Gary Owen Net Worth: From Navy Service to Comedy Stardom
Gary Owen is an American actor and stand-up comedian who has a net worth of $4 million. Gary Owen had his breakthrough in 1997 on the stand-up comedy television show “ComicView.” Following that, he began appearing in many comedy films, including “Held Up,” “Daddy Day Care,” “Little Man,” “College,” and “Think Like a Man.” Notably, Owen has developed a large African-American following due to his appearances on the cable channel BET. Owens was named “Black America’s Favorite White Comic” by Ebony.
Who is Gary Owen
Gary Owen net worth is a product of hard work, as he is a comedian and an actor, who is celebrated for his sharp humor and down to earth comedy. With a career spanning more than 20 years, he has cultivated a following and earned acclaim in the world of entertainment.
Gary Owen Early Life and Military Service
Gary Owen was born on July 26, 1974 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He grew up with his six siblings in a trailer park in Oxford. As a young, he served for six years in the US Navy as a Master-at-Arms. Owen was in the Presidential Honor Guard as well.
Gary Owen Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Gary Owen’s journey to stardom kicked off when he appeared on BET’s “Comic View.” In 1997, he made history as the first Caucasian host of the show marking a moment in his career. His success on “Comic View” paved the way for him in the comedy scene and he quickly earned a reputation as one of the most hilarious comedians of his time which marks the beginning of Gary Owen net worth. Owens humor often revolves around his experiences as a white man navigating black culture a perspective that has endeared him to audiences. His ability to connect with both black and white crowds has led to opportunities in films like “Think Like a Man” (2012) and its sequel “Think Like a Man Too” (2014).
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Gary Owen Comedy Specials
Among Owen’s comedy specials are “Breakin’ Out the Park” and “Urban Legend,” both of which were released on DVD. His other specials have included 2012’s “Gary Owen: True Story,” 2015’s “Gary Owen: I Agree with Myself,” and 2019’s “Gary Owen: #DoinWhatIDo.” Due to his popularity with African-American audiences in particular, Owen was named “Black America’s Favorite White Comic” by Ebony magazine in 2011.
Gary Owen Film Career
Following his breakthrough as a stand-up comic, Owen began appearing in comedy movies on the big screen. He made his debut in the 1999 buddy crime comedy “Held Up,” starring Jamie Foxx and Nia Long. Owen next had bit parts in the 2003 films “Daddy Day Care” and “Love Chronicles.” In 2005, he played a mascot in the basketball comedy “Rebound.” The year after that, he showed up as a police officer in both “Little Man” and “Who Made the Potatoe Salad?” Owen had a bigger part in 2008, playing Brian “Bearcat” Miller in “College.” He appeared alongside Drake Bell, Kevin Covais, Andrew Caldwell, and Haley Bennett, among others.In 2012, Owen appeared in the large ensemble cast of Tim Story’s romantic comedy “Think Like a Man,” costarring Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Taraji P. Henson, Regina Hall, Gabrielle Union, and many others. He played Bennett, the “Happily Married Man.” Owen reunited with both Story and Hart in 2014 for the buddy cop action comedy “Ride Along,” in which he played Crazy Cody. The same year, he reprised his role as Bennett in “Think Like a Man Too.” Owen subsequently appeared in such films as “Get Hard,” “Bachelors,” “Meet the Blacks,” and “Undercover Brother 2.” In 2020, he had a notable non-comedic role as janitor Gus in the sports action film “Welcome to Sudden Death,” a remake of “Sudden Death.” The following year, Owen was in “The House Next Door: Meet the Blacks 2.”
Gary Owen Television Career
Gary Owen has made some memorable appearances on television over the years. In 1998, he was in an episode of the sitcom “The Wayans Bros.” Later, in 2009, he played the recurring role of Zach in the fifth season of the Tyler Perry sitcom “House of Payne.” Owen was given his own BET show in 2016 called “The Gary Owen Show.” That same year, he appeared in an episode of “Nubbin & Friends.”
Gary Owen Personal Life
In 2003, Owen married Kenya Duke. Together, they had a son named Austin and a daughter named Kennedy before divorcing in 2021. Duke also has a son named Emilio from a prior relationship.
FAQs
What is Gary Owen best known for?
Gary Owen is best known for his stand-up comedy, his roles in films like Think Like a Man and Ride Along, and his ability to connect with both black and white audiences. He became popular for his humor that often revolves around navigating black culture as a white man.
How did Gary Owen start his career?
Gary Owen began his career with a breakthrough appearance in 1997 on BET’s Comic View, where he became the first Caucasian host. This helped establish him in the comedy world, and he quickly gained fame through his stand-up specials and film roles.
What are some of Gary Owen’s notable comedy specials?
Some of Gary Owen’s notable comedy specials include Urban Legend, Gary Owen: True Story, Gary Owen: I Agree with Myself, and Gary Owen: #DoinWhatIDo. These specials helped solidify his reputation in the comedy world.
What is Gary Owen’s net worth?
Gary Owen’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million, which he has earned through his successful comedy career, acting roles in films and TV shows, and stand-up specials.
Conclusion
Gary Owen has built an impressive career as a comedian, actor, and television personality, with a net worth of $4 million. His breakthrough on Comic View and ability to connect with diverse audiences has made him a household name.
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