Net Worth and Chill with Your Rich BFF: From Dreams to Dollars – Nico Santos' Comedy Empire

Episode Title: SXSW Live Episode: From Dreams to Dollars: Nico Santos' Comedy Empire
Host: Vivian Tu
Guest: Nico Santos
Release Date: March 17, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Net Worth and Chill with Your Rich BFF, host Vivian Tu engages in an enlightening conversation with Nico Santos, a celebrated Filipino-American actor and comedian known for his roles in Superstore and Crazy Rich Asians. The episode delves into Nico's journey from humble beginnings in the Philippines to his rise in Hollywood, exploring the financial and personal challenges he navigated along the way.

Early Life and Immigrant Experience

Nico Santos opens up about his upbringing in the Philippines and the significant cultural shift he experienced upon moving to the United States as a teenager. He shares insights into how his family's financial situation influenced their decision to migrate.

[06:03] Nico Santos: "When the economy in the Philippines crashed, my mom was like, 'your dad's in the United States. Might as well see what America can offer.'"

The transition from an upper-middle-class lifestyle with household help to a cramped living situation in Gresham, Oregon, was daunting. Nico reflects on the abrupt change and the resilience required to adapt.

[07:44] Nico Santos: "I went from having a three-bedroom home with a nanny and a driver to an eight-person household in a 1200 sq ft home. I had to learn to survive."

Building a Comedy Career

Nico’s foray into stand-up comedy was marked by financial instability and creative passion. He recounts the extremes of living "paycheck to paycheck" during his early comedy days.

[03:34] Nico Santos: "I had $10 a day to live off in New York for five days. I split my halal cart meals and skipped breakfast. I was living the dream."

He discusses the logistical and financial hurdles of being a comedian, especially in the competitive scenes of San Francisco and Los Angeles.

[10:05] Nico Santos: "As a novice comedian, you start getting hosting gigs at about $75 per show. The pay hasn’t changed much since the '80s."

Nico emphasizes the importance of perseverance and financial management during these formative years.

[12:20] Nico Santos: "When I was broke, I was a lot more careless with money. Now, I pay people to keep track of my finances because I'm very bad with money."

Transition to Acting

Nico's breakthrough role in Superstore provided him with financial stability and industry recognition. He reflects on the strategic decisions that shaped his acting career.

[24:06] Nico Santos: "I decide to take roles based on financial stability and how they align with my career goals. If it doesn't film in LA, I often pass."

He contrasts the traditional benefits of network television with the evolving landscape of streaming platforms, highlighting the financial implications.

[31:21] Nico Santos: "Streaming has changed the game. Residuals from shows like Superstore aren't as lucrative as traditional syndication."

Financial Management and Lessons Learned

Nico draws parallels between his retail experiences and managing an unpredictable income in the entertainment industry. He shares strategies that have helped him maintain financial stability despite the inherent uncertainties of his profession.

[18:54] Nico Santos: "It's feast or famine. My retail experience prepared me for irregular income streams."

He discusses the importance of hiring financial professionals to manage his wealth, ensuring long-term security through investments and savings.

[19:34] Nico Santos: "I hired people to look after my money to ensure I save for a rainy day and make smart investments."

Nico also touches on his past financial mistakes, providing a candid look at his growth and learning curve.

[13:37] Nico Santos: "When I was making retail money, a lot went into shopping and partying. I was still broke despite earning more."

Personal Life and Financial Partnership

Balancing a successful career with personal life, Nico shares how he and his husband manage their finances. Their approach emphasizes independence and mutual support, contributing to a harmonious relationship.

[38:34] Nico Santos: "We are very independent. We have our own lives, separate bedrooms, and bathrooms, which helps minimize conflicts."

He highlights the benefits of maintaining individual financial responsibilities while nurturing their joint financial goals.

[38:58] Nico Santos: "We cook dinner together, catch up on our stories, and then enjoy our own space before bed. It works incredibly well for us."

Advice for Aspiring Actors and Comedians

Nico offers invaluable advice to those looking to break into the entertainment industry. He stresses the importance of passion, resilience, and strategic goal setting.

[33:12] Nico Santos: "Be absolutely sure that this is your passion and you are all in 1,000%. It's a marathon because you get rejected every single day."

He encourages young actors to develop thick skin and view each rejection as not a personal failure but as part of their unique journey.

[34:38] Nico Santos: "Other people's success is not your failure. You have to remember that one person can only book one job."

Career Reflections and Future Endeavors

Reflecting on his career choices, Nico discusses moments he considers pivotal, such as participating in Crazy Rich Asians. While he admits to not receiving full compensation for his role, he values the cultural impact and personal fulfillment it provided.

[28:27] Nico Santos: "I did not feel like I got compensated properly for Crazy Rich Asians, but it was something special that I wanted to be a part of."

He contemplates what might have been if he had taken different opportunities but remains focused on the present and the life he has built.

[35:25] Nico Santos: "If I had left Superstore at the height of Crazy Rich Asians, I might not have met my husband or built the life I have now."

Looking forward, Nico expresses interest in branching out into business ventures, such as opening a café.

[20:24] Nico Santos: "I would love to open up a dessert store or pastry shop. Baking has become a passion of mine."

Financial Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Nico and Vivian discuss various aspects of financial management tailored to the entertainment industry. Nico emphasizes the necessity of balancing passion with financial prudence, especially in a field marked by unpredictability.

[44:06] Vivian Tu: "If you're focused on wealth growth and can afford to take risks, higher-risk investments might propel you further. However, it's crucial to assess your overall financial picture before making such moves."

Nico concludes by affirming his dedication to his craft, despite the financial uncertainties, and shares his aspirations for continued growth both personally and professionally.

[42:26] Nico Santos: "I love doing this job. It's the only way I want to make a living. If I won Powerball, I might consider retiring, but for now, I'm here to stay."

Conclusion

This episode of Net Worth and Chill with Your Rich BFF offers a deep dive into Nico Santos' multifaceted career and personal life. From his immigrant roots and early financial struggles to his success in acting and comedy, Nico provides a transparent look at the intersection of passion and financial management. His insights serve as both inspiration and practical guidance for listeners navigating their own financial and professional journeys.

Notable Quotes:

• Nico Santos on Financial Instability:
  "[03:34]... I was living paycheck to paycheck."

• Nico Santos on Building Financial Stability:
  "[19:34]... I pay people to keep track of my money because I'm very bad with money."

• Advice for Aspiring Actors:
  "[33:12]... Be absolutely sure that this is your passion and you are all in 1,000%."

• On Compensation in Crazy Rich Asians:
  "[28:27]... I did not feel like I got compensated properly, but it was something special."

Additional Resources:

• Follow Nico Santos on Instagram: @NicoSantos
• Watch Nico on Z Suite (Available on Tubi): Z Suite

Next Episode Preview: Stay tuned for the next episode of Net Worth and Chill, where Vivian Tu will explore the financial strategies of top entrepreneurs turning their startups into billion-dollar companies.

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