Ever wondered how your favorite stars make that much money? In 2025, some celebs don’t just top income lists—they’re building empires beyond the screen or stage. Let’s dive into the Top 5 richest celebrities this year and the clever ventures that help them cash in even more.
1. Steven Spielberg — $5.3 billion
Widely recognized as the world’s richest celebrity, Spielberg’s net worth skyrocketed thanks to timeless box-office hits like Jurassic Park, ongoing royalties from Universal theme parks, and legacy deals . But beyond directing, he's a savvy investor in media studios and immersive entertainment experiences—leveraging his creative legacy to multiply wealth.
2. George Lucas — $5.1 billion
The original mastermind behind Star Wars, Lucas became a titan after selling Lucasfilm to Disney for $4 billion. Today, his Empire isn’t just movies—it includes licensing, merchandising, and theme park royalties that still roll in, making this cultural icon’s side hustle a galaxy-spanning success
3. Michael Jordan — $3.5 billion
Sure, his Airness earned baskets, but his real ROI came from Nike’s Jordan brand, which now consistently brings in over $100 million annually. Off the court, Jordan owns a stake in the Charlotte Hornets and makes money from endorsements—turning dunk dreams into basketball gold .
4. Oprah Winfrey — $3 billion
A daytime trailblazer turned multimedia mogul, Oprah built an empire that spans TV, streaming, publishing, and OWN—her own network. She’s also an investor in wellness, beauty, and tech. Her latest move? Exclusive packages and production deals that continue to affirm her as one of the most influential—and richest—celebrities alive .
5. Jay-Z — $2.5 billion
From rap to riches, Jay-Z became the first hip‑hop billionaire through entrepreneurs moves like Rocawear, D’Ussé cognac, and his entertainment company Roc Nation. Throw in streaming stakes, real estate, and smart investment deals, and you’ve got a side hustle legend who built his throne one empire at a time .
Quick Comparison Table
| Celebrity | Net Worth | Side Hustle Highlights |
| Spielberg | $5.3B | Theme park deals, studio projects |
| Lucas | $5.1B | Licensing & Star Wars universes |
| Jordan | $3.5B | Nike endorsements, Hornets ownership |
| Oprah | $3B | OWN, publishing, wellness, tech |
| Jay-Z | $2.5B | Apparel, liquor, streaming, Roc Nation |
Conclusion
Based on their illustrated earnings in 2025, the wealthiest celebrities aren't just stars they're clever entrepreneurs. These talents—from Spielberg's royalties on every piece of content he has made—and in Jay Z's case, multi business hustles—have illustrated the significance of multiple streams. Each of these wealth icons features the fact that it is not preferred to earn wealth from one income stream, but rather by owning afrens, brands, smart investing and using their prominence. If there is anything to glean it is not that side hustles are now just an additional amount of income to be gained but empire income.
