Introduction
Lee Evans is an English retired stand-up comedian, actor, musician and writer. He is best known for his energetic, observational comedy style and physical humor. Evans has built an extensive career in comedy and acting, amassing a net worth of $12 million as of 2023.
Early Life and Education
Lee John Martin Evans was born on February 25, 1964 in Avonmouth, Bristol, England. He was raised on a council estate by his father Dave, a nightclub performer, and his mother Shirley, who worked double shifts at a cosmetics factory.
Evans attended Stanton Drew Primary School in Bristol as a child. He later went on to study at The Billericay School and Southgate College in London. Evans discovered his passion for comedy and acting while in school.
Career Beginnings
After doing some roadie work for comedians, Evans began his stand-up comedy career in the late 1980s. His first major gig was an 11-week residency at the Tropicana Hotel in London in 1990.
Evans rose to greater prominence when he was given a regular slot on Channel 4’s stand-up showcase series “The Big Breakfast” in 1992. His energetic physical comedy and observational humor made him a household name in the UK.
Television, Film and Comedy Success
Throughout the 1990s, Evans starred in his own television shows on Channel 4 and BBC One, including “The World of Lee Evans” (1995) and “Lee Evans: So What Now?” (2001). His comedy tours consistently sold out arenas across the UK.
Evans began transitioning into acting, landing supporting roles in Hollywood films like “Mousehunt” (1997), “There’s Something About Mary” (1998) and “The Fifth Element” (1997). His first major film role came with the 2004 comedy “The Medallion” starring Jackie Chan.
The 2000s were a hugely successful period for Evans. He released several chart-topping comedy DVDs including “Lee Evans: XL” (2005), which remains the biggest selling comedy DVD in UK history. His tours continued to break attendance records, selling over 500,000 tickets for his 2008-2009 tour.
Later Projects
In 2011, Evans announced he was retiring from stand-up comedy after his towering arena tour “The Roadrunner Tour.” He continued acting, appearing in films like “The Martins” (2001) and “Freeze Frame” (2004).
Evans made his theatrical stage debut in Samuel Beckettās “Endgame” in 2016 at the Old Vic in London. He also composed music in this later phase of his career, releasing the album “Monsters” in 2017.
In 2018, Evans made his return to stand-up, embarking on a massive UK arena tour titled “Lee Evans – Monsters.” It marked his first comedy tour in over seven years. While intended as a limited comeback, the tour’s success opened the door for Evans to return to stand-up on his own terms.
Personal Life
Evans married dancer Heather Nudds in 1994 after meeting on the “Big Breakfast” show. They have one daughter together, Mollie Ellen Evans.
Known for keeping his personal life private, Evans retreated from the spotlight following his 2011 comedy retirement. He spends his time off stage at his farm in Essex with his family.
An avid car and motorcycle enthusiast, Evans has a large collection of vehicles he indulges in during his free time. He is also an ardent fan of action movies and owns an extensive home cinema.
Net Worth and Earnings
Lee Evans has amassed an estimated net worth of $12 million as of 2023. The vast majority of his wealth has come from his decades of successful comedy tours and DVD sales. His arena comedy shows were among the highest grossing tours in the UK during the 2000s.
In addition to stand-up comedy, Evans earned millions from his television and film roles. At the peak of his career, he was reportedly earning up to Ā£10 million per tour. While in retirement, Evans continues earning residuals from DVD sales and syndication of his past television programs.
With his recent return to stand-up comedy, Evans is poised to grow his considerable net worth even further. His enduring popularity ensures his future tours and projects will continue raking in massive profits.
Summary
Lee Evans is an iconic British comedian and actor who has built an estimated $12 million net worth. His outsized talent for energetic physical comedy and hilarious observational humor earned him fame across the UK. Evansā comedy tours broke records and his DVD releases amassed colossal sales. While he briefly retired from stand-up in 2011, Evans remains a beloved household name whose net worth continues rising even in his later career.
