Nipsey Russell Net Worth (Updated 2025).

Nipsey Russell, born Julius Winfield Russell Jr., began his career as a tap dancer in the 1930s, performing on the streets of Harlem, New York. He honed his skills at the famed Cotton Club and later joined the popular dance duo, The Nicholas Brothers, with whom he toured the country.
Russell’s comedic timing and quick wit soon became as notable as his dance moves. In the 1950s, he transitioned into stand-up comedy, appearing in nightclubs and on television shows like “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” His clever one-liners and catchphrases, such as “Start from the bottom, work your way up, make ’em wonder how you managed to get so high,” earned him the nickname “The Poet Laureate of Comedy.”
Table Of Contents
Nipsey Russell’s Current Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, Nipsey Russell’s current net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This figure reflects his lifetime earnings from his successful career as a comedian, actor, and writer, as well as his investments and other ventures.
Career
Nipsey Russell, born in Atlanta, Georgia, began his career in the 1950s. He is best known for his appearances on the game show “Match Game” and his stand-up comedy routines. Russell was also a regular on “The Merv Griffin Show” and “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” He made numerous film and television appearances, including “Car Wash,” “The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh,” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
Other Ventures
In addition to his entertainment career, Nipsey Russell was also a successful writer. He wrote several books, including “Make Me Laugh: A Comedian’s Journey from Hobo Jungle to Hollywood,” and “Nipsey Russell’s Black Elegies.” Russell also ventured into business, owning a comedy club in New York City and a restaurant in Atlantic City.
Assets
Nipsey Russell’s assets include real estate holdings, primarily in New York and California. He owned a home in Los Angeles, which he purchased in the 1970s, and several properties in New York City. Russell also had a significant collection of art and memorabilia from his career.
Annual Income
Nipsey Russell’s annual income varied throughout his career. At the peak of his career in the 1970s and 1980s, he was earning around $500,000 per year from his appearances on game shows, comedy specials, and acting roles. However, his income decreased in his later years due to a decrease in work opportunities. His last known annual income was around $200,000 in the late 1990s.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nipsey Russell
**Frequently Asked Questions: Nipsey Russell Net Worth**
1. **What was Nipsey Russell’s net worth?**
Nipsey Russell’s net worth was estimated to be around $500,000 at the time of his death.
2. **How did Nipsey Russell make his money?**
Nipsey Russell made his money primarily through his career as a comedian, actor, and poet. He was known for his appearances on various TV shows and his stand-up comedy specials.
3. **What was Nipsey Russell’s cause of death?**
Nipsey Russell died of natural causes on October 2, 2005, at the age of 87.
4. **When was Nipsey Russell born?**
Nipsey Russell was born on September 15, 1918, in Atlanta, Georgia.
5. **What was Nipsey Russell’s real name?**
Nipsey Russell’s real name was Julius Winfield Russell Jr.
6. **Where did Nipsey Russell grow up?**
Nipsey Russell grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and later moved to New York City to pursue his career in show business.
7. **What was Nipsey Russell’s claim to fame?**
Nipsey Russell is best known for his appearances on the TV game show “Match Game” in the 1970s and for his comedy routines, which often incorporated poetry.
8. **Did Nipsey Russell have any children?**
Yes, Nipsey Russell had one daughter named Antoinette Russell.
9. **What was Nipsey Russell’s height and weight?**
Nipsey Russell was 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed around 160 pounds.
10. **Where is Nipsey Russell buried?**
Nipsey Russell was cremated after his death, and his ashes were scattered according to his wishes.