Merv Griffin

Celebrities are a mixed bag. From being masters of their craft (like Anthony Hopkins) to being famous just for sake of being famous (Kim Kardashian), celebrities have managed to make the whole world (or a good chunk of it) hang off of their every word. From actors and comedians to models, reality TV stars and Youtubers, these people have one thing in common – they’ve managed to break through all the clutter and propel themselves to stardom.

Most wannabe celebrities earn very little… hopefuls post clips on YouTube that no one watches, most reality TV contestants earn next to nothing, and the average member of the Screen Actors Guild earns less than $1,000 per year from acting jobs. But the celebrities on our list are different. They’ve leveraged their exposure, personal brands, sponsorships and captured the limelight (and associated dollars) anyway they can.

Ultimately, to make the big bucks as a celebrity, you need to be prepared to sell your name, look, face and body… and turn as much as you can into products. Yes, money comes from appearances and roles in big productions, but many celebrities have made their wealth through selling books, biographies, clothing lines and perfume. From their weddings to photos of their first child, everything’s for sale. And, based on the net worth of 10 top celebrities, it seems to be worth it!