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Oprah Winfrey, J.K. Rowling, Martha Stewart Top List of Wealthiest Women in Entertainment
To be sure, Oprah Winfrey didn’t need to be put on a list of women in entertainment to grab the top spot as “wealthiest.” The woman who drives a billion dollar business almost certainly would enjoy that moniker in several categories whether it was confined to women or included men. As it stands, Forbes listed their 20 Wealthiest Women in Entertainment and Oprah’s $1.5 billion fortune was enough to earn her top billing.
Winfrey, 52, has conquered just about every media market she has entered since beginning her Oprah Winfrey Show over two decades ago. With a satellite radio station, a magazine, a syndicated talk show all apart of her Harpo brand, Winfrey should remain atop this list for some time.
Number two on the list has a lot in common with Winfrey. J.K. Rowling had to struggle for some time before becoming on of the wealthiest people on the planet. Rowling was on government assistance while she was penning her first Harry Potter book and now is worth a reported $1 billion. The massive success of the Harry Potter book series, along with movie rights, marketing endorsements, and the like has brought Rowling the massive windfall. With her final Harry Potter book in the works she may just have some time to enjoy her spoils.
Martha Stewart has proven adversity can’t keep her down. Even after a brief stay behind bars the media mogul has retained her ability to earn money. While it may not be at the rate she had before she is still worth $638 million, good enough for number three on the Forbes list.
A surprise to some, Madonna landed at number four on the list of wealthiest women in entertainment with a fortune estimated at $325 million. The Material Girl has staying power and her continued world tours and ability to invest her money have kept her well secure.
Topping out the front five is Celine Dion who is worth $250 million. Dion signed a huge contract deal to perform in Vegas and her record sales continue to produce revenue
While the top of the list is dominated by established entertainment names the remainder of the list is a mixed bag of singers, models, actresses, and a judge. Yes, a judge, Judith Sheindlin, better known as Judge Judy is worth a staggering $95 million. That figure is higher than Sandra Bullock, Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman and plenty of others.
Britney Spears landed just outside the top ten to claim the number twelve spot at $100 million. Her record sales and tours have helped earn her most of her money while she has also had several endorsement deals along the way. Spears could be knocked off this list by next year depending on her divorce status and singing career.
The List of Wealthiest Women in Entertainment
1. Oprah Winfrey $1.5 billion
2. J.K. Rowling $1 billion
3. Martha Stewart $638 million
4. Madonna $325 million
5. Celine Dion $250 million
6. Mariah Carey $225 million
7. Janet Jackson $150 million
8. Julia Roberts $140 million
9. Jennifer Lopez $110 million
10. Jennifer Aniston $110 million
11. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen $100 million
12. Britney Spears $100 million
13. Judge Judy (Sheindlin) $95 million
14. Sandra Bullock $85 million
15. Cameron Diaz $75 million
16. Gisele Bundchen $70 million
17. Ellen DeGeneres $65 million
18. Nicole Kidman $60 million
19. Christina Aguilera $60 million
20. Renee Zellweger $45 million
