Paula Poundstone, born in 1959, began her comedy career in the late 1970s, performing at open mic nights and small clubs around Boston. She honed her skills as a stand-up comedian, quickly gaining recognition for her sharp wit and clever observations. Her big break came in 1984 when she appeared on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, becoming one of the few comics to be invited back for multiple appearances.

After her Tonight Show debut, Poundstone’s fame began to grow. She performed on numerous talk shows, including Late Night with David Letterman and The Arsenio Hall Show. In 1989, she became the first woman to perform a solo special on HBO, further cementing her status as a comedy trailblazer. Her success led to regular appearances on shows like NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!, where she continues to showcase her unique brand of humor to this day.

Paula Poundstone’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Paula Poundstone’s net worth is estimated to be around $12 million. This includes her earnings from her comedy career, acting roles, and writing.

Career

Paula Poundstone is a renowned American comedian, author, and actress. She began her career in the early 1980s, performing stand-up comedy in clubs across the United States. She gained national recognition in 1989 when she appeared on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, becoming the first woman to perform stand-up comedy on the show.

Other Ventures

In addition to her comedy career, Poundstone has also ventured into acting and writing. She has appeared in numerous television shows and movies, including “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and “The Aristocrats.” She has also written several books, including “Does This Make My Butt Look Big?” and “There’s Nothing in This Book That I Meant to Say.”

Assets

Poundstone’s assets include several properties across the United States. She owns a home in Los Angeles, California, and a farm in the countryside of Massachusetts. She also owns a collection of classic cars, including a 1965 Ford Mustang and a 1970 Dodge Challenger.

Annual Income

As of 2025, Paula Poundstone’s annual income is estimated to be around $2 million. This includes her earnings from her comedy tours, acting roles, and book sales. She also earns a significant amount from her appearances on the game show “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!”

Frequently Asked Questions about  Paula Poundstone

What is Paula Poundstone’s net worth?

Paula Poundstone’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million.

How old is Paula Poundstone?

Paula Poundstone was born on December 29, 1959, making her 62 years old.

Where was Paula Poundstone born?

Paula Poundstone was born in Huntsville, Alabama, USA.

What is Paula Poundstone’s height?

Paula Poundstone is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall.

What is Paula Poundstone’s background?

Paula Poundstone grew up in various places due to her father’s military career. She started her comedy career in the early 1980s.

Is Paula Poundstone married?

Paula Poundstone is not married. She has three children from a previous relationship.

What are some of Paula Poundstone’s notable works?

Paula Poundstone has appeared on numerous TV shows, including “The Tonight Show,” “Late Night with David Letterman,” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” She also had her own HBO special, “Cats, Cops and Stuff.”

What awards has Paula Poundstone won?

Paula Poundstone has won multiple awards, including the American Comedy Award for Funniest Female Stand-Up Comic in 1989 and the CableACE Award for Best Stand-Up Comedy Special in 1990.

What is Paula Poundstone’s podcast called?

Paula Poundstone’s podcast is called “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone.”

What is Paula Poundstone’s astrological sign?

Paula Poundstone’s astrological sign is Capricorn, as she was born on December 29.