Forbes recently featured its list of America's richest celebrities of 2016. The list includes filmmakers, pro athletes, rappers and TV personalities, among others.
George Lucas Leads America's Richest Celebrities 2016
Forbes listed "Star Wars" creator George Lucas on top of America's richest celebrities of 2016, with a net worth of $4.6 billion. Lucas made most of his wealth after retiring from filmmaking and selling his company to Disney in 2012.
As more "Star Wars" films continue to launch under its new ownership, Lucas is enjoying his time off studios, although he still reportedly owns the Skywalker Ranch in Marin County, California. At No. 2 is filmmaker Steven Spielberg with $3.7 billion.
Spielberg made much of his fortune from his personal production companies like DreamWorks and Amblin Partners. He also earned a lot from deals with Universal theme parks. At No. 3 is Oprah Winfrey, the richest female in the country, who made much from her Harpo Productions.
Basketball hall of famer Michael Jordan is in fourth place with $1.2 billion, after reboots of his sneakers became widely popular in recent years. Illusionist David Copperfield rounded out the top five with $850 million, who raked in a lot of cash from his Las Vegas shows.
Musicians Dominate the Richest List
Diddy is the sixth richest celebrity in America with $750 million, who diversified his business empire and partnered with Ciroc vodka. Tiger Woods is at No. 7 with $740 million, who made much of his earnings from winning golf tournaments and endorsements.
Dr. Dre is the eighth richest celebrity, with a net worth of $710 million. Aside from his albums, Dr. Dre sold his Beats to Apple for $3 billion. Writer James Patterson is at No. 9, who made most of his $700 million fortune from books.
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld rounded out the top 10 with $670 million, who still receives income from his classic sitcoms and standup tours. Forbes noted that other celebrities in the richest list include rapper Jay Z at No. 11 with $610 million, Bruce Springsteen with $460 million, and Madonna with $560 million.
There are six African-Americans in the top 20 richest celebrities 2016 list. Eight out of the top 20 are musicians, who spent years touring. Some of the richest celebrities of 2016 have also been featured in the past.
