Forbes Magazine has unveiled its list of the world’s richest celebrity billionaires, showcasing the astronomical fortunes amassed by entertainment and sports moguls who have transcended industry boundaries to claim their spot among the elite.
These individuals have captured the public’s imagination and built empires worthy of the world’s wealthiest.
Below are the top 10 from the latest list released by Forbes for 2024.
1. George Lucas: $5.5 billion
At the zenith of Forbes’ richest celebrity billionaires stands George Lucas, the visionary creator of Star Wars, boasting a net worth of $5.5 billion. His cultural impact spans generations, inspiring storytellers worldwide beyond the silver screen.
2. Steven Spielberg: $4.8 billion
Following closely behind is Steven Spielberg, the cinematic maestro, with a fortune of $4.8 billion, showcasing his unmatched contributions to the film industry. From the iconic E.T. to the thrilling Jurassic Park, Spielberg’s movies have captivated audiences, leaving an enduring imprint on popular culture.
3. Michael Jordan: $3.2 billion
Michael Jordan, the iconic basketball star, ascends beyond the realm of sports into financial eminence. His billion-dollar fortune is not solely derived from his legendary career but also from lucrative brand partnerships, notably the renowned Air Jordan line, and his ownership of the Charlotte Hornets.
4. Oprah Winfrey: $2.8 billion
Oprah Winfrey’s journey epitomizes remarkable resilience and astute business acumen. Starting from humble origins as a TV reporter, this media titan utilized her talk show platform to construct a sprawling media empire, spanning real estate, production, and shrewd investments.
5. Jay-Z: $2.5 billion
Jay-Z, a trailblazer in hip-hop, has showcased influence that transcends mere music. His savvy investments in luxury brands such as Armand de Brignac champagne, Uber, and cognac brand D’Usse have propelled him to the coveted status of billionaire.
6. Kim Kardashian: $1.7 billion
Kim Kardashian stands as a prime example of transforming fame into a billion-dollar fortune. Her beauty and clothing lines, notably Skims, have achieved tremendous success, showcasing her prowess as a savvy entrepreneur.
7. Peter Jackson: $1.5 billion
Peter Jackson, the visionary director renowned for bringing the worlds of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” to life on screen, has carved a unique path to riches. A substantial portion of his wealth stems from the successful sale of assets by his visual effects company, Weta Digital.
8. Tyler Perry: $1.4 billion
Tyler Perry’s illustrious career spanning decades in the entertainment industry has proven to be incredibly lucrative. From creating and starring in numerous TV shows, movies, and stage plays, Perry has amassed immense wealth while solidifying his indelible mark in the movie industry.
9. Rihanna: $1.4 billion
Rihanna emerges as a formidable presence, not only in the music realm but also in the business world. Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through ventures like Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, catapulting her to billionaire status.
10. Tiger Woods: $1.3 billion
Tiger Woods stands as one of the rare athletes to attain billionaire status while actively competing. His extraordinary career in golf, highlighted by lucrative endorsement deals with Nike, has been a pivotal factor in his remarkable accumulation of wealth.
