Though the stars get the headlines, it’s almost always the people behind the scenes who rake in the most cash in Hollywood. Case in point: According to the new Forbes magazine tally, the list of the highest-paid men in entertainment is led by actor/director/screenwriter/producer/author Tyler Perry, whose films have grossed more than $500 million worldwide.
He tops a list — measuring the entertainers’ earnings from May 2010 to May 2011 — that also includes Steven Spielberg, Simon Cowell and one of the only actors on the list, Leonardo DiCaprio.
How did Perry make it to the top with $130 million over the past year? Thanks to fat checks from his TV shows, “Meet the Browns” and “House of Payne,” as well as his hit series of movies based around his drag character Madea and his upcoming rare acting role as the titular detective in I, Alex Cross.
Just behind Perry is über-producer Jerry Bruckheimer at $113 million, which comes from his take for the $1 billion-grossing fourth installment of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, as well as his hand in producing a number of hit TV shows, including “The Amazing Race” and the “CSI” franchise.
Legendary director Steven Spielberg is third with $107 million, earned in part from his upcoming pair of big-budget films, “War Horse” and “The Adventures of Tintin.”
Fourth is the only musician on the list, piano pounder Elton John ($100 million), whose riches come from his back catalog and a world tour that grossed $204 million.
“X Factor” judge/creator Simon Cowell is clearly not hurting since his departure from “American Idol,” as he rounds out the top five with $90 million.
Also in the top 10: author James Patterson ($84 million), TV talker Dr. Phil McGraw ($80 million), DiCaprio ($77 million), satellite radio titan Howard Stern ($76 million) and disgraced golfer Tiger Woods ($75 million).
MTV
