How Much Money Do Celebrities Make for Giving Speeches?

AC Contributer
It is not uncommon for organizations to hire motivational and entertaining speakers for events. The idea is to combine live entertainment while delivering a message that the organization wishes to promote. Various celebrities are often hired for speaking engagements. A fascinating aspect of celebrity speaking engagements is the fee that they charge. Some, often lesser known, celebrities charge a few thousand dollars for the privilege of having them grace an event and give a formal speech. However, the more famous celebrities require hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for their services. Here is an entertaining list of celebrities and the fees that they charge for speaking at events.

Alan Thicke, known for his role on the television series, "Growing Pains" is also an advocate for Diabetes Research. Thicke is also the author of "How Men Have Babies" and "How to Raise Kids that Won't Hate You". Alan Thick charges $10,001-$20,000 for corporate and collegiate speaking engagements.

D.L. Hughley is an actor and comedian known for his roles on "The Hugleys" and for his part in "The Original Kings of Comedy" stand-up tour. D.L. had a rough upbringing in South Central Los Angeles and was a member in the notorious Bloods gang. D.L. turned his life around after his cousin was shot. D.L. got a job, finished school by getting a GED, and tried his hand at stand-up comedy after his wife, LaDonna, urged him to do so. D.L. Hughley can share his compelling story in person for $10,001-$20,000.

Jerry Stiller has been a strong presence in television and movies for decades. Stiller is most commonly known for his roles on "Seinfeld" and "The King of Queens". Jerry is the father of famous actor Ben Stiller and has appeared in several of his movies including Zoolander and Heavy Weights. Jerry Stiller's hiring fees range from $10,001-$20,000 depending upon the circumstances of the event.

Former co-host on "The View", Star Jones Reynolds is a very active philanthropist. She is a frequent contributor to the organizations Dress for Success, God's Love We Deliver, and Girls, Inc; she also serves on the Board of Directors for the East Harlem School at Exodus House. Star launched her own non-profit organization in 2002 called "The Starlet Fund" which provides financial grants to individuals and organizations that actively support and encourage women and girls. Star is available for speaking engagements for $20,001-$30,000.

Carson Kressley from the hit Bravo television show "Queer Eye For The Straight Guy", is an active philanthropist. Carson champions for a wide range of charities and organizations, mainly those dealing with gay rights causes. Carson is devoted to bridging the gap between people of different genders and sexual orientations. Additionally, Carson has donated his time to consult for the Dream Foundation, which focuses on enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families of those with terminal illnesses. Carson is available for speaking engagements and appearances for $20,001-$30,000.

Popular television personality, Carson Daly gained national success as the host of "TRL" on MTV. He currently hosts the late night talk show "Last Call with Carson Daly". Carson originally had aspirations to become a priest. He studied theology at Loyola Marymount University and attended there on a golf scholarship. Growing up, Carson was once a golf caddy for O.J. Simpson. For $30,001-$50,000 Carson will speak at your event.

Co-anchor on "Good Morning America" and ABC News's "Primetime Live", Diane Sawyer is one of the most successful broadcast journalists in television today. She has a reputation for maintaining a sunny disposition while possessing a commanding delivery. One of the most visible news figures on primetime television today, Sawyer has been sought after by all four major networks for her services. Diane Sawyer could be booked at your next corporate event for $30,001-$50,000.

Breast cancer survivor and alternative medicine advocate, Suzanne Somers is a comedienne, best-selling author, actress, singer and dancer. Somers achieved superstar status when she landed the role of the loveable and ditzy Chrissy Snow on the top-rated television comedy, "Three's Company". Somer's autobiography, Keeping Secrets was on the New York Times Best Seller List for 21 weeks. She revealed in the book that she grew up as the child of abusive alcoholic. Somer's book, Wednesday's Children deals solely with adult survivors of abuse. Somers is available to speak at corporate and private events, personal appearances, and other private events for $30,001-$50,000.

Emmy awarding-winning journalist, Anderson Cooper is the anchor of the popular CNN show entitled "Anderson Cooper 360". Cooper is known for breaking major news stories. He promised survivors of Hurricane Katrina that he would not let the rest of us forget about them. Two years later, Cooper has held true to his promise. Cooper is the most prominent news journalist who continues to talk about the ongoing issues in New Orleans. Anderson Cooper will speak at events for $50,001-$100,000.

Comedian, producer, writer, talk show host, and game show host, Jimmy Kimmel wins fans over with his quick wit and everyman demeanor. Originally a radio personality, Kimmel got his television start in 1997 on Comedy Central's "Win Ben Stein's Money". He was the comedic counterpart to the dry Ben Stein; the pair earned an Emmy award for Best Game Show Host. In 1999 Kimmel and Adam Corolla began co-hosting "The Man Show" on Comedy Central. The show was a huge success and Kimmel stayed on until 2003 when he was offered his own late night talk show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on ABC. Jimmy Kimmel speaks at events for $50,000-$100,000.

Kelly Ripa, former daytime television star on All My Children and currently a co-host on "Live with Regis and Kelly", is a mother of three and wife to actor Mark Consuelos. For three years Ripa has hosted the annual "Super Saturday" event in the Hamptons which raises money for The Ovarian Cancer Research Funs (OCFD). The event has been coined a "designer garage sale" with high-end clothing designers such as Valentino, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Donna Karen donating pieces from their lines to be sold at the event. Ripa is known for her perky enthusiasm and is available to host charitable events, especially those focusing on women's issues for $50,001-$100,000.

Bill Cosby is one of the most influential actors of American television. Cosby touched hearts by pointing out the humor of our everyday lives without resulting to lowbrow humor on his successful television show, "The Cosby Show" which ran from 1984-1992. Cosby has over thirty years in comedy and to young comedians today, Cosby wrote the textbook on the subject. Cosby's fatherly image has earned him the nickname "America's Dad". Bill Cosby can deliver a humor with a message to audiences for $100,000 and up.

Martha Stewart is a television personality and business woman. Stewart's various product lines focus on stylish living by incorporating innovative ideas and creative principles. Fortune Magazine has named Stewart one of the "50 Most Powerful Women" and Time Magazine has called her one of the "25 Most Influential People" in America. Stewart is an expert on sales, marketing and branding. She is a business leader and an advocate for women's issues. Martha Stewart, the most trusted guide to stylish living, is available for corporate speaking and private events for $100,000 and up.

Jon Stewart is a comedian, writer, producer, author, and satirist. Stewart is best known for being the host of Comedy Central's very popular political satiric show, "The Daily Show". Stewart began hosting "The Daily Show" in 1999. The showed gained in popularity and also achieved critical acclaim. In 2001, Stewart won his first Emmy Award for the show. Stewart has gained much notoriety for being a vocal critic of the Bush Administration, Bill O'Reilly, and the Fox News Channel. Any organization in need of a comedic, political speaker might consider booking Jon Stewart for $100,000 and up.

Donald Trump is a business executive, author, entrepreneur, and television personality. Trump is the CEO of Trump Organization, a real estate development company, and the founder of Trump Entertainment, a business which operates several casinos. Trump has gone from businessman to celebrity over the years due to his outspoken nature and indulgence in media exposure. Trump's signature includes his trademark name, unique hairstyle, and the catchphrase "you're fired" which he coined while filming his television show, "The Apprentice". Businesses that are seeking a motivational speaker with experience in business and leadership can book Donald Trump for their next event for $200,000 and up.

Businesses and organizations that desire to gain exposure might consider hiring a celebrity for their next event. The fee to book a celebrity varies greatly depending upon the popularity of the talent.

Published by AC Contributer

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3 Comments

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  • Tyler Mills 10/17/2007

    Alan Thicke for 10 grand or more? LOL. Great stuff.

  • cathiesbloggs 9/21/2007

    wow..gosh..some people are totally over payed..

  • Alyce Rocco 9/14/2007

    The price of everything is set by supply and demand. Each celeb being unique can name their price, but sad in a way for a speaking engagement they earn as much as some citizens can hope to earn for a year's worth of labor~before taxes! Good research.

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