Harper Steele

Harper Steele, an Emmy-winning comedy writer and filmmaker, has built an impressive net worth estimated between $1 million and $5 million. Her wealth comes from a decades-long career in television and film, including her tenure at "Saturday Night Live", her work with "Funny or Die", and hit films like "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga".

Beyond her creative success, the comedy writer’s journey - including her gender transition and advocacy - has made her a significant figure in entertainment and LGBTQ+ representation.

In this article, we will explore the various factors contributing to Steele’s net worth. From her high-profile writing roles to film projects, real estate investments, and public speaking engagements, we’ll break down how she has built and sustained her wealth.

What Is Harper Steele's Net Worth?

As of Feb 2025, Harper Steele's net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million.

So, how did she build her wealth? Her primary source of wealth comes from her work as a writer, producer, and creative executive in television and film. Let’s break it down.

Emmy-winning comedy writer’s big break came during her 13- year run at Saturday Night Live (1995–2008), where she eventually became head writer (2004–2008). Though it’s not clear how much she earned from her time at SNL, it’s safe to assume that she made the majority of her earnings during her time there.

After departing from SNL in 2008, she became the creative director for Funny or Die and served as executive producer for HBO’s "Funny or Die Presents," roles that typically come with hefty salaries and potential profit-sharing agreements. Beyond live comedy, Steele has written films such as "Casa de mi Padre", "The Ladies Man", and "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga", which is safe to assume she has received solid paychecks and ongoing royalties.

More recently, her 2024 documentary "Will & Harper," co-starring Will Ferrell, not only captured audiences' hearts but also likely boosted her net worth.

Steele’s advocacy, like her chat with Dylan Mulvaney for The Trevor Project, might also net speaking fees. While not her main cash source, it shows how she’s using her voice beyond comedy. Her speaking fee as per allamericanspeakers.com is $30,000 - $50,000 if it is a Live Event and $10,000 - $20,000 if it is a Virtual Event.

What Is Harper Steele's Claim To Fame?

The 63 year old’s path to fame is as dynamic as her comedy - a mix of legendary laughs, groundbreaking storytelling, and a deeply personal journey that’s inspired millions. Let’s break down how she became a household name.

• Saturday Night Live (SNL) Superstar: The Primetime Emmy Award winner’s rise kicked off in 1995 when she joined Saturday Night Live - the same week as comedy titan Will Ferrell. For 13 years, she cracked up audiences as a writer, earning praise from peers like Jimmy Fallon, who called her “one of the funniest people ever”. Her work on SNL earned her critical acclaim, including a Primetime Emmy Award Win in 2002 (plus 4 more nominations), cementing her as a comedy force.
• Public Transition: In 2022, at 61, the comedy writer made headlines for a deeply personal reason, she came out as a transgender woman. Sharing her transition during the COVID-19 pandemic — with support from pals like Ferrell — she became a beacon of courage for the LGBTQ+ community, sparking vital conversations about identity and acceptance.
• The Documentary Everyone’s Talking About: Her story reached new heights with "Will & Harper", a 2024 Netflix documentary co-starring Ferrell. The film follows their emotional cross-country road trip, blending humor and heart as they navigate her transition and decades-long friendship. Premiering at Sundance to a standing ovation and nabbing a People’s Choice nomination at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival), it’s a tear-jerking, laugh-out-loud triumph.

What Businesses Does Harper Steele Own or Is Involved In?

While Harper Steele’s name shines brightly in the entertainment world, her ventures beyond TV and film remain shrouded in mystery - for now. Despite her high-profile career as a producer and creative force, there’s no public record of businesses she’s founded, co-founded, or currently owns. Unlike many celebrities who diversify into startups, tech, or consumer brands, Steele’s portfolio appears laser-focused on storytelling through television and film.

How Does Harper Steele Spend Her Millions?

The August born 63-year-old comedy writer might be a millionaire but she proudly calls herself a “thrift-store queen”, hunting down affordable, quirky finds that reflect her unique style - a passion she says shaped her fashion identity after her transition.

When it comes to red carpets, like TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) premieres, she leans on gifted outfits from designers such as Rodarte and Staud. But Harper’s heart lies in sentimental treasures, not pricey purchases.

She cherishes family heirlooms like her grandmother’s vintage cameo ring and a timeless watch passed down through generations. Even those diamond earrings gifted by Will Ferrell, she keeps them tucked away for extra special occasions.

How Many Real Estate Properties Does Harper Steele Own?

Emmy-winning writer’s real estate journey is as unique as her story - a mix of personal reinvention, Hollywood ties, and a symbolic farewell to the past. Here's a closer look at the two key properties in her portfolio:

• Trona, California: Harper’s most talked-about property is a $10,000 desert gem in Mojave Desert she bought in 2015. Nestled in remote Trona, this quirky spot wasn’t just a house — it was her sanctuary. Here, miles from prying eyes, Steele experimented with fashion and makeup, calling it her “safe zone” for early gender exploration. (“I’d sit outside in the clothes that made me happy,” she shared). 
  But by 2021, the home made headlines for a darker reason: vandals smashed windows and spray-painted walls, a haunting mirror of Harper’s past struggles with shame. The property even starred in the Netflix documentary Will & Harper, where Steele and pal Will Ferrell road-tripped to confront old ghosts. In a bold move, Harper later decided to let go of the house entirely, declaring, “I don’t want to be afraid anymore”. However, she later gave the house away and now lives in Burbank, California, close to Josh Greenbaum.
• Los Angeles: While the Trona chapter closed, Steele owns a Los Angeles property she bought in 2010 for $2.4 million. Details are scarce (no information floor plans or room counts here).

How Big Is Harper Steele's Car Collection?

The Primetime Emmy Award winner’s car collection is not fully public, but one thing’s clear. Her love for automobiles is no secret. While the exact size of her garage remains a mystery, one iconic ride steals the spotlight.

• Classic Jeep Grand Wagoneer: This iconic SUV even played a starring role in her recent 2024 documentary "Will & Harper". In the film, Steele and Will Ferrell hit the road for an unforgettable cross-country trip, driving the Wagoneer from New York to Los Angeles.

What Are Harper Steele's Charitable Contributions?

The 63-year-old might keep her personal philanthropy under the radar, but her public efforts to uplift marginalized communities are anything but quiet. From red-carpet recognition to heartfelt moments with LGBTQ+ youth, Steele’s advocacy work shines bright. Let’s dive in.

• ACLU Foundation of Southern California: In 2024, Saturday Night Live (SNL) superstar stole the spotlight at the ACLU SoCal Bill of Rights Awards, where they received the prestigious Bill of Rights Award. It was for their fearless support of LGBTQ+ and trans rights, particularly through the Netflix documentary "Will & Harper". The film, which follows Steele’s friendship with Will Ferrell and their gender transition journey, became a catalyst for change. The 2024 awards ceremony took place at the Beverly Hilton and was emceed by Jason George. Special guests at the ceremony included Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kerry Washington, and Zoe Saldaña.
• Support for Trans Youth: Documentary "Will & Harper" star rolled up her sleeves to connect directly with LGBTQ+ youth. During their cross-country road trip for Will & Harper, Steele and Ferrell made a pit stop at Iowa City High School’s Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) club. This was to remind young people they’re not alone - and that their voices matter.

What’s Next for Harper Steele?

Emmy-winning comedy writer’s journey is just beginning! Fresh off the heartfelt success of her 2024 documentary "Will & Harper", the writer is gearing up for even more adventures. She has hinted that solo road trips across the U.S. are next on her bucket list, calling her cross-country experience with Will Ferrell a source of “hope” and newfound "confidence." And guess what? Rumors are swirling about a potential sequel.

The original documentary ends with Ferrell playfully nudging Harper about her future plans, leaving the door wide open for another chapter.