- Name: Ari Shaffir
- Current Age: 47
- Occupation: Stand-up comedian, actor, podcaster
- Date of Birth: February 12, 1974
- Place of Birth: New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality: American
- Parents: Nat Shaffir (father), Merrylee Shaffir (mother)
- Siblings: None
- Spouse: Single
- Children: None
- Net Worth: Estimated $2 million (2024)
- Source of Wealth: Stand-up comedy, acting, podcasting
- Ventures: Host of "Skeptic Tank" podcast
- Ethnicity: Jewish
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches
- Weight: 180 lbs
- Notable Works: "Ari Shaffir: Passive Aggressive," "This Is Not Happening," "Ari Shaffir: Double Negative"
Early Life and Education
Ari David Shaffir was born on February 12, 1974, in New York City to a Jewish family of Romanian Jewish descent. His father was a Holocaust survivor, and the family followed Conservative Jewish practices until moving to Maryland when Ari was nine years old. They then adopted Orthodox Jewish beliefs. Shaffir attended high school in Rockville, Maryland, and later studied English literature at the University of Maryland, graduating in 1999. He also spent two years studying at a Yeshiva in Jerusalem and played on the university’s NCAA golf team.
Career in Comedy
Shaffir’s comedy career began with a performance at an open mic night in Northern Virginia in his early twenties. He later moved to Los Angeles to pursue stand-up comedy, working his way up from answering phones at The Comedy Store to becoming a paid regular after four and a half years. Shaffir cites comedians like Bill Burr as influences and became known for his viral video series, The Amazing Racist. He toured with Joe Rogan, Joey Diaz, and others, and created the live comedy show This Is Not Happening.
Podcasting and Television
In 2011, Shaffir started his podcast, Skeptic Tank, where he discusses various topics with guests, often comedians. He also co-hosts Punch Drunk Sports and has made numerous appearances on The Joe Rogan Experience. Shaffir released stand-up albums and television specials, including Revenge for the Holocaust, Passive Aggressive, and Double Negative on Netflix. He has also appeared in commercials and the film Keeping Up with the Joneses.
Controversy and Personal Life
Shaffir faced backlash in 2020 after posting a video on Twitter celebrating the death of Kobe Bryant. The controversial remarks led to a comedy club canceling his performance due to threats. Despite this incident, Shaffir remains focused on his stand-up career and continues to tour with his shows. He currently resides in New York City and is known for his candid and often provocative comedic style.
Financial Insights
As of 2024, Ari Shaffir’s estimated net worth stands at $2 million. His primary sources of income stem from his successful career as a stand-up comedian, actor, and podcaster. Shaffir’s stand-up tours, comedy specials, and podcast sponsorships contribute significantly to his wealth.
Factors contributing to Shaffir’s financial success include his ability to connect with audiences through his candid and unapologetic humor, as well as his entrepreneurial ventures in the podcasting world. By leveraging his comedic talents across various platforms, Shaffir has built a loyal fan base and established himself as a prominent figure in the comedy scene.
