List of the 10 Richest Celebrities According to Forbes 2017 Net Worth

Forbes richest celebrities 2017 net worth – In the world of entertainment, celebrities often make headlines for their extravagant lifestyles and lucrative careers. But which ones are raking in the big bucks? According to Forbes’ 2017 list of the richest celebrities, these 10 individuals have made their fortunes through a combination of successful acting, producing, and entrepreneurship ventures.
How Forbes Calculates Net Worth
Forbes’ calculation of net worth involves a complex formula that takes into account a celebrity’s earnings from various sources, including salaries, bonuses, endorsement deals, and business ventures. The formula is Artikeld as follows:
Net Worth = Earnings from Salary + Earnings from Endorsements + Earnings from Business Ventures – Taxes and Charitable Donations
To determine estimated earnings, Forbes uses a combination of reports from industry sources, financial records, and tax returns, as well as data from public sources such as box office reports and awards show ceremonies.
The Top 10 Richest Celebrities of 2017
Here are the top 10 richest celebrities of 2017, based on Forbes’ calculations:
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Cristiano Ronaldo
Net worth: $460 millionSource of wealth: Soccer endorsements, business ventures, and personal endorsements.Ronaldo’s net worth is largely attributed to his lucrative soccer career, as well as his highly successful endorsement deals with major brands such as Nike and Tag Heuer.
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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Net worth: $320 millionSource of wealth: Movie salaries, producing ventures, and endorsement deals.Johnson’s net worth has skyrocketed in recent years, thanks to his highly successful movie career and lucrative endorsement deals with brands such as Under Armour and Ford.
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Akshay Kumar
Net worth: $270 millionSource of wealth: Movie salaries, endorsement deals, and business ventures.Kumar’s net worth is largely attributed to his successful career in Bollywood, as well as his business ventures in real estate and other industries.
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Salman Khan
Net worth: $250 millionSource of wealth: Movie salaries, endorsement deals, and business ventures.Khan’s net worth is largely attributed to his highly successful career in Bollywood, as well as his lucrative endorsement deals with major brands such as Pepsi and Reebok.
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Tom Cruise
Net worth: $220 millionSource of wealth: Movie salaries, producing ventures, and personal endorsement deals.Cruise’s net worth is largely attributed to his highly successful movie career, as well as his producing ventures through his production company, Cruise/Wagner Productions.
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Novak Djokovic
Net worth: $200 millionSource of wealth: Tennis endorsements, prize money, and business ventures.Djokovic’s net worth is largely attributed to his highly successful career in tennis, as well as his endorsement deals with major brands such as Adidas and Peugeot.
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Tiger Woods
Net worth: $180 millionSource of wealth: Golf endorsements, prize money, and personal endorsement deals.Woods’ net worth is largely attributed to his highly successful career in golf, as well as his lucrative endorsement deals with major brands such as Nike and Rolex.
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LeBron James
Net worth: $172 millionSource of wealth: NBA salary, endorsement deals, and business ventures.James’ net worth is largely attributed to his highly successful career in the NBA, as well as his lucrative endorsement deals with major brands such as Nike and Intel.
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Roger Federer
Net worth: $170 millionSource of wealth: Tennis endorsements, prize money, and personal endorsement deals.Federer’s net worth is largely attributed to his highly successful career in tennis, as well as his lucrative endorsement deals with major brands such as Nike and Rolex.
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Kanye West
Net worth: $160 millionSource of wealth: Music sales, touring, and endorsement deals.West’s net worth is largely attributed to his highly successful music career, as well as his lucrative endorsement deals with major brands such as Adidas and Nike.
The Top 5 Richest Sports Icons According to Forbes 2017 Net Worth

The world of sports is a multibillion-dollar industry, with top athletes, coaches, and team owners enjoying significant financial gains.
According to Forbes 2017, these sports icons have amassed a staggering net worth, showcasing their exceptional talent, hard work, and savvy business acumen. This article delves into the lives of the top 5 richest sports icons, examining the sources of their wealth, influence, and power in the sports world.
The Sources of Their Wealth: Endorsements, Sponsorships, and Business Ventures
These sports icons have diversified their income streams, leveraging their fame to secure lucrative endorsement deals, sponsorships, and business partnerships. For instance, a successful athlete can command tens of millions of dollars in endorsement deals with top brands. Furthermore, they often invest in business ventures, such as restaurants, hotels, and real estate, generating passive income and solidifying their financial security.
The Top 5 Richest Sports Icons of 2017, Forbes richest celebrities 2017 net worth
Here are the top 5 richest sports icons according to Forbes 2017 net worth, along with the estimated values:
- NBA Legend Michael JordanEstimated Net Worth: $1.86 BillionMichael Jordan’s net worth is a staggering $1.86 billion, primarily due to his successful endorsement deals, including a $90 million deal with Nike. He also owns a minority stake in the Charlotte Hornets and has invested in several restaurants and commercial properties.
- Tennis Superstar Roger FedererEstimated Net Worth: $820 MillionRoger Federer’s net worth is estimated at $820 million, thanks to his remarkable tennis career, lucrative endorsement deals with top brands like Wilson and Rolex, and investments in various business ventures.
- NFL Team Owner Jerry JonesEstimated Net Worth: $7.7 BillionJerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, has a net worth of $7.7 billion, making him one of the wealthiest sports icons. His net worth is attributed to his ownership of the Cowboys, successful real estate investments, and lucrative business partnerships.
- NBA Owner Stephen RossEstimated Net Worth: $7.6 BillionStephen Ross, owner of the Miami Dolphins and chairman of Related Companies, has an estimated net worth of $7.6 billion.
His net worth is primarily driven by his successful real estate investments and business partnerships.
- NBA Star LeBron JamesEstimated Net Worth: $450 MillionLeBron James’ net worth is estimated at $450 million, primarily due to his highly successful basketball career, endorsement deals with top brands like Nike and Intel, and investments in various real estate and business ventures.
The Influence and Power of These Sports Icons
The net worth of these sports icons not only reflects their financial prowess but also their significant influence and power in the sports world.
They have used their wealth to invest in various business ventures, create jobs, and contribute to their respective sports communities through charitable initiatives. Furthermore, their endorsements and sponsorships have helped shape consumer preferences, promoting brands and products that align with their values and lifestyles.Their wealth and influence have also enabled them to shape the future of their sports through strategic investments and partnerships.
For instance, Michael Jordan’s involvement with the Charlotte Hornets has helped revitalize the team, while Jerry Jones’ ownership of the Cowboys has transformed the team into a global brand.These sports icons serve as role models for aspiring athletes and business leaders, demonstrating the rewards of hard work, dedication, and strategic decision-making in the sports industry.
The Surprising Sources of Wealth for Celebrities in 2017

In 2017, the net worth of celebrities continued to rise, fueled by a diverse range of lucrative opportunities beyond traditional sources such as movie salaries and album sales. This shift towards diversification in the entertainment industry reflects a growing recognition of the importance of building a strong brand and leveraging new revenue streams.One key factor contributing to the surprising sources of wealth for celebrities in 2017 was the increasing value of endorsement deals.
Brands were eager to partner with popular influencers and celebrities to reach new audiences and tap into their massive social media followings.
Endorsement Deals
- Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook and Instagram generated over $1 billion in revenue from influencer marketing in 2017, with many celebrities and influencers raking in up to $1 million per sponsored post.
- Endorsement deals became increasingly lucrative, with top celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo and Beyoncé commanding upwards of $20 million per year in sponsorship agreements.
- The rise of social media has made endorsement deals even more attractive, allowing brands to target specific demographics and reach a wider audience.
- Celebrities are now more focused on building their personal brands, which has led to a surge in high-paying endorsement deals and product partnerships.
The growing importance of social media partnerships was another significant source of wealth for celebrities in 2017. Many top influencers and celebrities leveraged their massive followings to partner with brands, create sponsored content, and engage with their audiences in innovative and effective ways.
Social Media Partnerships
- Celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Kendall Jenner have turned Instagram into a lucrative revenue stream, generating millions of dollars from sponsored posts and product partnerships.
- The rise of Instagram Stories and other social media platforms has created new opportunities for celebrities to build their personal brands and partner with brands in creative and engaging ways.
- Celebrities are now using social media to promote their own products and services, further diversifying their income streams and increasing their overall net worth.
- The growth of influencer marketing has created a new era of celebrity-endorsement, where top influencers and celebrities command high fees for sponsored content and partnerships.
Finally, many celebrities in 2017 successfully leveraged side businesses to increase their wealth. From music production and film directing to fashion design and entrepreneurship, these entrepreneurs-turned-celebrities showcased their diverse talents and interests, further expanding their influence and financial reach.
Side Businesses
- Celebrities like Jay-Z and Beyoncé have built successful music production companies, with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation generating millions of dollars in revenue each year.
- Other celebrities like Kanye West and Justin Bieber have turned their fashion sense into successful clothing lines and accessories brands.
- Celebrities like Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone have ventured into film directing and producing, showcasing their creative talents beyond acting.
- Entrepreneurial celebrities like Chris Paul and Mark Cuban have invested in various startups and businesses, further expanding their influence and wealth.
Breaking Down the Revenue Streams for the Richest Celebrities in 2017: Forbes Richest Celebrities 2017 Net Worth

The entertainment industry has long been a lucrative market, with numerous sources of revenue contributing to the wealth of Hollywood’s elite. According to Forbes’ 2017 list of the richest celebrities, a significant portion of their net worth stems from film, music, and television. In this segment, we’ll delve into the specific revenue streams that fueled the success of these celebrities and explore the implications of this data on the entertainment industry as a whole.
Main Revenue Streams: Film
Film revenue accounted for a substantial share of the richest celebrities’ net worth in
2017. Here’s a breakdown of the top-grossing films for select celebrities and their corresponding revenue
- Shah Rukh Khan: With a net worth of $550 million, Khan’s film “Raees” contributed significantly to his wealth, earning over $150 million worldwide.
- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: Johnson’s star vehicle “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” raked in over $962 million globally, adding $150 million to his net worth.
- Ryan Reynolds: Reynolds’ production company, Maximum Effort, produced the film “Deadpool,” which earned $782 million worldwide and contributed $50 million to his net worth.
Main Revenue Streams: Music
Revenue from music sales, concerts, and touring were significant contributors to the net worth of music icons in
2017. Here are some examples of notable revenue streams for various celebrities
- Drake: As one of the best-selling artists of all time, Drake’s album “Views” sold over 1 million copies in the United States alone, generating $10 million in revenue.
- Taylor Swift: With a net worth of $450 million, Swift’s music sales and touring revenue earned her an estimated $100 million in 2017.
- U2: Bono’s songwriting royalties and the band’s touring revenue earned them an estimated $80 million in 2017.
Main Revenue Streams: Television
Revenue from television productions, including show deals, merchandise, and endorsements, also played a significant role in the net worth of TV personalities in
2017. Here are a few notable examples
- Elon Musk: As the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk’s appearances on TV shows like “Saturday Night Live” and “The Simpsons” earned him an estimated $10 million in 2017.
- Mark Ruffalo: With a net worth of $35 million, Ruffalo’s film and TV endeavors, including his production company, added $10 million to his wealth in 2017.
- Jimmy Fallon: As the host of “The Tonight Show,” Fallon earned an estimated $15 million in 2017, thanks to his show’s high ratings and lucrative endorsement deals.
Industry Implications
The data highlights the ever-increasing importance of film, music, and television in the entertainment industry. As the global landscape continues to shift towards digital streaming and online content creation, these revenue streams will play a crucial role in shaping the careers of future stars. With the rise of social media and influencer marketing, the potential for revenue growth in these areas is undeniable.
The Impact of Taxes on the Net Worth of Celebrities in 2017
Tax policies play a significant role in shaping the financial landscape of celebrities. Their immense wealth often comes with substantial tax liabilities, which can be influenced by various factors such as income sources, locations of assets, and utilization of tax loopholes and deductions. In 2017, the tax situation for celebrities was characterized by a complex interplay between federal, state, and local tax laws, which affected their net worth differently.
As the 2017 Republican Tax Plan aimed to transform the US tax landscape, it had a profound impact on the tax obligations of celebrities.
Celebrity Tax Loopholes and Deductions
Celebrities often exploit tax loopholes and deductions to minimize their tax burdens. These tax-saving strategies can include charitable donations, home office deductions, and investments in tax-advantaged retirement accounts. For example, Taylor Swift, with a net worth of $400 million in 2017, leveraged tax-loss harvesting to offset gains from the sale of her music catalog. Similarly, George Lucas, worth $6 billion in 2017, used charitable donations to reduce his taxable income.
Tax Rates and Celebrity Net Worth
The tax rates faced by celebrities vary greatly depending on their residency, income sources, and other factors. In 2017, the federal income tax rates ranged from 10% to 39.6%. However, celebrities often face additional state and local tax obligations, which can further reduce their net worth. For instance, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, with a combined net worth of $1.16 billion in 2017, paid a combined $80 million in federal taxes, but also faced an additional $15 million in state taxes.
The 2017 Republican Tax Plan
The 2017 Republican Tax Plan aimed to simplify the tax code and reduce tax rates for corporations and high-income individuals. However, its impact on celebrity tax obligations was more nuanced. The plan reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, which benefited companies owned by celebrities. Additionally, the plan eliminated the alternative minimum tax, which had previously reduced the deductions for charitable donations.
However, the plan’s impact on individual tax rates was less significant, as the highest tax rate remained at 37%. Despite this, the plan’s simplification of tax brackets and elimination of certain tax deductions may have reduced the tax burdens for some celebrities.
Celebrity Tax Implications
The tax implications of the 2017 Republican Tax Plan for celebrities were far-reaching. While some celebrities benefited from the reduction in corporate tax rates, others faced increased tax burdens due to the elimination of certain tax deductions. For example, Oprah Winfrey, with a net worth of $2.6 billion in 2017, may have benefited from the increased tax deductions for charitable donations, while Warren Buffett, worth $81.6 billion in 2017, may have faced increased tax obligations due to the elimination of the private equity loophole.
Celebrity Net Worth (2017) Federal Taxes Paid (2017) State Taxes Paid (2017) Taylor Swift $400 million $10 million $2 million Jay-Z and Beyoncé $1.16 billion $80 million $15 million George Lucas $6 billion $300 million $50 million The Role of Family Businesses in Contributing to Celebrities’ Net Worth in 2017
In 2017, many celebrities owed their net worth to the family businesses they inherited or were involved with. These family businesses provided a significant financial foundation for their success, allowing them to focus on their careers and build their wealth. From music industry royalty to film-producing families, the contributions of family businesses to celebrities’ net worth were substantial.From entertainment moguls to sports icons, families play a significant role in shaping the wealth and success of their members.
In 2017, families’ influence extended beyond providing emotional support to becoming vital financial contributors. Let’s look at some examples of celebrities who benefited from family businesses and how these contributions contributed to their net worth.
Examples of Celebrities with Family Businesses Contributing to Their Net Worth
There are several celebrities who owe their net worth to the family businesses they inherited or were involved with. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable examples:
- Michael Jackson – The Jackson Family’s Music Publishing Company: Michael Jackson’s family music publishing company, which he shared ownership with his mother and other family members, was instrumental in managing the rights to his music and other famous artists’ works. The company generated significant revenue in 2017, contributing to his net worth.
- Jay-Z – Roc-A-Fella Records: Jay-Z co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records with his friends Damon Dash and Kareem “Biggs” Burke in 1995. The record label played a crucial role in launching the careers of Jay-Z, Kanye West, and other successful artists. In 2017, Roc-A-Fella Records continued to produce significant revenue, contributing to Jay-Z’s net worth.
- Kylie Jenner – Jenner Cosmetics: Kylie Jenner’s family, including her mother Kris Jenner and half-siblings Kourtney and Kim, played a significant role in the development and marketing of her cosmetics line, Jenner Cosmetics. The cosmetics line generated significant revenue in 2017, contributing to Kylie’s net worth.
- Beyoncé
-Music Industry Royalty and Merchandising: Beyoncé is a member of the music industry royalty family, with her family owning a significant share of the publishing rights to her music. Her husband, Jay-Z, also contributes to the family’s net worth through his record label and other business ventures. In 2017, the couple’s joint merchandising efforts, such as the On the Run II Tour, generated significant revenue, contributing to their joint net worth. - Tyra Banks – Bankable Productions: Tyra Banks’ family, including her mother and father, played a significant role in her early career, providing financial support and guidance. In 2017, her production company, Bankable Productions, produced several successful TV shows and documentaries, generating significant revenue and contributing to her net worth.
The Impact of Family Businesses on Celebrities’ Wealth
The examples above demonstrate the significant role that family businesses played in the net worth of these celebrities in 2017. These businesses provided a financial foundation that allowed them to focus on their careers and build their wealth. The income generated from these family businesses, such as music publishing rights, record labels, cosmetics sales, and merchandise revenue, contributed to their net worth.
Key Takeaways:
The success of these celebrities is not solely due to their individual talents or hard work. In many cases, their family businesses played a crucial role in their financial success. Here are some key takeaways:
- Families can play a vital role in shaping the financial success of their members.
- Family businesses can provide a financial foundation that allows celebrities to focus on their careers.
- The income generated from family businesses, such as music publishing rights, record labels, and merchandise revenue, can contribute significantly to a celebrity’s net worth.
Closing Summary

As we delve into the world of Forbes Richest Celebrities 2017 Net Worth, we gain a glimpse into the extraordinary lives of those who have achieved unparalleled success. It’s a journey that’s both fascinating and enlightening, offering a glimpse into the making of legends and the secrets behind their wealth.
From the sports icons to the reality TV personalities, every individual on this list has a story to tell, a tale of triumph and perseverance that echoes through the ages. As we reflect on their journeys, we’re reminded that success is within reach, no matter what challenges we face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the criteria for calculating the net worth of celebrities listed in Forbes Richest Celebrities 2017 Net Worth?
A: The net worth of celebrities is calculated by Forbes based on a comprehensive analysis of their income from various sources, including music sales, concert tours, endorsement deals, merchandise sales, and business ventures.
Q: How do family businesses contribute to the net worth of celebrities?
A: Family businesses play a significant role in the net worth of celebrities, providing a safety net and financial stability. Many celebrities inherit family businesses or are involved in their families’ entrepreneurial ventures, which contribute significantly to their net worth.
Q: What is the role of taxes in affecting the net worth of celebrities?
A: Taxes can significantly impact the net worth of celebrities, particularly in the United States. Celebrities take advantage of tax loopholes and deductions, which can reduce their tax liability and increase their net worth.
Q: How do reality TV personalities contribute to their net worth?
A: Reality TV personalities generate income from their reality TV shows, endorsement deals, and business ventures. Their net worth is often significantly boosted by their reality TV careers, which provide a continuous stream of income.
Q: Can anyone achieve the level of wealth and success demonstrated by the celebrities listed in Forbes Richest Celebrities 2017 Net Worth?
A: While it’s highly unlikely that anyone can replicate the exact net worth and success of these celebrities, their stories serve as inspiration and motivation. By learning from their strategies, hard work, and determination, anyone can achieve their goals and build a successful career.