Inside Stephen Merchant’s personal life as the UK’s richest comedian – from his glamorous actress girlfriend to impressive TV empire
In September 2023, Stephen Merchant was confirmed to be the UK’s richest comedian, leaving behind other popular stars such as Peter Kay and Ricky Gervais.
The actor initially rose to fame after co-writing the British version of The Office with friend Ricky, which was released in July 2001, and later Extras, which was released four years later.
Stephen, 49, has a reported fortune of £26.6 million and has also enjoyed huge financial success from TV shows such as The Outlaws and Life’s Too Short.
But how did Stephen Merchant become so successful and what do we know about his private life?
Read on for everything you need to know about his fame and fortune and relationship with actress Mircea Monroe.
Stephen Merchant is Britain’s richest comedian, beating Peter Kay and Ricky Gervais – pictured with girlfriend Mircea Monroe at the BAFTA Gala in February
The actor initially rose to fame after co-writing the British version of The Office with Gervais and four years later they co-wrote Extras Pictured: Merchant as Stuart Pritchard in the sitcom Hello Ladies
How much is Stephen Merchant worth?
Stephen’s income comes mainly from his numerous TV production companies, with his main company, SJJM LTD, worth over £25 million in assets, up by £3 million between 2021 and 2022.
However, he previously revealed that he didn’t always live a life of luxury.
Speak with The Telegraph in 2010 he said: ‘I remember once going to a party at someone’s house and they had a swimming pool. I thought, ”These people must be Richard Branson!”
Despite owning a large fortune, the comic disproved the idea that this might allow him to spend more lavishly.
He added: ‘There’s this strange idea that you get a little bit of money or success and suddenly your life is endlessly carried around in a litter and caviar thrown away. That’s not it.’
While some prefer fame over fortune, Stephen recently admitted he would like to turn back the clock and become an unknown again.
He said: ‘The unique thing about The Office was that no one knew who we were, so there were no expectations.
‘You don’t think about the newspapers or the public. You just think, ‘This is fun, let’s make it.’ It’s hard to go back to that moment.’
How long have Stephen Merchant and Mircea Monroe been in a relationship?
Stephen and Mircea, who have been together since 2018, met at an awards ceremony in 2017.
Stephen and his love, Mircea, who have been together since 2018, met at an awards ceremony in 2017 (pictured together in 2019)
Their romance came after Stephen previously revealed he was struggling to find a girlfriend due to his height – he is 6ft tall (pictured together in 2018)
Their romance came after Stephen previously revealed he was struggling to find a girlfriend due to his 6ft 3in height.
He once said to Alan Carr: ‘When they’re down there and I’m here, it’s a bit awkward.
But in 2019, Stephen admitted that it was great not to have to worry about “filling” such a void in life after meeting the St. Louis native.
He said: ‘Apart from the fact that she’s amazing… there’s something really nice about not having to worry endlessly about filling that part of your life.
“That’s a very lonely life, the life of one person.”
The couple live together in a £2.4million mansion once owned by former US chat show host Ellen DeGeneres.