Ranked: Top 10 Highest-Paid Celebrities
It can be hard to make money in media—but for those lucky enough to make it to the big leagues, the payoff can be astronomical .
In 2021, the world’s 10 highest-paid celebrities earned a combined $2.7 billion. Who are these high-earning entertainers, and how do they make their hundreds of millions?
Using data from Forbes, this graphic by Athul Alexander highlights the top paid entertainers around the world, based on 2021 pre-tax earnings (minus business expenses such as management fees, agent costs, etc).
The Highest-Paid Celebrities in 2021
The world’s celebrities may be well known for the media they produce, but the bulk of their earnings are made through business dealings.
First on the list is New Zealand director Peter Jackson, best known for directing, producing, and writing the screenplays for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies.
| Rank | Name | Nationality | 2021 pre-tax earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peter Jackson |  New Zealander | $580 million |
| 2 | Bruce Springsteen |  American | $435 million |
| 3 | Jay-Z | American | $340 million |
| 4 | Dwanye “The Rock” Johnson |  American/Canadian | $270 million |
| 5 | Kanye West | American | $235 million |
| 6 | Trey Parker and Matt Stone | American | $210 million |
| 7 | Paul Simon | American | $200 million |
| 8 | Tyler Perry | American | $165 million |
| 9 | Ryan Tedder | American | $160 million |
| 10 | Bob Dylan | American | $130 million |
In addition to creating and directing blockbuster hits, Jackson is also the founder of the VFX studio Weta Digital, (Read more…)