Ron “Tater Salad” White is an American stand-up comedian and actor renowned for his storytelling, dry wit, and signature scotch in hand. White first rose to fame as a Blue Collar Comedy Tour member alongside Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, and Larry the Cable Guy. Over two decades, his sharp one-liners and uncensored humor have made White a successful headlining tour act. As of 2024, Ron White’s net worth is estimated at around $50 million.
Ron White’s Early Life in Texas
Ronald Dee White was born in Fritch, Texas, on December 18, 1956. His father was a Navy veteran and electrician, while his mother worked as an office manager. White grew up as an only child and attended high school in Washington, D.C., after his family relocated.
After high school, White enlisted in the Navy, serving on the auxiliary rescue and salvage ship USS Conserver. He was eventually kicked out of the Navy for reasons he has never disclosed.
Upon returning to civilian life, White took on an eclectic mix of jobs, including driving a limo in Houston and working as a door-to-door salesman. He eventually relocated to Arlington, Texas, where his comedy career began.
Ron White Breakthrough with the Blue Collar Comedy Tour
White’s comedy career began slowly with opening gigs at local clubs throughout the 1980s. His big break came after befriending fellow Texas-based comic Jeff Foxworthy in the 90s.
Foxworthy recruited White to join his Blue Collar Comedy Tour alongside Bill Engvall and Larry the Cable Guy. The ensemble show began touring nationwide, playing to millions of fans drawn to their relatable blue-collar comedy. White’s trademark scotch drinking and subjects like fishing and cigar smoking made him a fan favorite.
The highly successful tour spawned several live comedy albums and films. As a member of Blue Collar Comedy, White tasted mainstream fame and fortune for the first time. The movie Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie became one of the most successful stand-up films ever at the time.
Ron White Successful Solo Stand-up Career
Bolstered by his newfound star status, Ron White launched a thriving solo stand-up career after leaving the Blue Collar Comedy Tour. He recorded his first solo comedy album, Drunk in Public, in 2003, featuring his popular routine They Call Me Tater Salad. It was certified gold by the RIAA.
Some of White’s most popular comedy bits riff on his two ex-wives, his arrest record, and drunken escapades. He often performed with a scotch, delighting his fans with his carefree, alcohol-fueled humor.
White has released 7 chart-topping comedy albums to date, including:
- You Can’t Fix Stupid (2006) – Grammy-nominated
- Behavioral Problems (2009)
- A Little Unprofessional (2012)
- If You Quit Listening, I’ll Shut Up (2018)
The comedian has continued touring heavily over the last two decades as a headlining act performing at large theaters and casinos. Forbes named him one of the top 10 highest-paid comedians in 2019, estimating his annual earnings at $5 million annually.
See Also: HOW THE COMEDIAN BUILT HIS FORTUNE ROB SCHNEIDER’S NET WORTH EXPLAINED!
Ron White Television Shows and Movies
Aside from stand-up, Ron White has appeared in a handful of acting roles on shows like My Name is Earl and Kath & Kim. He also hosted the fishing show Off the Hook with Ron White from 2011 to 2013.
Some feature films White has appeared in include:
- Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie (2003)
- Horrible Bosses (2011)
- Sex and the City 2 (2010)
- 12 Rounds 2: Reloaded (2013)
He also played the lead role in the comedy Fixxwagon’s Run (2020), which White co-produced and co-wrote.
Ron White Net Worth Highlights
Ron White’s net worth is estimated at around $50 million. His highest earnings have come from stand-up comedy touring. During his peak years, he grossed over $10 million annually from ticket sales.
Netflix paid White $6 million in 2016 for exclusive rights to two of his comedy specials. White likely earned between $5-10 million for his original Blue Collar Comedy Tour role and related projects.
Album sales have added millions with several Gold and Platinum records. Merchandise also contributes revenue. TV appearances and roles provide additional income in the millions over his career. Real estate investments include a $4.2 million mansion in Beverly Hills.
Ron White The Working Class Comic
With his scotch, cigar, and southern drawl, Ron White embodies the working-class comic. His path to wealth and fame from modest beginnings resulted
FAQ’s?
What is Ron White’s age?
Ron White was born on December 18, 1956. As of 2023, the stand-up comedian and actor is 66 years old. White spent much of the 1980s and 1990s working in comedy clubs before finding wider success later in life.
Who is Ron White’s wife?
Ron White has been married multiple times. His third and current wife is singer and actress Margo Rey, whom he married in 2013. His previous two marriages were to Lori Brice (1981–1993) and Barbara Dobbs (2004–2008).
Does Ron White have a tequila brand?
Yes, Ron White has his tequila brand called Number Juan Tequila. It is an ultra-premium tequila made from 100% pure blue agave. White partnered with a distillery in Mexico to create the tequila bearing his name and likeness on the bottle.
Is Ron White currently touring?
Even at 66, Ron White actively tours as a stand-up comedian. His current tour is called “Up A Tree – Ron White Live 2023 Tour,” with scheduled shows across the United States through the end of the year.
Is Ron White still alive?
Yes, Ron White is still alive and well. The cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking comedian continues to perform stand-up and make public appearances. He operates his tequila business while touring and has not announced plans to retire from comedy.
