George Lucas, the celebrated director of the Star Wars franchise, has topped the annual Forbes list of celebrity billionaires with a staggering $5.5 billion fortune. Despite his last film being released 19 years ago, Lucas has amassed his wealth largely through the production company LucasFilm, which was sold to Disney in 2012 for a reported $4 billion in cash and stock.
Following closely behind Lucas is his close friend and fellow director, Steven Spielberg, with a fortune of $4.8 billion. Spielberg, known for blockbuster hits such as Jurassic Park and Schindler’s List, has opted for a percentage of the gross sales from his films instead of a salary, along with a financial share from the enduringly popular Indiana Jones franchise.
Michael Jordan, the iconic basketball legend, secures the third spot on the list with an amassed wealth of $3.2 billion, largely attributed to various business endeavors and lucrative brand partnerships. Jordan was named the world’s first billionaire athlete in 2015.
Other notable names on the list include talk show queen Oprah Winfrey and rapper Jay-Z, showcasing the diverse range of industries from which these celebrity billionaires have accumulated their immense wealth. With the entertainment and sports industries continuing to flourish, the Forbes Rich List 2024 serves as a testament to the enduring financial power of these iconic figures.
