Net Worth of Gary Owens, Early Life and Military Service

Gary Owen is an American actor and stand-up comedian with a net worth of $4 million. He gained prominence in 1997 on the stand-up comedy television show “ComicView.” Following this breakthrough, Owen appeared in several comedy films, including “Held Up,” “Daddy Day Care,” “Little Man,” “College,” and “Think Like a Man.” His performances, particularly on the cable channel BET, have helped him cultivate a significant African-American following. In recognition of his appeal, Ebony magazine named him “Black America’s Favorite White Comic.”

Early Life and Military Service

Gary Owen was born on July 26, 1974, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He grew up in a trailer park in Oxford alongside his six siblings. Before pursuing a comedy career, Owen served for six years in the U.S. Navy as a Master-at-Arms, where he was also part of the Presidential Honor Guard.

Career Beginnings

After completing his military service, Owen embarked on his stand-up comedy career, performing in San Diego. His relatable humor resonated with audiences, particularly within the African-American community, earning him accolades and recognition. His early success culminated in a performance at the iconic Comedy Store in West Hollywood.

Breakthrough on ComicView

Owen’s breakthrough came in 1997 when he appeared on the BET show “ComicView.” Following a successful second appearance, he received his one-hour showcase titled “Grandstand.” At the end of that season, he was selected from four finalists to become the new host of “ComicView,” making him the first and only white host of the program.

Comedy Specials

Owen has released several comedy specials, including “Breakin’ Out the Park” and “Urban Legend,” both available on DVD. Other notable specials include 2012’s “Gary Owen: True Story,” 2015’s “Gary Owen: I Agree with Myself,” and 2019’s “Gary Owen: #DoinWhatIDo.” His popularity among African-American audiences led to his recognition as “Black America’s Favorite White Comic” by Ebony magazine in 2011.

Film Career

Following his success as a stand-up comedian, Owen transitioned into film. He made his debut in the 1999 buddy crime comedy “Held Up,” featuring Jamie Foxx and Nia Long. He later appeared in supporting roles in films like “Daddy Day Care” and “Love Chronicles.” In 2005, he portrayed a mascot in the basketball comedy “Rebound.”In 2006, Owen played a police officer in both “Little Man” and “Who Made the Potato Salad?” His role as Brian “Bearcat” Miller in the 2008 film “College” marked a significant step forward in his film career.

In 2012, he joined an ensemble cast for Tim Story’s romantic comedy “Think Like a Man,” where he played Bennett, the “Happily Married Man.” He reunited with Story and Kevin Hart for the 2014 buddy cop action comedy “Ride Along,” portraying Crazy Cody. Owen reprised his role as Bennett in “Think Like a Man Too,” and continued to appear in films like “Get Hard,” “Bachelors,” “Meet the Blacks,” and “Undercover Brother 2.” In 2020, he took on a non-comedic role as janitor Gus in the sports action film “Welcome to Sudden Death,” a remake of the original film. The following year, he was featured in “The House Next Door: Meet the Blacks 2.”

Television Career

Over the years, Gary Owen has made notable television appearances. In 1998, he appeared in an episode of the sitcom “The Wayans Bros.” He played a recurring role as Zach in the fifth season of Tyler Perry’s sitcom “House of Payne.” In 2016, Owen launched his own BET show titled “The Gary Owen Show,” and also appeared in an episode of “Nubbin & Friends.”

Personal Life

In 2003, Gary Owen married Kenya Duke. The couple welcomed two children: a son named Austin and a daughter named Kennedy before their divorce in 2021. Duke also has a son named Emilio from a previous relationship. Gary Owen’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated comedian highlights his resilience and talent within the entertainment industry. His net worth of $4 million reflects not just his comedic prowess but also his ability to connect with diverse audiences across various platforms.