[Tytalus]

This is a hypothetical question since becoming a celebrity is realistically out of reach.

So. That said, what kind of celebrities can make the most $$ in a given year?

When I say Celebrity, I'm talking about anything except business people, religious figures and politicians. I'm talking about Actors, Athletes, Musicians, Singers, Writers etc.

Thoughts?

[Pyre]

acting and singing for those who make it

[Wreckingball]

is bill gates a celebrity?

[pheonix500000]

(11-23-2013 07:18 PM)Wreckingball Wrote:  

is bill gates a celebrity?

NOPE, actors really rake in the dough.

[Laner]

Singers with production power.

[Pyre]

deleted

[Blaster]

My impression is that the particular field matters less than your ability to be the best and capitalize on success.

It seems to me that singers, actors, and authors seem to have a better shot at becoming successful producers (eg Tom Cruise, Jay-Z, JK Rowling) than athletes. Also, singers and actors (especially film actors) can have their earnies tied to the revenues of the specific products meaning potential is extraordinary.

But generally speaking, it's far more important to be near the top of whichever field you're in. Ashton Kutcher made $24 million for doing Two and a Half Men (plus whatever royalties he might have collected on movies that are still generating revenue). David Beckham is reportedly earning $46 million playing for the LA Galaxy. Incomes for top NFL quarterbacks are in that range as well (although portions of that come from endorsements.)

A big difference with athletes, too, is that their skills always decline, become less valuable, and eventually hit the wall usually before age 40 and often well before that. It's hard to do, but in theory singers and actors can continue on in their original profession indefinitely and retire whenever they want.

[Pyre]

(11-23-2013 10:19 PM)Blaster Wrote:  

Ashton Kutcher made $24 million for doing Two and a Half Men (plus whatever royalties he might have collected on movies that are still generating revenue).

Not arguing, but I dunno how Kutcher made it to the top of his field.

[Laner]

2012

Oprah- $165 million
Michael Bay- $160 million
Speilberg- 130
Bruckheimer- 115
Dr. Dre- 110
Tyler Perry- 105
Stern- 95
.
.
.
.
.
Manny Pacquiao- 67

Dominated by film and TV. Must say I was a little shocked.

[LeBeau]

I think a big factor in this discussion will come down to the difference between Median wages, and Average wages for a given occupation...

[Blaster]

(11-24-2013 01:37 AM)Laner Wrote:  

2012

Oprah- $165 million
Michael Bay- $160 million
Speilberg- 130
Bruckheimer- 115
Dr. Dre- 110
Tyler Perry- 105
Stern- 95
.
.
.
.
.
Manny Pacquiao- 67

Dominated by film and TV. Must say I was a little shocked.

You'll note that all of the names at the top have primary ownership and control of their business. They don't work for anyone, and have produced phenomenally popular entertainment. They've been leaders and risk-takers who have done it consistently for many years. Stern, for example, gave the finger to traditional broadcasting launched shows himself on satellite radio.

When you look at sports, it's a lot harder for athletes to make their way to the top of the mountain. Even a guy like John Elway, who did transition into a leadership role with the Denver Broncos, is still only "Executive Vice President of Football Operations" making $3 million a year; while Forbes estimates Pat Bowlen's net worth to be $1.0 Billion.

[Blaster]

(11-23-2013 10:32 PM)Pyre Wrote:  

(11-23-2013 10:19 PM)Blaster Wrote:  

Ashton Kutcher made $24 million for doing Two and a Half Men (plus whatever royalties he might have collected on movies that are still generating revenue).

Not arguing, but I dunno how Kutcher made it to the top of his field.

Note that he's at the top of the field of TV Actors only. As a film actor he's A-list but definitely not "the top of the field."

As for how? Talent + looks + fame from doing That 70s Show plus a bunch of movies, and also the history of being married to Demi Moore and a regular tabloid presence. Finally, making a deal to trade his fame to be on a lowest-common-denominator sitcom where he'll get a steady, massive paycheck for all the viewers he'll bring in.

[kinjutsu]

It would have to be movie actors or television actors on a top 5 tv show with 5+ season completed.
The money rolling in from rebroadcasts keeps it near movie actors.
Once you have your name out there as an actor you can parlay the name recognition into starting a production company or start a clothing line or something that the female masses can buy into.
I.e. Katy Perry is coming out with a fragrance. There were a few girls in the club on Friday night wearing it.

Music doesn't make you the type of money you think it does. Most artists want to break into acting in some shape or form.

[clever alias]

depends on the individual.
diddy is a terrible musician but a marketing genius
OJ was an athlete who retired to acting

[Tytalus]

Good discussion and food for thought - thanks for the info guys!