The following list comprises some of the top celebrities in the world, along with their estimated net worth as of my last knowledge update in Please note that their net worth may have changed due to various factors, including new projects, investments, and market fluctuations.
- George Lucas
George Lucas is an American filmmaker and businessman best known for creating the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. With an estimated net worth of $10 billion, Lucas has become one of the most financially successful directors, writers, and producers in history.
Lucas first found success with his 1973 coming-of-age film American Graffiti, which was nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Picture. However, it was 1977’s Star Wars that catapulted him to fame and fortune. The space opera film was a massive hit, earning $775 million at the global box office. It launched one of the most popular and lucrative film franchises in history, spanning multiple sequels, prequels, spin-offs, merchandise, video games, and more.
In 1981, Lucas transitioned to executive producer with Raiders of the Lost Ark, the first film in the Indiana Jones franchise starring Harrison Ford. Like Star Wars, it became a hugely successful series that earned over $2 billion. Combined, the Star Wars and Indiana Jones films have grossed more than $12 billion worldwide.
In addition to the films themselves, Lucas profited enormously from merchandise sales and licensing deals related to both franchises. He also founded Industrial Light & Magic, the visual effects company behind the revolutionary effects in the Star Wars films. Lucas sold Lucasfilm to Disney in 2012 for $4 billion, but retained ownership of the franchises’ intellectual property.
With his blockbuster films and shrewd business deals, Lucas has accumulated a vast fortune over his decades-long career. His creation of franchises that continue to captivate audiences has made him one of the most financially successful writer-directors of all time.
2) Jami Gertz
Jami Gertz is an American actress, philanthropist, and billionaire who has a net worth of $8 billion. While she had a successful acting career in her own right, the vast majority of Gertz’s immense fortune comes from her marriage to billionaire Tony Ressler, with whom she co-owns the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks.
Gertz first gained recognition for her acting roles in popular 80s films and TV shows like The Lost Boys, Less Than Zero, and Square Pegs. She went on to appear in Twister, Quicksilver, and Still Standing, among other projects. Though she found success as an actress, her wealth skyrocketed when she married Ressler in 1989.
Ressler is a successful businessman who co-founded the investment firm Ares Management. As a result, Gertz lives an incredibly lavish lifestyle with access to multiple luxury homes, jets, and more. Together with her husband, she also owns stakes in several major sports teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Brewers.
While acting may have started her career, it’s Gertz’s marriage to Ressler that boosted her to elite billionaire status. Yet she remains devoted to philanthropy, donating to various educational causes and serving on nonprofit boards. Her massive $8 billion net worth makes her one of the wealthiest women in the world.
3) Steven Spielberg
With an estimated net worth of $8 billion, Steven Spielberg is one of the most commercially successful directors in cinema history. Known for helming major blockbuster films, Spielberg has become a pop culture icon thanks to beloved movies like Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park, and Indiana Jones.
Spielberg first made a name for himself in 1975 with the shark thriller Jaws, which was the highest-grossing film at the time. He cemented his status as a leading Hollywood director throughout the 80s and 90s with several lucrative hits, including E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, and Saving Private Ryan. To date, the films he has directed have grossed over $10 billion worldwide.
In addition to directing, Spielberg has produced acclaimed films through his production company Amblin Entertainment. He has won numerous accolades over his decades-long career, including two Academy Awards for Best Director. His enormous wealth stems not just from the success of his films, but also his stake in Amblin and lucrative deals with major studios.
With an annual income estimated at $150 million per year, Spielberg has amassed a considerable personal fortune. His $8 billion net worth makes him one of the richest players in the entertainment industry. Yet beyond the box office, he will be remembered for some of the most memorable films to ever grace the silver screen.
4) Oprah Winfrey’s net worth
With an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion, Oprah Winfrey is one of the wealthiest and most influential women in the world. Winfrey rose to fame as the host of her massively popular talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, which ran for 25 seasons. However, her empire extends far beyond just television.
After her talk show, Winfrey launched her own television network called OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). She has also produced several films, published her own magazines, and authored multiple bestselling books. Even though her talk show ended in 2011, Winfrey still earns around $315 million per year through her production company Harpo Productions, and her diversified media portfolio.
But Winfrey isn’t just a businesswoman – she’s also a renowned philanthropist. She has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to various charities and funded educational programs in impoverished communities. While born into poverty herself, Winfrey overcame adversity to become a cultural icon and inspire millions worldwide.
With diverse revenue streams from television, film, publishing, and more, Winfrey has amassed an immense multi-billion -dollar fortune. Her continued media dominance and philanthropy make her one of the most remarkable self-made entrepreneurs in history
5) Jay-Z net worth
With an estimated net worth of $2 billion, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists ever. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Jay-Z got his start as an underground rapper in the 1990s, going on to become one of the biggest names in music with over 100 million records sold.
However, the vast majority of Jay-Z’s wealth has come outside of music. He is an incredibly savvy businessman who has amassed a fortune through ventures like Roc Nation, Tidal, Armand de Brignac champagne, and investments in companies like Uber. His marriage to superstar Beyonce has also made the couple a combined billion-dollar empire.
While Jay-Z earned millions from record sales early in his career, most of his billions have come from monetizing his success across additional industries. With a diverse portfolio ranging from liquor to real estate to streaming services, Jay-Z exemplifies building a massive fortune not just through music, but through relentless entrepreneurship. His journey from a Brooklyn housing project to becoming hip-hop’s first billionaire is an embodiment of the American dream.
6) Kim Kardashian’s net worth
The reality star turned business mogul Kim Kardashian has an estimated net worth of $1.7 billion. Initially known for being Paris Hilton’s friend and stylist, Kardashian first gained notoriety when a sex tape was leaked in 2007. However, she was able to leverage the publicity to launch herself and her family into pop culture phenoms.
Alongside her siblings, Kardashian starred in the hit reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians from 2007 to 2021. She earned up to $50 million per year from the show, endorsement deals, licensed products, and more at her peak. Kardashian also launched several business ventures like her KKW beauty and fragrance lines which added hundreds of millions to her fortune.
7) Rihanna net worth
From her humble beginnings in Barbados, Rihanna has become one of the most successful pop artists and entrepreneurs in the world, with a net worth of $1.7 billion. While she first gained fame as a musician, selling over 250 million records worldwide, the majority of Rihanna’s wealth now comes from her business ventures.
In 2017, she launched the inclusive cosmetics brand Fenty Beauty in partnership with LVMH. The brand was an immediate hit, reportedly generating over $100 million in revenue in its first few weeks. Rihanna owns 50% of Fenty Beauty, which has made her incredibly wealthy along with the success of her music career and other ventures.
Additionally, Rihanna has founded the lingerie company Savage X Fenty and been involved in numerous endorsement deals. With an eye for branding and identifying market opportunities, she has proven herself to be a highly successful businesswoman and cultural force.
Her remarkable journey from teen pop star to the world’s richest female musician with a net worth surpassing $1.7 billion serves as an inspiration. Rihanna exemplifies how with the right vision and work ethic, fame can be parlayed into a tremendous fortune.
Over the last decade, Kardashian has transformed herself from a reality star to a savvy entrepreneur with a combined billion-dollar fortune alongside her ex-husband Kanye West. She continues to earn tens of millions per year through new ventures like her shapewear line SKIMS. Her evolution from scandal to mogul makes her one of today’s most successful celebrity entrepreneurs.
8) Paul McCartney’s net worth
With an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion, Paul McCartney is one of the most commercially successful musicians of all time. Though he rose to global fame as a member of The Beatles, McCartney has also had an extensive solo career for over 50 years. His songwriting partnership with John Lennon remains one of the most influential in pop music history.
Even decades after the height of Beatlemania, McCartney has maintained his popularity through constant musical output and touring. He has released over 30 solo studio albums and continues to perform to sold-out stadium crowds today. He also owns the publishing rights to most Beatles catalogs, which provides him with a steady income stream.
Beyond music, McCartney has invested broadly in real estate and other business ventures. He owns prime real estate in Manhattan, London, and other elite cities. Now nearing 80 years old, McCartney has amassed a vast fortune that cements his status as a living legend. His continued influence and wealth make him one of the richest musicians in Britain and the world over.
9) Slavica Ecclestone’s net worth
Slavica Ecclestone is a Croatian billionaire and businesswoman who has a net worth of $1.2 billion. Ecclestone first gained notoriety for being a model and the ex-wife of Formula One billionaire Bernie Ecclestone. However, the majority of her wealth comes from an astute divorce settlement.
In 2009, Slavica divorced Bernie Ecclestone after nearly 25 years of marriage. The settlement was estimated at around $1.2 billion, making it one of the largest celebrity divorces in history. She received cash and assets that included a luxury estate in London and Switzerland.
While known for her high-profile marriage, Ecclestone has proven to be a savvy investor and businessperson in her own right. She made a number of shrewd property investments over the years that have paid off handsomely. Ecclestone has also launched several businesses across industries like fashion, aviation, and art.
Now in her 60s, the former model has built her own sizeable fortune independently of her ex-husband. Her divorce settlement and business ventures have allowed Ecclestone to achieve elite billionaire status.
10 ) David Copperfield’s net worth:
David Copperfield is the world’s wealthiest magician with an estimated net worth of $1 billion. While many magicians find success in Las Vegas, Copperfield’s career has reached unprecedented levels of fame and fortune.
Copperfield first achieved mainstream success in the 1970s and 80s through highly rated TV specials where he performed grand illusions like making the Statue of Liberty disappear. This exposure launched a lucrative career including massive world tours, shows in Vegas, and private performances for figures like Michael Jackson.
Today, Copperfield earns $40-$60 million per year largely from his long-running show at the MGM Grand Las Vegas where he performs over 500 shows annually. His combination of technical prowess and showmanship has made him one of the most commercially successful magicians ever.
But it’s his extensive business investments in real estate, transportation, and more that have brought Copperfield’s net worth to the billion-dollar mark. By parlaying his magical fame into smart assets, he has achieved a level of wealth unheard of in the world of illusionists.
11) Jimmy Buffett Biography
Jimmy Buffett was an iconic American singer-songwriter, author, actor and businessman best known for popularizing the Gulf and Western and country music genres. With his Coral Reefer Band, Buffett recorded over 30 studio and live albums, including the hugely popular Songs You Know By Heart (1985).
Some of his most beloved songs include “Margaritaville”, “Come Monday”, “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “Volcano”. Buffett was as passionate about his business ventures as he was about music. He founded the restaurant chain Cheeseburger in Paradise and co-developed the Margaritaville Cafe restaurant chain.
At the peak of his career, Buffett amassed a net worth estimated at over $1 billion. His devoted fanbase, known as “Parrotheads”, lived for his easygoing beach bum persona. On September 2, 2023, Buffett passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind an unparalleled musical legacy. Though no longer with us, his music lives on, transporting listeners to a state of beachy bliss.
12) JK Rowling biography
J.K. Rowling revolutionized children’s literature with her beloved Harry Potter book series. She brought magic to millions of young readers across the globe, transporting them to the wizarding world of Hogwarts.
Born in the UK in 1965, Rowling overcame early struggles as a single mother to become one of the most financially successful authors ever. The Harry Potter franchise has sold over 500 million copies worldwide and was adapted into a blockbuster film series.
In addition to the seven original Harry Potter books, Rowling wrote companion volumes like Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. She diversified her writing with novels for adult readers, including the mystery series Cormoran Strike under the pen name Robert Galbraith.
Rowling’s creative vision and storytelling talent have earned her numerous accolades, including being named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Her net worth stands at an estimated $1 billion. While the Harry Potter stories concluded, for generations of fans, the magic of J.K. Rowling’s writing will never end.
13) Peter Jackson biography
Peter Jackson cemented his place in cinema history when he brought J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy world to life through the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. As director, co-writer and producer of the series, Jackson vividly realized the magical lands of Middle Earth in all their grandeur.
The New Zealand native first gained acclaim for his low-budget horror comedies like Bad Taste and Braindead. But it was the Oscar-winning Lord of the Rings films that propelled him to the A-list of Hollywood directors. The trilogy grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide and earned Jackson Best Director honors.
Jackson also directed the Hobbit film series, a prequel to Lord of the Rings based on Tolkien’s novel. Outside of Middle Earth, he has explored new creative directions with films like the 2005 remake of King Kong. Thanks to the wild success of the Rings trilogy, Jackson’s net worth stands at an estimated $1 billion. Though he is now globally famous, Jackson still calls New Zealand home.
14) Jerry Seinfeld biography
Jerry Seinfeld is considered one of the greatest stand-up comedians of all time. But his career catapulted to new heights with the sitcom Seinfeld, which he co-created and starred in as a fictionalized version of himself.
Premiering in 1989, Seinfeld became one of the most popular and influential shows in TV history. Its offbeat brand of humor and focus on the minutia of daily life made it a game-changer. Over 9 seasons, Seinfeld amassed a passionate fanbase and changed the sitcom landscape.
As the show’s co-creator and executive producer, Seinfeld earned syndication royalties that brought his net worth to an estimated $950 million. Even years after the show ended, Seinfeld’s observational comedy still resonates with old and new fans alike. In his stand-up acts, Seinfeld has continued poking fun at the absurdities of everyday life. Through his trademark wry, deadpan humor, Jerry Seinfeld left an indelible mark on American comedy.
15) Madonna’s biography
With her chameleon-like ability to redefine herself, Madonna established herself as one of the most influential pop artists in music history. She burst onto the scene in the 1980s with chart-topping hits like “Like a Virgin” and “Papa Don’t Preach.”
Known for her bold visual style and ever-changing image, Madonna set new trends in fashion and challenged social taboos. She ushered in the age of the pop diva and inspired generations of artists who came after her.
Over the decades, Madonna has sold over 300 million records worldwide and is recognized as the best-selling female recording artist of all time by Guinness World Records. She has amassed an astounding net worth of $850 million through her music sales, tours, business ventures and investments.
While she courted controversy, Madonna’s cultural impact is undeniable. She paved the way for greater artistic freedom for women in the male-dominated music industry. After over 40 years in the spotlight, Madonna’s status as the Queen of Pop remains unmatched. Her wealth is a testament to her groundbreaking creativity and enduring popularity.