Show.
Over the years, Kilborn’s net worth has been built through his diverse work in TV, sports, and film.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Craig Kilborn net worth, salary, and overall financial picture in 2025, along with some key insights into how he earned his fortune.
Craig Kilborn Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Craig Lawrence Kilborn |
| Popular Name | Craig Kilborn |
| Birth Date | August 24, 1962 |
| Age | 62 (as of February 2025) |
| Birthplace | Kansas City, Missouri, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education | Hastings High School, Montana State University |
| Marital Status | N/A |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Children | Jonathan Kilborn |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | Hiram Kilborn, Shirley Kilborn |
| Height (meters) | 1.96 meters |
| Net Worth | $7 million |
| Source of Wealth | Television, Hosting, Acting |
What is the Net Worth of Craig Kilborn in 2025?
Craig Kilborn’s current net worth in 2025 is estimated to be $7 million. While Kilborn is not among the richest celebrities, his fortune is impressive for a television host and actor who initially rose to fame on The Daily Show.
Comparing his net worth to other late-night hosts like Jon Stewart or David Letterman, it becomes evident that Kilborn’s financial trajectory took a different path after he left The Late Late Show.
Kilborn’s income came primarily from his years in late-night television, including The Daily Show and The Late Late Show.
However, his time on ESPN’s SportsCenter and various film cameos, like in Old School and The Benchwarmers, also contributed to his wealth.
Some notable individuals or teams associated with Kilborn’s career include:
- Jon Stewart
- David Letterman
- Keith Olbermann
- Dan Patrick
- Charlie Steiner
- Comedy Central
- CBS
- ESPN
- Montana State University
- The Daily Show
For more on celebrity net worth, explore the latest rankings of the wealthiest individuals on our site.
Craig Kilborn Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How Much Does Craig Kilborn Earn from His Career?
Craig Kilborn’s career has been marked by diverse income sources, from late-night hosting to sports commentary.
During his time as the original host of The Daily Show (1996-1998), Kilborn brought his sharp wit and unique commentary to the show, paving the way for future hosts like Jon Stewart.
While exact salary details from The Daily Show remain private, Kilborn’s net worth benefited from the salary he earned during his tenure.
Later, as the host of The Late Late Show (1999-2004), Kilborn’s earnings grew, especially since late-night TV hosts were among the highest-paid celebrities at the time.
His role on SportsCenter also helped establish him as a popular sports personality, making him a well-known figure in the media world.
However, the income from his time on The Kilborn File (2010), despite its short run, did not match the financial success of his earlier TV shows.
What is Craig Kilborn’s Source of Wealth?
Craig Kilborn’s wealth is derived from several different sources. Primarily, his income came from his years of hosting The Daily Show and The Late Late Show.
As a late-night host, Kilborn was part of a lucrative industry, with hosts typically earning substantial salaries.
This was further supplemented by his earnings from SportsCenter, where he became known for his sports commentary.
In addition to television, Kilborn earned money through his acting roles in films. His part in the comedy Old School (2003) helped him gain exposure and additional financial success.
The Benchwarmers (2006) and his other cameo appearances also contributed to his overall wealth.
Kilborn’s post-TV ventures, including his brief return to television in 2010 with The Kilborn File, though unsuccessful, still added to his earnings from the entertainment industry.
His Financial Milestones and Achievements
Craig Kilborn’s financial journey can be traced back to his sports commentary career on SportsCenter in the 1990s.
His transition from sports to late-night TV marked a significant shift in his career, bringing with it a substantial increase in income.
Hosting The Late Late Show for five years was a major financial milestone, during which Kilborn earned some of the highest salaries in late-night television.
In 1997, Kilborn was nominated for the CableACE Award for Best Entertainment Host, a recognition that further solidified his place in the entertainment industry.
His show The Late Late Show was also nominated for a Teen Choice Award in 2003 and 2004, highlighting his influence and success in the late-night television realm. These accolades helped boost his public profile, indirectly contributing to his wealth.
His Earnings from The Daily Show and The Late, Late Show
As the original host of The Daily Show, Kilborn’s time on the show was brief, but it was important for his career trajectory.
His salary during this time was likely modest compared to what later hosts earned. However, Kilborn’s transition to The Late Late Show in 1999 marked the beginning of a much more lucrative period in his career.
Although Kilborn left The Late Late Show in 2004, his financial success during his tenure was considerable, with earnings far higher than many of his contemporaries at the time. In fact, late-night hosts were some of the highest-paid figures in television during the late 90s and early 2000s.
How Did Craig Kilborn Accumulate His Wealth Over the Years?
Kilborn’s financial success can be attributed to his career in both television and sports broadcasting. His initial work as a sports commentator on SportsCenter gave him a strong foundation for his later success.
Kilborn’s ability to transition from sports commentary to comedy and late-night hosting allowed him to grow his wealth substantially.
Throughout his career, Kilborn diversified his income streams by acting in films and making guest appearances. These roles, though not as prominent as his television work, still added to his financial portfolio.
Kilborn’s investments and business ventures outside of television may have also played a role in building his wealth.
Conclusion
Craig Kilborn’s financial journey has been as dynamic as his career. From hosting iconic late-night shows to making significant contributions to sports commentary, Kilborn has built a noteworthy fortune over the years.
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