Bert Kreischer, also famously known as “The Machine,” is a powerhouse in the world of comedy. As of 2025, this multi-talented comedian, actor, podcaster, and producer boasts a net worth of $20 million and is 52 years old. But what’s behind this impressive fortune? From shirtless stand-up gigs to selling out arenas, Bert has carved out a unique lane in the entertainment industry. Let’s break down how he got here and why his story continues to captivate fans across the globe.
How Did Bert Kreischer’s Wild College Days Lead to Hollywood?
Bert’s journey to fame started not on a stage, but on the campus of Florida State University. Born on November 3, 1972, in Tampa, Florida, Bert was known as the life of the party long before he was packing theaters. While majoring in English at FSU, he earned the infamous title of “top partyer at the Number One Party School” according to a 1997 Rolling Stone article.
That profile would become legendary and even caught the attention of Oliver Stone, who initially optioned Bert’s story for a movie. Although the deal fell through, the concept resurfaced as the cult classic “National Lampoon’s Van Wilder,” though Bert was never officially involved. Surprisingly, he’s admitted to never watching the film!
What Sparked Bert Kreischer’s Rise in Comedy?
Kreischer’s foray into stand-up began at a bar in Tallahassee, and soon after, he moved to New York City on the advice of agent Jason Steinberg. From working the door at comedy clubs to landing his first sitcom deal with Will Smith’s production company, Bert quickly became a staple on the stand-up scene.
His breakout moment came with the now-iconic “The Machine” story, a hilarious (and slightly terrifying) tale about accidentally robbing a train with the Russian mafia during a college trip to Russia. The story has racked up over 80 million views online and became the basis for his 2023 feature film of the same name, where Kreischer stars alongside Mark Hamill.
How Has Bert Kreischer Expanded Beyond Stand-Up?
While Bert’s roots are firmly in comedy clubs, his career blossomed well beyond the mic. He hosted shows like “Hurt Bert” on FX and “Bert the Conqueror” on Travel Channel, blending physical comedy with daredevil antics. He also took fans behind the scenes with his cooking show “Something’s Burning” in 2018 and the Netflix reality series “The Cabin with Bert Kreischer” in 2020.
Additionally, Bert has made countless appearances on popular shows like “Conan,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,” and even animated shows like Nickelodeon’s “The Loud House.”
How Much Did Bert Make From His 2024 Tour?
Bert’s live shows are a massive revenue stream, and 2024 was a record-breaking year for him. His tour grossed a staggering $30 million from 64 shows, with nearly 400,000 tickets sold. This level of success clearly justifies why Bert himself once said podcast estimates of his net worth were “undershooting.”
With fans flocking to see him live, it’s no surprise that his tours contribute significantly to his $20 million fortune.
What Are Bert Kreischer’s Biggest Projects and Specials?
Kreischer has a string of successful comedy specials under his belt. These include:
- “Comfortably Dumb” (2009)
- “The Machine” (2016)
- “Secret Time” (2018)
- “Hey Big Boy” (2020)
- “Razzle Dazzle” (2023)
Each special showcases Bert’s signature high-energy storytelling, often performed shirtless—a nod to his carefree and relatable persona. His most recent special, “Razzle Dazzle,” released on Netflix in 2023, continues to draw praise for his fearless and self-deprecating humor.
What Role Has Podcasting Played in Bert’s Success?
Podcasting has been a cornerstone of Bert’s empire. He’s the host of “Bertcast,” a long-running show where he candidly interviews fellow comics, friends, and celebrities from his personal man cave studio in LA.
Bert also co-hosts two other hit podcasts: “Bill and Bert” with Bill Burr and the wildly popular “2 Bears 1 Cave” with Tom Segura. Podcasting has not only expanded his audience but has opened doors to massive live events and merchandise opportunities.
How Does Bert Kreischer Balance Family Life?
Despite his larger-than-life stage persona, Bert is also a dedicated husband and father. He married LeeAnn Kemp in 2003, and together they have two daughters, Georgia and Ila. While Bert jokes about being a “selfish” and “mediocre” dad, it’s clear family is a priority. LeeAnn herself hosts her own podcast, “Wife of the Party,” recorded from Bert’s famed man cave.
Where Does Bert Kreischer Live?
Bert and his family reside in Valley Village, California, where they own a home purchased in 2010 for $529,000. The house has since been renovated extensively, including the addition of a custom studio space for podcasting. The Kreischers also maintain additional properties in Los Angeles and Tampa, Florida, further contributing to their growing real estate portfolio.
What’s Next for Bert Kreischer?
With multiple successful ventures under his belt, Bert shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s more stand-up specials, blockbuster films, or podcast domination, Bert Kreischer is set to remain a major player in comedy for years to come.
His ability to seamlessly blend storytelling, comedy, and business savvy is exactly why “The Machine” keeps roaring forward.
