At 67 years old in 2025, Rich Vos has amassed a net worth of $400,000—a figure that reflects not just his four-decade career in stand-up comedy, but also his no-frills, working-class approach to life in entertainment. Known for his brutally honest humor, quick wit, and self-deprecating style, Vos is a mainstay in the world of American comedy, with hundreds of television appearances, successful albums, and a popular podcast with his wife, comedian Bonnie McFarlane.
But how did a high school dropout from New Jersey become one of the most respected voices in stand-up comedy?
How Did Rich Vos Get His Start in Comedy?
Born on June 30, 1957, in Plainfield, New Jersey, Rich Vos had a rocky start. His parents divorced when he was young, and he never graduated high school. But even as a kid, he was hooked on comedy, watching acts on The Ed Sullivan Show and dreaming of doing stand-up one day.
After trying—and failing—at a handful of jobs, Vos decided in 1984 to pursue comedy full-time. He began performing in local clubs and grinding his way up the East Coast scene. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was honest work, and Vos quickly developed a voice: raw, real, and hilarious.
What Was Rich Vos’ Breakout Moment?
Vos spent the ‘80s and early ‘90s sharpening his act, and in 1995, he made history as the first white comedian to perform on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam—a bold, culture-shifting appearance that made people take notice.
But it was his run on NBC’s Last Comic Standing that gave him wider visibility. He competed in the first season in 2003, finishing third, and returned as a finalist in season three. The exposure led to a tour with fellow contestants and further cemented his status as a battle-tested veteran comic.
He also became a regular on the Opie and Anthony Show, where he riffed effortlessly with the likes of Patrice O’Neal and Jim Norton, often poking fun at his own speech impediment and “low IQ” in ways that were as self-aware as they were hilarious.
What Are Rich Vos’ Major Comedy Projects?
Rich Vos isn’t a flashy comic—he’s a workhorse. Over the years, he has:
- Released six comedy albums, including I’m Killing Here, Still Empty Inside, V, and When I Saw Hamilton…
- Starred in four Comedy Central specials
- Hosted Woodstock ’99, which he considers one of his proudest gigs
- Made over 100 television appearances, including Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn
His 2016 album V topped both the iTunes and Billboard comedy charts, proof that even after decades in the game, Vos still had his finger on the pulse of stand-up fans.
What Is “My Wife Hates Me” and Why Is It So Popular?
In 2011, Rich and his wife, Bonnie McFarlane, launched the podcast My Wife Hates Me. It’s a raw, unfiltered weekly show where the couple talk openly about marriage, comedy, parenting, and their frequent disagreements—with biting sarcasm and a lot of love underneath.
Their chemistry is undeniable, and the podcast has become a cult favorite among comedy fans who appreciate the real-life dynamics of two comedians balancing their egos, careers, and a household.
Has Rich Vos Faced Any Personal Challenges?
Yes—and he’s never been shy about sharing them. In his twenties, Vos battled alcohol and crack cocaine addiction, which nearly derailed his life. By 1987, three years into his comedy career, he checked into rehab and has been clean and sober ever since.
That part of his story—recovery, resilience, and rebuilding—adds depth to his comedy and authenticity to his public persona. It’s not just material for the stage—it’s the reality that shaped him.
What About His Acting and Writing Career?
Though known primarily for stand-up, Vos has dipped his toes into acting and writing. He:
- Appeared in Judd Apatow’s The King of Staten Island
- Featured in the ABC hidden camera show What Would You Do?
- Produced and starred in the documentary “Women Aren’t Funny” alongside McFarlane
- Worked as a writer for two Academy Awards broadcasts
These roles showcase his versatility beyond the mic—and his ability to navigate the broader entertainment world without ever losing his comedic edge.
What’s His Life Like Off Stage?
Rich Vos lives in Hillsborough Township, New Jersey, with Bonnie and their daughter Katrina Lynn, born in 2007. He also has two daughters, Jessica and Ellen, from a previous marriage.
Despite his success, Vos keeps things grounded. He’s the kind of comic who’ll crush a club set on Friday, then spend Saturday helping his kid with homework or watching a Phillies game in his backyard.
What Is Rich Vos Doing Now?
In 2025, Rich Vos continues to perform stand-up, appear on podcasts like The Jim and Sam Show, and co-host My Wife Hates Me with Bonnie. He’s also working on new material and may soon release another album or special.
While he may not have the flashy fame of Netflix headliners, Vos commands deep respect from comics and fans alike. His net worth might be $400,000, but his value in the comedy world? Priceless.
