Net Worth Wars – Which Celebs Are Getting Paid The Most And The Least
DWAYNE JOHNSON – EST. $350 MILLION
He is best known by his former ring-name, The Rock, but Dwayne Johnson has managed to shed his pro-wrestler image and carve out a path for himself in Hollywood through his many memorable performances. Johnson’s first leading role was in The Scorpion King, since then, he has appeared in many successful movies. Just take the Fast & Furious franchise he has now become deeply associated with— he is given credit for helping catapult it into one of the highest-grossing franchises in history. As for his personal achievements?
His films have grossed over $10.5 billion all over the world, making him one of the top-grossing box office actors of all time. Beyond acting, he and his now-ex-wife Dany Garcia have also established their own production company, Seven Bucks Productions. Seven Bucks is planning several film projects starring some of his former WWE stars. In 2006, he also founded the Dwayne Johnson Foundation. This charity serves terminally ill children.
TIGER WOODS – EST. $900 MILLION
Tiger Woods wouldn’t be considered the richest golfer in the world for nothing. He also is one of the most famous athletes of all time. We are all familiar with his prowess when on the green, setting numerous golf records and currently ranking second place in men’s major championships. Back in 2019, he was even awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom—making him only the fourth golfer to be honored with it. He will be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2021.
In 2009, Forbes reported that he came in second, behind Oprah Winfrey, when it came to the richest person of color in the United States. This isn’t too surprising, given that he once received a $10 million bonus for winning the FedEx Cup title. Part of his income came from prize money in various competitions. Like other dominant athletes, most of Tiger’s wealth is attributed to endorsements.
CELINE DION – EST. $900 MILLION
Aside from being one of the most recognizable singers worldwide, Celine is also one of the most business-minded. She has won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year, and she was called “Queen of Adult Contemporary”. Her album has been selling well for many years. Celine’s Courage World Tour began in September 2019 and sold out all of 52 North American concerts.
She has investments in Les Productions Feeling Inc. together with her late husband, Rene Angelil. The singer is also the founder of the Nickels Restaurant food chain, along with Schwartz’s Restaurant and Le Mirage Golf Club. She’s even had partnerships with the likes of Shaquille O’Neal and Andre Agassi for the night club Pure, located at Caesars Palace. Much like other female entertainers, she also has a range of perfumes to her name. Celine Dion Parfums has grossed over $850 million in sales since it was established.
SAM ELLIOT – EST. $12 MILLION
Sam Elliott has a standard western cowboy face. In 1969, he appeared on the big screen with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid for the first time and has since portrayed the cowboy in the film many times. His appearance makes him one of the most recognizable actors, which also led to him often being typecast in roles. That said, this has not stopped Sam Elliot for delivering some of the most memorable performances in film—ensuring his Hollywood reputation and a multi-million dollar net worth.
He has been nominated for an Academy Award, two Golden Globe Awards. Aside from acting, he has also done voice work, including narrations for commercials. The actor has done campaigns for Union Pacific, IBM, and Dodge, to mention a few. His investments in real estate are quite humble. He lives with his wife in a seaside ranch located in Malibu, while also maintaining a residence in Willamette Valley, Oregon.
JAY LENO – EST. $450 MILLION
Jay Leno is an American talk show host. From 1992 to 2009, he hosted the talk show “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on NBC TV for 17 years and he remains one of the most recognizable names when it comes to late-night television. Jay Leno may have received several criticisms when it comes to his style of comedy, but the numbers don’t lie— his fanbase remains strong. He has since given up late-night hosting, but Jay still performs dozens of standup shows throughout the year.
Since 2014, Jay’s been busy with his own TV program called Jay Leno’s garage. The show features, not just his personal vehicles, but also those that pique his interest. The value of his more than 300 vehicles is, at least, $100 million. Given the exposure, we hope he has ample home security system in place to protect his multi-million dollar collection!
MATT DAMON – EST. $200 MILLION
We know how talented Matt Damon is and how popular the Bourne Identity franchise has become since he starred in it. He has been active in the film industry since the mid-1990s and he is one of the highest-grossing actors of all time. He starred in the science fiction film The Martian, which won him nominations for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Awards.
However, the actor’s income doesn’t solely depend on the films he works on. Together with Sean Bailey, Ben Affleck, and Chris Moore, they founded the production company, Live Planet. It is through this company that their documentary Project Greenlight was produced. As a collective, they aim to find worthwhile film projects from talented novice filmmakers, then fund its production. In 2010, he and Ben Affleck made investments towards Pearl Street Films, which is a Warner Bros.’ based production company. He is also actively involved in charity.
ROBERT PATTINSON – EST. $130 MILLION
Robert Pattinson began his film career by acting in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. He may look back at his performance in Twilight with a slight cringe, but the film gets credit for catapulting its young cast into the spotlight. Robert Pattinson has managed to build a steady career and considered to be one of the highest-paid actors in the world. From playing the sparkly vampire, Edward Cullen, he has moved on to more serious roles. Including his critically-acclaimed performance in The Lighthouse.
Outside of film work, he composes and plays his own music, and sang several pieces of music. Pattinson also has investments in various advocacies. This includes being an ambassador for the GO Campaign, which seeks to help vulnerable children and orphans around the world. After breaking up with Kristen Stewart, Pattinson moved out of their shared house and in 2014 bought a house in Hollywood Hills.
BILLY DEE WILLIAMS – EST. $10 MILLION
To his credit, Billy has been on over 60 shows since 1966, including recurring roles in some of the most iconic soaps, such as Dynasty and General Hospital. He has also been part of the biggest franchises in the industry, becoming the first African-American actor to be given a major part of Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars universe. Forty years later he played the same role in The Rise of Skywalker. Did you know he also played Harvey Dent in Tim Burton’s take on Batman?
In addition to films and TV works, Billy Dee Williams is also very successful in the TV advertising industry. His appearance in advertisements for Colt 45 malt liquor is impressive. Outside of acting, he devotes much of his time to painting. In fact, he was once commissioned by Nissan to create four paintings that were displayed during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.
STEVE HARVEY – EST. $200 MILLION
Steve Harvey wouldn’t be touted as a Jack-of-all-Trades for nothing! He is well-known as the host of “The Steve Harvey Morning Show”, of the popular game shows “Family Feud” and “Celebrity Family Feud”. Aside from being a talented comedian and one of the most in-demand hosts today, he is also quite a prolific businessman. Back in 2017. He established Steve Harvey Global, which is an entertainment company housing his production company East 112 and Harvey Events, among other ventures. The comic has also produced an African version of Family Feud, which is set to air in 2020.
Together with his current wife, Marjorie Bridges, they made investments towards the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation. This is a non-profit organization that mainly focuses on providing education for the youth. As a writer, he also has written four books, including the best-selling book Act Like a Lady.
CHUCK NORRIS – EST. $80 MILLION
He’s one of America’s greatest action heroes and is also one of the few who has real-life skills to boot. Chuck first served in the United States Air Force and has won many martial arts championships during his peak. Then, Norris trained celebrities in martial arts in Hollywood. In fact, he has even established his own discipline, called Chun Kuk Do.
As an actor, he has starred in countless action films, becoming one of the most bankable and most recognizable international celebrities. He is well-known for his fight with Bruce Lee In the Colosseum in the film Way of the Dragon. But he isn’t a one-trick-pony. Chuck also has investments in writing, having penned books on a variety of topics, including Christianity, philosophy, martial arts, and even western novels! Since 2005, Norris has been associated with a popular internet meme, Chuck Norris facts.
SYLVESTER STALLONE – EST. $450 MILLION
Each of us has our own personal action hero, and for a lot of people, Sylvester Stallone tops that list. From Rocky to Rambo, it’s safe to say that the actor is a legend when it comes to his genre. Sylvester isn’t just all muscle, however. Did you know he took part in writing all 6 of the Rocky films? That’s on top of other writing credit for films such as The Expendables trilogy, the first 3 Rambo films, and Creed II.
Between the 1970s and 2012, Sylvester Stallone’s basic film income alone reached 300 million US dollars. After adjusting for inflation, the income for this period is worth about $500 million in today’s U.S. dollars. He also founded his own film production studio. With such skill, it really comes as no surprise that he’s managed to push his net worth to almost half a billion!
JASON MOMOA – EST. $20 MILLION
Once upon a time, Jason was too broke to fly back home while filming Game of Thrones. Instead of using his pay on airfare, he and a friend rented a UHAUL and drove around the country—whilst searching for the best pint of Guinness that Ireland has to offer. Whilst the actor maintains his adventurous spirit, those days of not being able to afford flights are long gone, and that’s thanks to some smart money management on his part.
Jason Momoa started his career as a model and was discovered by many well-known designers at the age of 19. In 1999, he began his acting career and played Jason Ioane on the “Baywatch Hawaii” series. In 2010, he established Pride of Gypsies Production Company, with the goal of creating a tribe of fellow filmmakers and artists, and putting out inventive content.
JESSICA ALBA – EST. $220 MILLION
Jessica may not appear in movies as much as she did in her youth, but you need not worry about this actress going into bankruptcy. Aside from being busy with her growing family, Jessica’s also got her hands full with her thriving business. The Honest Company is estimated to be valued at $1.7 billion, helping boost her net worth. The company has more than 275 employees and annual revenue of more than $150 million.
In August 2014, the company raised US$72 million (on the basis of the previously raised US$52 million) and achieved a market valuation of US$1 billion. In fact, the actress was named by Forbes magazine as one of America’s wealthiest entrepreneurs under the age of 40. Quite the achievement, isn’t it? She may not have won Oscars during the time she was active, but we’re sure Jessica doesn’t mind that at all.
RIHANNA – EST. $500 MILLION
She hasn’t released a single in the last couple of years—so how exactly did Rihanna manage to boost her net worth by several million? The key to her success is investment planning. Rihanna’s got more up her sleeve than just chart-topping tunes. She’s also heavily involved in her personal empire of businesses, ranging from lingerie to her popular make-up line.
A large part of her net worth comes from the value of the Fenty Beauty line that she cooperated with luxury goods company LVMH. The brand created 100 million US dollars in revenue. She owns 15% of the partnership. She also co-owns an underwear brand called Savage X Fenty. At 31, we wouldn’t be too surprised if she becomes the first black woman to be at the helm of a luxury fashion house. Just last year, Fenty Beauty managed to make $570 million in revenue—after only 15 months of being in business.
BRAD PITT – EST. $350 MILLION
Brad Pitt remains one of the most iconic actors in Hollywood, a far cry from his early beginnings as yet another industry pretty boy. In 1991, Brad’s small role in Thelma & Louise made only $6,000. By the end of the 1990s, his basic film income had increased to $17.5 million. As a film producer, Pete earned countless extra income. Maybe more than his income during his career as an actor.
Aside from having proven his acting chops through the years, Brad has also ventured into directing and producing—earning accolades for his work in these fields as well. He has produced award-winning films, such as 12 Years a Slave and Moonlight. Aside from his investments in Plan B productions, the actor owns multiple real estate properties both in and outside of the United States. This includes Chateau Miraval, which he once shared with his former wife, Angelina Jolie.
KATY PERRY – EST. $350 MILLION
In a report from Forbes at the beginning of this year, Katy’s total earnings amounted to $33 million—effectively making her one of the highest-earning female entertainers to date. With multiple chart-topping songs and sold-out tours to her name, this isn’t surprising at all. From 2009 to 2014, Katy Perry earned $30-50 million annually from album sales, merchandise, tours and endorsements. Between June 2018 and June 2019, she made $60 million.
Between June 2019 and June 2020, she received $40 million in income, of which $25 million came from hosting “American Idol.” Of course, she’s also got investments outside of music. Just last year, Katy invested in Impossible Foods, alongside other big names such as Serena Williams. That may have been the best move for the expecting mother, as she’s said to have removed beef from her diet and now opts to satisfy her cravings with the vegan Impossible Burger.
SCARLETT JOHANSSON – EST. $180 MILLION
She’s the world’s highest-paid actress since 2018 and has consistently made appearances on Forbes Celebrity 100. The films she has starred in have a worldwide gross of over $14.3 billion—making the talented actress the 3rd highest-grossing box office star of all time. That’s on top of the countless awards she has received for her performances. Johansson also appeared on Broadway and released several musical albums.
Scarlett might be best known for playing Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow, within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but she is certainly versatile when it comes to roles. From Lost in Translation to Marriage Story, she’s got a range that you can’t learn from school or online classes. She is a highly paid brand spokesperson. Her income per movie can easily reach 10 to 20 million US dollars, and the annual endorsement income is usually between 10 to 20 million US dollars.
GWYNETH PALTROW – EST. $160 MILLION
She is one of Hollywood’s darlings, often cast as the female lead for various romantic films. Aside from receiving awards and accolades for her work, did you know that Gwyneth’s movies have also grossed $8.8 billion worldwide? Much like Scarlett, she has quite a diverse film resume as well. She started her acting career in 1990. One of Paltrow’s most famous characters is Pepper Potts in “Iron Man.” This 2008 movie achieved box office success, with global box office revenue exceeding $585 million.
Audiences might remember her performances in Shakespeare in Love and her quirky character in The Royal Tenenbaums best. She has slowed down a bit since becoming a mother, but she’s been making investments towards her company Goop. Netflix has even released a documentary called The Goop Lab, which goes behind the scenes of how the business works.
BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH – EST. $40 MILLION
It wouldn’t surprise fans of the actor to know that he has received a Master’s degree in Arts in Classical Acting from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. You might think that his classical training might limit him to specific types of roles, but this isn’t the case. He has portrayed real-life figures such as Stephen Hawking and fictional ones like Sherlock Holmes. He’s even brought to life Smaug the dragon in The Hobbit film series!
Benedict Cumberbatch started his professional acting career in 2000. Outside of his stage and screen career, he also completed a lot of dubbing work. He has a keen interest in broadcasting and has done many BBC works. The money he makes through movies isn’t solely for his use. He is an ambassador for The Prince’s Trust and regularly gives to various charitable foundations.
JENNIFER LAWRENCE – EST. $150 MILLION
Her career has made great leaps, along with the money she makes for every movie. In fact, Jennifer Lawrence was recognized for being the highest-paid actress in the world for both 2014 and 2016. The film she’s been in had a worldwide gross of over $6 billion, and she was even included in Time’s 100 most influential people in the world list for 2013. In 2013, she won the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in the 2012’s Silver Linings Playbook. So far, the most famous role she played is Katniss Everdeen in Hunger Games trilogy.
With all that to her name, it is surprising to see how humble the actress has remained. She is a feminist, remains as outspoken, advocating for Planned Parenthood and the Special Olympics. Among her investments, she established the production company Excellent Cadaver back in 2018.
CAMERON DIAZ – EST. $150 MILLION
The actress may have retired from Hollywood, but Cameron Diaz will never have to worry about money again in this lifetime. Aside from all the millions she has earned through her years in film, the actress also has investments in alternative medicine – a chain of Modern Acupuncture establishments, to be specific. Diaz won the leading role in the 1994 film The Mask with Jim Carrey when she was 21 years old. The film’s huge success, with global box office revenue of more than 340 million US dollars, made Cameron a popular star.
We’re sure this isn’t an impulsive move for the new mom. Now that she has a growing family to care for, Cameron must be putting extra thought when it comes to their overall well-being. She also backs “Seed Health” alongside other celebrities, such as Karlie Kloss and Jessica Biel.
JAMES PATTERSON – EST. $850 MILLION
James is among the richest authors in the world, with credit to his incredible prowess when it comes to creating memorable stories and characters. Throughout his career, he has managed to sell over 300 million books and is recognized for being the first author to sell over a million e-books. Of course, he isn’t without his critics. It was Stephen King who once chided Patterson, saying that he’s “a terrible writer, but he’s very successful.”
Patterson has written 95 novels since 1976 and has become a best-selling novel in The New York Times for 19 consecutive seasons. He holds the record of a single best-selling hardcover novel in the New York Times, with a total of 76 works, which is also a Guinness World Record. In 2019, through the James Patterson Pledge, he donated $1.25 million to help save classroom libraries. This is the fifth installment in the partnership between him and Scholastic Book Clubs.
CHARLIZE THERON – EST. $150 MILLION
She might be best remembered as a femme fatale for films such as Atomic Blonde, but Charlize’s repertoire as an actress is certainly far more diverse. Who can forget her award-winning performance in Monster? The actress has earned millions through her film appearances, but did you know that since the early 2000s, she’s had investments in film production as well? Thanks to her company, Denver and Delilah. Through it, she has bankrolled multiple movies, some of which she had a starring role in.
In addition to his acting career, Charlize is also a well-paid brand spokesperson for companies such as Raymond Weil and Christian Dior. Her endorsements and film income make Charlize always one of the world’s highest-paid artists, with an annual income that can easily exceed 30-40 million US dollars. So, what’s next for the actress? She’s set to appear in F9: The Fast Saga, reprising her role as Cipher.
JESSICA BIEL – EST. $20 MILLION
She may have gone through a spell of marriage woes back in November of 2019, but reports say that her marriage is certainly in a better place now. The best possible news for the actress, given that she and Justin Timberlake have a 4-year-old son together. While the actress no longer appears as frequently on both TV and film, she is quite active behind the scenes.
In fact, back in 2017, she released the 8-episode miniseries The Sinner on the USA Network, it was nominated for Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, and Critics’ Choice Television Awards. This marked her move from actress, to making investments as an executive producer. She also played the lead role in the show. Biel is passionate about philanthropy and established Make the Difference Network in 2007. In 2006, she participated in a charity auction to raise money for Molly Bloom’s medical bills after the teenager died in a luxury car accident.
KATE HUDSON – EST. $90 MILLION
Kate is a fan favorite for many. No wonder she’s earned a spot in the shortlist of highest-paid actresses in the industry. Hudson graduated from Crossroads University Preparatory School in Santa Monica in 1997. She was admitted to New York University but chose to work in acting instead of a college degree. It was her performance in Cameron Crowe’s 2001 film Almost Famous that proved that she would follow in her mother’s footsteps and become popular in the film industry.
Similar to others who have also chosen to be more selective when it comes to the work they do, Kate has since made investments in other career fields. In this case, she co-founded Fabletics. A fitness brand and membership program operated by JustFab. The actress is an advocate of living a healthier lifestyle and has even released two related books, Pretty Happy: Healthy Ways to Love Your Body and Pretty Fun: Creating and Celebrating a Lifetime of Tradition.
BRUCE WILLIS – EST. $300 MILLION
For many actors and actresses, moving from acting to producing movies seems to be the most natural transition after their prime has passed. Movies have made hundreds of millions of dollars since the late 1980s. Though Bruce Willis is still far from retiring or losing any bit of his popularity, the actor has also made investments in his own motion picture production company. While he left Cheyenne Enterprises in 2007, he also owns other small businesses in Idaho, including The Liberty Theater and The Mint Mar.
Bruce owns many valuable assets all over the world. A few months ago, he sold his house in upstate New York for $13 million. Did you know he co-owns Planet Hollywood, alongside Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger? Needless to say, not only is he a prolific actor, but Bruce is also quite the savvy businessman.
JORDY NELSON – $24 MILLION
He brought to life The Lord of The Rings and came back for more, with the Hobbit films. These films earned $6 billion in ticket and DVD sales worldwide. Before the LOTR trilogy, however, he has been making films since the 70s. He gets credit for directing King Kong, Heavenly Creatures, and The Lovely Bones.
Of course, the director doesn’t always strike gold. As a producer, he has had quite a few losses, but his investments are never for naught. In 2009, Jackson bought a Gulfstream G650 private jet. The jet, which can hold 18 people and is powerful, can fly from New Zealand to the United States without stopping to refuel. It is rumored that Jackson spent $60 million on it. In addition to his Gulfstream, Jackson has more than 40 airworthy World War I-era warbirds. He is an aviation enthusiast.
PETER JACKSON – EST. $550 MILLION
When it comes to the world of magic, David Copperfield remains one of its most legendary figures. Forbes describes him as being the most commercially successful—with credit to his talent of combining the art of storytelling and the wonders of illusion. In his 40-year-career, the illusionist has earned 11 Guinness World Records, has been knighted by the French Government, and is recognized as a Living Legend by the US Library of Congress.
David is the richest magician in the world. His annual income ranges from $40 – $60 million, largely due to his annual performance of about 515 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. As of July 2018, he officially became a billionaire for the first time. After Las Vegas closed in 2020 because of the coronavirus, David did not lay off his staff, continued to pay all salaries. Quite the feat for “Davino the Boy Magician,” who at 12 managed to become the youngest person the Society of American Magicians has admitted into their fold.
DAVID COPPERFIELD – EST. $1.2 BILLION
He remains one of Hollywood’s living legends—Harrison Ford. We know him through various blockbusters, where he played some of the most memorable lead characters. From Han Solo in the Star Wars universe to Indiana Jones, to Rick Deckard in the Blade Runner movies. The actor has definitely proven, not just his versatility, but also his bankability.
In 2019, the domestic box-office grosses of his films had totaled over $5.1 billion, which makes him the fourth highest-grossing box office star of all time. In the early and mid-1990s, Harrison’s revenue per film was always between 10-12 million US dollars. For example, he made $9 million in 1992’s Patriot Games and $10 million in Jack Ryan sequel, Clear and Present Danger in 1994. In 1997, he made $20 million for The Devil’s Own. The degree of his success remains unrivaled and would be so in the years to come.
HARRISON FORD – EST. $250 MILLION
He remains one of Hollywood’s living legends—Harrison Ford. We know him through various blockbusters, where he played some of the most memorable lead characters. From Han Solo in the Star Wars universe to Indiana Jones, to Rick Deckard in the Blade Runner movies. The actor has definitely proven, not just his versatility, but also his bankability.
In 2019, the domestic box-office grosses of his films had totaled over $5.1 billion, which makes him the fourth highest-grossing box office star of all time. In the early and mid-1990s, Harrison’s revenue per film was always between 10-12 million US dollars. For example, he made $9 million in 1992’s Patriot Games and $10 million in Jack Ryan sequel, Clear and Present Danger in 1994. In 1997, he made $20 million for The Devil’s Own. The degree of his success remains unrivaled and would be so in the years to come.
ED SHEERAN – EST. $200 MILLION
From releasing his music independently and doing gigs in small venues to becoming one of the top 100 wealthiest musicians in the world, Ed Sheeran has certainly come a long way. This is a much-deserved upgrade, of course, given the impact and how beloved his songs are. He has reportedly sold over 150 million records worldwide and has also been named the second most-streamed artist on Spotify. Testaments to how talented the singer-songwriter really is.
Most of Ed’s income comes from tours. His “Divide” concert tour received a total of 780 million US dollars from March 2017 to August 2019. Sheeran began recording music in 2004 and independently released the album “Spinning Man”. He released his first EP in 2005 and then released two albums in the next three years. He has even received acting credit. Aside from a cameo in Game of Thrones, he has also had a role in the 2019 film, Yesterday.
KRISTEN STEWART – EST. $80 MILLION
She may not always have the best things to say about her time in the Twilight franchise, but the film gets credit for building the actress’ popularity. Her biggest payday may be when she made $25 million for the both parts of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn”. Kristen has capitalized on that, starring in both major productions and indie film projects after the saga’s finale. From being criticized for having “zero range,” the actress has since proven her acting chops through the success of her varied performances.
Growing up in the entertainment industry has undoubtedly promoted Stewart’s acting career. She has started her professional career since the age of eight. Outside of acting, Kristen has also done multiple directorial works for music videos and short films. This includes the upcoming, The Chronology of Water, a feature film based on the memoir of Lidia Yuknavitch.
ELTON JOHN – EST. $550 MILLION
With a career as colorful and brilliant as Sir Elton John’s, the money you make only serves as the cherry on top. He has been active since 1962, producing classic after classic, and also holds the distinction for having written and sung the best-selling single in the history of both the US and UK singles charts. So far, he has sold more than 300 million albums worldwide. This is enough to make him the fifth best-selling music artist in modern history, second only to Madonna, Michael Jackson, Elvis and The Beatles.
Aside from music, he gets credit for producing records and appearing in films. In 2018, he went on his 3-year retirement tour, citing a change in his priorities and wanting to care for his children, husband, and family. The tour is expected to end in December 2020. In addition, Elton is also a collector of cars and artworks.
ELLEN DEGENERES – EST. $500 MILLION
She is best known for the sitcom “Ellen” which created between 1994 and 1998 and the joint talk show “Ellen DeGeneres Show”aired since 2003. The comedian and television host has become an icon for many in the LGBTQ community. Aside from having her own successful show and acting, Ellen also has a slew of other investments. This includes ED Ellen DeGeneres, a lifestyle brand that was launched back in 2015. Their collections include apparel, accessories, shoes, baby, pet, and home items.
DeGeneres’ annual salary is between 75 million and 90 million US dollars. For example, between June 2018 and June 2019, Allen made $80 million from her various efforts. According to Forbes, Ellen is the 15th highest-paid entertainer in the world. She was also named the 50th most powerful women by the same business magazine. Since 2003, the couple have bought and sold more than 20 properties.
JACKIE CHAN – EST. $520 MILLION
It’s safe to say, Jackie Chan literally earned his net worth through blood and sweat. Risking his life in order to produce some of the most iconic shots in his films. From stuntman to actor, Jackie is now the 12th richest actor in the whole world. After starring in Rush Hour with Chris Tucker in 1998, he became a household name in the American film industry.
He is also a beloved singer and has been doing it professionally since the 1980s. He has released many successful albums. In many cases, he will sing the theme song for the movie. He has also received an honorary Doctor of Social Science degree from the Hong Kong Baptist University back in 1996. The prolific businessman is slowly building an empire for himself, starting with JCE Movies Limited – his own film production and distribution company.
MICHAEL PHELPS – EST. $65 MILLION
Not only does the former competitive swimmer get credit for winning the most Olympic god medals during his career, but he also currently holds the world record for men’s 400-meter individual medley—among others. So far, he has set 39 world records, the most in history. Because of his success, Michael enjoys one of the most profitable post-Olympic careers in American history. He has dozens of sponsors and often appears in commercials and global advertisements.
Needless to say, he’s an icon even among fellow athletes. Although he announced his retirement back in August of 2016, his legacy has certainly changed the sport forever. So, what keeps Michael busy? He has plenty of philanthropic causes to support. He once used his $1 million bonus from Speedo to establish the Michael Phelps Foundation, and most recently, he joined Medibio—a company that focuses on diagnosing mental health disorders.
MARTHA STEWART – EST. $800 MILLION
Turning yourself into a brand is certainly a hard-won process, and this is something that Martha Stewart knows pretty well. She has investments in different areas of lifestyle content, from publishing, merchandising, broadcasting, and e-commerce. The success of her first book helped her start her own business. She also wrote several newspaper columns and magazine articles and appeared on TV shows such as “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “Larry King Live”. Stewart signed a deal with Time Publishing Ventures in 1990 to develop a new magazine under her name.
It isn’t all smooth sailing for the prolific businesswoman, however. It was in March of 2004 when she was found sentenced to serve a 5-month prison term for charges of conspiracy, making false statements to investigators, and obstruction of an agency proceeding. Though it will remain a stain on her legacy, Martha did manage to overcome all those difficulties. In fact, she went right back into business after her release.
JUSTIN BIEBER – EST. $300 MILLION
Justin Bieber is one of the youngest yet richest people on our list. From busking and uploading cover songs on YouTube, he became a phenomenon, with millions of fans worldwide. From sold-out tours to 12x platinum records, he has certainly earned his net worth. Since his first discovery on YouTube, he has sold more than 150 million records worldwide. In June 2011, he ranked second in Forbes’ Best-Paid Celebrities under 30 list, earning $53 million in 12 months.
Since he gained popularity, however, the singer has had a number of controversies and run-ins with the law—including his first arrest back in 2014. Fortunately, the degree of his recklessness has since toned down, and with his marriage to Hailey Baldwin, we hope he continues on a more sober path. Otherwise, he could easily lose what he has worked hard for.
JULIA ROBERTS – EST. $220 MILLION
When you have had a career as bright as Julia’s, a net worth of $220 million simply becomes the norm. This is all thanks to her talent as an actress, a job she has proven to be very versatile at. From comedies to heavy drama, while winning accolades and awards in between! From movie salaries to endorsements, she usually earns $20 to $30 million per year. Roberts signed an endorsement contract with Gianfranco Ferre in 2006 for which she was paid $6 million.
Since 2009, she has been a global brand ambassador for cosmetics brand Lancome, which made $50 million in a five-year deal with it. It helps that she’s also great at money management and is well-known for her relatively humble Hollywood lifestyle. She’s considered to be one of the most eco-friendly celebrities and does more than just preach about going green for the planet. Julia actually keeps beehives and uses solar panels at home.
CHRISTINA AGUILERA – EST. $180 MILLION
As of 2018, the singer-songwriter has managed to sell over 75 million singles and albums worldwide. Aside from being an award-winning artist, receiving a total of 5 Grammys, she also serves as an inspiration to a number of younger singers—including the likes of Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Sam Smith. She served as a judge on the NBC music competition “The Voice” for several seasons.
As an actor, the movie “Burlesque” she starred in with Cher was a box office success. During her time, Christina has made investments, not just towards constant reinvention, but also women empowerment. She wouldn’t be considered by VH1 as one of the greatest women during the music video era for nothing. Aside from music, she has also ventured into fragrances—becoming the number one celebrity brand back in 2017. Of course, part of her income comes from commercial endorsements.
BRITNEY SPEARS – EST. $250 MILLION
Much like Christina, Britney has found much success since her early beginnings—turning herself into a brand and empire throughout the years. She released her first single when she was 16 and soon became the new Princess of Pop. Whilst she may have had brushes with controversy and a very public breakdown in the past, it’s clear that the young diva hasn’t lost that spark. She still has millions of loyal fans worldwide.
Her $250 million net worth doesn’t just come from making music, however. Britney is also a prolific businesswoman, with successful investments in fragrances through a collaboration with Elizabeth Arden, and various official merchandise branded with her name. Britney made $30 million in perfume sales alone in one year. Needless to say, even without releasing a single, she won’t go bankrupt. Some people now question her inability to control her income.
PATRICK DEMPSEY – EST. $65 MILLION
Patrick first got his start in the 80s, starring in many of the decade’s popular teen romance flicks. His career picked up after he was cast in Grey’s Anatomy, earning him not just awards, but also the moniker “Dr. McDreamy.” He lasted ten years on the show, before calling it quits—citing a loss of interest and needing something fresh for his career. He said he wanted to be a producer.
The actor then moved on to compete in car races, even participating in pro events such as 24 hours of Le Mans and Rolex 24 at Daytona. He is passionate about auto racing and collecting vintage and sports cars. His investments aren’t always self-indulgent, however. Patrick is also a supporter of cancer research. In 2020 he returned to broadcast television to play the lead character in CBS Drama Pilot “Ways & Means”.
CIARA – EST. $25 MILLION
Talented singer, model, and actress Ciara gained praise when she released her first album Goodies in 2004. She was called the “First Lady of Crunk&B”. She may not be as active in the industry these days or fighting other female artists for a spot on the charts, but we’re certain Ciara doesn’t mind. She has had her fair share of successful releases, after all, but began to experience a decline in popularity just a few years into her career.
Her most recent release was back in 2019, her seventh studio album called Beauty Marks. Aside from music, she has also kept herself safe from bankruptcy through modeling, even signing a multi-million dollar deal with Wilhelmina Models back in 2009. As for shared assets, she partly owns Seattle Sounders FC alongside her husband. Her high brand recognition also has brought her considerable income.
BEYONCE – EST. $500 MILLION
When it comes to investments, the talented and exciting singer Beyoncé is certainly among the most prolific. In 2019, Forbes ranked her as the 3rd highest-paid female artists and got the 51st spot on their list of Wealthiest Self-Made Women in America. That’s certainly saying a lot, considering her humble start in Destiny’s Child. These days, B earns millions through endorsements—aside from her sold-out tours and chart-topping singles.
Through Parkwood Entertainment, she has produced music, movies, and apparel. This includes the eponymous streetwear fashion brand Ivy Park, which is now being sold in top retailers worldwide. “Cadillac” and “Obsessed” were also released through the same production company. She also knows how to consume her wealth. She indulges in luxury mansions, vacations, yachts, and beauty treatments. Alongside Jay-Z, this music and business power couple perhaps is the richest in the entertainment industry.
DAVE CHAPPELLE – EST. $50 MILLION
It takes a lot of guts and some raw talent in order for a person to weather Hollywood controversies. This is something funny-man, Dave Chappelle, would know quite a bit about. Not only did he manage to make a successful comeback, but he also got quite a boost when it comes to his net worth. We know that he made his debut at Comedy Central in 2003. In Chappelle’s long career, he is famous for stand-up comedy, especially his satirical comedy series Chappelle’s Show.
With $50 million to his name, he is currently one of the wealthiest comedians in the world. With good reason, of course. His collaborations with Netflix have all received praise, earning him a Grammy in the process. Whilst his humor may remain irreverent, he still gets credit for making it work. In addition, he appeared in several films and got good box office results.
ROBERT DE NIRO – EST. $550 MILLION
We may immediately associate the actor with his role as the young Vito Corleone in the cult classic mafia flick, The Godfather II, but it’s safe to say that he made his money through some good old-fashioned hard work. He’s a staple in many gangster and crime films but has proven his acting chops through emotion-fuelled performances in dramas such as The Deer Hunter. No wonder he’s one of the most decorated actors in Hollywood.
Aside from acting, he also has investments in the film studio TriBeCa Productions, the Greenwich Hotel. He co-founded the Nobu restaurant with Nobu Matsuhisa and achieved success. Now, this restaurant which brought him great wealth has more than 40 branches around the world. Robert also announced a plan to invest in a luxury resort. According to reports, the COVID-19 crisis has greatly affected his restaurant income.
DAVID SCHWIMMER – EST. $100 MILLION
Audiences will know him best for portraying Ross Geller on the hot drama Friends, but did you know that the actor has another character who is equally as popular? Not many are aware, but David is the voice of Melman—the hilarious giraffe from the Madagascar film franchise. His decision to try other acting formats has certainly paid off. From animated characters to making his West End debut, he continues to surprise.
He also has investments in directing and producing films. This includes 10 episodes of Friends and two episodes of its spin-off, Joey. In addition, we can see him in Madagascar, Will & Grace, and The People Vs. O.J. Simpson, which won him one Primetime Emmy Award nomination. Expect to see more of the actor this year on the British sitcom, Intelligence, in which he took a lead role.
MEL GIBSON – EST. $450 MILLION
The well-known actor, despite his controversies, is certainly an icon in the film industry. His talent in both acting and directing cannot be denied, with his films earning millions in the box office. It might be surprising to some, then, to find that his net worth didn’t even break the half billion mark. After all, he has been around for decades—surely he’s earned more than that?
The actor was actually worth $850 million before reaching a divorce settlement with his ex-wife, Robyn Denise Moore, through their lawyer. The couple had been together for 31 years before deciding to call it quits. Though they had a wonderful time being together, some things just didn’t work out for them. Now apart, they are both doing better and are pursuing things separately. We’re hoping they will both reach financial stability and wellness on their own and rebuild their own careers for the better.
AL PACINO – EST. $180 MILLION
He has devoted five decades of his life to the industry, and it has surely rewarded him for it. The actor and filmmaker have not only received accolades for his work, but is also considered as one of the industry’s legends. With this status comes plenty of perks, including being more selective about the work he takes on and, of course, the millions that he can earn from the movies he is a part of.
During the 90s, the actor could easily fetch $10 million for film, and in that decade alone, he has starred countless successes, including Dick Tracy, Heat, and The Devil’s Advocate. Now hailed as one of the biggest names in Hollywood, Pacino’s reputation precedes him wherever he goes. Younger actors and filmmakers look up to him and what he has done in his long years in the business. For sure, he is still reaping the benefits of his hard work and practical money management today.
ADAM SANDLER – EST. $450 MILLION
There is no denying that Adam is one of the brightest and most successful comedians in this generation. The best bit? He isn’t closing himself off to other genres as well and has delivered performances that both tickled and brought audiences to tears. He ranks among the top 10 richest comedians in Hollywood with Forbes reporting that in 2019 alone, Adam earned a whopping $57 million!
Outside of acting, he also has investments in Happy Madison Productions, which he established in 1999 and has released many of his successful films, including Little Nicky, The House Bunny, The Hot Chick, and Anger Management. Because of his long list of popular flicks, he has not only earned a lot of money but also a reputation that is hard to beat. Of course, he worked hard for where he is now, so it is not only impressive, but it is also inspiring to all his fans.
DR. PHIL – EST. $500 MILLION
He went from having a small segment on The Oprah Winfrey Show, to having his own show. Many people tend to make the mistake of thinking that he is a practicing psychologist—however, this is not the case. While he does hold a doctorate in clinical psychology, Dr. Phil is not licensed to practice. Instead, he provides people with advice through his program.
Back in 2006, he ranked at number 22 on Forbes Celebrity 100 list, with credit to his $80 million income. Outside of hosting, he has also participated in reality shows, has published three books, and even once dabbled in the weight-loss business. Evidently, he is not only prolific but also very adventurous in his business and career endeavors. It just goes to show that hard work really pays off as now he already has almost $500 Million for his net worth! Imagine all the work that led to that amount!
HOWARD STERN – EST. $700 MILLION
He may sometimes be referred to as a “shock jock” due to his being frank about his opinions, but there’s really nothing surprising about Howard Stern’s $650 million. Aside from hosting his own radio show, a spot he’s had for years, he also has investments in other ventures. Howard is also a TV personality, an author, a producer, and an established photographer. For his first book, he got paid a cool $1 million by Simon & Schuster.
Back in 2018, Forbes ranked him at number 1 when it comes to The World’s Highest-Paid Radio Hosts. His annual income is reported to be around $90 million. Not a lot of radio personalities get that much per year. Stern’s name and reputation really allows him to charge higher than the rest of his colleagues, but it took him a long time to get there. It’s a good thing that he has that go-getter attitude that will get him through all obstacles that will come his way.
SEAN PENN – EST. $170 MILLION
We’ve seen how talented and versatile Sean Penn can be when it comes to acting, but outside of being an actor, Sean also works on directing and has been doing so since 1991. His directorial debut was for the film The Indian Runner, but perhaps his most memorable work would be for the biographical film, Into the Wild, back in 2007.
In 2018, he published his first novel, Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff, to mixed reviews. He may not have a degree in creative writing, but Sean is set on pursuing this career, citing that he no longer has an interest in making films. It may come as a surprise but we’re happy that he decided to venture into something else that might suit his current interests. We’re more than excited to see more of his books as well, and as we all know, Penn has a lot of wonderful things in mind.
HUGH GRANT – EST. $90 MILLION
Critics have dismissed the actor for being a one-trick-pony given the fact that much of his career is dominated by romantic comedies. With that said, it is these movies that have helped boost, not just his reputation as one of Hollywood’s go-to male leads, but also his overall net worth. While he often plays the charismatic yet romantic guy in films, Hugh has also had his brushes with the law early in his career.
The actor’s lawyer helped get him out of assault charges made by a paparazzo back in 2007. Charges were dropped on the grounds of insufficient evidence. Some people may be out to get him, but he emerges stronger from all these adversities in life. We hope that he is doing better now. We also would love to see more of him in new roles in the coming years. Grant has always been an eye candy for every movie that he was in!
JEFFREY DEAN MORGAN – EST. $12 MILLION
Jeffrey is the type of actor who can easily transform, depending on the character he’s playing. In the cult favorite Supernatural, he played the role of John Winchester, who is one of the show’s most beloved protagonists. In The Walking Dead, however, he portrayed Negan— who remains one of the most hated characters in the series. His talent fetches $200,000 per episode, a well-deserved number that also helps boost his total net worth.
His investments go toward his Hudson Valley property, turning it into a big farm with lots of animals, including a donkey and an emu, which he gifted to his partner, Hilarie Burton. After not only earning a lot but also dabbling into the Hollywood spotlight, Morgan might be attracted to the idea of living a quiet life on the farm, where he is close to nature and his family. We don’t blame him though. We know every TV star needs a sanctuary.
MARIAH CAREY – EST. $320 MILLION
Guinness World Records has touted her as the “Songbird Supreme,” but Mariah Carey has become so much more than just a singer since debuting back in 1990. When we think of Mariah, we think of an entire brand. From constantly reinventing herself to moving towards ventures outside of music, she is certainly one of the savviest businesswomen when it comes to the music industry.
Aside from chart-toppers, sold-out tours, and even successful movies to her name, Mariah also has investments in fragrances. While these poppy concoctions were initially targeted towards fans, it has since established itself as a favorite even outside of the Fandom. Carey has been impressing countless generations with her vocal range and prowess already but obviously, we haven’t seen everything yet as she still continues to make more money and flaunt more talents. We’re sure that her business endeavors will shoot straight to the sky as it has been reaching a wider market already.
GAL GADOT – EST. $15 MILLION
From pageant queen to serving in the Israeli military as a combat readiness instructor, to getting her Law and International Relations Degree from IDC Herzliya College, and now playing the iconic Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe. Is there anything Gal cannot do? From fairly humble roots, she has managed to establish herself in Hollywood and was even listed among the highest-paid actresses in the world back in 2018. Time has also named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Outside of acting, she also has investments in Pilot Wave Productions, which she shares with her husband, Yaron Varsano. Leading a very happy family and personal life, Gadot is also continually growing her money. She already has a quite sizable net worth from all the she has been doing ever since she started pageantry, but we haven’t seen everything just yet. We’re excited to see what else she has in store for us in the coming years.
JAY Z – EST. $1 BILLION
While some people tend to poke fun at the rapper for being better known as Beyoncé’s husband, we’re sure Jay Z takes all of that in stride. After all, he is the fifth wealthiest American musician and the first hip-hop billionaire. Aside from being the founder of the top record label, Roc-A-Fella Records, and the entertainment company Roc Nation, he also owns Aspiro and is in charge of the streaming service, Tidal.
As a businessman, Jay Z certainly doesn’t fall behind either. He has investments in luxury streetwear through Rocawear and even owns a sports bar chain called 40/40 Club. You wouldn’t believe the income that he receives as both are multi-million dollar corporations. Other than his music career, his businesses have grown outrageously over the years and as he has married the one and only diva who also has a huge net worth, the power couple and their kids really have become one of the wealthiest families in the industry.
TAYLOR SWIFT – EST. $400 MILLION
With estimated earnings of over $150 million a year, Taylor Swift can afford to take things easy— but given her work ethic? Such a thing is unlikely. She makes investment money, not just through the chart-toppers she writes and performs, but also through the numerous endorsements the singer-songwriter has to her name. This includes clothing lines, greeting cards, digital cameras, fragrances, beauty products, and even a multi-year partnership with Capital One—to name a few.
Taylor gives just as much as she receives, however. She is well-known for helping fans out; whether it be through something as simple as their groceries or even school needs. She is pretty personal with her fans as she really likes to relate to them and to other people. Her earnings are already a lot, but her bank account surely is still growing as she has just released two albums in 2020 out of the blue. She surely knows how to surprise the world!
MILLIE BOBBY BROWN – EST. $10 MILLION
Millie has certainly accomplished a lot. Aside from making her TV debut as one of the leads in Stranger things, she has also been recognized as on Time’s 100 most influential people in the world list. Did you know that she’s also been appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador? The youngest in the organization’s history.
When it comes to investments, the actress is reported to receive $10,000 per episode for the show’s 1st season and $30,000 per episode for its 2nd. It is quite a lot for someone her age, but we’re sure that she is being guided properly to ensure none of it goes to waste. Not a lot of people her age can deal with the financial responsibility and the pressures of being a celebrity well, but she has certainly proved to be better than the rest. She is a budding actress and a lot is surely in store for her as projects are already coming her way.
CHRIS HEMSWORTH – EST. $150 MILLION
The actor is no stranger to successful movie franchises. From playing George Kirk in 2009’s Star Trek, to becoming Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he has certainly established himself as one of Hollywood’s favorite male action heroes. It isn’t too surprising, then, that he has been named by Forbes as one of the highest-paid actors in the world for 2014, 2015, and 2018. In 2019, alone, he was ranked at 24—earning an estimated $76.4 million for that year.
Chris also uses his investment money for good. In fact, he is involved and donates to the Australian Children Foundation. It’s very inspiring to know that our favorite hero on screen is also a hero to those in need in real life. He shares his blessing with other people and continues to inspire many in the world through his charitable acts. We hope more and more celebrities follow his steps.
KENDRICK LAMAR – EST. $80 MILLION
The rapper, producer, and songwriter is regarded by his contemporaries and music critics as one of the most influential hip-hop artists of this generation. His skill has also made him one of the greatest lyricists and rappers of all time—quite an honor, considering the other incredible artists to have received the same recognition. It isn’t just music that helps fuel his lifestyle, however.
Just March of this year, Kendrick and Dave free launched pgLang— a company focused on “cultivating raw expression from grassroots partnerships,” according to Free. The rapper has also had successful collabs with sportswear brands, Reebok and Nike. He has a lot going on in his life and his career, so it is safe to say that he is not only learning a lot from these experiences, but is also collecting big amounts of income from these projects. His bank account continues to grow from here on out.
JAMIE OLIVER – EST. $400 MILLION
He’s made a name for himself by creating down-to-earth recipes during a time when celebrity chefs were all the rage. This led to various television shows and restaurants, making him one of the richest restaurateurs, according to Forbes. Aside from cooking, he has also ventured into other fields. Including collaborations with HelloFresh for meal subscription services, as well as with Tesco where he created recipes to promote the company’s products.
His investments in the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group did bring a substantial loss, eventually shuttering up in 2019, with 22 of its 25 restaurants closing and over a thousand jobs lost in the process. It’s a heartbreaking experience, we can imagine. However, Oliver is learning from the experience and is being stronger than ever because of what happened. We hope that he and his business recovers soon. We also hope that the employees who lost their jobs are in better places now.
CAMILA CABELLO – EST. $18 MILLION
She’s one of the newest faces in the industry, but following the success of her single Senorita, Camila has become one of its most sought-after young songstresses. It’s safe to say that her choice to go solo is paying off—despite the controversies associated with the move. She has since released successful collaborations with artists such as Pitbull and Shawn Mendes, and gets credit for being part of The Fate of the Furious soundtrack.
Camila isn’t limiting herself to just making music, however. She is set to star in the film adaptation of Cinderella for Sony Pictures, with a tentative release date scheduled for 2021. We are so eager to see her doing more movies. We know she is super talented and she performs really well too, so she will do a good job in acting. Without a doubt, her fans will also follow her and support her every step of the way. Her taking on a new adventure will mean that her net worth will continue to grow as well.
JENNIFER LOPEZ – EST. $450 MILLION
When you’ve managed to stay in the industry and still be as relevant as Jennifer Lopez, you know you’re doing something right. Needless to say, her $450 million net worth is well-deserved. The best bit? J.Lo isn’t about to slow down anytime soon. The updated version of her infamous Green Versace dress, which she modeled herself, generated a $31.8 million in media impact value!
Of course, there’s also her iconic half-time performance for Super Bowl alongside Shakira. We’ve got to give both of them credit — time has only made them even better. Expect to see her in Marry Me opposite Owen Wilson soon, along with other new projects. It seems that nobody even realizes that she is getting older. Her face, her body, and her powerful performances definitely do not show it! She is constantly inspiring a lot of women to still be their best, no matter how old they are. She is setting the standard for women in their 50s and it looks like her money will just keep growing because of it.
VICTORIA BECKHAM – EST. $500 MILLION
Being a former Spice Girl alone makes her iconic enough, but Victoria Beckham is one woman who cannot rest on past successes alone. She’s turned herself into a luxury brand, slowly dominating the fashion and beauty industry, all while finding time for her top priority: her family. Victoria first launched her label back in 2008, garnering a loyal celebrity following in the process. She has also had a number of high-profile collaborations with other designer brands, though her investments aren’t without difficulties.
In 2018, her label reported a loss of £12.3 million. The following year, Victoria Beckham Beauty was launched, releasing a line of eco-friendly products. She doesn’t stop getting more and more innovative and efficient in her business pursuits. Although she is no longer active in the music industry, it is very apparent that her bank account just keeps on getting bigger. She isn’t only the embodiment of beauty, but also brains!
SERENA WILLIAMS – EST. $200 MILLION
We may know her best for her athleticism and outspoken nature, but outside of the sport? Serena has built up an empire of her own. Tennis is obviously just one part of her life because she has a lot of other things going for her. She makes money in other ways, too, and she continues to have a dazzling social life. From endorsements to collaborations, it’s not too surprising that she’s managed to amass a $200 million fortune.
Did you know that Serena is the current Chief Sporting Officer for Aston Martin? She also has investments in her personal line of designer apparel, aptly called “Aneres” which is her name spelled backwards. She’s even presented a clothing collection during the 2015 NYC Fashion Week. You can find her collection of jewelry and handbags on the Home Shopping Network. All her fans are always curious about what she is going to do next, and she never lets them down every time she has a new announcement.
DREW BARRYMORE – EST. $140 MILLION
Much like her friend and Charlie’s Angels co-star Cameron Diaz, Drew also has quite a number of investments outside of acting. In 1995, she founded Flower Films alongside Nancy Junoven, and the company has since produced quite a number of successful movies, including Donnie Darko, 50 First Dates, He’s Just Not That Into You, and Santa Clarita Diet. She may have gone through quite a tumultuous youth, but there’s no denying that Drew has managed to weather all of those difficulties.
Outside of personal investments, Drew is also an Ambassador for the UN’s World Food Programme, pledging $1 million to help with the cause. Being a famous face and name in the entertainment industry, it made a tremendous impact to share some of her earnings with those who need it. It’s great to know that celebrities like the bombshell Drew care about other people enough to do something and actually help them.
ANGELINA JOLIE – EST. $150 MILLION
Angelina Jolie is one of the most powerful and influential in the American entertainment industry. Aside from being an established actress, it is her humanitarian efforts and support for various advocacies that truly make her shine. She became a UNHCR Ambassador in 2001, and in the decade that followed, she has gone on 40 field missions for the organization, personally speaking with refugees in over 30 different countries.
Her generosity is only matched by her income, pulling in millions for every film she makes. Angelina’s investments in the industry don’t just stop at acting. She is also a filmmaker, with five critically-acclaimed movies to her name. She is also probably one of the most famous celebrities who are known to be very generous with their wealth. Although her net worth is always a huge amount, she makes a point to dedicate a portion of it to keep helping those who are in need.
LEONARDO DICAPRIO – EST. $300 MILLION
To put his influence in perspective, the actor has also been placed multiple times on the Forbes list of the world’s highest-paid actors. All of that on top of the fact that he earns millions for every movie he has been in. This privilege isn’t for naught, of course, as Leo is also known as one of the most generous celebrities in Hollywood. He is a staunch environmentalist, with investments in various green organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund and Global Green USA.
In 2019, during the Amazon fires, he pledged over $5 million to help protect the forest through his NGO, Earth Alliance. He always makes sure to share what he has to those in need. Since he always keeps making more money, Dicaprio gives back through funding his advocacy and making sure it stays active and involved in society. We hope more and more celebrities follow these noble acts too.
SANDRA BULLOCK – EST. $220 MILLION
Sandra was once named as the highest-paid actress in the world, and was even chosen as People’s Most Beautiful Woman for 2015. One might think that her net worth is all due to the countless blockbusters she’s been in, but the actress also has other ventures that go beyond acting. She owns Fortis Films, a production company, as an executive producer for the George Lopez sitcom— which went on to garner a syndication deal amounting to $10 million!
She also had investments in the food business, opening Bess Bistro in Austin Texas, but eventually shuttered up in 2015 after nearly a decade in business. Though it may have been an obstacle that she had to go through, she still learned from what happened and can hopefully do better next time. She still has a lot of money to burn, so taking another chance is something she can afford to do.
NICKI MINAJ – EST. $100 MILLION
Nicki has been touted as one of the most influential female rap artists of all time and gets credit for having accumulated the most number of Billboard Hot 100 among women across all genres. With over 20 million singles sold, her current net worth is certainly well-deserved. It wasn’t all rainbows for the flamboyant artist, however. She had quite a rough childhood back in Trinidad and Tobago. She has even worked as a waitress at Red Lobster at age 19—eventually getting fired for discourtesy.
This same no-nonsense attitude is one of her signatures, helping her rise to the top in the process. She is known for her spunky personality and she has inspired women all over the world not to allow themselves to be stepped on by other people. Because of this, she got a lot of fans who continually support her and her music. It follows that her net worth just grew and grew in the process.
GEORGE CLOONEY – EST. $550 MILLION
As one of Hollywood’s greats, earning millions per movie and ensuring blockbuster success for many of the projects he’s been in, George’s net worth isn’t all surprising. Over the years, the actor has had the chance to star in many successful projects like The Monuments Men, From Dusk till Dawn, Three Kings, The Ides of March, and Argo. Along the way, he’s also had the chance to do behind-the-scenes work as a director for titles like Leatherheads, The Midnight Sky, and, the previously mentioned, The Monuments Men.
He’s one to spend his investment money wisely as well, purchasing real estate all over the globe—including a home in Los Angeles, a property in Lake Como formerly owned by Ada Negri, a residence in Los Cabos, and a Millhouse in Oxfordshire. Much like other celebrities, he is also active when it comes to humanitarian work and places his focus on helping the refugees, which conflicts in various regions have displaced.
KELLY RIPA – EST. $90 MILLION
Since she was only three years old, Kelly Ripa already had quite a talent for dancing, acting, and playing the piano– she’s also a decent singer. As these talents improved through the years, Kelly has had the chance to appear in more than a few programs like Dancin’ On Air, All My Children, Hope & Faith. Back in 2014, Kelly was named by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the Most Powerful People in Media, and it isn’t just because of her nearly decade-long gig as host of the morning talk show, Live! With Kelly and Ryan.
Not many people might know this, but together with her husband, Mark Consuelos, Kelly also owns an NYC-based production company called Milojo. The company has produced The Streak, an Emmy-nominated documentary, among other successful projects. Aside from these investments, the host also has partnerships with other brands. Such as her line of athleisure line for Ryka—the designs of which Kelly personally oversees.
CHRIS ROCK – EST. $120 MILLION
From his humble start as a stand-up comedian and only getting support roles in films, Chris Rock has established himself as one of Hollywood’s comedy geniuses. Chris first received widespread recognition for his stint at one of the most well-known comedy programs on TV, Saturday Night Live. Along the way, he’s also had the chance to work on a few good titles, like the Madagascar films, the Grown Ups movies, Down to Earth, and The Longest Yard. He’s even received the honor of hosting the Academy Awards twice!
As further testament to his influence, he ranked fifth on Comedy Central’s poll for the greatest comedians. Aside from acting and hosting, Chris has also made investments towards the California Cannabis company, Lowell Herb Co., back in 2019. He has released five different comedy albums throughout his career and has starred in 6 stand-up specials from 1994 to 1998, all released through HBO.
RICHARD GERE – EST. $120 MILLION
Richard Gere is often Hollywood’s go-to when it comes to male leads and with obvious reasons. He plays the part effectively, swooning audiences with his charm and wit. These natural feats Richard possessed worked wonders for him, especially for his role in films like Days of Heaven, An Officer and a Gentleman, I’m Not There, and Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. Aside from acting, did you know that he’s also an established musician? In fact, he composed and performed the piano theme for Pretty Woman and the guitar solo used in Runaway Bride.
Along with his prior experience as a gymnast, Richard also smoothly found his groove in tap dancing, which he learned for his role in Chicago. He may not appear in films as often, but that’s because he’s focusing more on his family. At the age of 69, he is once again a new father, so Richard is likely busy making investments towards creating a bright future for his child.
JENNIFER ANISTON – EST. $330 MILLION
It’s safe to say that it’ll be a long while before Jennifer ever contemplates retiring. She’s still one of Hollywood’s brightest stars and, arguably, the most successful alumni of the beloved show Friends. For the final season of the show, Jennifer and other female co-stars were actually receiving 1 million per episode. This made them the highest-paid television actors of all time! Other than earning quite a fortune, the actress also became a recipient for some of the industry’s most prestigious awards: a Primetime Emmy, a Screen Actors Guild, and a Golden Globe award.
After her time starring as the now-iconic character, Rachel Green, Jennifer has worked on other titles like Bruce Almighty, Marley & Me, Office Space, and Cake. Her success has continued since, ensuring that she’s got a spot on Forbes Top Earning Actresses every single year since 2001. In 2008, Jennifer made investments towards Echo Films, which produces content for both TV and film—often starring Jen herself.
JASON STATHAM – EST. $60 MILLION
One might argue that he’s already hit the jackpot after getting engaged to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, so his multi-million net worth really is just the cherry on top of it all. The actor went from being a street seller who made ends meet by selling fake jewelry and perfume to being one of the highest-earning actors in the industry. After starring in two of filmmaker Guy Ritchie’s movies, 1998’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, and 2000’s Snatch, Jason has since become a well-known figure thanks to his performance in the original Transporter movies, Crank, and The Italian Job.
His most recent project, Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, grossed an outstanding $760 million worldwide. He may get flack for lacking variety, but Jason has established himself as one of the most bankable investments when it comes to the action genre in Hollywood. In fact, his action-star status eventually landed him a spot in The Expendables movies, starring alongside other big-name figures like Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
WILL SMITH – EST. $400 MILLION
We’ve talked about bankable actors in Hollywood, but who tops that list? According to Forbes Magazine, Will Smith ranks the highest among them all. As of 2016, his films have grossed over $7.5 billion worldwide. Over the years, Will has become most known for his role in titles like Hancock, I Am Legend, The Pursuit of Happyness, the Bad Boys movies, and, of course, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Along the way, he’s also received four Grammys and got nominated for two Oscars and five Golden Globes.
Whilst setting records has become commonplace for the actor, film isn’t the only field he excels in. Will has also made significant investments towards a number of start-ups. This includes the $10,000 he put into Socionado back in 2019. He is also co-founder of Just Water, alongside his son Jaden Smith. Keeping it in the family, he also launched Westbrook Inc., a content production company, together with his wife, Jada.
P. DIDDY – EST. $900 MILLION
Back in 2002, the rapper was ranked at the number-12 position by Fortune when it came to their Top 40 Entrepreneurs under 40. The magazine also reports that in 2017, he was able to earn $130 million, making him the top earner among entertainers. His rise to fame started right out the get-go, with his debut album No Way Out. Today, the 1997 record has since been certified platinum seven times already. Diddy then followed-up his breakthrough with more successful titles, including 1999’s Forever, 2001’s The Saga Continues…, and 2006’s Press Play.
Of course, the artist’s investment money doesn’t just come from music. Currently, he is the head of his own empire—Combs Enterprises, the umbrella company for his different businesses. Aside from Sean John, he also helped develop the Ciroc brand of vodkas in exchange for 50% of the profits. Ever the businessman, he also has an equity stake in Revolt TV.
DR. DRE – EST. $850 MILLION
He was named the second richest person in hip-hop back in 2018 for a good reason. Not only is he a key figure who helped pioneer West Coast G-funk, a sub-genre in the hip hop scene, Dr. Dre is also the founder and CEO of Beats Electronics and Aftermath Entertainment. His fans would also know that he was a previous co-owner of Death Row Records.
Although he has released widely-acclaimed records throughout his career, Dr. Dre has also had a successful career as a producer, collaborating with industry greats like Eminem, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, the Game, and the late 2Pac. Did you know that the rapper also has investments in the film industry? Not only did he produce Straight Outta Compton alongside Ice Cube, but he also used work on horror and dark comedy movies through Crucial Films. The New Line Cinema-owned company has since gone inactive, however.
DENZEL WASHINGTON – EST. $280 MILLION
The actor and director is considered by many to be one of the greatest actors of his generation and is also recognized as an American cultural icon. Denzel has been in many critically-acclaimed movies, including those where he portrayed important real-life figures such as Malcolm X. Other successful projects he has worked on through the years include The Book of Eli, The Equalizer, Flight, Training Day, and The Hurricane.
As a director, Denzel has since worked on three films: Antwone Fisher, The Great Debaters, and his most recent work, 2016’s Fences, which was also nominated an Academy Award for Best Picture. His talent and passion for his craft can be clearly seen in the returns it has given him, including his multi-million net worth. Did you know that the actor has once considered becoming a preacher? These days, he chooses to make investments in helping in other ways. This includes monetary donations to the church.
J.K. ROWLING – EST. $1.5 BILLION
Did you know that the Harry Potter books have since sold more than half a billion copies and have been translated into different languages? For authors such as J.K. Rowling, this must be quite a fulfilling achievement, both personally and financially. In fact, the widely beloved fantasy series has even taken credit for becoming the best-selling book series in history. Before she became successful, however, she went through several years of difficulty—living in relative poverty and needing loans before publishers picked up the first Harry Potter book back in 1997.
Since then, Rowling has continued her career as a writer, releasing new works like The Casual Vacancy and The Ickabog. For her work on the Cormoran Strike series, Rowling writes under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. Her rags to riches story is an inspiration to many. She is also the world’s first billionaire author but gives to charities so much that she tends to lose this status quite often.
BEN AFFLECK – EST. $150 MILLION
His turn as the Batman may gain mixed reviews, but the film actually gave the actor the best box office numbers for his career. It grossed over $870 million worldwide and gave Ben quite a significant payday in the process as well. Besides his rendition of the iconic caped crusader, Batman, Ben has also gained widespread acclaim for his performance in films like Good Will Hunting, Armageddon, Pearl Harbor, Hollywoodland, and The Way Back.
Outside of acting, the actor has also participated in various professional poker games. In fact, back in 2004, he was able to pocket $356,400 in winnings at the 2004 California State Poker Championship. Ben also has had successful investments in directing, with critically acclaimed movies to his name, including Gone Baby Gone and Argo. His directorial work has also won him numerous awards, including a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award for Best Director for his work on the previously mentioned film, Argo.
KEANU REEVES – EST. $400 MILLION
When most of us think of the actor, it’s hard not to associate him with the funny “Sad Keanu” memes that were quite popular for a while. In reality, however, the actor is far from being sad—he simply lives a life that’s far different from his contemporaries. He opts for more humble pleasures and prefers investments towards philanthropic and creative causes. For the fortune he has earned over the years, fans and Keanu himself have his excellent performance in films like the Bill and Ted movies, the Matrix trilogy, the John Wick movie series, Point Break, Speed, and Constantine to thank for.
Outside of films, Keanu is currently working on a comic book titled BRZRKR, which is slated to release in 2021. As a businessman, he is co-founder of Company Films and Arch Motorcycle Company. Back in 2017, together with his partner Alexandra Grant, he also established the small artist book publishing company, X Artists’ Books. The couple has also collaborated on two books prior.
THE WEEKND – EST. $100 MILLION
From YouTube star to becoming one of the world’s bestselling artists, Abel Makkonen Tesfaye has had quite the rise to the top. After posting more than a few of his songs on the video-streaming platform, The Weeknd eventually landed a deal with Republic Records, where he then worked on many of his iconic tracks. Since then, The Weeknd has gained widespread recognition thanks to his catchy tunes like Can’t Feel My Face, The Hills, Earned It, and, of course, Blinding Lights. His income doesn’t just come from his music alone, however.
Abel is also a prolific businessman, with numerous collaborations to his name. From condoms to e-cigarettes, he makes sure to maximize the best of his creativity. The most profitable of these investments, however, would be his partnership with Puma. With them, he has released three capsule collections of various apparel, including a pair of shoes aptly called the “Parallels.” He also bought part of the ownership for the OverActive Media Group back in 2019.
BETTY WHITE – EST. $85 MILLION
The actress has been in the industry for eight decades. Aside from her sharp wit, she is also given credit for being one of the first women to have had control both in front and behind the camera. With that said, you know she was also one of the first women to have produced a sitcom? The show in question is actually Life With Elizabeth, which Betty also stars in. No wonder Betty was proclaimed honorary Mayor of Hollywood back in 1955!
Other projects that had the honor of having Betty work on them include The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls. These two shows are now included in The Writers Guild of America’s 101 Best-Written TV Series of All Time. Aside from acting, some of her wealth comes from her work as an author. To her name, Betty has since published a total of 7 books. She’s even received a Grammy for “Best Spoken Word Recording” back in 2012.
DANICA PATRICK – EST. $70 MILLION
For her career on the racetracks, Danica Patrick has since become the most successful woman in America’s open-wheel racing history. In fact, her win in 2008’s Indy Japan 300 competition sets her as the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series of races. Besides being a racing driver who has gained worldwide recognition for thriving in a male-dominated environment, Danica is also an icon for many feminists. Her being outspoken and self-deprecating nature has endeared her to women everywhere.
She’s also been on the cover of FHM, TV Guide, Sports Illustrated, and ESPN: The Magazine. Danica is also often ranked high on beauty lists when it comes to female athletes. What about investments? She has her brand of wine called Somnium, which is Latin for “dream.” The vineyard for Somnium is located in St. Helena, California, and covers about 24 acres of land. She’s also a proud owner of her very own athleisure collection called “Warrior by Danica Patrick.”
DOLLY PARTON – EST. $600 MILLION
She’s made a brand of her music and image, achieving steady success since she debuted back in 1956! She is also a multi-instrumentalist, able to play the guitar, banjo, piano, violin, and harmonica—to mention a few. These talents she’s developed and improved over the years shined the brightest through her many hit records, including I Will Always Love You, Jolene, 9 to 5, and Coat of Many Colors. Today, she is a proud recipient of ten Grammy Awards, one of which is the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dolly also has an acting career to boast about, having starred in titles like Steel Magnolias and Straight Talk. Dolly also received an Emmy nomination back in 1979 for Best Supporting Actress in a Variety Program. The artist also has investments in several causes, particularly in Literacy. Just this year alone, as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, she donated over $1 million to Vanderbilt University to support their research for a cure.
SAMUEL L. JACKSON – EST. $270 MILLION
Given his participation in countless blockbusters throughout the years, it comes as no surprise that Samuel L. Jackson is recognized as the highest all-time box office star. His films have grossed over $7.1 billion, with an average of $89.9 for every movie. In 2011, he was given credit for being the top-grossing actor, surpassing the record of voice actor Frank Welker.
Did you know that he used to be a marine biology major before ending up in drama? From there, the rest has been a steady climb to his current status—from theatre plays to television appearances, then finally landing movie roles. Funny enough, he later landed a role in the 1999 film Deep Blue Sea as Russell Franklin, a character who was sent to check on the movie’s shark-infested facility. Other projects he starred in over the years include the Star Wars prequel trilogy, The Hateful Eight, Unbreakable, and his voice acting gig as Frozone in The Incredibles movies.
JERRY SEINFELD – EST. $ 1 BILLION
The comedian rose to success after starring as a semi-fictionalized version of himself on the show Seinfeld, which he co-wrote and co-created with fellow comedian Larry David. The show went on to become one of the most popular sitcoms in TV history. Along the way, Jerry also earned the number-12 spot on Comedy Central’s list of greatest stand-up comedians of all time. In 2007, he also produced, co-wrote, and provided his voice in the much-beloved animated feature Bee Movie, which later received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Animated Feature Film.
Other projects he has worked on since then include NBC’s reality series The Marriage Ref and Netflix’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. He topped the list of highest celebrity earners back in 2004, generating wealth through his investments in syndication deals and his own stand-up performances. Like Jay Leno, he is also an automobile enthusiast and currently has about 150 cars in his collection.
RICHARD THOMAS – EST. $8 MILLION
Before Richard even got into acting, he had already been quite well off—his parents were both performers with the New York City Ballet and also owned the New York School of Ballet. Instead of following in their footsteps, however, Richard chose theatre and made his Broadway debut at just seven years old! He has also appeared in daytime TV soaps, including As the World Turns.
His first major movie credit was in Winning alongside Paul Newman. He remains best known for his role as John-Boy Walton in The Waltons. For his performance, Richard was nominated for two Emmys, won one, and two Golden Globe Awards. Other notable projects he has worked on over the years include the original It miniseries and FX’s spy thriller program The Americans. To this day, the actor still frequently appears on TV, with his most recent acting gig in the NCIS: New Orleans series.
CYNTHIA NIXON – EST. $30 MILLION
From actress to a politician—who would’ve thought Cynthia would consider making quite the big leap! She may have lost to Andrew Cuomo, but we have to give the actress credit for stepping up when it came to the causes she supports, including renewable energy, LGBTQ rights, income equality, and universal healthcare, among others. She has since returned to her acting roots and has a couple of TV projects set to air, including The Gilded Age and Ratched.
Other titles she’s worked on over the years include A Quiet Passion, James White, Warm Springs, Too Big to Fail, and Sex and the City and its follow-up films. For her role in the TV series as Miranda Hobbes, Cynthia won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Well, if she decides to take a longer break from TV, however, her $60 million net worth will ensure she lives comfortably with her partner, Christine Marinoni.
GEORGE LUCAS – EST. $7 BILLION
Nowadays, almost everyone can recognize George Lucas. After releasing what’s now known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope in 1977, the franchise has since become an integral part of pop culture, thanks to its follow-up films, TV shows, and books, to name a few. Aside from being one of the most brilliant filmmakers of our generation, George Lucas is also quite the businessman.
The brains behind Star Wars and Indiana Jones might not have done any new projects in recent years, but that doesn’t mean the money has stopped coming for the famed director. Most of his investment money came from the sale of his two companies. First, LucasFilm was sold to Disney for $4.1 billion. This was followed by the sale of Pixar to Steve Jobs for $5 million. Of course, on top of it all, he also receives income from film merchandise—an empire that has since made $20 million in sales.
STEVEN SPIELBERG – EST. $4 BILLION
He is considered one of the pioneers of the New Hollywood era for a good reason. Aside from being one of the most famous director-producer in the industry, he is also the highest-grossing film director in history. Quite the achievement, considering his humble start as an unpaid intern for Universal Studio’s editing department. Since then, Spielberg has made quite a name for himself in the industry thanks to his work on films like Jaws, the original Jurassic Park movies, the Indiana Jones movies, ET the Extra-Terrestrial, Schindler’s List, and Saving Private Ryan.
Today, he is a proud owner of more than a few awards, including two Oscars. Steven Spielberg might be ultra-rich now, but did you know that he was one of the many investors swindled by Bernie Madoff during the 2009 Madoff Ponzi scheme? We suppose it didn’t affect his wealth much since he’s still making investments towards his expensive hobbies, including a $182 million mega-yacht called Seven Seas.
KALEY CUOCO – EST. $120 MILLION
We know her best as the lovable yet sarcastic Penny on the popular CBS sitcom, The Big Bang Theory. It’s a role that’s earned her numerous awards, including one from the People’s Choice and another from Satellite. Aside from accolades, being on the show has certainly helped boost her reputation in Hollywood. With that came perks, including a hefty net worth to her name. Other projects she worked on over the years include 8 Simple Rules, Brandy & Mr. Whiskers, Charmed, and The Wedding Ringer.
Thanks to the fortune she has earned through the years, Kaley garnered more than enough investment money to help her establish Yes, Normal Productions back in 2017. Aside from acting, she’s also gone into producing shows. In August of 2019, it was reported that she’ll be backing the new CBS comedy, Pretty. Another title she is recently working on is HBO Max’s The Flight Attendant.
ROBERT REDFORD – $180 MILLION
After starring on more than a few stage plays in the ‘50s, he proceeded to act for TV shows, including The Twilight Zone. Soon after, he found his way onto the big screens and has since starred in notable features like Inside Daisy Clover, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and, most recently, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Alexander Pierce. Robert Redford may have since retired from the industry, but through his many investments in the industry, he is leaving quite the legacy behind.
To his name, he has the Sundance Institute, Sundance Channel, and the Sundance Cinemas, which are all located around Park City, Utah. Of course, this also includes the Sundance Film Festival, which brings together some of the biggest names in the industry. He also owns Wildwood Enterprises Inc. and Sundance Productions. Since the founding of the Institute, the actor has become deeply involved with indie films, providing much-needed support for young and independent filmmakers in America.
AARON RODGERS – EST. $150 MILLION
Some of the best athletes in the world get paid by the millions; this is an established fact. Aaron Charles Rodgers is a football quarterback currently playing for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL. Before getting into the big league, however, he played college football in California and is recognized for setting several career passing records. He was chosen during the first round of the 2005 draft by his current team.
Since then, besides playing a significant part behind their many victories, Aaron is also known for his signature touchdown celebration habit, now known as the “Championship Belt.” It slowly became a trend over the years, and now Green Bay’s fans have been following it, too. Outside his career on the football field, it was reported back in 2018 that Aaron had made investments towards the Milwaukee Bucks ownership group, becoming the first active NFL athlete with a stake in an NBA franchise.
CRISPIN GLOVER – EST. $5 MILLION
The talented character actor is best known for having played some of the most eccentric characters on both film and TV, much to the delight of audiences everywhere. He stood out in the 2000 film Charlie’s Angels as the “creepy” Thin Man, despite almost having no lines at all. Of course, his iconic portrayals don’t end there. On TV, he has been playing Mr. World on American Gods since 2017. Other notable projects Crispin has worked on over the years include the Back to the Future movies, The Doors, Beowulf, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, and Hot Tub Time Machine.
Outside of acting, Crispin also showed his musical talents through his 1989 album The Big Problem ≠ The Solution. The Solution = Let It Be. When it comes to personal investments, Crispin established his company Volcanic Eruptions back in the ’80s. It publishes his books and has produced two of his films, including 2007’s Fine! Everything is Fine.
GUY FIERI – EST. $16 MILLION
His style of hosting and cooking is in direct contrast to Gordon Ramsay’s often uptight and strict manner. To his credit, however, this element of “rowdiness and approachability” has endeared him to audiences all over the world. In fact, back in 2010, he was named by the Food Network as its official “face.” With that in mind, it would arguably come as no surprise to know that Guy’s involvement with food can be traced back to his years in grade school, selling pretzels and washing dishes.
A few years later, after working on a few restaurants, he has had the chance to work on shows like Guy’s Big Bite, Ultimate Recipe Showdown, and Guy Off the Hook. Outside of hosting, Guy is also a prolific restaurateur. Throughout his career, he has opened multiple restaurants and has even partnered with Carnival Cruises to sell some of his famous burgers on-board. As of 2017, the popular chef has 19 restaurants on the cruise ships, including Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse.
ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER – EST. $1.5 BILLION
Throughout his career, he has composed some of the world’s most beloved musicals—many of which have songs that managed to transcend the theatre stage. He was also ranked fifth when it came to The Daily Telegraph’s Most Powerful Person in British Culture. The New York Times even gave him credit for being the most commercially successful composer in history. Aside from numerous awards and even receiving Knighthood in 1992, he also owns one of the largest theatre operators across London: The Really Useful Group.
In April of 2020, he announced that he would be streaming productions of his musicals for free on YouTube as a means of providing entertainment to people around the world during the current global situation. Thanks to his numerous contributions to the industry, Andrew is often considered the one who reinvented the musical genre. In fact, many of his works have also since been adapted to film, including The Phantom of the Opera, Evita, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
JERRY BRUCKHEIMER – EST. $1.5 BILLION
He may not be the face of the blockbusters he has produced, but he is certainly the brains behind each one. Among his best? Flashdance, Armageddon, Top Gun, and National Treasure. Back in 2003, he was hailed by Variety as the first producer in the industry to produce two of the highest-grossing movies for one weekend—pointing to Bad Boys II and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. With that said, his passion for creating movies can actually be rooted back to his teenage years.
Already quite a film buff back then, Jerry’s first work after college was as a photographer for an advertising agency. He then left the business and proceeded with his dream of making it big in the entertainment industry. Even his TV work has been marked with success, including the CSI franchise, Cold Case, and Without a Trace. Outside of film, he has investments in the National Hockey League team, the Seattle Kraken.
ROGER FEDERER – EST. $500 MILLION
During his childhood years, Roger Federer was already quite an athletic fellow, showing his skill in sports like badminton and basketball. Along the way, he witnessed the elegance hidden within the sport of tennis when he worked as a ball boy for a local tournament. Today, the Swiss tennis player is currently ranked 4th in men’s singles tennis, according to the Association of Tennis Professionals. He also gets credit for having won over 20 Grand Slam singles titles, the highest number in history for the sports men’s division.
His prowess at the sport is more than enough to entitle him to his current wealth, but the athlete’s income doesn’t just come from playing. Roger Federer has had a number of partnerships with big sportswear brands throughout his career, including Nike. He most recently signed with Uniqlo, a contract that was worth roughly $300 million for a total of 10 years.
CHRISTOPHER NOLAN – EST. $200 MILLION
Another filmmaker who has earned multiple millions through his films, Christopher Nolan’s work is beloved globally due to its distinctive style and great usage of practical effects and small-scale replicas. He might only have 11 movies to his credit, but his work has managed to gross over $4.7 billion at the worldwide box office. The filmmaker was even named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in both 2015 and 2019.
A few of these 11 films he has had the honor of sharing with the world include titles like The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception, The Prestige, Dunkirk, Interstellar, and, his most recent work, the time-bending spy film Tenet. Some might think of him as an enigma since he rarely talks about his personal life—despite being open with other issues such as those related to the environment or his concerns for the future.
CHUCK LORRE – EST. $800 MILLION
He has been touted “King of Sitcoms” for having created and produced some of the most beloved shows of the 2010s, including Dharma & Greg, The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, Young Sheldon, and The Kominsky Method. For his work on the 2018 Netflix show The Kominsky Method, Chuck won a Golden Globe Award. Other projects he has worked on along the way include Grace Under Fire, Cybill, Disjointed, Mike & Molly, and Bob Hearts Abishola.
Although he didn’t get his college degree, Chuck would often joke about majoring in other fields outside the educational institution. Despite the circumstances, though, it doesn’t change the fact that Chuck undoubtedly has a knack for anything and everything related to comedy. He is also an accomplished musician, writing the song French Kissin’ in the USA, which Debbie Harry recorded. Upon its release, the song reached the Top 10 in the UK.
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – EST. $550 MILLION
He is the 4th richest rockstar in the entire world, having sold over 135 million records and receiving 20 Grammy Awards for his work. In 1999, the musician was formally inducted in both the Songwriters Hall of Fame, as well as in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Besides these impressive achievements under his name, Bruce is also well-known for creating more than a few of the music industry’s iconic hits, including Born to Run, Glory Days, and Thunder Road.
In fact, his 1984 album, Born in the USA, is the musician’s most successful album, having been platinum-certified 15 times since its release. Bruce might be enjoying the good life now, but even this successful artist went through a bout with depression during his 30s. He has since turned his life around, however, making investments into healthier choices such as following a vegetarian diet. Throughout his career, he has headlined 19 national and world tours.
KIRSTIE ALLEY – EST. $50 MILLION
From film actress to reality TV star, if there’s one thing Kirstie Alley is really good at, it’s getting people to laugh using her wit and excellent comedic timing. Most recently, we saw her return to acting through the comedy horror series Scream Queens. Just a couple of years after that appearance, she joined the British version of Celebrity Big Brother, capping off the season by finishing as a runner up. Other projects she has had the privilege of working on through the years include Cheers, Veronica’s Closet, The Last Don, Deconstructing Harry, and Kirstie.
Along the way, the actress also gave dancing a shot when she joined the talent show Dancing with the Stars’ twelfth season – she finished the competition in second place. Despite not being as active as before, we’re sure Kirstie’s living without worrying about things like mortgage loans. In fact, she was even able to donate $5 million to the Church of Scientology back in 2007.
AZIZ ANSARI – EST. $20 MILLION
We know him best as a comedic actor, but Aziz has also written, produced, and even directed his own shows. He created the Netflix series Master of None, which ran from 2015 to 2017 and has won him a number of awards for both acting and writing. This includes a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Series Music or Comedy. With that in mind, he also gets the credit for being the first actor of Asian descent to have received the honor.
Master of None was also quite the family affair. Both of his parents have appeared on the show, while his brother Aniz Adam Ansari co-wrote one episode. Outside of films and TV shows, it would come as no surprise that Aziz is also a talented stand-up comedian. After releasing his first gig, Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening, via Comedy Central Records, the actor has since continued performing on stage, with more than a few of his tours now available on Netflix.
MARK HAMILL – EST. $20 MILLION
We know him best for his portrayal of Luke Skywalker, one of the most enduring and iconic characters in the Star Wars saga, and arguably in pop culture, too. However, not many know that he also gets credit for providing voice work for some of the biggest franchises in the industry—including Avatar: The Last Airbender, Spider-Man, and Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. That’s on top of the many other characters he has voiced throughout the years. With that said, though, fans of the actor often consider his performance of Batman’s arch-nemesis, the Joker, as his most iconic performance in the voice acting business.
When he’s not voicing our favorite animated characters in TV, films, or videogames, Mark Hamill also likes to keep busy with his work as a writer. His miniseries, The Black Pearl, was published by Dark Horse Comics back in 1996. He’s also worked on a few stories for Simpsons Comics, including the Justice League parody and Catastrophe in Substitute Springfields.
KEVIN COSTNER – EST. $300 MILLION
The actor has been in some of the biggest blockbusters in Hollywood, including starring and even co-producing Waterworld, which was the most expensive film ever made during that time. It may not have done well at the box office, but it certainly remains a cult favorite for many. Other projects the actor landed an acting credit for over the years include No Way Out, The Bodyguard, 3 Days to Kill, and Molly’s Game. In more recent years, Costner gained widespread recognition from comic book fans for his performance as Clark Kent’s father in 2013’s Man of Steel.
These days, he may not appear as often on the big screen, but Kevin Costner is far from broke. Outside of acting, Costner also made a name for himself in the country music scene, having already released a few albums. He also tried his luck in writing, collaborating with John Baird and researcher Stephen C. Meyer on The Explorer’s Guide: A Passage to Shambhala novel.
WILLIE NELSON – EST. $30 MILLION
The artist isn’t just one of music’s icons, but he is also one of the major figures in “outlaw country,” a subgenre developed back in the ’60s in response to the conservative Nashville sound. Throughout his career, Nelson is often highly regarded for his hit albums like Shotgun Willie, Stardust, and Red Headed Stranger. He went through quite a painful chapter in the 90s with his assets getting seized by the IRS for owing over $32 million. This led to The IRS Tapes: Who’ll Buy My Memories? The profits of which went to clear his debt.
Aside from making music, he also gets credit for appearing in films and has even done television work. Among the many titles he has worked on include The Electric Horseman, The Dukes of Hazzard, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, and Once Upon a Texas Train. In 1988, Nelson also tried his shot in writing, and has published his first autobiography.
BILLY JOEL – EST. $250 MILLION
A journey can start with even the simplest reasons. For this celebrity, it began with his mom encouraging him to learn playing the piano. Today, nicknamed “Piano Man” after his first major hit song, Billy Joel has certainly had quite an illustrious career in music. He is considered one of the best-selling music artists of all time and gets credit for being the 3rd best-selling solo artist in the United States. Despite the impressive feat, it doesn’t come as much as a surprise. After all, he did manage to sell 150 million records across the globe.
Throughout his career, he is highly regarded for releasing several songs, including chart-topping tracks like It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me, Tell Her About It, and We Didn’t Start the Fire. Aside from music, his personal love of boating led to him establishing the Long Island Boat Company together with Peter Needham. He has also opened a motorcycle shop in Oyster Bay, currently offering custom-made and retro-inspired bikes and accessories.
KIM KARDASHIAN – EST. $400 MILLION
Her start in the industry may not have been the most glamorous, but Kim Kardashian has managed to turn her small bit of fame into an empire that’s now worth millions. The reality-TV star has since released a mobile game, established KKW Beauty, and still stars in Keeping Up with the Kardashians, on top of other businesses that help bring her net worth to $400 million or more.
Time magazine recognized her for being one of 2015’s 100 most influential people, and Vogue gives her credit for becoming a pop culture phenomenon back in 2016. As an influencer, she also brings in millions through endorsement deals. Kim Kardashian’s net worth as of 2020 has definitely increased. With the course of her success, it’ll only take a little more for her to reach the 10-digit mark. Surely, being one of the most influential women of all time has its own perks.
NICOLE KIDMAN – EST. $150 MILLION
Nicole is one of those actresses who simply defies time. She’s been listed as one of the highest-paid actresses in the world for 2006, 2018, and 2019. Of course, her net worth also speaks volumes about her talent and skill at money management. Did you know that together with her husband, Keith Urban, Nicole owns a number of properties in both the United States and her home country?
The Australian actress is also a staunch supporter of various advocacies. This includes becoming a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and has worked towards raising money and bringing attention to disadvantaged children around the world. With her numerous contributions to the world and to the entertainment industry, and after garnering a number of the most prestigious awards including an Academy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and five Golden Globe awards, Nicole Kidman is found to have an estimated net worth of $250 million.
BRADLEY COOPER – EST. $120 MILLION
He has appeared thrice on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list and was even part of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world for 2015. Despite being quite selective with the projects he participates in, he is still one of the highest-paid actors in the world, with his films grossing over $11 billion worldwide! Did you know that he has also won 2 Grammys?
His directorial debut film, A Star is Born, earned $425 million in the box office and received countless accolades. It was even touted as his best work, with many praising the chemistry between him and Lady Gaga. Along with this, his other successful films include the SIlver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, and American Sniper. He also voices Rocket in the Marvel Comic Universe’s Guardians of the Galaxy. With his excellent artistry and hard-earned success, Cooper’s net worth has reached an estimated amount of $100 million.
DAKOTA FANNING – EST. $20 MILLION
The actress started out at age 7, but quickly gained recognition for the maturity of her performances. She brought audiences to tears after starring in 2001’s I am Sam, for which she became the youngest Screen Actors Guild Award nominee. Her success didn’t stop after she reached adulthood, however. Instead, she found more opportunities for roles, allowing Dakota to really expand her repertoire. Her turn as Squeaky Fromme in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood has also received plenty of praise.
The actress was also able to obtain her degree in women’s studies from New York’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. With her career continuously flourishing, and with already 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry in her prime age of 26, she has managed to accrue a whopping net worth of $12 million. Without a doubt, Dakota Fanning will have a long way to go with her incredible talent in acting.
CLINT EASTWOOD – EST. $400 MILLION
Clint has been many different things. From actor to musician, to filmmaker. We’re all aware of his achievements as an actor, so let’s talk about his work as a director. He is often praised for his innate ability when it comes to reducing both film time and budgets—without compromising quality. His directing practices have led to comparisons to the work of the Coen brothers, Ingmar Bergman, and even Jean-Luc Godard.
With so many achievements on his resume, it isn’t too surprising that he’s got plenty of investment money to go around. Among his properties? A 15,000-square-foot compound located in Carmel-by-the-Sea. With his bountiful success, the compound is certainly just one of many. After all his contributions to the industry, Eastwood managed to amass a huge net worth approximately amounting to $375 million. Now at 90 years old, we can easily say that the fruits of his labor are well-deserved.
MICHAEL JORDAN – EST. $2 BILLION
Given that it’s been years since he retired, a lot of people wonder where his money might be coming from. Most of his income comes from Michael’s smart investment planning. The Charlotte Hornets are now valued at $1.3 billion and guess who owns 97% of the equity in the club? Michael, himself.
Even Nike benefits significantly from the former athlete’s name. Phil Knight, the company’s founder, considers Michael as the best decision he has made. Did you know they signed Jordan as a rookie back in 1984 for only $250,000 a year? These days, however, the Jordan brand brings in $3 billion in annual revenue for the sportswear giant. Hence, with a name as big as his, it’s no question that his net worth would also amount to what could be considered as one of the highest among celebrities and athletes alike. Jordan has amassed approximately $2 billion.
LEE MAJORS – EST. $18 MILLION
He has had many roles throughout his career that are considered memorable, but none more so than his portrayal of USAF Colonel Steve Austin in the weekly series, The Six Million Dollar Man. The title itself is quite apt for the actor, for the show definitely helped boost both his career and net worth. At the time, he was being paid $50,000 per episode. The show ran from 1973 to 1978, ensuring that Lee won’t have to worry about bankruptcy for a long while.
Aside from acting, he also became a part-owner of the LA Express of the United States Football League back in 1983. With a lot of achievements under his wing, he’s surely acquired a lot when it comes to wealth. In fact, his current net worth has amounted to approximately $15 million, which is enough to keep him secured if he chooses the path of retirement.
JIM CARREY – EST. $180 MILLION
His recent work for Sonic the Hedgehog is proof that the actor is still as talented as ever. But before the animated flick, the legendary comedian has already had quite the legacy when it comes to blockbusters. This includes his first leading roles in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and in The Mask. Jim would later prove his versatility as an actor, with his emotional performance in The Truman Show. He has also written books alongside his acting career, and has been nominated for Best Actor in the Golden Globes and the British Academy Film Awards.
He may have gone through a difficult couple of years, with the wrongful death lawsuit filed against him, but this was later dismissed with his lawyer confirming that there would be no further proceedings. Despite these circumstances, Carrey has managed to acquire a net worth of at least $180 million for his artistry and success in the entertainment industry.
RON HOWARD – EST. $160 MILLION
Before becoming the director we know today, Ron Howard first rose to public recognition as a child actor. He would later land one of the lead roles in the film, American Graffiti, which went on to become one of the most profitable movies of all time. His success as an actor was quite significant, but it’s pale when compared to his career as a director. He was at the helm for Apollo 13, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Da Vinci Code, and Solo: A Star Wars Story.
As part of his investments, he is co-chairman of Imagine Entertainment, alongside Brian Grazer. His works and contributions to the entertainment industry has earned him quite a respectable name in Hollywood and with that comes immense wealth as well. As a matter of fact, Ron Howard’s net worth has already amounted to approximately $200 million and is expected to only grow further over time.
PAT SAJAK – EST. $75 MILLION
From weatherman to becoming one of the industry’s hosting legends most associated with his long-term hosting job for the Wheel of Fortune— Pat has certainly established himself as one of the industry’s legends when it comes to hosting. Of course, this comes with plenty of perks, including an annual salary of $15 million! In May of 2019, Sajak broke world records for having the longest career in the same game-show, having been the man behind the Wheel of Fortune for 38 years.
You’d be surprised to know that along with Vanna White, the host only tapes the game show four days out of every month. To put that into perspective, He earns millions for working 48 days out of the year. As for investments, he is a known supporter of the Young America’s Foundation. For the time that he spent in hosting, he has accumulated a net worth of $70 million.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER – EST. $1 BILLION
While reports vary when it comes to the boxer’s overall net worth, there’s no denying that he has certainly earned plenty, getting paid in millions for every match. Of course, there’s a possibility that he doesn’t stay a millionaire for very long—Floyd is well-known for having very expensive taste. We’re talking $50,000 diamond-studded iPod cases or buying an $18 million watch he calls the “Billionaire Watch.”
Of course, without personal investments, he’ll soon end up bankrupt. Fortunately, he spends his money just as well as he makes them. Floyd wouldn’t be known as one of the wealthiest athletes today if that weren’t the case! As a matter of fact, affording himself all these luxurious items stems from the amount that he has accrued for himself, having an annual income of as much as $300 million per year. Moreover, Mayweather has an estimated net worth of almost half a billion dollars.
EMMA WATSON – EST. $70 MILLION
She’ll likely be forever associated with her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film franchise, but we’re sure the actress doesn’t mind it one bit. After all, it has opened the door to more acting roles, including her most recent appearance in Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women. The film has since been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. Even while working, she managed to continue her studies at Brown University and received her degree in English Literature back in May of 2014.
She is a well-known women’s rights activist and was also appointed as a UN Women goodwill ambassador. Yet, the glamorous lifestyle afforded by celebrities is inevitable for Watson, having been acclaimed as one the highest-paid actresses, and tagged as one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine. Her success in the industry has boosted her net worth to a staggering $80 million.
TRAVIS SCOTT – EST. $45 MILLION
In 2012, he signed with the major label, Epic Records, eventually inking a deal with Kanye’s GOOD music as part of the production team, Very GOOD beats. Within a span of a few years, Travis Scott has managed to boost his wealth as well as his reputation in the industry for being one of its most talented rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Many have given credit to his music as pioneering, a balance between lo-fi and hip-hop that’s truly his own.
Travis Scott claims that his music is “not hiphop,” and is instead, heavily inspired by artists like Bon Iver, Kid Cudi, Kanye West, Tame Impala, and a lot more. When he’s not busy touring, however, we’re sure he devotes much of his time to his daughter with Kylie Jenner, Stormi Webster. With his net worth of $50 million alongside Kylie’s, their daughter will certainly live a comfortable luxurious life.
MAGIC JOHNSON- $600 MILLION
Before the Michael Jordan era, one of the league’s premiere flag-bearers was Lakers superstar Earvin Magic Johnson. Magic led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships during his thirteen-year career. He was also part of the historic USA men’s basketball team in 1992, which was affectionately known as The Dream Team — this was when NBA players were allowed to represent the USA in the Olympics for the first time.
Since Johnson played during a time when player contracts weren’t in the nine-figure range yet, it seems like a crime in this present generation to think that he only made $40 million throughout his entire playing career. And though this figure is more than enough to sustain a Hollywood mortgage or two, Magic earned a lot more after retirement from the investments he’s made in various businesses. He is currently part of a group of investors who own the Los Angeles Lakers and is the head of Magic Johnson Enterprises. Interestingly enough, Johnson also owns a significant share in Starbucks. As of 2021, Magic’s net worth is estimated to be an impressive $600 million.
LEBRON JAMES- $500 MILLION
As an athletic prodigy coming out of Akron, Ohio, in 2003, there were some doubts as to whether the 18-year old Lebron James would live up to the hype. Now, at the age of 36, James has continued to prove that he is one of the best to ever play the game. Despite being one of the league’s oldest players, Lebron has yet to lose a beat as he continues to compete at an MVP level at this stage of his career.
Being as successful and consistent through the years has earned Lebron a lot of money throughout his career — indeed, he has accumulated a total of $340 million in salary. He also signed a deal with Nike, which is believed to be worth over a billion dollars, as well as has investments in Beats by Dre, along with a multitude of other endorsement deals. His current net worth is at $500 million, but everyone can expect that number to keep rising before he retires.
STEPHEN CURRY- $130 MILLION
One-half of the NBA’s renowned duo, the Splash Brothers, Stephen Curry has lefthis mark in the game of basketball. Unanimously recognized to be the greatest shooter in league history, the dazzling point guard is a two-time regular season MVP and a three-time champion who can also take credit for revolutionizing how the game is played.
His lovable personality and on-court heroics have led to several endorsement deals from brands such as Under Armour. He was also signed to a maximum player contract as he continues to lead the Golden State Warriors in their quest to win another championship. He makes as much as $45.7 million a year in salary alone and is sitting on a comfortable net worth of $130 million as of 2021. Outside of his hectic schedule as a player, Curry and his wife are busy with their charity drive, Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation.
JON STEWART – $120 MILLION
Jon Stewart held the fort of his satirical talk show The Daily Show for sixteen great years. During his time in the program, Stewart became a household name in the whole of America. In 2008, he reportedly earned $14 million per year thanks to his work on TV. He later passed on the torch to Trevor Noah after his retirement in 2015. Outside of his talk show career, Stewart is a well-known actor. He effectively put into good use his comedic chops in the 1999 film Big Daddy alongside Adam Sandler. Some of his notable film credits include Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, The Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina, and The Faculty.
Stewarts has a running net worth of $120 million as of 2021. Beyond the TV realm, he has kept himself busy with other ventures. He poured investments into his production company, Busboy Productions.
SIMON COWELL – $600 MILLION
It is safe to say that Simon Cowell is one of the celebrities that audiences love to love and hate at the same time. His judging stint on American Idol from 2002 to 2010 has made him a household name. Known to be the toughest judge on the show, Simon put his musical prowess into good use. He has helped several artists achieve stardom outside of his TV work, such as Fifth Harmony, Little Mix, One Direction, James Arthur, and Westlife. To his credit, his countless contributions to the industry earned him several accolades. He received a BAFTA Special Award in 2010 and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018.
Simon’s extensively colorful career has earned him around $600 million as of 2021. Following his retirement from American Idol, the renowned music mogul produced his own TV singing competitions, Got Talent and X-Factor.
STEPHEN COLBERT – $75 MILLION
Stephen Colbert’s entertainment industry journey began while he was pursuing a college degree at Northwestern University. Initially, he wanted to be a dramatic actor but found himself drawn to improvisational theater. This decision proved to be what propelled him to the fame he now enjoys today. Colbert found his footing after joining the cast of The Daily Show as one of its correspondents.
He gained international prominence for hosting Comedy Central’s satirical show The Colbert Report for nine years. During his time on the show, he was able to sit down with several prominent personalities, such as James Franco, George Lucas, J. J. Abrams, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and Patrick Stewart. Following the end of his show in 2014, Colbert took over David Letterman’s hosting role in The Late Show. Colbert’s extensive contributions to TV have given him an estimated net worth of $75 million as of 2021.
JUDY SHEINDLIN – $440 MILLION
Not a lot of people will recognize the name Judy Sheindlin, but almost everyone will know her for her TV persona, Judge Judy. Her journey started at American University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in government. During the beginning of her career as a prosecutor, Judy made headlines for her fair and rational dealings in court. She gained national prominence after the Los Angeles Times featured her in February of 1993.
She later had a feature in 60 Minutes, which eventually led to an offer to host her own TV show. The reality series, Judge Judy, premiered in 1996 and went on to received several accolades through the years. The program earned four Daytime Emmy Awards in its twenty-five-year run. Judy’s successful TV career allowed her to accumulate an estimated net worth of $440 million as of 2021. She remains active in the industry and is set to launch an upcoming reality show, Judy Justice.
BOB BARKER – $70 MILLION
Being an iconic figure in TV, it is no surprise that Bob Barker has amassed a lot over the years. He became known for hosting the long-running game show The Price Is Right from 1972 until 2007 when he retired from the show. Aside from that, he hosted a multitude of events, contests, and TV programs, including the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants from 1967 to 1987 — he was among these pageant’s longest-serving hosts.
Over his more than 60 years of working, he has amassed a wealth of around $70 million. In addition to this, his reported salary was $10 million annually. While he has retired from hosting, he remains passionate about animal rights, something he’s been advocating for early in his career. He made investments and donations in various groups such as PETA, Sea Shepherd Society, and Columbia Law School to raise awareness about animal rights.
BARBARA WALTERS – $175 MILLION
Barbara Walters has made big bucks throughout her career. She is known for presenting the newsmagazine show 20/20 from 1979 to 2004. During her time in the show, she was known for her interview style that made headlines around the world. She also got involved in talk show hosting as one of The View‘s hosts from 1997 until her retirement in 2014.
Due to her long-standing career, she has garnered a net worth of around $175 million. While much of her finances are unknown, she was rumored to have once owned a $10.35 million apartment in 2019. According to that property’s listing history, it was sold for $5.3 million in 2004, which means it nearly doubled in value by 2019, making it a great investment for the host. She’s not very active on TV these days, but we won’t be surprised to see her hosting another show in the future.
ROBIN WILLIAMS – $50 MILLION
One of the greatest comedians and actors of all time, Robin Williams, made a mark in the industry. He became known for his self-deprecating improvisational comedy both in stand-up and in film and TV. The shows to his credit include Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, Aladdin, and Hook. He also had serious roles such as in Good Will Hunting, Dead Poets Society, Awakening, and One Hour Photo. His brilliant acting over the years garnered him numerous accolades, including an Oscar, six Golden Globes, two Emmys, and five Grammys.
Due to his work over the years, Williams amassed a fortune of around $50 million. Outside of acting, he became active in philanthropy and has made investments in various things such as hospitals, orphanages, and other charities. He became involved with the Democratic Party as a lifelong supporter and has donated over $150,000 to various causes within the party.
DAVID LETTERMAN – $400 MILLION
David Letterman has been a veteran talk show host for nearly 40 years. He hosted NBC’s Late Night from 1982 to 1993 and CBS’s Late Show from 1993 to 2015. He became one of the best and most popular talk show hosts of all time and was known for his unpredictability and his on-air antics. Aside from his talk show, he once hosted the Oscars in 1995. While he retired in 2015, he soon returned by hosting his own Netflix series, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.
Outside of TV, he produces films and television series through his production company, Worldwide Pants. Films and TV series to the company’s credit include Letterman’s talk shows, Everybody Loves Raymond, Ed, and The Fundamentals of Caring. Letterman’s estimated net worth is $400 million, making him among the richest talk show hosts in the world.
JOHN MADDEN – $200 MILLION
John Madden is a legend within the world of the NFL. He is among the most well-known NFL commentators, and he served as a commentator from 1979 to 2008 for four major American TV networks, CBS, ABC, Fox, and NBC. Along with fellow commentator Pat Summerall, he became memorable for his highly energetic and innovative commentary. This led to him appearing in countless ads over the years. He also lent his personality and voice to Electronic Arts’ Madden NFL series, one of the best-selling sports video game franchises of all time. He eventually retired from broadcasting in 2008.
Due to his commentary, ad royalties, and sponsorship deals, he has amassed a net worth of around $200 million. A major source of his wealth is Madden NFL, through the annual royalties and deals made between him and EA. He also made a massive investment in advertising through his company, Goal Line Productions, which was founded to manage his tedious schedule.
SHANIA TWAIN – $400 MILLION
One of the most well-known country music artists, Shania Twain, has been a juggernaut within the music industry, especially in country music. Her first album was released in 1993 and had modest success. It kicked off her professional career in America. Her next two albums, The Woman in Me and Come On Over, propelled her to stardom, with the latter becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time. Her subsequent album, Up!, also received success, mostly internationally. She slowed down in later years until 2017 when she released her fifth album, Now. It achieved number 1 in the Billboard charts in America and in her native Canada.
Being a country superstar, she has amassed a massive fortune of around $400 million. This massive wealth of hers comes mostly from royalties, tours, album sales, and endorsement deals. Outside of music, she is committed to helping school children through investments via her foundation, Shania Kids Can.
GARTH BROOKS – $400 MILLION
Among the best-selling artists of all time, it is no surprise that country music juggernaut, Garth Brooks, has amassed fortune and success over the years. His debut album became an instant success and propelled his career to the top. His second album contained his signature song, Friends in Low Places, and reached number 1 on the Billboard Country Album Charts. His repeated hits in the 1990s made him famous within country music. Despite a hiatus from 2000 to 2005, he returned to performing, propelling himself yet again to stardom. All in all, his career made him the best-selling solo artist of all time, outranking even Elvis Presley.
Having a highly colorful career, he garnered a monumental fortune, estimated to be around $400 million. Aside from his music career, Brooks is also involved in several business ventures and investments such as in baseball, record labels, and his online music store, GhostTunes. GhostTunes eventually merged with Amazon Music in 2017.
PHIL MCGRAW – $460 MILLION
TV personality Phil McGraw, better known as Dr. Phil, is one of the most famous talk show hosts today. After finishing his doctor’s degree in psychology, McGraw became a practicing psychologist. His big break came in 1995 when he was invited — and soon, employed — by Oprah Winfrey. He eventually launched his talk show, Dr. Phil, in 2002. He became popular for his advice — life strategies — that resonated with millions who watch his show. His show propelled him into stardom and soon, he made several spin-offs and accompanying shows including The Doctors, Dr. Phil House, and Decision House. Due to his career, he became a prominent figure in mental health awareness.
Dr. Phil is reported to have a net worth of $65.5 million, mainly from his show and his production company. He also co-founded a telemedicine company called Doctors on Demand, which is an online platform for virtual appointments with physicians and therapists.
TYLER PERRY – $1 BILLION
Do you know who the highest-paid man is? According to Forbes’ list in 2011, it is none other than Tyler Perry! Just this 2020, he was included in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. We have seen him work in front of the camera as an actor. You might have seen him in the hit film series, Star Trek. He took credit for playing the role of Admiral Barnett. The star was also in the psychological thriller, Gone Girl — he played Tanner Bolt!
What you might not know, though, is that he is also a director, producer, and screenwriter! He has written and produced many stages plays during the 1990s and early 2000s. Many of his stage-plays have been adapted to feature films. That’s how amazing his work is! He is not only rich in talent though — currently, he has a net worth of $1 billion.