Andy Richter Net Worth, Age, Family and Career Journey

Andy Richter has built a lasting career in entertainment as an actor, comedian, writer, producer, and longtime sidekick to Conan O’Brien. Known for his quick wit and approachable personality, Richter has transitioned from being a talk show announcer to a respected actor and voice performer. As of 2025, his net worth stands at $4 million, a figure earned from decades of steady work in television, film, and voice acting.

Early Life and Education

Born Paul Andrew Richter on October 28, 1966, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Andy grew up in Yorkville, Illinois, after his parents divorced. His mother, Glenda, worked as a kitchen cabinet designer, while his father, Laurence, taught Russian at Indiana University and later came out as gay after the separation. Andy was raised with three siblings and graduated from Yorkville High School in 1984.

He first enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign but later transferred to Columbia College Chicago, where he studied film. His early experiences behind the camera gave him insight into production, but his interest in performing quickly drew him toward comedy.

Breaking into Comedy

After leaving Columbia in 1988, Richter worked as a production assistant in Chicago commercial shoots while taking classes at Improv Olympic. By 1989, he was performing regularly and soon joined the Annoyance Theatre. His career turned when he performed in the stage parody The Real Live Brady Bunch. When the production moved to New York City, Richter asked to join the cast. The move proved pivotal, as it connected him with comedians and writers who would influence the next stage of his career.

It was through this network that Richter met Robert Smigel, a writer who recruited him for the brand new talk show Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Just weeks before the 1993 premiere, Richter was invited to become O’Brien’s sidekick, launching him into national recognition.

Rise with Conan O’Brien

Andy Richter appeared on more than 1,200 episodes of Late Night with Conan O’Brien between 1993 and 2000. His chemistry with Conan made him more than a traditional sidekick—he often joined sketches, participated in interviews, and brought a warm balance to Conan’s sharp style.

After leaving in 2000 to pursue acting, Richter returned to O’Brien’s side in 2009 for The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien. When NBC ended Conan’s run after a few months, Richter joined him on the Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour, later captured in the documentary Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop. From 2010 to 2021, Richter reunited with Conan for the TBS show Conan, where he remained until the program’s conclusion.

Television and Film Career

Beyond late night television, Richter built an extensive acting résumé. He starred in the Fox sitcom Andy Richter Controls the Universe (2002–2003), which, though short lived, became a cult favorite. He also headlined Andy Barker, P.I. (2007) and played a lead role in the sitcom Quintuplets (2004–2005).

Richter’s film credits include roles in Elf (2003), Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006), Semi Pro (2008), and Scary Movie 2 (2001). He also appeared in Arrested Development, memorably playing quintuplet brothers, including a fictionalized version of himself.

Perhaps his most enduring impact has been as a voice actor. Richter voiced Mort the lemur in the blockbuster Madagascar film franchise (2005–2012) and reprised the role in spin offs like The Penguins of Madagascar and All Hail King Julien. He has also contributed voices to shows such as Bob’s Burgers, Justice League Action, and Big Hero 6: The Series.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Andy Richter has received multiple industry honors. He earned seven Primetime Emmy nominations for his work as a writer on Conan’s shows, along with 10 Writers Guild of America nominations, winning twice for Late Night with Conan O’Brien. His voice work earned him Daytime Emmy nominations for All Hail King Julien and several Behind the Voice Actors Award nominations.

In 2009, Richter set a Celebrity Jeopardy! record by winning $68,000 in a single game, which he donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Net Worth and Real Estate

At 58 years old in 2025, Richter has an estimated net worth of $4 million. His earnings come from television salaries, acting roles, voice work, writing, and producing. In 2013, he and then wife Sarah Thyre purchased a home in Burbank, California, for $1.225 million. After their divorce in 2019, Sarah received the property and later listed it for $2 million in 2023.

Personal Life and Family

Andy married actress Sarah Thyre on March 18, 1994, after meeting during a Los Angeles stage production. The couple had two children, William and Mercy, before announcing their separation in April 2019. Their divorce was finalized later that year.

Richter has spoken candidly about personal struggles, including his support for Planned Parenthood, crediting the organization with giving him and Sarah the ability to make informed decisions early in their relationship.

He also remains active as a podcaster, launching The Three Questions with Andy Richter in 2019, where he interviews guests about pivotal moments in their lives.