Steven Spielberg and Leonardo DiCaprio may be huge names in Hollywood, but neither topped this year’s “Highest Paid Men in Entertainment” list. That honor goes to Tyler Perry, who raked in more than $130 million between May 2010 and May 2011.
Perry, who has made plenty of money from his drag character Madea on the big screen, also collects a hefty check from his two TV shows “Meet the Browns” and “House of Payne.”
Jerry Bruckheimer, who is second on Forbes’ list with $113 million, also used both movies and televisions to make his fortune. Bruckheimer is a producer on a number of hit TV shows like “The Amazing Race,” and “CSI.” He was also behind the latest “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie, which grossed more than $1 billion worldwide.
Steven Spielberg , who is finally getting back into the director’s chair, took third on the “Highest Paid Men in Entertainment ” list. Spielberg brought in $107 million last year and should be a shoo-in for 2012, since Spielberg has two big budget movies coming out soon, “War Horse” and “The Adventures of Tintin.”
Elton John was the first, and only, musician on the list. Sir Elton had a world tour that grossed more than $200 million last year. And of course, there is his extensive back catalogue that continues to stuff Elton’s pockets full of money.
Simon Cowell rounds out the top five. Cowell left the popular show “ American Idol ,” but it doesn’t look like he’s struggling too much. Cowell made $90 million over the last year and is launching his new show, “The X Factor,” this September.
James Patterson, Dr. Phill, Leonardo DiCaprio, Howard Stern, and Tiger Woods complete the list.
Were you surprised to see Tyler Perry on the top of the list? What about Dr. Phil, or Simon Cowell?
