As 2023 comes to a close, the world of entertainment and business has witnessed some fascinating shifts in the fortunes of its biggest stars. Several stand out for their remarkable wealth accumulation and business acumen.
Steven Spielberg
The iconic film director and principal partner in DreamWorks Studios, leads the pack with a staggering net worth of $8.3 billion. His vast wealth, which saw a significant increase of $1.25 billion in 2023 alone, is attributed not only to his legendary film career but also to his astute investments in real estate and a lucrative lifelong consulting agreement with Universal Studios theme parks. Spielberg’s diverse assets include personal properties, a superyacht, and a penchant for collecting film memorabilia and art.
George Lucas
The creative force behind the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, holds a fortune of $6.92 billion. This considerable sum, which increased by approximately $761 million in the past year, is largely due to the sale of his Lucasfilm and special effects business to Disney in 2012. Lucas’s portfolio extends beyond the entertainment industry into significant investments in farmland and Skywalker Properties, encompassing ranches in Marin County, California.
Michael Jordan
A basketball legend, has witnessed his net worth soar to $3 billion, making him the 1,042nd richest billionaire globally. Jordan’s fortune has nearly doubled from the previous year, thanks to lucrative partnerships with brands like Gatorade, Hanes, and notably Nike, with his Air Jordans brand generating substantial revenue. His business ventures extend beyond sports endorsements to include significant investments in various sectors.
Oprah Winfrey
The entrepreneur and philanthropist, with a net worth of $2.8 billion;
Jay-Z
The music mogul, at $2.5 billion;
Tom Ford
The fashion designer, with $2.2 billion;
Kim Kardashian
The reality TV star and businesswoman, at $1.7 billion;
Peter Jackson
The film director, holding steady at $1.5 billion;
Magic Johnson
The former basketball star, joining the billionaires’ circle with $1.2 billion;
Taylor Swift
The singer and recent addition to the billionaires’ list, with a net worth of $1.1 billion.
Each of these celebrities has not only made their mark in their respective fields but also ventured into diverse areas of business and investment, showcasing a blend of artistic talent and financial acumen.