Ellie Kemper has built an impressive fortune through her work in TV shows, movies, writing, and other ventures. Her wealth stands at approximately $9 million in 2025, a testament to her success as an actress and comedian. How did this talented performer grow her bank account to such heights? Let’s explore the money journey of the star best known for her roles in “The Office” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.”
Who Is Ellie Kemper?
Born Elizabeth Claire Kemper on May 2, 1980, in Kansas City, Missouri, Ellie comes from a wealthy family. Her father, David Woods Kemper, led Commerce Bancshares, a bank founded by her great-great-grandfather. Despite this family wealth, Ellie chose to make her own path in entertainment.
Kemper grew up in St. Louis and attended John Burroughs School. Her education continued at Princeton University, where she studied English and played field hockey. After college, she went to Oxford University but left to pursue comedy in Chicago.
Her background in improv comedy at groups like ImprovOlympic and The Second City helped build the skills that would later bring her fame and fortune.
Career Highlights
Ellie’s road to riches began with small comedy roles before landing bigger opportunities. Her breakthrough came when she joined the cast of NBC’s hit show “The Office” as receptionist Erin Hannon in 2009. What started as a four-episode role turned into a regular spot until the show ended in 2013.
Her career took a major leap when Tina Fey and Robert Carlock cast her as the lead in “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” This Netflix comedy about a woman rescued from a doomsday cult ran for four seasons and earned Ellie two Emmy nominations. The show became a cornerstone of her career and significantly boosted her earnings.
Beyond these major roles, Kemper appeared in movies like “Bridesmaids,” “21 Jump Street,” and “Sex Tape.” She voiced characters in “The Secret Life of Pets” movies and “The Lego Batman Movie.” Each project added to her growing bank account and industry standing.
Salary Highlights
Ellie’s paychecks grew substantially as her fame increased. During the later seasons of “The Office,” she reportedly earned around $100,000 per episode. This salary jumped when she landed the title role in “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” where estimates suggest she made between $150,000 and $200,000 per episode across its 52 episodes.
For movie roles, her pay varied based on the film’s budget and her role size. In bigger productions like “Bridesmaids,” she likely earned in the mid-six figures. Voice acting in animated films like “The Secret Life of Pets” franchise also brought substantial paydays, with such roles often paying top talent $300,000 to $500,000.
Beyond Acting: Other Income Sources
Ellie’s wealth comes from more than just acting. She ventured into writing with her humorous memoir “My Squirrel Days,” published in 2018. The book deal likely earned her a six-figure advance plus ongoing royalties.
She expanded her income through hosting. Kemper hosted an episode of “Saturday Night Live” in 2015 and took on hosting duties for “The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition.”
Brand partnerships and endorsements added more money to her portfolio. While not as active in this space as some celebrities, she appeared in commercials for brands like Apple and Buick, deals that typically pay well-known actors hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Real Estate Investments
Like many successful entertainers, Ellie invested some of her earnings in property. In 2016, she and her husband Michael Koman purchased a co-op apartment in New York City’s Upper West Side for approximately $2.8 million. The pre-war building near Central Park offered about 1,300 square feet of space.
As her family grew, reports suggest the couple may have invested in more spacious accommodations, though details of their current property holdings remain private. Real estate in prime New York areas typically appreciates well over time, adding to her overall wealth picture.
Personal Life and Family
Ellie married comedy writer Michael Koman in 2012. Koman wrote for shows like “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and co-created “Nathan For You.” The couple has two sons, born in 2016 and 2019.
Her family connections extend beyond her immediate household. Her mother Dorothy Jannarone Kemper comes from an Italian Catholic family, while her father David’s family founded Commerce Bancshares, which holds over $30 billion in assets.
Ellie’s older sister Carrie worked as a TV writer on shows like “Silicon Valley.” Her older brother John served as the chairman of Commerce Bank. The family connections show Ellie could have taken an entirely different career path in banking but chose entertainment instead.
Career Achievements
Throughout her career, Ellie earned numerous award nominations that boosted her industry status and earning power. Her role in “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” brought her two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2016 and 2017.
She also received Screen Actors Guild Award nominations as part of the ensemble cast of “The Office.” While major solo awards have eluded her so far, the critical recognition has helped maintain her status as a sought-after performer, which directly impacts her earning ability.
Public Image and Brand Value
Ellie’s public image as a wholesome, funny, and relatable performer has strengthened her brand value. She projects an authentic persona that appeals to audiences and makes her attractive to casting directors and brands looking for ambassadors.
This positive image faced a challenge in 2021 when old photos surfaced of her participation in the Veiled Prophet Ball, an event with controversial historical connections. Kemper addressed the situation with an apology, and the controversy died down without causing lasting damage to her career or earnings potential.
Her comedic skills, combined with her approachable personality, continue to make her marketable across various entertainment platforms.
How Her Wealth Compares to Co-Stars
When looking at Ellie’s $9 million net worth, it falls in the middle range compared to her famous co-stars. From “The Office,” Steve Carell leads with a fortune estimated at over $80 million, while John Krasinski and Mindy Kaling have built wealth in the $30-50 million range through expanded careers in writing, directing, and producing.
Among her “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” co-stars, Tituss Burgess has amassed around $5 million, while Carol Kane’s decades-long career has built a reported $8 million fortune. Jane Krakowski, with her extensive TV and Broadway background, has wealth estimated at $14 million.
Kemper’s wealth reflects her status as a successful lead actress who has maintained steady work but hasn’t yet branched extensively into producing or creating her own shows.
Recent Projects
Ellie continues to work steadily, which bodes well for her financial future. Recent projects include voice work in animated productions and roles in Netflix films. In 2023, she starred in the rom-com “Happiness for Beginners” on Netflix and voiced characters in animated projects.
Her career demonstrates versatility across TV, film, voice acting, writing, and hosting. This range of skills provides multiple income streams and protects against industry volatility.
Looking ahead, Kemper has the potential to increase her wealth through:
- Creating and producing her own content, following the path of former co-stars like Mindy Kaling
- Expanding her writing career beyond her first memoir
- Taking on more prominent film roles or leading another successful TV series
- Developing her presence in the lucrative voice acting market
If she follows these paths, her net worth could potentially double over the next decade.
Managing Wealth and Financial Decisions
With her family background in banking, Ellie likely received solid financial guidance. While details of her investments beyond real estate remain private, celebrities with her level of wealth typically work with financial advisors to build diversified portfolios.
The entertainment industry’s unpredictable nature makes smart money management crucial. Many successful actors invest in a mix of stocks, bonds, real estate, and sometimes business ventures to ensure long-term financial security beyond their peak earning years.
Philanthropic Work
Ellie supports various causes, though she keeps much of her charitable work private. She has participated in events supporting organizations like the Tisch Multiple Sclerosis Research Center and other health-related charities.
Her public advocacy has included environmental causes and women’s issues. While philanthropic giving may reduce net worth in the short term, it often enhances a celebrity’s brand value and public goodwill, potentially leading to more opportunities.
Ellie Kemper’s Path to Financial Success
Kemper’s financial journey shows how talent, education, and consistent work can build substantial wealth in entertainment. Despite coming from money, she created her own path and fortune.
Her career demonstrates successful pivots between television, film, writing, voice acting, and hosting. This versatility has protected her earnings potential through industry changes and trends.
Kemper’s $9 million net worth in 2025 reflects a successful mid-career actress who has made smart choices both professionally and financially. With her talent and business sense, her wealth will likely continue growing as she takes on new projects and expands her creative footprint.
For fans of her work, Ellie Kemper offers an inspiring example of creating success through talent, education, and seizing opportunities when they arise. Her fortune may not match Hollywood’s biggest stars, but her steady career growth shows the financial rewards of consistent performance in an unpredictable industry.
Conclusion
Ellie Kemper built her $9 million fortune through smart career choices and diverse income streams. From her breakout role on “The Office” to starring in “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” she proved her comedic talent pays well. Beyond acting, her writing, voice work, and real estate investments show financial savvy. Coming from banking wealth but making her own way, Kemper demonstrates how combining talent with business sense creates lasting success. As she continues taking on new projects, her wealth will likely grow, cementing her place among entertainment’s financially successful stars.
