What is Michael Koman’s net worth?

Michael Koman is an American film and television writer and producer who has a net worth of $12 million. That is a combined net worth with his wife since 2012,  actress, comedian, and writer Ellie Kemper.

Michael Koman is an accomplished American comedy writer, producer, and creator whose influential work has shaped modern television comedy for over two decades. Though less visible than the stars who deliver his jokes, Koman’s distinctive comedic voice has permeated numerous critically acclaimed shows including “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “Nathan For You,” “SNL,” and “The Colbert Report.” His particular talent lies in crafting offbeat, absurdist humor that pushes comedic boundaries while maintaining mainstream appeal. As the co-creator of innovative shows like “Eagleheart” and “Nathan For You,” Koman has demonstrated his ability to develop unique comedic formats that have garnered cult followings. While maintaining a relatively low public profile compared to many of his collaborators, his industry reputation is sterling, having earned multiple Emmy nominations for his writing. Koman’s marriage to actress Ellie Kemper has occasionally placed him in the public eye, though his work remains his most significant contribution to American comedy.

Early Life and Education

Born on February 2, 1977, in San Diego, California, Michael Koman grew up in a Jewish family. Details about his early life remain relatively private, as Koman has typically maintained focus on his work rather than his personal background in public discussions. He developed an interest in comedy during his youth and eventually pursued this passion professionally after completing his education.

Unlike many in comedy who come through the stand-up or improv routes, Koman took a more direct path into comedy writing. His educational background prepared him for a career in television, though he has largely let his work speak for itself rather than emphasizing his academic credentials in industry contexts.

Career Beginnings with Conan O’Brien

Koman’s professional comedy career began in earnest when he joined the writing staff of “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” in the late 1990s. This formative experience proved crucial to developing his comedic voice, as O’Brien’s show was known for its offbeat, absurdist humor that often veered into the surreal—elements that would later become hallmarks of Koman’s own creative projects.

During his tenure with Conan, Koman contributed to numerous memorable sketches and comedy bits, helping shape the distinctive voice of the show. His work with the late-night program earned him his first Emmy nominations and established him as a respected voice in television comedy writing. This period also connected him with other talented writers and performers who would become recurring collaborators throughout his career.

Michael Koman / Christopher Polk/Getty Images

Creating Original Programming

Following his success in late-night television, Koman moved into creating and developing original programming. He co-created the Adult Swim series “Eagleheart” with Andrew Weinberg and Jason Woliner, which starred Chris Elliott. The series, which ran from 2011 to 2014, showcased Koman’s affinity for absurdist humor and parody.

Perhaps his most influential creation came through his collaboration with comedian Nathan Fielder on Comedy Central’s “Nathan For You,” which Koman co-created and executive produced. The show, which featured Fielder offering bizarre business advice to real small business owners, pushed the boundaries of comedy and reality television. Koman’s ability to craft uncomfortably funny scenarios that simultaneously commented on American business culture and human psychology demonstrated his sophisticated understanding of comedy’s potential to both entertain and provoke thought.

Notable Collaborations

Throughout his career, Koman has collaborated with some of comedy’s most respected figures. Beyond his work with Conan O’Brien and Nathan Fielder, Koman served as a writer on “The Colbert Report,” contributing to Stephen Colbert’s satirical take on conservative punditry.

Koman also worked on “Saturday Night Live,” adding his distinctive voice to the long-running sketch comedy institution. His ability to adapt his style to different comedy formats and voices demonstrates his versatility as a writer, allowing him to contribute meaningfully to a variety of comedic contexts while maintaining his unique sensibilities.

Writing Style and Influence

Koman’s comedy often features absurdist premises taken to logical extremes. He excels at finding humor in awkward social interactions and bizarre scenarios that nonetheless feel grounded in reality. His writing frequently employs deadpan delivery of increasingly ridiculous situations, creating tension between the ordinary and the absurd.

What distinguishes Koman’s work is its willingness to commit fully to comedic premises that less confident writers might abandon as too strange or uncomfortable. This commitment to following comedic concepts to their natural conclusion, no matter how uncomfortable or strange, has influenced a generation of comedy writers and performers who have embraced similar approaches.

Personal Life

While primarily known for his professional accomplishments, Koman gained additional public attention through his relationship with actress Ellie Kemper, known for her roles in “The Office” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” The couple married in 2012 and have two children together.

Despite his marriage to a more publicly visible performer, Koman has maintained a relatively private personal life, preferring to let his creative work define his public persona rather than his personal relationships or background.

Real Estate

In 2016, Kemper and Koman paid $2.8 million for a pre-war co-op in the Upper West Side area of New York City. The home includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms and is just a few blocks away from Tina Fey’s home. They listed this home for sale in April 2022 for $2.875 million.

In late 2021, Kemper and Koman paid $7.8 million for an apartment in New York City. They listed this unit for sale in April 2025 for $7.5 million. The apartment has 60 feet of direct frontage views onto Central Park.