Top 10 Celebrity Entrepreneurs

Using fame and power to create business opportunities just makes sense. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 celebrity entrepreneurs.

For this list, we’ve chosen the people who, after they found fame, used their status to create new businesses for themselves. People who became famous for their business acumen like Donald Trump, Gordon Ramsay or Steve Jobs don’t qualify.

A rapper whose main claim to fame at the beginning of his career was a relationship with Eminem and nine bullet wounds, Fiddy used his instincts and hard work to turn his notoriety into a fortune. Turning G-Unit from a musical act to a brand; he started a record label, film production companies and a clothing line under the name, among other things. Also investing in platinum mining and working with major corporations to develop everything from vitamin waters to sneakers, there’s no questioning Fiddy’s ability to make a deal. He took that “Get rich or die tryin’” mantra to heart.

Purported to be one of the busiest men in Hollywood, the “American Idol” host and radio personality turned those gigs into a position of power in the business world. Whether you’re a fan or hater of the legion of Kardashian-related TV shows, you have the production company that bears his name to thank. And, if you’re hoping to get a keyboard attachment for your iPhone or would like to suit up, you can turn to him too. We can only guess what his next business venture will be, but based on his track record, we’re certainly not betting against it.

Though it was his position as the founder of Bad Boy Records that first introduced Sean Combs to the world in 1993, it was his performances in music that made him a star. A man who seems to have a vision for everything he does, Diddy is a music mogul, fashion guru, television producer and restaurateur who holds interest in Ciroc vodka and the Enyce clothing line amongst other things. Never afraid to boast about his success, the man has certainly earned that right. Mo money does not actually equal mo problems, we guess.

For most models, an appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue would be a big enough accomplishment. But this American beauty chose not to rest on her laurels. In 1993, at the height of her modelling success, Ireland lent her name to a line of socks and turned that first success into a full-fledged brand. kathy ireland Worldwide markets an estimated 15,000 products globally and brings in about $2 billion annually, making its namesake one of the world’s richest former models, and an inspiration to modelpreneurs everywhere.

A beloved actor who’d amassed a personal fortune vast enough that it allowed him and his family to live comfortably, Mr. Newman was inspired to give back and, in 1982, he created Newman’s Own with author friend A. E. Hotchner. Giving one hundred percent of its after-tax profits to the Newman’s Own Foundation, the company has donated over $380 million to various charities over the years. An entrepreneur and philanthropist of the highest order, Paul’s legacy has lived on after the actor’s 2008 death and continues to help people worldwide.

A man who’s living the American dream, Andre Young used his ample servings of skill, ingenuity and determination to become a very wealthy man. First taking the music biz by storm as a performer and producer, he earned the power he desired and deserved as the founder of multiple record companies, before striking a plethora of other business deals. Stealing headlines worldwide in 2014 when Beats – the company he co-founded with Jimmy Iovine – was sold to Apple for $3 billion in cash and stock, Dre’s latest success ensures his efforts remain fruitful and that he’s one of hip-hop’s richest men.

Formerly one of the sports world’s biggest stars until his career on the court was effectively ended due to his HIV diagnosis, Magic was determined not to lay down and die. Setting his sights on the business realm, Johnson educated himself and sharpened his business acumen, eventually founding Magic Johnson Enterprises, a record label and a chain of movie theaters, and purchasing 125 Starbucks franchises in urban neighborhoods. Never forgetting his roots, Magic also invested in sports, at one time becoming a minority owner of the LA Lakers and currently part owner of both the LA Dodgers and Sparks.

An artist with a business portfolio as varied as his musical influences, Jay-Z is one of the world’s best-selling musicians, but he also has a sixth sense when it comes to divining winning business opportunities. Part owner of a basketball team, founder of a clothing line and music label, he holds the careers of more people in his hands than most can imagine. Seemingly never satisfied, he recently branched out even further into the sports world by launching the management group Roc Nation Sports, in conjunction with Creative Arts Agency. He’s got 99 problems, but the biz ain’t one.

#2: Oprah Winfrey