Top 5 richest celebrities of all time: Fortune and Fame
People have been following celebrities since the beginning of the Hollywood craze. People love movies and want to know every detail about their favorite celebrities just to know them better. Have you ever wondered how wealthy your favorite celebrity might be? In 1982, when Forbes dropped its Forbes 400 ranking of America's wealthiest individuals, it only included the two highest-paid entertainers, namely Yoko Ono and Bob Hope, with a net worth requirement of $150 million.
In the next two decades, only six more made it to the list. However, over the past eight years, there has been a surge in celebrity wealth, with 11 new stars achieving billionaire status. The driving force behind this boom is the fact that these multi-talented performers and personalities have expanded their resumes to include additional corporate titles, such as investors, CEOs, and dealmakers, in addition to their creative work. These business ventures are not just side gigs for celebrities; they are often more profitable than their original claim to fame. For example, more than half of Michael Jordan's net worth comes from his ownership of the NBA's Charlotte Hornets. Jay-Z's wealth has more than doubled in just four years due to his investments in liquor businesses. Rihanna's net worth is mostly from her 50% stake in Fenty Beauty. Kim Kardashian has earned more money from her shapewear line, SKIMS, than from anything else.
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Steven Spielberg
Spielberg's current net worth is estimated at $4 billion in 2023. Spielberg, a three-time Oscar-winning director, is known for his shrewd business tactics. In 1994, he became the first entertainment billionaire by forgoing a salary and instead negotiating a percentage of gross sales from his films. This strategy proved successful, as we estimated his take from the 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park to be a then-record $250 million. To date, Spielberg's movies have grossed more than $10 billion, and he also earns a percentage of ticket sales from Universal theme parks, thanks to the popularity of hits like the Indiana Jones series.
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the #cinema...#StevenSpielberg wants to give us a bigger scare and make #film audiences jump again, just like he did with #JAWS and #Duel. What's your favourite #Spielberg scary moment? 😱https://t.co/6mL63exY1y pic.twitter.com/t5vrDwuaaR
— The Daily Jaws (@thedailyjaws) April 16, 2023
Oprah Winfrey
In 2023, Oprah's net worth stands at $2.5 billion, since she made her debut in Forbes 400 in 1995. As the talk-show host, she became the sole African American on the list, succeeding Cosby. Furthermore, she broke a significant barrier in 2003, becoming the first Black female billionaire. Her broadcast success, coupled with launching the longstanding TV careers of Dr. Phil, Rachael Ray, and Dr. Oz, played a vital role in her early wealth accumulation.
Jay-Z
Jay-Z's current net worth stands at $2.5 billion in 2023. Jay-Z made his billionaire debut in 2020, becoming the first hip-hop artist to achieve this status. In just four years, he has more than doubled his wealth through his investments in Uber and Block, where he also sits on the board, and artworks by Jean-Michel Basquiat. However, his two alcohol lines remain his primary source of income. In 2021, LVMH acquired a 50% stake in his champagne brand, Armand de Brignac, and this January, Bacardi purchased the majority of its stake in the cognac company, D'usse.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan's net worth stands at $2 billion in 2023. He made his debut on the billionaires' list in 2015, with a fortune of $1 billion. As a basketball icon, he earned more than $90 million during his 15-year NBA career. However, his off-court ventures proved to be even more lucrative, including his partnerships with Nike and other companies, which earned him a massive $1.8 billion before taxes. Jordan's most significant investment was purchasing a majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets NBA franchise in 2010, when it was valued at $175 million. Today, the team is valued at $1.7 billion.
Jimmy Buffet
Jimmy Buffett is set to debut on the billionaires' list in 2023 with a net worth of $1 billion. The 'Margaritaville' mogul amassed his wealth through years of touring and earning royalties from his music. Additionally, he owns Margaritaville Holdings, a global licensing operation that puts the Buffett brand on various beach-themed establishments, such as restaurants, resorts, and casinos, as well as branded products, including apparel and pickleball sets.