The celebrity billionaire club
The top talent of stage and screen can earn unbelievable sums from careers in the entertainment industry. While multimillionaire celebrities are nothing new, an elite group has climbed even higher in recent years, reaching the coveted status of billionaire.
From iconic actors and legendary musicians to YouTube stars and famous filmmakers, we reveal the celebrities who’ve cracked the 10-figure club, ranked by their total fortunes.
All dollar amounts in US dollars
Dr. Dre: $1 billion (£744m)
Dr. Dre might well have been a high school dropout, but he’s gone on to amass an estimated net worth of $1 billion (£744m). His music career began in the 1980s when he began performing as a DJ in nightclubs. He achieved fame in the same decade when he co-founded the hip-hop group N.W.A. However, it wasn’t until he became a record producer that his career really took off, and he’s been instrumental in the success of artists like Snoop Dogg and Eminem.
Most of Dre’s riches have come from Beats, the headphone company he founded in 2006. In 2014, he sold Beats to Apple for more than $3 billion, the equivalent of $4 billion (£3bn) today.
Byron Allen: $1 billion (£744m)
Byron Allen began his career as a stand-up comedian, making his debut on The Tonight Show at just 18. He holds the record as the youngest comedian ever to perform on the show. He later founded Entertainment Studios in 1993, which has since grown into a media empire, producing dozens of syndicated TV shows and owning networks including The Weather Channel.
Allen owns 100% of his company and operates with a unique revenue model: offering shows to networks for free in exchange for advertising time, which he sells directly. His estimated net worth stands at $1 billion (£744m).
Brock Pierce: $1 billion (£744m)
Brock Pierce found fame as a child star, playing Gordon in The Mighty Ducks (1992) and its sequel D2: The Mighty Ducks (1994). You might also recognise him from films like Little Big League (1994) and Three Wishes (1995).
He officially retired from acting at age 17 and went on to found two successful companies: the video game investment firm IMI Exchange in 2001, and the venture capital firm Blockchain Capital in 2013. What’s more, he previously served as a director of the Bitcoin Foundation and even ran an independent campaign for the US presidency in 2020.
Now known as the ‘hippie king of cryptocurrency’, Pierce’s estimated net worth stands at a plump $1 billion (£744m).
Rihanna: $1 billion (£744m)
Barbadian superstar Rihanna is one of the most successful musicians in the world – and one of the richest, with a colossal $1 billion (£744m) net worth – though she doesn’t rely solely on music to make her money.
The majority of her fortune comes from her entrepreneurial ventures. In 2017, she launched her first successful business, the cosmetics brand Fenty Beauty, in partnership with French luxury conglomerate LVMH. Not content with just one lucrative side hustle, she rolled out her fashion line Savage X Fenty in 2018.
However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. At its peak, Rihanna’s net worth was estimated at $1.7 billion (£1.3bn), but that figure has since declined due to a slowdown in sales across both businesses. The star has also put her career on the back burner to focus on her family, having welcomed her third child with rapper A$AP Rocky in September 2025.
Beyoncé: $1 billion (£744m)
Beyoncé was the breakout star of the 1990s girl group Destiny’s Child, and her career has soared since the release of her debut solo album Dangerously in Love in 2003. Today, ‘Queen Bey’ has sold over 200 million records worldwide, and in 2023 she broke the record for the most Grammy wins ever with 32. As of today, she has 35 Grammys, winning Album of the Year for her 2024 album Cowboy Carter.
Beyond her music achievements, Beyoncé has displayed shrewd business acumen, boosting her fortune with money-spinners like her Ivy Park clothing line and Cécred hair brand. She’s also ventured into acting, taking on diverse roles from the musical drama Dreamgirls (2006) to voicing a character in the reboot of The Lion King (2019).
In late 2025, Forbes officially declared that the star had joined the billionaire club.
James Cameron: $1.1 billion (£818m)
Pioneering filmmaker James Cameron is one of Hollywood’s most successful directors, renowned for his innovative approach to special effects. He rose to fame in the 1980s with projects like The Terminator and Aliens, both of which he not only directed but also wrote.
In 1997, Cameron’s career soared to new heights with the release of his historical epic Titanic. The film captivated audiences around the world, becoming one of the highest-grossing films in history and clinching an incredible 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
In more recent years, Cameron has primarily focused on his groundbreaking Avatar franchise. The first instalment, released in 2009, was acclaimed for its cutting-edge special effects, earning Cameron yet another Best Director nomination. The third instalment, Avatar: Fire and Ash, has grossed close to $1.5 billion (£1.1bn).
Jerry Seinfeld: $1.1 billion (£818m)
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld became a household name after starring in one of America’s most beloved sitcoms, Seinfeld, which aired from 1989 to 1998.
As the co-creator and star, Seinfeld earned a then-unprecedented $1 million per episode at the peak of the show’s popularity – equivalent to $2 million (£1.5m) in today’s money. He and co-creator Larry David also continue to take home a 15% cut of the show’s syndication revenue to this day.
Seinfeld’s $1.1 billion (£818m) net worth is further boosted by touring, film roles, and his Netflix comedy specials.
Bruce Springsteen: $1.2 billion (£893m)
Bruce Springsteen is one of America’s most beloved and enduring musicians, with over 140 million records sold globally.
‘The Boss’ has earned millions over the decades through recording and touring with his trusted E Street Band. However, it was a savvy business move that pushed the rocker into the exclusive 10-figure fortune club.
In 2021, Springsteen sold his entire master recordings and music publishing catalogue to Sony Music Entertainment in a deal reportedly worth $550 million (£420m). The sale included the rights to some of his biggest hits, such as Born to Run and Dancing in the Dark. Today, his net worth is $1.2 billion (£893m).
Arnold Schwarzenegger: $1.2 billion (£893m)
Austrian-born Arnold Schwarzenegger got his start in bodybuilding before going on to become one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood. His most iconic roles range from the comedy classic Twins (1988) to the pulse-pounding Terminator franchise.
According to Forbes, he’s earned around $500 million (£372m) before taxes and agent fees from his acting roles over the decades. This figure could have been much higher, but Schwarzenegger famously put his acting career on hold between 2003 and 2011 to serve as the governor of California.
His $1.2 billion (£893m) net worth is further boosted by a lucrative real estate portfolio, savvy investments, and other business ventures, including his own production company.
Matt Stone and Trey Parker: $1.2 billion (£893m) each
Since the launch of their hit sitcom South Park in 1997, comedians and writers Matt Stone and Trey Parker have become big names in the entertainment industry.
In addition to the satirical animated series, which has enjoyed nearly three decades of success, the duo is also acclaimed for their Tony Award-winning musical The Book of Mormon.
Last year, Parker and Stone signed a $1.5 billion (£1.1bn) deal with Paramount+, with the streamer securing the rights to South Park for the next five years. The pair are now official members of the billionaire club, each worth a staggering $1.2 billion (£893m), according to Forbes.
J. K. Rowling: $1.2 billion (£892m)
The only person on this list whose fortune stems primarily from books, J. K. Rowling was a single mother struggling to make ends meet when the first Harry Potter novel was published in 1997. Her story is one of perseverance, with 12 publishers rejecting Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone before Bloomsbury snapped it up.
In the decades since, over 600 million Harry Potter books have been sold worldwide, while the movie adaptations have grossed well over $7 billion globally. The “Potterverse” has expanded into theme parks, video games and merchandising, with Rowling estimated to earn at least $80 million (£60m) a year from the various spin-offs. A renowned philanthropist, Rowling had previously dropped off the Forbes billionaire list after donating more than $200 million (£149m) to charity.
Selena Gomez: $1.3 billion (£1bn)
Former child star Selena Gomez got her start on Barney & Friends before landing her breakout role on Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place in 2007. The multi-talented performer then launched a successful music career and continues both to act and make music today.
She recently released her fourth studio album, I Said I Love You First, a collaboration with her husband Benny Blanco, and currently stars in the hit Hulu series Only Murders in the Building.
However, the lion’s share of her fortune comes from her cosmetics company, Rare Beauty, founded in 2020. A roaring success, the business is valued at $2 billion (£1.5bn), while Gomez boasts a net worth of $1.3 billion (£1bn), according to Bloomberg.
Shah Rukh Khan: $1.3 billion (£1bn)
Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan recently joined the 10-figure club with a staggering fortune of $1.3 billion (£1bn), according to the Hurun India Rich List 2026.
The Indian actor, often called Bollywood’s king of romance, is one of the most sought-after film stars in his home country. However, he doesn’t rely solely on his screen career to make money.
The business-savvy star also owns a Hindi film production company, Red Chillies Entertainment, and the cricket team Knight Rider Sports. These money-spinning side hustles account for the lion’s share of his dazzling fortune.
Paul McCartney: $1.4 billion (£1.1bn)
Last year, Paul McCartney became the first UK musician to achieve billionaire status. His current net worth is an incredible $1.4 billion (£1.1bn), according to the Sunday Times Rich List 2026.
McCartney, of course, skyrocketed to global stardom with The Beatles, but he’s also enjoyed decades of success as a solo artist and with his band Wings.
As the Fab Four’s primary songwriter alongside the late John Lennon, a huge chunk of his wealth comes from his lucrative catalogue of work, having penned hits like Hey Jude and Let It Be. His fortune is further boosted by touring and recording, despite being well into his eighth decade.
Tyler Perry: $1.4 billion (£1.1bn)
Multi-talented director, actor, producer, and screenwriter Tyler Perry has a net worth of $1.4 billion (£1.1bn).
Perry is undoubtedly best known for writing, producing, directing and starring in the hilarious Madea film franchise, which has grossed over $660 million (£490m) globally.
The business-savvy star owns 100% of the content he creates, significantly boosting his wealth. Other money-spinning ventures include a film production studio and a 25% stake in the streaming service BET+, gained through a content creation deal with the platform.
David and Victoria Beckham: $1.6 billion (£1.2bn)
Better known to many in the UK as ‘Posh and Becks’, David and Victoria Beckham are one of showbiz’s most iconic power couples. The duo met at a charity football match in 1997, when David was Manchester United’s star midfielder, and Victoria was in the pop group the Spice Girls. They married in 1999 and have four children together: Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper.
While David has retired from the football pitch, he still rakes in a fortune from investments, endorsements, and modelling contracts. He owns a 26% stake in the US soccer team Inter Miami, which has soared in value in recent years. Victoria has forged a career as a fashion designer, with everyone from Kate Middleton to Jennifer Lopez having worn her designs.
The couple’s respective football and fashion empires have banked them an enviable joint fortune of $1.6 billion (£1.2bn), according to the Sunday Times Rich List 2026.
Peter Jackson: $1.9 billion (£1.4bn)
Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson is best known for helming the fantasy franchise The Lord of the Rings and its spin-off The Hobbit. Combined, the two trilogies have grossed over $6 billion (£4.5bn) at the global box office.
Jackson reportedly earned $10 million (around $18m/£14m today) upfront for each Lord of the Rings film, along with a 10% share of the box office gross. His payday increased for The Hobbit trilogy, and he earned $20 million (around $27m/£21m today) per movie, plus a 20% backend deal.
The New Zealander officially reached billionaire status in 2021 after selling a portion of his digital effects company Weta Digital to Unity Software for $1.6 billion (£1.2bn) in cash and stock. His current net worth stands at $1.9 billion (£1.4bn).
Kim Kardashian: $1.9 billion (£1.4bn)
Kim Kardashian began her career as Paris Hilton’s personal assistant before stepping into the spotlight in her own right.
After the leak of an explicit home video she shot with rapper Ray J caused a stir in the press, Kardashian landed her own reality series, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, in 2007. The show made Kim – and her clan – household names.
Scandals aside, Kardashian is today best known as a billionaire businesswoman. In 2019, she launched her shapewear brand SKIMS, which is currently valued at $4 billion (£3bn). The company has since expanded into cosmetics and beauty products, with Kardashian’s net worth standing at $1.9 billion (£1.4bn).
Taylor Swift: $2 billion (£1.5bn)
Taylor Swift is the richest female musician in the world, with an estimated net worth of $2 billion (£1.5bn). She was also the first person in history to achieve billionaire status solely through a music career.
Since releasing her self-titled debut album in 2006, Swift has arguably become the biggest star on the planet. She’s earned around $800 million (£600m) from touring and royalties alone. Her landmark The Eras Tour became the highest-earning tour of all time, grossing a remarkable $2 billion (£1.5bn).
Her music catalogue, which includes iconic hits like Love Story and Shake It Off, is worth $600 million (£445m). Meanwhile, she’s further grown her fortune through a lucrative real estate portfolio and merchandise sales.
MrBeast: $2.6 billion (£1.9bn)
Social media is a lucrative gig for the most successful stars, but YouTuber MrBeast (real name Jimmy Donaldson) took it to a whole new level. The 28-year-old recently made history as YouTube’s first-ever billionaire, with an estimated fortune of $2.6 billion (£1.9bn).
Donaldson began posting videos on YouTube in 2012 at just 13 years old, initially focusing on gaming content. His channel exploded in popularity when he pivoted to challenge videos, outrageous stunts, and headline-grabbing giveaways. He’s now behind the most successful channel on YouTube, with over 442 million subscribers.
He’s also found fame (and money) beyond YouTube. In 2024, he signed a $100 million (£74m) content deal with Amazon Prime Video to launch a reality competition series called Beast Games.
The majority of his fortune comes from his stake in Beast Industries. The holding company, valued at an eye-watering $5.2 billion (£4bn), oversees his business empire, including his social media accounts and side hustles such as his snack brand Feastables and fast food concept MrBeast Burger.
Jay-Z: $2.8 billion (£2.1bn)
Jay-Z became hip-hop’s first billionaire in 2019, and since then his fortune has continued to soar – his current net worth is a whopping $2.8 billion (£2.1bn).
The music mogul has sold over 140 million records worldwide, cementing his status as one of the most successful rappers of all time. However, the bulk of his wealth comes from his business ventures, particularly his luxury beverage brands Armand de Brignac and D’Ussé.
In 2021, luxury giant LVMH acquired a 50% stake in Armand de Brignac for at least $300 million (£225m), while Jay-Z more recently sold a majority stake in D’Ussé to Bacardi for $750 million (£560m).
His other money-spinning side-hustles include his Roc Nation entertainment company, a sprawling real estate portfolio and savvy investments in companies like Block and Uber.
Oprah Winfrey: $3.4 billion (£2.5bn)
Oprah Winfrey’s breakout role was in the Steven Spielberg film The Color Purple (1985), which earned her an Academy Award nomination. She became a household name the following year with the launch of The Oprah Winfrey Show.
The beloved talk show ran for 25 years until 2011, after which Oprah used the profits from her show and acting career to launch a media empire. This included her production company Harpo Productions, and her own cable channel called OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). She later sold the majority of her stake in OWN to Warner Bros. Discovery in 2020 in exchange for shares in the company.
Also contributing to her massive $3.4 billion (£2.5bn) fortune are a sprawling real estate portfolio and endorsement deals with brands such as WW (formerly Weight Watchers).
George Lucas: $5.1 billion (£3.8bn)
Director George Lucas is renowned for creating not one but two iconic film franchises: Star Wars and Indiana Jones, the latter in collaboration with his long-time friend Steven Spielberg.
Unsurprisingly, most of his $5.1 billion (£3.8bn) net worth comes from his production company Lucasfilm, which he founded in 1971. In addition to profits from blockbuster franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, he’s also earned a fortune from the associated merchandise.
Today, Lucas has retired from filmmaking and focuses on philanthropy. In 2012, he sold Lucasfilm to Disney in a landmark deal worth $4.1 billion (£3.1bn) in stock and cash.
Steven Spielberg: $7.1 billion (£5.3bn)
Three-time Academy Award–winning director Steven Spielberg is the richest filmmaker in the world, with a jaw-dropping net worth of $7.1 billion (£5.3bn).
Responsible for helming enduring classics like Jaws and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Spielberg’s films have collectively grossed more than $10 billion (£7.4bn) worldwide.
In addition to his earnings from directing, Spielberg receives a portion of revenue from every ticket sold at Universal theme parks, thanks to rides based on his popular film franchises such as Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park. He also serves as chairman of DreamWorks, the film studio he co-founded in 1994.
Jami Gertz: $12 billion (£8.9bn)
American actress Jami Gertz rose to fame in the 1980s, starring in films like Crossroads (1986) and The Lost Boys (1987).
While Gertz has enjoyed a decades-spanning acting career – with her most recent role in the rom-com I Want You Back (2022) – the bulk of her massive $12 billion (£8.9bn) net worth comes from her marriage to Tony Ressler, the co-founder of investment firm Ares Management.
The couple shares numerous investments and business ventures, including part-ownership of NBA team the Atlanta Hawks and a minority stake in Major League Baseball team the Milwaukee Brewers.
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