Who is the richest celebrity in the world?

Who holds the title of the world’s richest celebrity? If you were to guess based solely on fame, you might think of some of today’s most well-known stars. However, the correlation between fame and wealth isn’t always straightforward, and the list of the richest celebrities might surprise you. While Kim Kardashian and the legendary Sir Paul McCartney certainly rank high among high-earners in the entertainment industry, there are some names that surpass even their fortunes.

So, who is the wealthiest celebrity on the planet? Let’s take a look at the top 20 most financially valuable celebrities globally:

1. George Lucas (Net worth: $10 billion) – The creator of Star Wars and mastermind behind Indiana Jones, George Lucas, tops the list as the richest celebrity in the world. He founded Lucasfilm, which he later sold to Disney, amassing his impressive wealth. Throughout his career, he received four Academy Award nominations and played a significant role in the success of numerous top-grossing movies in North America.

2. Steven Spielberg (Net worth: $8 billion) – Another prominent filmmaker, Steven Spielberg, follows closely with a net worth of $8 billion. Known for directing classics like Jaws and E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Spielberg has made a significant impact on the film industry.

3. Oprah Winfrey (Net worth: $3.5 billion) – The world-famous media mogul Oprah Winfrey takes the third spot on the list with a net worth of $3.5 billion. Her influence extends across various platforms, from television to publishing and beyond.

4. Jami Gertz (Net worth: $3 billion) – Surprisingly, the world’s richest actor is Jami Gertz, with a net worth of $3 billion. Her diverse career has led to substantial wealth.

5. Jay-Z (Net worth: $2 billion) – The iconic rapper and entrepreneur, Jay-Z, boasts a net worth of $2 billion. His ventures extend well beyond the music industry, contributing to his impressive wealth.

6. Rihanna (Net worth: $1.7 billion) – Renowned singer and businesswoman Rihanna ranks sixth on the list with a net worth of $1.7 billion.

7. Kim Kardashian (Net worth: $1.4 billion) – Reality TV star and businesswoman Kim Kardashian secures the seventh spot with a net worth of $1.4 billion.

8. Sir Paul McCartney (Net worth: $1.2 billion) – The legendary musician and former member of The Beatles, Sir Paul McCartney, holds the eighth position with a net worth of $1.2 billion.

9. Slavica Ecclestone (Net worth: $1.2 billion) – Slavica Ecclestone is another billionaire on the list, known for her substantial wealth.

10. J.K. Rowling (Net worth: $1 billion) – The beloved author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling, joins the ranks of billionaires with a net worth of $1 billion.

This list continues with notable names such as David Copperfield, Jimmy Buffett, Peter Jackson, Jerry Seinfeld, P Diddy, Jacqueline Gold, Herb Alpert, Madonna, Celine Dion, and Ivanka Trump, all of whom have amassed considerable wealth in their respective fields.

In 2020, George Lucas shed light on his decision to sell Lucasfilm to Disney eight years earlier. He explained that at that time, he was beginning work on the next trilogy and was also preparing to welcome a daughter into his family. Recognizing that making a trilogy would take another ten years, he decided to prioritize his family and enjoy life. This choice led to the sale of Lucasfilm, as he wanted to retire and not just delegate production responsibilities to others.