In a black-and-white photo, an 8-year-old boy smiles at the camera, unaware he’d one day become the world’s richest celebrity. That boy is now worth an estimated $5.3 billion, more than George Lucas, Michael Jordan, or Oprah.
Though not often seen on screen, his work is legendary. He directed Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park, and Indiana Jones. He also earns 2% from Universal Studios theme park ticket sales, adding millions to his fortune.

Steven Spielberg began making amateur films as a teen. At 17, he created Firelight for $500 and made a $1 profit. By 1969, after the success of his short Amblin, he became the youngest director signed by a major Hollywood studio.
Spielberg’s films have made over $10 billion globally. His top-grossing hits include Jurassic Park, E.T., and Indiana Jones. Even his more serious films like Schindler’s List and Catch Me If You Can cement his legacy as one of cinema’s greatest visionaries.