Who Is Al Franken? Age, Biography and Wiki
Al Franken, born on May 21, 1951, is an American comedian, author, and politician best known for his work on "Saturday Night Live" and his tenure as a U.S. Senator from Minnesota. As of 2025, Al is 73 years old and remains a prominent figure in American pop culture and politics. After serving as a senator from 2009 until 2018, Franken has shifted his focus back to comedy and public speaking, addressing various social issues through a humorous lens.
| Occupation | Screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 21, 1951 |
| Age | 74 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Al Franken's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Al Franken stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. His weight fluctuates around 174 pounds (79 kg). While specific body measurements may vary, he is often seen sporting a fit physique that reflects his active lifestyle.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer sent Tweeden's accusations to the Senate Ethics Committee for review, a decision supported by members of both parties, including Franken. On November 30 the committee announced that it was investigating allegations against him.
Some liberal groups and commentators, including the Indivisible movement and Sally Kohn, called on Franken to resign.
On December 6, two more accusations surfaced, one by an anonymous congressional aide about an attempted kiss at his radio show studio, and one by congressional aide Tina Dupuy, who alleged that Franken squeezed her waist at a party before he took office.
More than two dozen Democratic senators, led by New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, called on Franken to resign before the ethics committee could review the allegations.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Al Franken has been married to his wife, Franni Franken, since 1975. Together, they have two children. The couple often participates in public events and advocacy work, showcasing their strong partnership. As of 2025, there have been no reports of any significant changes in Franken's relationship status.
His paternal grandparents emigrated from Germany; his maternal grandfather came from Grodno, Russian Empire; and his maternal grandmother's parents were also from the Russian Empire. Phoebe was from Allentown, Pennsylvania. Both of his parents were Jews, and Franken was raised in a Reform Jewish home and attended Temple Israel in Minneapolis.
He has an older brother, Owen (b. circa 1946), who is a photojournalist, and his cousin Bob is a journalist for MSNBC.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Al Franken's net worth is estimated to be around $70 million. This wealth has been accrued from his successful career in comedy, television, and politics, as well as his bestselling books. His earnings have varied over the years, with significant contributions from his time as a senator and various entertainment projects.
Franken and Tom Davis were recruited as two of the original writers and occasional performers on Saturday Night Live (SNL) (1975–1980, 1985–1995). In SNL's first season, the two apprentice writers shared a salary of $350 per week.
Franken received 15 Emmy nominations and five Emmy awards for his television writing and producing, while creating such characters as self-help guru Stuart Smalley. Another routine proclaimed the 1980s the Al Franken Decade.
Franken and Davis wrote the script of the 1986 comedy film One More Saturday Night, appearing in it as rock singers in a band called Bad Mouth. They also had minor roles in All You Need Is Cash and the film Trading Places, starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd.
In the early 80s, Franken, Davis, and Jim Downey wrote a feature film parody of 1984 called 1985 for Lorne Michaels to produce under his deal with MGM, but the movie was deemed too expensive and never produced.
Career, Business and Investments
Franken's career began in comedy, where he gained fame as a writer and performer on "Saturday Night Live." His transition to politics was marked by his election to the U.S. Senate in 2008. After resigning in 2018 amid allegations of misconduct, Franken returned to the entertainment industry, focusing on podcasts and stand-up comedy. His business acumen extends to investments in media projects, which have continued to enhance his financial portfolio.
Franken began performing in high school, where he and his longtime friend and writing partner Tom Davis were known for their comedy. The duo first performed on stage at Minneapolis's Brave New Workshop theater specializing in political satire. They soon found themselves in what was described as "a life of near-total failure on the fringes of show business in Los Angeles".
Social Network
Al Franken maintains an active presence on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, where he engages with fans and discusses a variety of political and social topics. His sharp wit and insightful commentary have earned him a significant following, allowing him to remain relevant in both comedy and the political landscape.
In 1995, Franken wrote and starred in the film Stuart Saves His Family, which was based on his SNL character Stuart Smalley. The film was a critical and commercial failure and Franken became depressed as a result. Despite its aggregate rating of 30% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film received favorable reviews from The Washington Post and Gene Siskel.
Education
Franken earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Harvard College in 1973. His education laid the foundation for his dual careers in comedy and politics, as he often combines humor with critical commentary on contemporary issues.
In summary, Al Franken in 2025 continues to be a dynamic figure whose contributions to comedy, politics, and public discourse resonate with many. As a dedicated family man and a seasoned entertainer, he remains a beloved and complex personality in American culture.
In 2004, Franken favored transitioning to a universal health care system, with the provision that every child in America would receive health care coverage immediately. In 2014, he objected to efforts to privatize Social Security or cut benefits, favoring raising the cap on wages to which Social Security taxes apply.
On his 2008 campaign website, he voiced support for cutting subsidies for oil companies, increasing money available for college students, and cutting interest rates on student loans.
