How to Calculate Celebrity Net Worth

People love celebrity gossip. So, it’s no wonder so many people want to know about their net worth as well. There are many sites specifically dedicated to just this question. Some have even developed their own algorithms to calculate celebrity net worth. While the basic equation is the same, there are a few issues to contend with when comparing celebrity net worth.

How to Calculate Celebrity Net Worth

How Do You Calculate Net Worth?

You can figure your own net worth with some simple math. First, you need to add up the total value of your assets. You should include all your bank and retirement accounts, investments, real estate, and cash holdings.

Then, you need to calculate your liabilities, and subtract it from the total. Every debt, loan, and mortgage in your name would qualify as a liability. Once you subtract your liabilities from your assets, you are left with your net worth.

What’s Different to Calculate Celebrity Net Worth?

Contrary to what you might believe, you would calculate celebrity net worth the same as anyone else’s. First, you tally up their total assets and income. Then, subtract their liabilities from their assets.

However, this can be tricky since it is difficult for agencies to access celebrities’ complete financial information. Furthermore, they typically have more diversified assets. So, it can be difficult to get an accurate figure. Many celebrities openly discuss the value of their homes, cars, artwork, jewelry, and even income. But, it becomes even more of a challenge to determine a celebrity’s net worth when they have holdings or accounts under a corporation or third party names.

You can find several sites that calculate celebrity net worth based on reported figures. They use public records of celebrities’ stock shared and estimated values on their assets. But, the online estimates are educated guesses, at best. In reality, only their accountant or the celebrities themselves know their true net worth.

The Problems with Celebrity Net Worth Calculators

You can easily find celebrity net worth calculators online, such as the on used by CelebrityNetWorth.com. Do a quick search and you will find information on almost every celebrity imaginable.

CNW claims to use a ‘proprietary algorithm,’ but critics claim they overshoot the mark at times. However, publicists are unlikely to correct mistakes that report celebrity’s net worth as higher than it actually is. Furthermore, these sights have no legal accountability for their estimated calculations. They can easily blame inaccuracies on algorithms, so it is best to view them as ballpark estimates.

Who Are the Richest Celebrities from 2020?

1. George Lucas – $6.5 billion

George Lucas became the richest celebrity in Hollywood, earning film credits as director, producer, and writer. He made his billions after creating Star Wars, the most successful film franchise in Hollywood history. However, he claimed the top spot when he sold Star Wars to Disney for $4.1 billion.

2. Steven Spielberg – $3.7 billion

The second spot goes to fellow director, producer, screenwriter, Steven Spielberg. He skyrocketed to fame and became a household name for creating the concept of blockbuster movies. His first big hit came in 1975 with Jaws, and he had dozens more that followed. Spielberg’s billions are a direct product of his Hollywood success.

3. Oprah Winfrey – $3.5 billion

The first woman to appear on this list is Oprah Winfrey. This media mogul and entrepreneur rose to stardom with her TV talk show that became one of the most popular and longest running on television. Winfrey earned her billions by branching out into film, publishing, and creating a TV network. No one will contest that Oprah is one of the most successful influential celebrities in Hollywood.

4. Kanye West – $3.2 billion

Kanye West first gained fame for his music career. He made roughly $400 million from making records, doing tours, and selling merchandise. However, when he launched his clothing brand, Yeezy, he established himself among the billionaire’s club. Financial analysts estimate that Kanye West will earn an additional $2.2 billion in royalties alone by 2026. So, don’t be surprised if his name continues to climb this list.

5. Donald Trump – $3.1 billion

Although some will argue that Donald Trump is no longer a celebrity, you cannot deny his success as a reality TV star. His identities as businessman, president, and a celebrity are forever intertwined. He first gained fame as a businessman. Then, his business success also grew due to his fame. That is why Trump makes this list when you calculate the celebrity net worth of Hollywood elite.

6. Jami Gertz – $3 billion

Jami Gertz first gained filmed credit as an actress in many movies in the 1980s. While she was already very wealth, her net worth drastically increased after her husband became a billionaire. Since then, they bought ownership stakes in two sports teams as well, the Milwaukee Brewers and Atlanta Hawks.

7. Michael Jordan – $2.2 billion

Michael Jordan is undoubtedly the richest professional athlete in the world. According to the sites that calculate celebrity net worth, he earned approximately $94 million during his all-star NBA career. However, most of his wealth is due to endorsements from Gatorade and Nike. Now, he is the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, but sold 20% of his stakes for nearly $1.5 billion. He still retains majority control of the team and status as one of the richest celebrities in America.

8. Paul McCartney – $1.2 billion

Paul McCartney has penned and performed some of the world’s most beloved songs as a member of the Beatles. He also went on to a very successful solo career after the band separated. While his talent earned him a great deal of fame and fortune, he claimed his billionaire wealth thanks to his clear understanding of publishing rights. The popularity of his music is sure to continue you to keep him among celebrity elite.

9. David Copperfield – $1 billion

David Copperfield claimed his celebrity status as an elite illusionist. He sparked global interest when he walked through the Great Wall of China and made the Statue of Liberty disappear. His stage performances earned him several awards as well. Copperfield also owns several valuable assets, including an expansive collection of magic memorabilia valued at $500 million.

10. Jay-Z – $1 billion

Jay-Z is a renowned entrepreneur who established himself as one of the biggest rappers of his time. He became a music mogul after founding Roc-A-Fella Records, then later CEO and President of Def Jams Records. He managed to maintain the  rights to his music which helped him greatly increase his net worth. Jay-Z also married Beyonce who also holds considerable assets. As a couple, their combined net worth is around $1.4 billion.

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