Celebrities 2023 Salaries Finally Released, Here’s Who Made The Most Money
In 2023, the glitzy realm of entertainment continues to be dominated by a constellation of mega-earning celebrities. Celebrity Net Worth reported its findings for 2023. Topping the list is tech-savvy mogul Elon Musk, whose ventures extend beyond SpaceX and Tesla. Joining him are perennial favorites like film maestro Dwayne Johnson and pop sensation Taylor Swift, whose multi-platform success fuels their astronomical earnings.
These financial powerhouses underscore the evolving landscape of fame, where diverse revenue streams redefine the parameters of celebrity wealth in this dynamic and ever-evolving era.
George Lucas: $7 Billion
George Lucas amassed his $7 billion net worth through visionary contributions to cinema. The creative force behind the groundbreaking Star Wars franchise, Lucas transformed filmmaking, crafting an iconic universe that resonates globally.
Beyond directing, his shrewd business acumen includes founding Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic. Lucas diversified by creating Skywalker Sound and delving into theme park ventures. The sale of Lucasfilm to Disney further boosted his wealth. Lucas's enduring impact on storytelling and groundbreaking ventures underscores his legacy as both a cinematic pioneer and a strategic entrepreneur.
Jami Gertz: $8 Billion
Jami Gertz, an American actress, sports team owner, and philanthropist, boasts a net worth of $8 billion, predominantly attributed to her longstanding marriage to billionaire investor and sports team owner Tony Ressler. Together, they co-own the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and hold a minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers.
While Tony's co-founding roles in Apollo Global Management and Ares Management contribute to their vast wealth, it's worth noting that, at the time of their 1989 marriage, Jami was the primary breadwinner, funding early vacations and purchasing their first home in LA.
Elon Musk: $220 Billion
Elon Musk, a South African-born Canadian-American entrepreneur, inventor, and investor, boasts a net worth of $220 billion. While he engages in a multitude of ventures, his primary wealth source is his position as the CEO of Tesla Motors.
Renowned for his roles as CEO and CTO of SpaceX and chairman of SolarCity, Musk holds the distinction of being the wealthiest individual globally, setting records both as the richest person in the world and in modern history. His multifaceted career continues to shape industries and redefine the pinnacle of financial success.
Warren Buffett: $116 Billion
Warren Buffett, the esteemed American investor and philanthropist, commands a net worth of $116 billion and is renowned as the preeminent investor of the 20th century. Investing one thousand dollars in Buffett's holding company, Berkshire Hathaway, in 1965 would yield shares valued over $25 million today, excluding dividends.
Buffett's wealth primarily stems from his substantial ownership stake in Berkshire Hathaway, where he is the largest individual shareholder, wielding approximately 31 percent of voting interest and 15.6 percent of equity. Beyond Berkshire, Buffett holds a one percent ownership stake in US Bancorp, diversifying his influential financial portfolio.
Steven Spielberg: $8 Billion
Steven Spielberg's $8 billion net worth reflects a storied career as a pioneering filmmaker, producer, and entrepreneur. Earning fame with iconic films like Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Jurassic Park, Spielberg's directorial prowess reshaped the film industry. Beyond directing, he founded Amblin Entertainment and DreamWorks, contributing to his wealth through blockbuster hits.
His business acumen extends to co-founding studio giant DreamWorks SKG, diversifying into TV, and exploring technology ventures. Spielberg's unparalleled impact on entertainment, coupled with strategic business ventures, cements his status as a cinematic and financial luminary.
Jeff Bezos: $169 Billion
Jeff Bezos, an American philanthropist, entrepreneur, and space explorer, commands a net worth of $169 billion, largely amassed through the founding of Amazon.com. Serving as the former CEO, current president, and chairman of the board of Amazon, Bezos eclipsed Bill Gates in wealth in July 2017.
Maintaining an uninterrupted reign as the world's wealthiest individual from October 2017 to January 2021, Bezos's legacy extends beyond e-commerce, influencing the trajectory of technology, space exploration, and global business. Bezos currently owns 55 million shares of Amazon.
Oprah Winfrey: $3.5 Billion
Oprah Winfrey's $3.5 billion net worth stems from an illustrious career as a media mogul, talk show host, and entrepreneur. The iconic The Oprah Winfrey Show became a cultural phenomenon, propelling her into the forefront of television.
Expanding her influence, Winfrey founded Harpo Productions, producing successful films and television series. Her Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) venture solidified her impact on the media landscape. Winfrey's savvy investments, endorsements, and philanthropy further contribute to her wealth, establishing her as a multifaceted force in entertainment and business.
Jay-Z: $2 Billion
Jay-Z's $2 billion net worth reflects a strategic journey of entrepreneurial triumphs. In February 2021, he secured a $640 million windfall by selling 50 percent of Armand de Brignac to LVMH, followed by a $300 million deal for Tidal with Square.
His diverse portfolio includes equity in SpaceX, Oatly, Ethos, Uber, and Sweetgreen. Co-owning a $100 million art collection and at least $150 million in global real estate with Beyonce, his net worth recently surged past $2 billion, driven by the success of D'Usse cognac.
Taylor Swift: $1.1 Billion
Taylor Swift has easily become one of the most influential celebrities of 2023, causing her net worth to skyrocket to a whopping $1.1 billion. This was mainly driven by the success of her Eras concert tour.
According to Forbes and Billboard, her past tour could make her the highest-grossing female touring artist of all time. Also, Swift's The Eras Tour concert movie became the highest-grossing concert film in North America. Apart from music, she has a real estate portfolio worth $150 million.
Mark Zuckerberg: $122 Billion
Mark Zuckerberg, an American tech entrepreneur and philanthropist, boasts a net worth of $122 billion, solidifying his status as one of the world's wealthiest individuals for the past decade. Remarkably, he holds the distinction of being the youngest among the top 100 and is over a decade younger than any in the top 30.
Zuckerberg's wealth is tied to his significant holdings in Facebook, encompassing approximately 400 million shares. With 53 percent voting rights derived from Class B super-voting shares, Zuckerberg exercises substantial control over the company.
Bill Gates: $130 Billion
Bill Gates, an American billionaire entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist, commands a net worth of $130 billion, initially amassed as the co-founder, former chairman, and CEO of Microsoft. Presently holding less than 1.3 percent of Microsoft, Gates has strategically divested tens of billions in Microsoft shares.
A fixture among the world's wealthiest, Gates dominated the rankings for much of 1997-2008, briefly trading places with Carlos Slim before yielding the crown to Jeff Bezos in July 2017. Throughout the past decade, he consistently ranks among the globe's top five wealthiest individuals.
Rihanna: $1.7 Billion
Rihanna's $1.7 billion net worth is due to her dynamic career as a singer, actress, and entrepreneur. Beyond her chart-topping music, Fenty Beauty, her cosmetics brand, has been a major contributor, generating impressive revenue.
Savage X Fenty, her lingerie line, and her partnerships with luxury brands add to her diversified portfolio. Rihanna's success extends beyond entertainment, positioning her as a savvy businesswoman who has reshaped industries, earning her a spot among the elite in both the music and business worlds.
Paul McCartney: $1.2 Billion
Paul McCartney's $1.2 billion net worth mirrors a legendary career spanning decades. As a founding member of the Beatles and a prolific solo artist, McCartney's musical contributions are iconic.
His enduring success extends beyond music with strategic investments, including ownership of MPL Communications and an extensive real estate portfolio. In addition to his cultural impact, McCartney's business ventures and timeless musical legacy have solidified him as one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in the history of popular music.
David Copperfield: $1 Billion
David Copperfield's net worth of one billion dollars reflects his unparalleled success as a magician, illusionist, and entrepreneur. Renowned for groundbreaking performances, Copperfield has redefined the art of magic, accumulating wealth through record-breaking shows and television specials.
Beyond his mesmerizing illusions, he's strategically diversified, with interests in entertainment production, real estate, and technology investments. Copperfield's billion-dollar net worth is a testament to both his mastery of the world of magic and his astute business ventures that have solidified him as a global entertainment icon.
Peter Jackson: $1 Billion
Peter Jackson's one billion dollar net worth reflects a cinematic journey of unparalleled success. As the visionary director behind the acclaimed The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Jackson has left an indelible mark on film history. His ability to bring fantastical worlds to life, coupled with box office triumphs, has propelled him to financial heights.
Beyond directing, Jackson's involvement in film production and other ventures has contributed to his billion-dollar net worth, solidifying his status as a cinematic maestro and astute entrepreneur.
Kim Kardashian: $1.7 Billion
Kim Kardashian's $1.7 billion net worth is a testament to her multifaceted career in reality television, entrepreneurship, and endorsements. Rising to fame with Keeping Up with the Kardashians, she leveraged her brand with successful ventures like KKW Beauty and SKIMS.
Kim's social media prowess and partnerships contribute significantly, alongside her mobile game and fragrance line. Beyond fashion and beauty, she has invested in real estate and technology. Kim's business acumen and influence have shaped her into a formidable cultural and financial force, establishing her as a billionaire.
Jerry Seinfeld: $950 Million
Jerry Seinfeld's $950 million net worth is due to his groundbreaking success in the entertainment industry. From earning $100,000 for the first season of Seinfeld, he swiftly climbed to become the first TV actor to command one million dollars per episode by the show's ninth season.
Owning 15 percent of the show's backend equity, he earns $50 million annually from syndication and royalties. Seinfeld has a collection of over 150 cars, likely valued at $50 million, and a luxurious 12-acre oceanfront Hamptons estate, estimated to be worth between $100 million.
Sean "Diddy" Combs: $900 Million
Sean "Diddy" Comb's $900 million net worth epitomizes his status as a multifaceted music mogul and entrepreneur. Ascending from his origins as a rapper, he strategically diversified his career, founding Bad Boy Records and cultivating successful artists. Beyond music, his ventures include Sean John clothing and Ciroc Vodka, contributing significantly to his wealth.
With shrewd business acumen and successful brand partnerships, Comb's financial legacy solidifies his influential role in both the music industry and the world of business and fashion.
Madonna: $850 Million
Madonna's remarkable $850 million net worth is a testament to her unparalleled success as the best-selling female recording artist of all time. With over 300 million albums sold globally, her musical prowess is just one facet of her financial empire.
Madonna's diverse portfolio includes ownership of more than $100 million worth of art and real estate valued at $80 million. Her savvy investments and multifaceted career have solidified her not just as a music icon but also as a formidable figure in the realms of art, real estate, and finance.
Celine Dion: $800 Million
Celine Dion's $800 million net worth reflects her enduring dominance in the music industry. Renowned for her powerful vocals and global acclaim, she has sold over 250 million albums worldwide. Beyond her record-breaking music career, Dion's Las Vegas residency, lucrative tours, and smart investments contribute significantly to her wealth.
Her business acumen extends to ventures, including her line of perfumes and partnerships. Dion's remarkable financial success solidifies her status as not only a musical powerhouse but also a savvy and enduring entrepreneur.
James Cameron: $800 Million
James Cameron's formidable $800 million net worth mirrors his groundbreaking contributions to cinema. As a visionary filmmaker, Cameron directed blockbusters such as Titanic and Avatar, two of the highest-grossing films in history.
Beyond directing, his involvement in film production and groundbreaking technologies has been pivotal. Cameron's financial success is further fueled by his role as an entrepreneur, exploring the depths of the oceans and space. His indelible impact on the film industry and strategic ventures solidify him as a cinematic trailblazer and innovative entrepreneur.
Arnold Schwarzenegger: $450 Million
Arnold Schwarzenegger, the famous Austrian-American bodybuilder, model, Hollywood actor, businessman, and politician, boasts a net worth of $450 million. Renowned as one of the world's most famous actors, Schwarzenegger has held the title of the highest-paid person in entertainment.
Peak earnings of $20-30 million per movie contributed to his wealth, along with hundreds of millions from film salaries. Since the 1970s, Schwarzenegger has invested in real estate, amassing a portfolio potentially worth $100-200 million, making him a millionaire by age 25.
J.K. Rowling: $1 Billion
J.K. Rowling's one billion dollar net worth is a testament to her unparalleled literary success as the author of the globally beloved Harry Potter series. Beyond her wizarding world creations, Rowling has expanded her empire with additional books, film adaptations, and theme park attractions.
Her entrepreneurial ventures also include the digital platform Pottermore. Rowling's transformative impact on literature and entertainment, coupled with strategic brand management, has elevated her into the esteemed ranks of billionaires, securing her legacy as a literary phenomenon.
Tyler Perry: $800 Million
Tyler Perry, the accomplished American actor, director, playwright, and producer, boasts a net worth of $800 million. Perry's prolific career includes over 30 movies, 20 stage productions, and eight TV shows. Annually, he earns $200 to $250 million from his expansive entertainment empire, with his production company securing a remarkable $150 million yearly deal with ViacomCBS alone.
A self-made tycoon, Perry's journey began with a single play called I Know I've Been Changed, which he crafted while living in his car.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson: $800 Million
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's impressive $800 million net worth underscores his multifaceted success as an actor, producer, and entrepreneur. Emerging from a stellar wrestling career, Johnson transitioned seamlessly into Hollywood, starring in blockbuster films and cultivating a strong brand.
With shrewd business ventures like his Project Rock collaboration with Under Armour and successful TV production, he's become a financial powerhouse. Johnson's unwavering work ethic, diverse talents, and strategic partnerships have solidified his status as not only an entertainment icon but also a savvy and influential entrepreneur.
Bono: $700 Million
Bono's remarkable $700 million net worth reflects a career defined by global impact, both in music and activism. As the lead vocalist of U2, the Irish rock band, Bono has sold over 150 million records worldwide.
Beyond music, his strategic investments and former co-ownership of Elevation Partners, a private equity firm, have contributed significantly to his wealth. A tireless philanthropist, Bono's financial success is matched by his commitment to social causes, solidifying his legacy as a multifaceted and influential cultural figure.
Kylie Jenner: $700 Million
Kylie Jenner's $700 million net worth is because of her entrepreneurial prowess and cultural influence. Leveraging her celebrity status, Jenner founded Kylie Cosmetics, rapidly achieving immense success with products such as her signature lip kits. The brand's popularity, coupled with strategic partnerships and endorsements, has propelled her into the echelons of business magnates.
Beyond beauty, Jenner's diverse ventures, including the reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians, have contributed to her financial empire, solidifying her status as a dynamic businesswoman and influential figure.
Yoko Ono: $700 Million
Yoko Ono's substantial $700 million net worth is a testament to her diverse contributions as an artist, musician, and businesswoman. Known for her avant-garde art and tumultuous relationship with Beatle John Lennon, Ono has crafted a unique legacy.
Her astute management of Lennon's estate, savvy investments, and music royalties have played a pivotal role in her financial success. A trailblazer in conceptual art, Ono's wealth reflects both her artistic innovation and strategic endeavors, solidifying her as a multifaceted cultural force.
Dolly Parton: $650 Million
Dolly Parton's impressive $650 million net worth is a testament to her enduring influence in the music industry. With over 100 million solo records sold and equally successful cover versions of her songs, Parton's musical legacy is unmatched.
The royalties from Whitney Houston's rendition alone have brought her $20 million. Beyond music, her Dollywood theme park attracts three million annual visitors. Parton's philanthropy, with hundreds of millions raised for charity, complements her financial success, underscoring her impact as both an entertainer and a compassionate force.
Simon Cowell: $600 Million
Simon Cowell's substantial $600 million net worth mirrors his influential role as a music executive, television producer, and talent show judge. Renowned for creating and judging hit shows, including American Idol and The X Factor, Cowell has shaped the careers of numerous artists.
Beyond television, his Syco Entertainment empire and shrewd music ventures contribute significantly to his wealth. Cowell's keen eye for talent, coupled with entrepreneurial acumen, solidifies him as a dynamic force in the entertainment industry and a savvy businessman.
Tom Cruise: $600 Million
With a net worth of $600 million, Tom Cruise stands among Hollywood's greatest stars and wealthiest celebrities. Renowned for his prolific career, Cruise's films have amassed a staggering $11.5 billion globally.
Although, until June 2022, none of his projects surpassed the one billion dollar mark, his highest-grossing film, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, earned $800 million in 2018. Notably, Cruise achieved the billion-dollar milestone with Top Gun: Maverick in late June 2022, solidifying his enduring impact and financial success in the film industry.
Dr. Dre: $500 Million
Dr. Dre's $500 million net worth is a testament to his dual prowess as a music icon and astute entrepreneur. Boasting hundreds of millions of album sales and shaping the careers of Eminem and 50 Cent through Aftermath Entertainment, Dre's influence in the music industry is profound.
Most of his money is from the sale of Beats by Dre to Apple in 2014 for three billion dollars. Dre's financial prowess remains evident, with a recent $200 million sale of his music catalog in January 2023.
George Clooney: $500 Million
George Clooney, the esteemed American actor, director, screenwriter, entrepreneur, and activist, boasts a net worth of $500 million. His prolific four-decade acting career commands at least $20 million per film, complemented by a successful foray into directing and numerous writing and producing credits.
Beyond his cinematic achievements, Clooney is the co-founder of Casamigos Tequila, a venture that attained a remarkable $1 billion sale to Diageo in 2017. As of 2023, Clooney joins Walt Disney as one of only two individuals nominated for Academy Awards in six different categories.
Gloria Estefan: $500 Million
Gloria Estefan's impressive $500 million net worth reflects her unparalleled impact as a singer, songwriter, and businesswoman. Rising to fame with the Miami Sound Machine, Estefan's global success spans decades. Her diverse career includes chart-topping albums, multiple Grammy Awards, and Broadway ventures.
Beyond music, Estefan's entrepreneurial endeavors, including restaurant ownership, have contributed to her wealth. Estefan's financial legacy is not just a testament to her musical prowess but also her business acumen, solidifying her status as a cultural and financial luminary.
Kathy Ireland: $500 Million
Kathy Ireland's substantial $500 million net worth is a testament to her versatile success as a model, actress, and entrepreneur. Rising to fame as a supermodel, Ireland seamlessly transitioned into business, creating a global brand with products ranging from fashion to home goods.
Her eponymous company, Kathy Ireland Worldwide, has become a multi-billion dollar empire. Ireland's financial understanding, coupled with her many philanthropic endeavors, underscores her as not just a fashion icon but also a savvy and influential businesswoman.
Keith Richards: $500 Million
Keith Richards' impressive $500 million net worth reflects a legendary entertainment career as the iconic guitarist for The Rolling Stones. Renowned for his distinctive sound and enduring influence, Richards has contributed to the band's global success for over five decades. Beyond music, he's delved into solo projects, writing, and acting.
Richards' entrepreneurial ventures, coupled with his rock and roll legacy, solidify him as one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in the history of rock music and popular culture.
Mick Jagger: $500 Million
Mick Jagger's substantial $500 million net worth epitomizes a rock and roll legacy that has shaped music history. As the frontman of The Rolling Stones, Jagger has been the driving force behind countless hits for over five decades, defining the band's enduring success.
Beyond music, his solo projects, acting ventures, and astute business decisions contribute to his wealth. Jagger's charismatic stage presence, coupled with his diverse career, positions him as a cultural icon and a financial luminary in the world of rock music.
Robert De Niro: $500 Million
Robert De Niro's $500 million net worth reflects a stellar career as one of Hollywood's most revered actors. His versatility in portraying a range of characters has garnered critical acclaim and box-office success.
Beyond acting, De Niro co-founded Tribeca Productions and the Tribeca Film Festival, contributing to the film industry's cultural landscape. His business acumen extends to hospitality ventures like Nobu, bolstering his financial empire. De Niro's enduring impact on cinema, coupled with strategic endeavors, establishes him as a legendary actor and entrepreneur.
Stephen King: $500 Million
Stephen King's remarkable $500 million net worth is a testament to his prolific career as a best-selling author known for his mastery in the horror and suspense genres. With over 350 million books sold, King's literary impact spans decades. Some of his most iconic works include It and The Shining.
Beyond writing, film and TV adaptations of his works have contributed significantly to his wealth. King's storytelling prowess, coupled with his multimedia success, solidifies him as a literary icon and a financial force in the entertainment industry.
Jackie Chan: $400 Million
Jackie Chan's impressive $400 million net worth mirrors a remarkable career as a martial artist, actor, director, and producer. Renowned for his unique blend of action and comedy, Chan has become a global cinematic icon.
Beyond his film success, he's ventured into business, including his own production company and a line of merchandise. Chan's enduring popularity, coupled with strategic endeavors, has solidified him not just as an action star but also as a shrewd entrepreneur and influential figure in the world of entertainment.
