Are they rich, or are they rich? Celebrities have a life envied by all; they are by and large more famous than the world’s richest people. The show business does have its perks in getting one popular beyond the borders of countries and continents.
Forbes revealed their list of highest-paid celebrities, while there are 20 on the mark. The top five are what we’ve got our eyes on. Starting on top is none other than our very own, Oprah Winfrey. With HARPO Corp. being her main focus since the end of her talk show, Oprah’s made the counted move into the TV world and launched her television network ‘OWN.’ Her net earnings from May 2011 May 2012 have been $165 million.
Movie director Michael Bay is 2nd on the list with an earning of $160 million, 5 million less than Oprah; that’s not a small margin! Michael made his green with the movie Transformers: Dark of the Moon; not only is he involved in the movie, but he’s also in the earnings gotten from the Transformers toys, which are a big sell-out. His involvement in the movie’s profit is what has gotten him the 2nd position.
Shocker in the 3rd place is Steven Spielberg, who made $130 million last year. However, he had directed two Oscar-nominated movies this past year and made a great entry onto the small screen with Terra Nova and Smash. Michael Bay managed to earn more than him. Maybe, talent and experience are secondary when it comes to being really business savvy with your career moves. Spielberg, no doubt, is the most respected in the industry.
American TV and film producer Jerry Bruckheimer is 4th on the list. His movie Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides was the highest-grossing movie of 2011. He earned a great amount from the movie’s success, and his total income came up to $115 million. 2010 was not a great year for him, but the year turned out to be very successful for Bruckheimer with the aforementioned movie.
Andre Romelle Young, aka Dr.Dre, is a well-known name in the music business. His earnings of $110 million have landed him in the 5th position on the richest celebrities list. What made him the buck last year? HTC paid $300 million for a 51% stake in his headphones company, Beats. The company has earned him and the other partners $100 million apiece before taxes.
Others on the top 10 mark include actor/director/producer Tyler Perry ($105 million), radio personality Howard Stern ($95 million), author James Patterson ($94 million), film producer/writer George Lucas ($90 million), Music Producer, and TV personality Simon Cowell wraps up the top 10 positions with earnings of $90 million.
One would notice that only one female is on the list, and she’s on the top! However, it’s not like there isn’t a lot of money floating in the showbiz between the female producers, directors, actresses, etc.; it’s just the amount of risk one takes to be on the topmost branch out into what’s rather safe, like a clothing line, perfume, etc.
But it’s the real business-mindedness that is required, the risk-taking capability. Also noticeable is that there are no actors in the top 10. That only shows that being rich and famous can come from other courses within the entertainment world. Whatever it may be, staying focused is the only way to a successful career, and taking risks is essential to growing further as an entrepreneur.