Molly Shannon’s financial success is as impressive as her career.
From her breakout role on Saturday Night Live to her later work in films and television, Shannon has built a diverse portfolio.
So, what is Molly Shannon’s net worth today? Let’s take a closer look at how she’s accumulated her wealth and financial achievements over the years.
Molly Shannon Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Molly Helen Shannon |
| Popular Name | Molly Shannon |
| Birth Date | September 16, 1964 |
| Age | 61 years old |
| Birthplace | Shaker Heights, Ohio, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian (White) |
| Education | Tisch School of the Arts (NYU) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Fritz Chesnut |
| Children | 2 (Stella Shannon Chesnut, Nolan Shannon Chesnut) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Mary Shannon Beatty, Katie Shannon |
| Parents | James (father), Mary (mother) |
| Height | 1.65 meters |
| Net Worth | $8 million (2024) |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Comedy, Voice Work |
What is the Net Worth of Molly Shannon in 2025?
As of 2025, Molly Shannon’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million. This figure places her among successful comedians and actors, though not quite at the level of some of her fellow Saturday Night Live alumni.
Her wealth stems from various sources, including her acting career, voice work, and producing roles.
Compared to other well-known figures, her wealth is substantial, though it falls below that of celebrities like Will Ferrell and Tina Fey.
That said, her diverse career across television, film, and stage, including roles in Superstar and A Night at the Roxbury, has kept her financially successful over the years.
Some of Molly’s peers include:
- Will Ferrell
- Tina Fey
- Jimmy Fallon
- Kate McKinnon
- Amy Poehler
- Kristen Wiig
- Larry David
- Steve Carell
- Rachel Dratch
- Fred Armisen
For more on the world’s most successful individuals, check out our list of the wealthiest stars.
Molly Shannon Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Does Molly Shannon Earn from Her Career?
Molly Shannon has had a multifaceted career that spans television, movies, voice acting, and even writing.
Her salary has fluctuated depending on the type of project, but her time on Saturday Night Live (SNL) was a key factor in setting the foundation for her financial success. During her time on SNL (1995–2001), Shannon earned a significant income, which allowed her to transition into other major roles in films like A Night at the Roxbury (1998) and Superstar (1999).
Beyond her acting roles, Shannon has also made money from voice acting in films like the Hotel Transylvania series and Spy Kids: Mission Critical. These roles have allowed her to consistently earn income, particularly as voice work tends to offer residuals for actors.
What Are Molly Shannon’s Main Sources of Wealth?
Molly Shannon’s wealth is the result of a diverse career. Below are her main income sources:
Television
Shannon’s breakout role on Saturday Night Live (SNL) catapulted her into the spotlight. Her iconic characters, like Mary Katherine Gallagher, continue to be fondly remembered, contributing to her legacy in comedy. She also earned from recurring roles in shows like Will & Grace (1999–2004, 2018–2020) and Divorce (2016–2019).
Films
In addition to her work on SNL, Shannon starred in popular films, including Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006) and Life After Beth (2014). The success of these films contributed to her wealth over the years.
Voice Work
She has worked as a voice actor in animated movies like Hotel Transylvania (2012) and its sequels, as well as TV shows like Neighbors from Hell (2010). Voice acting roles are generally lucrative, especially when franchises continue over multiple years.
Writing and Producing
Shannon also earned income from producing and writing, including projects like The Royal Wedding Live with Cord and Tish! (2018) and her work in children’s literature, like her book Tilly the Trickster (2011).
How Has Shannon’s Wealth Evolved Over Time?
Molly Shannon’s financial journey is a testament to perseverance. She started in comedy in the early 1990s, struggling for recognition before landing on Saturday Night Live. After leaving SNL, she built a career in Hollywood, appearing in both films and TV shows. Shannon’s consistent work across different genres and platforms has played a major role in her financial stability.
The 2000s saw her transition into feature films with roles in both comedies and dramatic films, which kept her earnings growing.
In the 2010s, Shannon began focusing on more dramatic roles while continuing to lend her voice to animated films. In recent years, her role in the HBO series Divorce and the critically acclaimed The Other Two has further cemented her status as a versatile actor.
What Are Molly Shannon’s Major Financial Milestones?
Some of the key financial milestones in Molly Shannon’s career include:
- SNL Years: Her time on Saturday Night Live was an important financial starting point. The salary from the show provided a foundation for the next stages of her career.
- Film Success: Movies like Superstar and Talladega Nights were milestones that significantly added to her wealth, establishing her as a recognizable Hollywood actor.
- Voice Work: Shannon’s voice roles in Hotel Transylvania and other projects have provided her with a steady stream of income. This has been a valuable and ongoing source of financial security.
- Broadway Debut: Her debut in Broadway’s Promises, Promises in 2010 also opened up new avenues for earning, adding prestige to her career while improving her overall financial standing.
How Much Did Molly Shannon Make from Saturday Night Live?
Shannon’s Saturday Night Live salary was a key part of her early earnings. While exact numbers from the 1990s are not widely available, cast members during her tenure typically earned between $7,000 and $10,000 per episode in the late ’90s. For a show that aired weekly, this amounted to a significant sum over the course of each season.
Her role on the show was pivotal in boosting her profile, and even after leaving SNL, her reputation as one of its standout performers helped her command higher salaries for film and television roles.
What is Molly Shannon’s Current Financial Status?
Today, she enjoys financial stability thanks to her continued success in acting and voice work.
Her career shows no signs of slowing down, with recurring roles in major TV shows like The Other Two and Will & Grace. With an estimated net worth of $8 million, Shannon is comfortably situated within the entertainment industry’s middle to upper financial echelon.
Shannon’s ongoing projects ensure a steady income, and her investments and financial decisions over the years have provided her with security well into the future.
How Does Molly Shannon’s Family Impact Her Finances?
Her family life has been a stabilizing factor for her.
Married to artist Fritz Chesnut since 2004, and with two children, Shannon has always kept her family life relatively private, but it’s clear that her husband and children are integral to her day-to-day life and possibly her financial planning.
Her family’s influence likely encourages a more grounded approach to wealth management and long-term security.
Conclusion
Molly Shannon’s financial journey is a fascinating mix of hard work, talent, and wise decisions.
Her ability to diversify her career across acting, voice work, writing, and producing has allowed her to achieve lasting success. For more updates on celebrity wealth, feel free to explore other stories on Pennbook.
