With celebrities seemingly all about the Benjamins – after all, Madonna sang about it in “Material Girl” – there are more than a few celebs whose net worth just might surprise you. For example, how can an actress who hasn’t had a starring role in over a decade be a billionaire? How exactly does an NBA star make bigger paychecks off the court than on?
Between former child actors and rappers to basketball stars, Las Vegas divas and actors we haven’t seen in years, we found 16 celebrities whose net worth are sure to shock you! Which celebs have been smart with their investments, proven to be savvy in business or just downright lucky with money? Let’s get started with one of Hollywood’s favorite wizards with a list that really is all about the Benjamins.
#16 – Daniel Radcliffe ($110 Million)
There’s nothing like a little wizardry to bring in the big bucks! Despite not having starred in too many movies, Daniel Radcliffe has made most of his fortune from the Harry Potter franchise that made him a star at just 11 years old. The first film alone, Sorcerer’s Stone, brought him a cool $1 million only to up the ante with a $3 million paycheck for Chamber of Secrets.
By the time 2005 rolled around, Radcliffe had earned quite the bonus with Goblet of Fire when he took home $11 million and another $14 million for The Order of the Phoenix. With his salary growing for each film throughout the eight-series franchise, his paycheck continued to grow as he earned $25 million for The Half Blood Prince and a combined $53 million for the final two films, The Deathly Hallows. With his only other movie credits including independent flicks and a horror film, it’s safe to say that Radcliffe knows the best spell for both wizardry and wealth.
#15 – Rowan Atkinson ($130 Million)
A long way from being considered an A-list actor in the United States, English actor Rowan Atkinson is a bona fide superstar in the United Kingdom where he is known as the comical and all too quiet Mr. Bean. Recognized for his creative genius as one of Britain’s funniest comedians, there’s far more to Atkinson’s career and $130 million net worth than his silly sitcom character.
Long before tapping into his talent as a comedian, actor and screenwriter, Atkinson spent more time behind the scenes when he founded Hindmeck, a production company that he later sold in 1997 for nearly $2 million. Thanks to his millionaire status, the 61-year-old has been living comfortably ever since while fueling his obsession for cars. Just last year, Atkinson sold a McLaren F1 supercar that he had totaled years before for $12 million, earning him an easy $7 million profit. How’s that for a smart investment?
#14 – Birdman ($170 Million)
Born in The Big Easy in 1969 as Bryan Williams, rap fans know him better by his stage name, Birdman. With only a couple of hit songs to his name, how exactly did Birdman make our list with an incredible $170 million net worth? Proving his talents at more than just rhymes, Birdman is a record executive and entrepreneur who co-founded Cash Money Records, which has had ongoing success over the past decade.
Now serving alongside his brother as the label’s CEO, Birdman cashed in $30 million in 1998 alone after the dynamic duo sealed a deal with Universal Records. Since then, Birdman’s label has signed some of the biggest names in rap including Lil’ Wayne, Nicki Minaj and Drake. Add in valuable assets like a $30 million condo in Miami, over $10 million in jewelry, a $5 million Bugatti and a half-million-dollar dental grill and it’s no surprise that this Birdman seems to rain money and lots of it.
#13 – Jessica Alba ($200 Million)
Often considered one of the most beautiful and sexiest actresses in Hollywood, Jessica Alba is rarely considered the best but she doesn’t take it to heart. With her last top billing movie in 2007 with Good Luck Chuck, Alba has had very few starring roles over the past decade and has never made more than a few million for her performances. How exactly then is her net worth stretching nine figures in the $200 million range?
A far cry from the red carpet and the silver screen, Alba turned her attention to the business side of things when she and business partner, Chris Gavigan, founded The Honest Company in 2012. Specializing in environmentally friendly products such as diapers, detergents, personal goods and other items, the company is worth an estimated $1.7 billion. Taking a cue from her company’s success, Alba discussed her experience of creating a natural and non-toxic life in her book, The Honest Life, which was published in 2013. How’s that for wholesome and all-natural wealth?
#12 – Lady Gaga ($290 Million)
Gaga ooh lah lah! Praised as one of the best-selling musicians of all time with six Grammy Awards and dozens of others to her name, Lady Gaga continues to rock (and shock) the world with her killer vocals and extravagant costumes. Getting a hot start to her career in 2008 with her debut album, The Fame, and a tour to go along with it, Gaga brought in over $20 million and continues to earn even more despite not having a top 10 song in nearly three years. So what’s her secret?
With an estimated net worth nearing $300 million, Gaga is no stranger to success. Following up her 2008 tour with even bigger years in 2010 and 2011 with The Monster Ball, the 29-year-old singer earned nearly a quarter billion in revenue. Still making money from touring and singing her well-known hits, Gaga’s fashion deals have proven far more profitable. Thanks to contracts with Versace and MAC Cosmetics as well as her own perfume line, Gaga was able to bring in another $60 million in 2015 alone. No wonder she can afford all those costumes and clothes!
#11 – Jay Leno ($350 Million)
Here’s Johnny – or is it Jay? Taking over for The Tonight Show’s legendary Johnny Carson in 1992, Jay Leno kept late night television audiences laughing for over two decades and two stints in the famous hot seat. Earning $1 million in his first year, Leno’s career (and paycheck) skyrocketed as he brought in $5 million every year from 1993 until 1998 only to have his salary doubled in 1999. His earnings and his show’s ratings only went up from there.
With his salary climbing every year, Leno finally decided to follow Carson’s footsteps yet again and retire in 2009. That was, until a year later, when he made his grand return and commanded an astonishing $25 million salary. Spending another four years on the show, the 65-year-old comedian has retired once again from The Tonight Show but continues to bring in the big bucks after returning to his roots in stand-up comedy. Of course having one of the biggest car collections in the world doesn’t hurt either when it comes to his $350 million net worth.
#10 – Shaquille O’Neal ($350 Million)
Whether you know him as “The Real Deal,” “Mayor McShaq” or “Shaq Daddy,” Shaquille O’Neal is one of the greatest (and largest) basketball players in the NBA. Towering at just over seven feet tall, O’Neal was drafted by the Orlando Magic in 1992 and was already earning $3 million at the start of his career. Once he became a free agent, $3 million seemed like pocket change compared to his Los Angeles Lakers salary that brought yearly raises and a top pay of $23.5 million in 2002.
Shaq might have hung up his Lakers jersey but he was far from finished making bank on the court. Joining the Miami Heat in 2004, he pulled in at least $20 million each year until his final season in 2010. Bringing in over $290 million throughout his 19-year career, Shaq’s endless endorsement deals, business ventures, acting and music careers helped him round out his net worth to a cool $350 million. How’s that for an NBA champ and all-star?
#9 – Gisele Bundchen ($360 Million)
Known and perhaps envied by many as the New England Patriots’ “First Lady” after marrying quarterback Tom Brady in 2009, Gisele Bundchen is actually a star in her own right. Dwarfing her husband’s $120 million net worth with an astonishing $360 million price tag, the Brazilian supermodel started earning huge money in 2000 when she signed a $25 million contract with Victoria’s Secret making her hourly pay rate an easy $7,000. Sounds just terrible, doesn’t it?
Recognized as the only remaining true supermodel, Bundchen took her talents a step further beyond the cameras in 2001 with the release of a clothing line that generated millions in revenue. Using the money to buy a $17 million home in Manhattan, the 35-year-old’s salary has been on an uphill climb ever since topping out at $44 million from modeling alone. Adding in her acting career with appearances in films like Taxi and The Devil Wears Prada and it’s no surprise that Bundchen is known for throwing touchdown passes when it comes to earning top dollar.
#8 – Larry David ($400 Million)
Just how much is Larry David worth? With some estimates reaching up to an astonishing $800 million to others that claim around $400 million, it’s undeniable that the legendary comedian, writer, actor and television producer is worth big bucks. Perhaps best known as the co-creator of the hit television series Seinfeld, David served as the sitcom’s head writer and executive producer from 1989 until 1996 and continues to bring in big paychecks even today thanks to royalties from the show.
With Seinfeld as one of the most successful television shows in Hollywood history, David didn’t stop there and subsequently created the HBO cult hit series Curb Your Enthusiasm, which ran from 2000 to 2011. Between syndication sales, DVD sales, broadcast rights and other projects in film and television, David has amassed a huge net worth. With his recent $12 million sale of his California home in 2014 as well as his work on Broadway and Saturday Night Live, we have no doubt David will stay on our list for many years to come.
#7 – Kathy Ireland ($450 Million)
Thanks to Gisele Bundchen we already know just how much supermodels can earn but not even Gisele’s $360 million net worth can compare to Kathy Ireland’s. Worth an upwards of $450 million, Ireland is best known as the supermodel who graced 13 consecutive Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues throughout the 1980s and 1990s. However, despite her success as a model, it was her business savvy that brought in the cash.
Founding a brand marketing company known as Kathy Ireland Worldwide in 1993, Ireland has made the bulk of her fortune by licensing herself with successful products around the world. Her company, better known as kiWW, is estimated to earn $2 billion in sales each year and makes over 17,000 products that range anywhere from wigs and self-help books to exercise DVDs and Ireland’s famous clothing line. How’s that for having bot beauty and brains?
#6 – Magic Johnson ($500 Million)
He shoots and he scores! Looking to the second NBA star on our list, Earvin “Magic” Johnson had an incredible 13 season career with the Los Angeles Lakers and has an NBA Championship to show for it. Drafted by the Lakers in 1979 with the lure of a $500,000 paycheck, Johnson managed to quadruple his earnings thanks to his first endorsement deal with Converse shoes. From there, his earnings continued to climb.
Ranked as the greatest point guard of all time, Johnson’s NBA salary topped out at $3.1 million until his final two years brought him $14.6 million. But, believe it not, life after the NBA proved to be far more lucrative as Johnson turned his attention to business. Launching an investment group and numerous other companies, Johnson now owns various franchises including Starbucks, Fridays, 24 Hour Fitness and AMC Theaters. As if this wasn’t enough to make him an up-and-coming billionaire, Johnson also owns the Los Angeles Dodgers whose net worth is more than $2 billion. Now that’s a homerun!
#5 – Howard Stern ($600 Million)
Testing, testing 1-2-3. Is this mic on? While many say radio is a dying medium thanks to Bluetooth, podcasts and music streams of our favorite tunes, Howard Stern just might disagree. Spending his childhood dreaming of making his mark in the radio world, Stern has done exactly that with The Howard Stern Show that has been on the air for almost 30 years. Who knew radio paid so well?
Truth be told, Stern hadn’t made over $1 million per year until 1995 when he released his first book, Private Parts, which did wonders to expand his audience. With a huge fan base and a growing demand for his show, Stern signed a contract with Sirius Satellite Radio in 2004 that included company stock in the deal. Earning even more thanks to the contract and stock investment, Stern is reportedly bringing in $100 million from Sirius XM with an additional $15 million for being a celebrity judge on America’s Got Talent. Looks like this “King of All Media” has made quite the mark in radio to the tune of $600 million!
#4 – Celine Dion ($630 Million)
“Near, far, wherever you are…” Making the top five of our list with an incredible $630 million net worth, Celine Dion is no stranger to fame or fortune. Making her debut in the United States in 1990, the Canadian songbird took the music industry by storm with hits like “My Heart Will Go On” (the Titanic theme song), “Because You Loved Me” and “Power of Love.” However, with only a small catalog of hits, Dion hasn’t made her wealth from top singles. Instead, she’s relied on her fans in a different way.
At the height of her career in 1999, Dion took a hiatus from music to focus on her family only to return to pop music in 2002 with big news. Signing a multi-year contract to have a residency in Las Vegas at Caesar’s Palace, Dion brought in $100 million to wow Sin City crowds. After multiple contract extensions, Dion went on tour again and returned to the Palace in 2011 where her show continues to run until June 2016. With other business ventures including a perfume line bringing in $800 million in sales, Dion’s rags to riches story is definitely one for the books!
#3 – Dr. Dre ($700 Million)
Long known as one of the brightest minds in rap music, Dr. Dre has always been worth millions but thanks to new business ventures his net worth has soared over the past few years. Earning quite a bit as a rapper with Death Row Records, Dr. Dre upped his game in 1996 when he founded his own label, Aftermath Entertainment. Since then, the label has become an incredible success after working with rappers like Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent and Busta Rhymes.
Yet not even his millionaire status as a label CEO was enough to quench Dre’s thirst for wealth. In 2011, Dre entered the upper echelon of fortune when he debuted Beats by Dre Headphones that brought in half a billion in sales. With a $175 million stake in the company, Dre sold Beats to Apple in 2012 for a staggering $1 billion. Adding in a $13 million mansion in the Hollywood Hills, a $3.2 million home in Los Angeles as well as his involvement in a private equity group that made a $250 million sale in 2013, and it’s only a matter of time before Dre makes the top of our list.
#2 – Jerry Seinfeld ($820 Million)
What would Seinfeld be without Jerry Seinfeld himself? Co-creating the popular sitcom alongside Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld is now worth more than twice his old pal. Gaining international fame as the star of the sitcom, Seinfeld has netted hundreds of millions of dollars from syndication deals and royalties. Unlike his co-creator, however, Seinfeld has returned to his roots in stand-up comedy to build his wealth.
Named by Comedy Central as the 12th greatest stand-up comedian of all time, Seinfeld’s tour pulls in huge dollars earning the funny man an upwards of $1 million per show, which is a pretty nice living if you ask us! Seinfeld also earned $10 million for appearing with Bill Gates in a series of Microsoft ads that ran in 2008. He’s also racing neck and neck with Jay Leno for having the best and biggest car collection, not to mention he owns a $32 million home in the Hamptons – “not that there’s anything wrong with that.”
#1 – Jami Gertz ($2 Billion)
With only a few notable movie credits to her name, how exactly does Jami Gertz top our list with a net worth of $2 billion? Best known for her early roles in films like Sixteen Candles, The Lost Boys, Less Than Zero and Twister, Gertz was only earning a couple of million in her early career until her fate forever changed in 1989 when she married legendary businessman, Tony Ressler.
With Tony as the co-founder of Apollo Management and Ares Management as well as a co-owner of the Milwaukee Brewers of MLB and the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA, Gertz has combined her wealth with her husband’s. Making only a few minor film appearances since 1996, Gertz has had recurring roles on television in shows like Entourage, Modern Family and The Neighbors while effortlessly managing time with her husband, three children and charitable works. It seems like this Hollywood star really does have it all.
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