These Celebs Have Alteast A Billion Dollars In Net Worth In 2026

George Lucas — Net Worth: $5.5 Billion

George Lucas remains the wealthiest celebrity in the world, a title he has held for years due to a single, visionary decision made in the late 1970s. When negotiating the contract for the original Star Wars, Lucas famously passed on a higher directing fee in exchange for the merchandising rights and the rights to all sequels. This move created a multi-billion dollar empire that continues to grow through toy sales, books, and licensing decades after the films were released.

In 2012, Lucas sold his company, Lucasfilm, to Disney for over $4 billion in cash and stock. This sale not only secured his wealth but made him one of the largest individual shareholders in the Walt Disney Company. Lucas’s achievements in filmmaking are legendary. He founded Industrial Light & Magic, which revolutionized special effects, and created two of the most enduring franchises in history: Star Wars and Indiana Jones. His legacy stands as the ultimate example of creative ownership scaled into generational wealth.

Steven Spielberg — Net Worth: $4.8 Billion

Steven Spielberg’s $4.8 billion net worth is the result of more than five decades of dominance in Hollywood. As the most commercially successful director of all time, Spielberg pioneered the gross percentage deal, allowing him to earn a share of ticket sales from the first dollar earned. This structure delivered massive payouts from films such as Jaws, E.T., and Jurassic Park. Even when not directing, Spielberg continues earning as a producer across multiple blockbuster franchises.

Beyond filmmaking, Spielberg co-founded DreamWorks Studios, which was later sold for billions, and he earns perpetual income from Universal Studios theme parks due to his advisory role in their attractions. With three Academy Awards and a filmography that shaped modern cinema, Spielberg transformed storytelling into one of the most durable personal fortunes ever built in entertainment.

Michael Jordan — Net Worth: $3.8 Billion

Michael Jordan is not just the greatest basketball player in history but also the most financially successful athlete ever. His $3.8 billion net worth is driven primarily by the Jordan Brand partnership with Nike. The brand generates billions annually, with Jordan earning a five percent royalty on every product sold, producing yearly income that exceeds most NBA superstars’ playing salaries.

Jordan’s wealth expanded dramatically after selling his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets. Purchased for $275 million in 2010, the franchise was sold at a valuation close to $3 billion, marking one of the most profitable sports investments of all time. With six NBA championships, six Finals MVPs, and global brand recognition, Jordan proved that athletic greatness can evolve into unmatched financial power.

Oprah Winfrey — Net Worth: $3.2 Billion

Oprah Winfrey’s $3.2 billion fortune reflects her evolution from a local television anchor into the most influential figure in global media. Her financial breakthrough came when she founded Harpo Productions, securing ownership rights to The Oprah Winfrey Show. That decision allowed her to control content, syndication, and long-term revenue, setting a new standard for talent ownership.

Her empire expanded into film, publishing, and the Oprah Winfrey Network. Strategic investments, including Weight Watchers and extensive real estate holdings in Maui and Montecito, further strengthened her wealth. Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Oprah represents one of the most powerful examples of self-made success in modern history.

Jay-Z — Net Worth: $2.5 Billion

Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter remains the richest figure in hip-hop and one of the most influential business minds in music history. While his career began with chart-topping albums, the core of his $2.5 billion fortune comes from ownership-driven ventures. He sold a majority stake in Armand de Brignac champagne to Moët Hennessy and secured a massive valuation for D’Ussé cognac through a partnership with Bacardi.

His company Roc Nation operates as a full-service entertainment agency across music, sports, and management. Jay-Z is also an early investor in Uber and a collector of blue-chip fine art. With 24 Grammy Awards and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, his legacy extends far beyond music into elite global entrepreneurship.

Taylor Swift — Net Worth: $1.6 Billion

Taylor Swift reached billionaire status primarily through music rather than outside ventures, a rare achievement in modern entertainment. The Eras Tour became the highest-grossing concert tour of all time, generating unprecedented revenue worldwide. Her decision to re-record her early albums allowed her to reclaim ownership of her masters, massively increasing long-term catalog value and licensing income.

Swift’s music catalog alone is valued at over $600 million, alongside a real estate portfolio spanning Rhode Island, New York, and Nashville. As the first artist to win four Album of the Year Grammys, she has built a career defined by creative control, fan loyalty, and economic impact that extends beyond the music industry itself.

Rihanna — Net Worth: $1.4 Billion

Rihanna transformed from a global pop star into one of the most successful entrepreneurs in beauty history. While she remains one of the best-selling artists ever, most of her $1.4 billion net worth comes from her ownership stake in Fenty Beauty. Launched in partnership with LVMH, the brand redefined industry standards with its inclusive product range and global appeal.

Her portfolio also includes Savage X Fenty, a lingerie brand celebrated for body-positive marketing. Rihanna’s influence reshaped consumer expectations across fashion and cosmetics. As a multi-time Grammy winner and a National Hero of Barbados, she stands as a symbol of cultural power translated directly into financial dominance.

Tiger Woods — Net Worth: $1.3 Billion

Tiger Woods became a billionaire through a combination of athletic dominance and endorsement power unmatched in golf history. While his tournament winnings exceed $120 million, the majority of his $1.3 billion fortune comes from long-term sponsorships with brands such as Nike, Rolex, and Bridgestone. For over a decade, Woods was the world’s highest-paid athlete.

Through TGR Ventures, he operates golf course design businesses and the PopStroke entertainment venues. He also launched his own apparel label, Sun Day Red, marking a new entrepreneurial phase. With 15 major championships and 82 PGA Tour wins, Woods permanently changed the financial landscape of professional golf.

Selena Gomez — Net Worth: $1.3 Billion

Selena Gomez entered the billionaire club through the explosive success of Rare Beauty, a cosmetics brand built on authenticity and mental health advocacy. The company’s valuation crossed $2 billion, with Gomez retaining a majority ownership stake. This success dramatically reshaped her financial standing beyond her early career as a child star.

Alongside beauty, Gomez continues to earn from acting and producing, including her acclaimed role in Only Murders in the Building. With one of the largest social media followings in the world, she markets directly to a devoted audience. Her openness about personal struggles has become a core driver of consumer trust and brand loyalty.

Beyoncé — Net Worth: $1.0 Billion

Beyoncé crossed the billion-dollar mark following the massive success of the Renaissance World Tour. Her wealth is anchored in creative ownership through Parkwood Entertainment, which controls her music, films, and live productions. She has consistently negotiated deals that preserve control and long-term revenue rather than short-term payouts.

Her portfolio now includes fashion ventures and the Cécred hair care brand, expanding her influence in beauty and lifestyle. With a record-breaking 32 Grammy Awards, Beyoncé represents a fusion of artistic excellence and disciplined business strategy, securing her place among the wealthiest entertainers in the world.

Source- Forbes