Seinfeld tops richest comedians list

Rex Features

Jerry Seinfeld has been named the richest comedian over the last twelve months in a Forbes magazine poll.

The 55-year-old star, whose hit US sitcom has been off the air for 10 years, netted $85 million (£52 million) from syndication deals, stand-up jobs and commercial appearances.

Chris Rock came in at number two with $42 million (£25 million), partly thanks to film work on Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa and his worldwide 'No Apologies' comedy tour.

Rounding out the top three was ventriloquist Jeff Durham, who earned $30 million (£18 million) with proceeds from his successful Comedy Central special, a tour and bestselling DVD.

Top earner Seinfeld recently announced his return to television as creator and executive producer of reality series The Marriage Ref.