John Lovitz Net Worth: All About ‘Saturday Night Live’ Fame

Jon Lovitz is a popular American actor, comedian, and singer. He is best known for his work for Saturday Night Live from 1985 to 1990. Jon received his fame from playing Tommy Flanagan, the Master Thespian, and the Pathological Liar, like memorable characters. There is more to unpack, from John Lovitz net worth to a list of controversies and relationships; here is everything to know about the comedian.

Childhood and early life

Jonathan Michael Lovitz, also known as Jon Lovitz, was born in Tarzana (a neighborhood of Los Angeles) on July 21, 1951.

His parents, Harold and Barbara Lovitz, are Jewish and emigrated from Romania, Russia, and Hungary. Around 1914, Jon’s parental grandfather, Feivel Lanculovici, left Romania and changed his name to Philip Lovitz after arriving in the USA.

He and his twin sister Leslie grew up together. Regarding the influences, Lovitz was inspired by Woody Allen’s work in Take The Money and Run and Lenny. Both movies affected him, and he became a fan. Later, he went to the record store to listen to the guy behind the voice.

He was also introduced to Woody Allen’s comedian career. Jon bought Woody Allen: The Nightclub Years, ”64-68′ and learned about the routines and performances at his college dorm.

He continued to imitate their routine while he majored in drama.  It also helped him to learn about writing in general and jokes.

During college, Lovitz became friends with David Kudrow ( brother of Friend’s fame Lisa Kudrow). In 1975, they decided to go for a backpacking trip across Europe and Israel.

In 1978, Jon completed his graduation with a bachelor’s degree in drama. He continued his studies acting at the Film Actors Workshop with Tony Barr.

Along with his acting, he joined the Groundlings comedy troupe; he met Phil Hartman there, and they became good friends. Later, they both appeared in future SNL episodes.

Career and breakthrough

After completing his studies, Jon continued to participate in Saturday Night Live. He was an important cast member from 1985 to 1990 with characters like Tommy Flanagan, The Pathological Liar, Annoying Man, Harvey Fierstein, Master Thespian, and many more.

During an interview for the book ”Live From New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live’, the comedian mentioned SNL was the most memorable part of his career.

At first, he did not receive any money but later offered a film contract worth $500,000. His performance in SNL for two years also nominated him for Emmy Awards.

One of his most iconic roles included Hanukkah Harry, a Jewish contemporary of Santa Claus, in 1989. The character was a filler in place of Santa, who was sick on Christmas Eve.

Sitcoms, voice acting & music

Lovitz debuted with his character of Mole; he was a New York City investigator for the series Foley Square. After Part Hartman’s untimely death, the actor was cast on NewsRadio as a replacement.

He also participated in The New Celebrity Appliance as a contestant. Jon was the sixth constant and raised around $50,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital charity.

Besides his acting career, Jon has also been a part of several cartoons and films as a voice actor. He played the character of Jay Sherman for the American adult animated sitcom The Critic.

He also made frequent appearances on The Simpsons. The actor also lent his voice to The Brave Little Toaster, which Hyperion and Disney distributed animated films.

Lovitz duetted with Robbie Williams for the album Swing When You’re Winning in 2001.  He performed in the Two and a Half Men series, singing ‘Save the Orphans.’

Standup comedy and commercial work

In 2003, Lovitz began performing at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles. He started to pursue his standup comedy career from there.

John also did commercial work. He was Red’s voice for M&M’s commercial in 1990. Between 1999 and 2000, the actor did an advertising campaign worth $33 million that featured in a series of TV commercials promoting Yellow Pages.

In 2006, he also became Subway’s spokesman. As for 2020, Lovitz has also participated in the Playology commercial. It was a brand toy for old dogs, featuring disparaging puppies in the advertisements.

Comedy club & podcast theater

Lovitz also started his podcast in 2009 called ‘The Jon Lovitz Comedy Club.’ It is located in Universal Studios Hollywood on Universal Citywalk.

It was also the home of MMA’s first Roasted standup comedy show in 2009.  The name was changed in 2011 to Jon Lovitz Comedy Club & Podcast Theatre.  He also hosted a premier event, ‘Podammit,’ hosted by Kevin Smith.

Personal life, relationships & controversies

Lovitz is known to have a good friendship with Adam Sandler, Penny Marshall, and Adam Sandler. He also describes Phil Hartman as the big brother that he ever wanted.

The actor resides with his family in Beverly Hills, California. Lovitz is also a Democratic Party supporter. However, he has always been eclectic and outspoken about former US president Barack Obama.

Jo Lovitz has kept secrets about his personal and dating life. Previously, he dated Ava Fabian, Brandi Brandt, and Jacica Dickson.

These days, the actor has dating rumors with Jessica Lowndes. Besides his john lovitz net worth, he also had a list of controversies.

Antisemitism problems

Jon Lovitz also shared about how he had to go through antisemitism issues in the Hollywood industry. Talking about the incident, he mentioned the movie, ‘What Planet Are You From?’ by Mike Nicholas that the actor was supposed to be part of.  They also did script reading, and Jon had the part he was offered to play.

However, when the shooting started, he was not in it but was replaced by Greg Kinnear. Brad Grey, the actor’s manager, said it was because they are very similar and Jewish.

Lovitz commented how this is always those people who are Jewish. But none of his non-Jewish friends ever said antisemitism to him.

Feud issues with Andy Dick

Besides Jon Lovitz net worth and his other controversies, his feud with Andy Dick was the most intense one so far.

Andy Dick is a former co-star of NewsRadio and also a friend of Phil Hartman. The feud started after the tragic murder of Phil, and Lovitz accused Andy of giving cocaine to Brynn at the Christmas party.

Phil’s wife, Brynn, had a history of being a cocaine addict, and she was in a recovery period. Because of the cocaine given by Andy, she began to use drugs again, which led to the murder and then suicide.

Phil Hatman was shot by his wife, Brynn, on March 27, 1998. As per reports, Brynn entered his room at night while he was sleeping, and she fatally shot him using a 38 caliber handgun between his eyes, throat, and upper chest. The couple had a heated argument, leading to the murder of Phil Hartman. Shortly afterward, Brynna also killed herself via gunshot.

After Lovitz replaced Phil on NewsRadio, he and Dick got into an argument. During the fight, Lovitz blamed Dick for the death of two of his friends. However, he apologized for saying it.

In 2007, the fight started to get worse. Dick approached Lovitz while they were at a restaurant. The vocal fights turned physical on July 07 at Laugh Factory in Los Angeles. Lovitz demanded an apology, but Dick refused; this turned into a full-blown fight, causing Loving to smash Dick’s head into the bar.

John Lovitz Net Worth

The comedian has created financial success for himself. His career in the entertainment industry, endorsement deals, and business helped him build an impressive John Lovitz net worth.  He also owns his own in Beverly Hills, which cost around $1.9 million.

Jon Lovitz age of 66, has an estimated net worth of $20 million in 2023. However, here is a chart to learn more about his five years of net worth.

Final thoughts

Besides having a successful acting career, Jon Lovitz has several awards and nominations. The comedian was praised for his comedy timing and ability to create a character straight from his life to having a distinct vote.

Beyond his professional and financial success, Jon has supported charities like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Fulfillment Fund, and many more. He continues to act and perform, contributing to the entertainment industry.

FAQ

1. What movies did Jon Lovitz do?

He acted in many movies with Adam Sandler, including Little Nicky, The Wedding Singer, Grown Ups, Hotel Transylvania, Eight Crazy Nights, and Grown Ups 2.

2. Does Jon Lovitz have siblings?

Yes, he has a twin sister, Leslie Lovitz.

3. Did Jon Lovitz appear in Friends?

Jon appeared twice in Friends. He starred in 1988 with Courtney Cox and created a lot of connections with other members.

4. Which character Jon Lovitz played on The Simpsons?

Jon played several characters like Artie Ziff, Donut Delivery Man, Llewellyn Sinclair, Jay Sherman, and Rabbie.

5. Is Jon Lovitz married?

No, he isn’t married, but the comedian has been rumored to be dating  Jessica Lowndes.