George Lucas was the first celebrity to achieve billionaire status in 1997, thanks to his revolutionary “Star Wars” franchise and its expansive merchandising empire. Over the years, the world has seen several other celebrities join the prestigious club, leading to a total of 17 billionaires today. These individuals have found immense success in diverse fields, turning fame into formidable business empires.
The Rise of Celebrity Billionaires
Since George Lucas paved the way, the list of celebrity billionaires has grown to include names from various sectors. From icons like Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg to modern-day moguls like Selena Gomez and MrBeast, these stars have diversified their income through strategic investments and ownership. Their success stories highlight the evolving landscape where celebrity endorsements, technology, and entrepreneurship converge.
The Celebrity Billionaires
#17. Selena Gomez – $1 billion
Starting her career as a Disney Channel star, Selena Gomez has built a robust business empire. While she continues to act and produce music, her primary wealth driver is Rare Beauty, a cosmetics brand launched in 2020. The brand rapidly gained recognition, contributing significantly to her net worth of over $1 billion by 2024. Beyond cosmetics, Gomez’s endorsement deals, music royalties, and social media presence solidify her position as a leading figure in the beauty industry.
(Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images)
#16. MrBeast – $1 billion
Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, has become a groundbreaking figure on YouTube, achieving billionaire status as a social media influencer. He has transformed his viral content into a vast business empire, including merchandise and Feastables chocolate bars. Notably, he founded the MrBeast Burger franchise, and through reinvestments into his businesses, he has secured his position among billionaire content creators.
#15. J.K. Rowling – $1 billion
The famed author of the “Harry Potter” series, J.K. Rowling, became the first writer to reach billionaire status. Despite temporary setbacks due to charitable donations, her licensing deals and new spin-offs have helped her regain her billionaire status. The extensive “Harry Potter” franchise remains a valuable asset, continuing to earn her substantial annual revenue.
#14. David Copperfield – $1 billion
Illusionist David Copperfield is not only a magician but also a savvy businessman. His career has yielded over $4 billion from Las Vegas performances, world tours, and televised specials. He owns valuable real estate, including a private island in the Bahamas, and has a significant collection of magic memorabilia that could be worth hundreds of millions.
David Copperfield / Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images
#13. Byron Allen – $1 billion
Byron Allen transitioned from stand-up comedy to building a significant media empire through the Allen Media Group, which includes The Weather Channel and numerous broadcast stations. He advocates for Black ownership in media and has made high-profile bids in sports, showcasing his business acumen.
#12. Brock Pierce – $1 billion
Former child actor Brock Pierce made his fortune as a cryptocurrency pioneer, being an early investor in Bitcoin and co-founding various crypto startups. His financial savvy has enabled him to turn initial investments into significant profits during the rise of the cryptocurrency market.
#11. Paul McCartney – $1.2 billion
Music legend Paul McCartney has accumulated wealth over six decades. As a member of The Beatles, he helped create a music catalog that continues to generate millions in royalties. His extensive real estate and investment portfolio further contribute to his considerable wealth.
#10. Rihanna – $1.4 billion
Rihanna’s success transcends the music industry, as her business ventures, especially in beauty, have propelled her to billionaire status. Her Fenty Beauty brand, launched in collaboration with LVMH, values at several billion dollars, and her lingerie line, Savage X Fenty, enhances her business profile.
#9. Taylor Swift – $1.5 billion
Taylor Swift is the first musician to reach billionaire status primarily through her music career. Her record-breaking “Eras Tour” grossed over a billion dollars. By re-recording her albums, she retains control over her masters, securing ongoing financial success.
#8. Peter Jackson – $1.5 billion
Peter Jackson gained his wealth from directing “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies. His financial breakthrough came in 2021 when he sold a substantial stake in his visual effects company, Weta Digital, significantly boosting his net worth.
#7. Kim Kardashian – $1.7 billion
Kim Kardashian has strategically transformed her fame into a substantial business. Her shapewear brand, SKIMS, is valued at over $4 billion, while her skincare line and various endorsements further enhance her empire.
#6. Jay-Z – $2 billion
Rapper Jay-Z has diversified his portfolio beyond music, investing in champagne, cognac, technology, and art. He co-founded Roc Nation, building a legacy of cultural relevance and generational wealth.
#5. Michael Jordan – $3.5 billion
Michael Jordan’s basketball legacy is matched by his business acumen. While his NBA salary was impressive, substantial earnings from endorsements, especially with Nike, have solidified his billionaire status. His recent sale of the Charlotte Hornets at a high valuation further amplified his wealth.
Michael Jordan / Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
#4. Oprah Winfrey – $4 billion
Since becoming a billionaire in 2003, Oprah Winfrey has expanded her media empire. By owning her production company and network, she has gained substantial control and influence in the industry. Her investments, including in Weight Watchers, illustrate her business acumen.
Oprah Winfrey/ Jemal Countess/Getty Images
#3. George Lucas – $9 billion
George Lucas, the pioneer of the billionaire celebrity movement, built his wealth through the “Star Wars” franchise. His sale of Lucasfilm to Disney for $4 billion established him among America’s richest. Lucas has invested much of his wealth into philanthropic endeavors, particularly in education.
#2. Steven Spielberg – $10 billion
Steven Spielberg is not only Hollywood’s most successful director but also an astute businessman. His filmography has grossed over $10 billion, and his equity ownership in DreamWorks and Universal Studios has further elevated his net worth. His approach combines artistic achievement with financial success.
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#1. Jami Gertz – $12 billion
At the pinnacle of celebrity wealth is Jami Gertz, boasting a net worth of $12 billion. Her fortune primarily stems from her husband, billionaire financier Tony Ressler. While Gertz initially supported the family during challenging times, she has positioned herself as a powerful figure in her own right.
Falling Short: Celebrities Not Quite There
While many celebrities are rumored to have achieved billionaire status, several fall short of the mark. Noteworthy examples include:
- Tyler Perry – $850 million
- LeBron James – $800 million
- Tiger Woods – $800 million
- Magic Johnson – $800 million
- Bruce Springsteen – $750 million
- Arnold Schwarzenegger – $750 million
These figures reveal the complexities of celebrity wealth, especially when media outlets may overstate their net worth to generate headlines.
Excluded Billionaires
Some billionaires are notable for their absence in discussions on celebrity wealth. These figures include:
- Mark Cuban – $6.5 billion
- Donald Trump – $5 billion
- Richard Branson – $3 billion
- Vince McMahon – $3 billion
- Dick Wolf – $1 billion
While they have achieved significant financial success, their influence may be more corporate than traditional celebrity.
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