Theo Von, whose birth name is Theodor Capitani von Kurnatowski III, is an American stand-up comedian, podcaster, actor and former reality television personality.
He hosts the This Past Weekend podcast and was a co-host of The King and the Sting podcast with Brendan Schaub.
Von was born on March 19, 1980, in Covington, Louisiana, and has a diverse educational background from various universities.
He gained recognition through appearances on MTV’s reality shows and has ventured into comedy, acting, and podcasting, collaborating with well-known figures like Joe Rogan.
Von’s career spans stand-up comedy, television, and film, with notable appearances on different platforms.
He is of Polish-Nicaraguan and Irish-Italian descent, with a unique upbringing that has influenced his comedic material.
Net worth | $2.5 million |
Profession | Stand-up comedian, podcaster, actor, former reality |
Date of birth | March 19, 1980 |
Nationality | American |
Early life
Von, born on March 19, 1980, in Covington, Louisiana, had a unique upbringing in southern Louisiana.
Growing up in a tough neighborhood outside New Orleans, Von, a smaller kid, found humor essential for survival.
He described humor as a “free currency” that he could control when other aspects of life were challenging.
Von’s childhood experiences, including having an elderly father, dealing with chimpanzees and facing bullies, shaped his comedic style.
His journey into comedy began in Los Angeles at 23, where he started performing at open mic nights after discovering a comedy club near a friend’s house.
Despite early reality show experiences, Von believes hard work is crucial for success in stand-up comedy.
His comedic career includes winning the title of Fan Favorite on Last Comic Standing and touring nationally.
Von hosts popular podcasts like This Past Weekend and The King and The Sting, showcasing his comedic talent and engaging with listeners.
Net worth
Von’s net worth is estimated to be $2.5 million, with various sources providing different figures within this range.
His wealth primarily stems from his successful career as a stand-up comedian, actor, television host and podcaster.
Von gained recognition through his appearances on MTV’s reality shows, comedy specials on platforms like Netflix, and hosting popular podcasts such as This Past Weekend and King and The Sting.
Additionally, his involvement in television hosting and acting roles has contributed to his financial success.
Von’s journey from humble beginnings to comedic stardom exemplifies the power of resilience and hard work in achieving success in the entertainment industry.
Real estate properties
In March 2021, Von paid $1.645 million for a 4,918 square foot home in Nashville, Tennessee.
He purchased the home from former Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason, who paid $1.095 million for it in 2014.
He also has an apartment in Los Angeles, California.
Reality TV
Von’s reality TV career began with his participation in the MTV show, Road Rules: Maximum Velocity Tour, a reality series that followed young contestants completing challenges across the country.
Subsequently, he transitioned to another MTV reality show, The Challenge, where contestants competed in extreme tasks to avoid elimination.
Von’s success on these shows, including winning multiple seasons, helped boost his visibility in the reality TV realm.
Despite the unconventional nature of reality television, Von’s time on these shows provided a platform for him to showcase his abilities and gain recognition.
Stand-up comedy career
Von’s stand-up comedy career began in the early 2000s, where he quickly gained acclaim for his unique and humorous style.
Starting in small clubs and open-mic nights, he honed his craft by blending personal experiences with Southern humor, creating a distinctive comedic persona.
Von’s natural wit and charm resonated with audiences, leading to a growing fan base and positive feedback from fellow comedians.
His early success laid the foundation for a promising career in comedy, setting the stage for more significant opportunities and eventual celebrity status in the entertainment industry.
Participating in the reality TV competition, Last Comic Standing, in 2006 marked a significant milestone in Von’s comedic journey.
Although he didn’t win the competition, his performances garnered attention and accolades, solidifying his position as a rising comedic talent.
This exposure from Last Comic Standing opened doors to more stand-up gig bookings and invitations to participate in other comedy series, propelling him towards becoming a well-known and respected figure in the comedy world.
Awards and accolades
Von has received recognition for his work in the entertainment industry, earning awards and accolades for his contributions.
Notably, he won the title of Fan Favorite on Last Comic Standing, a significant achievement in the comedy realm.
Von’s success on this show propelled him into the spotlight and paved the way for his stand-up comedy career.
Additionally, his comedy specials and appearances on platforms like Comedy Central, TBS and CollegeHumor have garnered attention and acclaim from audiences and critics alike.
Von’s ability to connect with viewers through his humor and storytelling has solidified his position as a respected and talented comedian in the industry, earning him a place among the celebrated figures in comedy.
Theo Von family
Von’s family consists of his late father, Ronald Von Kurnatowski Sr. and his mother, Gina Capitani.
Ronald, born in Bluefields, Nicaragua, in 1910, passed away in 1996 at the age of 86 due to cancer.
Gina, born in 1948 in the United States, was married to Ronald and had four children, including Theo.
Von has three siblings, an elder brother named Zefferino “Zeff” von Kurnatowski, and two sisters, Whittier Capitani von Kurnatowski and Rolanda “Ro” Capitani Von Kurnatowski.
His family background, especially his relationship with his parents and siblings, has played a significant role in shaping his comedic career and personal life.
Von has openly shared about his family dynamics, including his close bond with his brother Zeff, his mother’s influence on his early comedy, and the challenges he faced growing up, reflecting the impact of family on his journey to success.
Relationship status
Von’s relationship status has been a topic of interest among fans and the media.
While there have been rumors and speculations about his romantic life, including being linked to personalities like UFC ring girl Brittney Palmer and reality TV persona Brandi Glanville, Von’s actual relationship status remains private.
Reports suggest that he has been in relationships with Brandi Glanville in 2016 and Sarah Greyson, but according to recent sources, Von is possibly single.
Despite the public curiosity surrounding his personal life, Von has chosen to keep details about his current relationship status confidential, maintaining a level of privacy regarding his romantic affairs.
Controversies
Von has been involved in controversies related to his podcast guests and statements made on his show.
One notable incident involved his guest, Roseanne Barr, where she made controversial comments denying the Holocaust and making insensitive remarks about Jewish people.
Von defended Barr, claiming that the viral clip was taken out of context and that her statements were meant to be sarcastic and satirical.
This incident sparked backlash on social media, highlighting the sensitivity of the topics discussed on his podcast.
Additionally, there have been discussions about the political leanings of Von’s guests and audience, with some perceiving a shift towards far-right ideologies.
Some fans have expressed concerns about the guests invited on his show and the views expressed, leading to debates within his community.
These controversies have raised questions about Von’s stance on certain issues and the content shared on his platform, reflecting the challenges that can arise when navigating sensitive topics in the public eye.