By FORBES,
Another great list from Forbes..
Giorgio Armani
Italy
Net worth: $5 billion
Best known for his apparel, Armani now also makes perfume, baby clothes, home décor and watches; just inked a deal with Samsung to produce LCD TVs. Continues to market the brand as lifestyle, and has licensed his name for a string of hotels; in fall 2007, opened his first spa, at the new Armani complex in Tokyo's Ginza district. Goes to the gym for at least an hour a day.
Michael Bloomberg
U.S.
Net worth: $11.5 billion
The New York mayor, media mogul spent $85 million on re-election in 2005; sum was $11 million more than in his first election 2001. Now the nation's most famous mayor, thanks to persistent rumors that he might jump into the presidential race. He recently put an end to that chatter in a New York Times op-ed piece but now all eyes are on him to see which candidate he'll endorse.
Ralph Lauren
U.S.
Net worth: $4.2 billion
Launched Polo with $50,000 in 1967. Sold 28% of company to Goldman Sachs for $138 million 1994; took public 1997. Today classic designs span men's and women's clothing, luggage, house paint, furniture, fragrances; new line Rugby now experimenting with "punk meets preppy" for younger generations. Signed exclusive deal with Wimbledon to dress umpires, ballplayers in French navy RLX Tennis duds.
George Lucas
U.S.
Net worth: $3.9 billion
Star Wars creator working with fellow billionaire Steven Spielberg on fourth Indiana Jones movie to be released in May. Directed first movie, THX 1138, while studying film at University of Southern California. Then Star Wars: original 1977 film remains 18th-best-grossing movie of all time with $800 million worldwide. Combined worldwide box office of all six Star Wars films: $4.3 billion. Combined sales toys, other merchandise, even richer: $13.5 billion.
J.K. Rowling
U.K.
Net worth: $1 billion
Once a single mother living on welfare in a cold-water flat in Edinburgh, Scotland, Rowling is now the only billionaire author on our list. The seventh and last installment of her wildly successful Harry Potter series was released last July to throngs of rabid fans who made it the fastest-selling book of all time. More than 11 million copies were sold in the first 24 hours. Feeding the Potter hype machine: The film version of the fifth book came out the same month.
Steven Spielberg
U.S.
Net worth: $3 billion
Hollywood's hugest hit maker was rejected by the best film schools. Enrolled, then dropped out of California State University, Long Beach. First movie, Duel, made for TV. Third movie, Jaws, started unparalleled run of blockbusters (E.T., Indiana Jones movies, Jurassic Park, many more) and epic dramas (Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan).
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