Alan Franken is an American comedian and politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from Minnesota since 2009.
Franken gained recognition the 1970s and 1980s as a writer and performer on Saturday Night Live. After his career a comedic actor and writer, Franken was elected to the United States Senate in 2008 over incumbent Republican Senator Norm Coleman. Franken won re-election in 2014 over challenger Mike McFadden.
Officially, Senator Franken is a member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party, an affiliate of the Democratic Party.
Al Franken Net Worth 2017: $9 million
Al Franken, the former SNL writer, and current Minnesota Senator is worth approximately $9 million. Franken’s net worth is significantly more than his constituents, as his net worth is approximately 3 times more than the average United States Senator.
Early Life
Franken began performing in high school with his friend and writing partner Tom Davis. Franken and Davis first performed on stage at the Brave New Workshop theater in Minneapolis, specializing in political satire.
Franken and Tom Davis were recruited as two of the original writers on Saturday Night Live, sharing a $350 per week salary. Franken received seven Emmy nominations and three awards for his television writing and producing on SNL.
Franken left SNL in 2005 to protest losing the role of Weekend Update anchor to Norm Macdonald.
1996-2007
In 1995, Franken wrote the screenplay and starred in the film Stuart Saves His Family.
In 2004, Franken signed a one-year contract to host a talk show for Air America Radio’s flagship program with co-host Katherine Lanpher. Named The Al Franken Show, the show aired three hours a day, five days a week for three years.
Franken also co-wrote the film When a Man Loves a Woman, co-created and starred in the NBC sitcom LateLine, and appeared in the 2004 film of The Manchurian Candidate.
On January 29, 2007, Franken announced his departure from Air America Radio,[29] and on the day of his final show, February 14, Franken formally announced his candidacy for the United States Senate from Minnesota in 2008.
2008-Present
Franken was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2008.
Franken was re-elected to a second term in 2014.
On November 16, 2017, sports commentator Leeann Tweeden asserted that during a USO tour in 2006, Franken groped her while she was sleeping and forcibly kissed her.
