By S. Tia Brown
Hollywood’s hottest fathers are using their famous faces to build financial security for generations to come. For a chosen few dads, entertainment talent is a commodity that can be cashed in on. Whether your talent is making a shot or calling them, tinseltown’s leading mean are creating wealth by capitalizing on their God given skills. And the best part? These men have amassed more money than most can spend in a lifetime, so their offspring will be able to enjoy the spoils of dad’s, grandpa’s or — if they’ve invested right — great-grandpa’s hard work. Here’s a list of Hollywood fathers with the hottest – and most lucrative — brands.
1. Barack Obama, $5.5 million
The first African-American President of the United States notably pulled himself up by his own bootstraps and joined the millionaires club before becoming the leader of world’s most powerful nation. President Obama, 48, currently earns $400,000 annually, but his post term income – which will likely include speaking engagements – is expected to eclipse that number. He has earned his current million-dollar fortune in the media biz through his two books ‘Dreams From My Father,’ and ‘The Audacity of Hope.’ He has two daughters, Malia, 11, and Sasha, 8.
2. Eddie Murphy, $55 million
The funny business has paid off for Eddie Murphy. The actor and comedian’s films have grossed more than $3.4 billion worldwide. He’s best known for his uncanny ability as a character actor in works such as ‘Coming to America’ and ‘The Nutty Professor.’ Murphy has eight children ranging from 20 to 2-years-old.
3. Johnny Depp, $74 million
Johnny Depp’s handsome face frequently graces the covers of magazines as one of Hollywood’s sexiest men, but he’s also one of the wealthiest. After nibbling at stardom with his role on the 80’s hit series ’21 Jump Street,’ Depp, 46, retreated to film. The move paid off. His performances in the billion-dollar blockbuster franchise, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean,’ rendered the handsome face a household name. Daddy dearest has two children, Lily-Rose, 10, and John, 7.
4. Will Smith, $80 million
Willard Smith, Jr. has redefined the term “Big Willy style.” The rapper-turned-movie star, now 41, is one of the few African American actors who can demand top billing on any film project. The Philly native’s moniker has become synonymous with breaking box office records after having eight films, including ‘Independence Day,’ ‘Men in Black’ and ‘The Pursuit of Happyness,’ earn more than $100 million each. Smith has three children: Trey, 14, Jaden, 11, and Willow, 9.
5. Michael Jackson, $250 million
Despite his untimely death on June 25, 2009, the undisputed king of pop’s reign continues. The skillful musician’s estate was once valued at $2 billion, the accumulation in part from the millions in sales of his chart-topping albums, such as ‘Bad,’ ‘HIStory’ and ‘Dangerous.’ His estate recently signed a $250 million contract with Sony ensuring the financial security of his immediate family. Three children have survived Jackson, Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11 and Prince Michael II, 7.
6. Brad Pitt, $150 million
Life for William Bradley Pitt is anything but the pits. The Hollywood hottie, now 45, has starred in films such as ‘Interview with a Vampire,’ ‘Legends of the Fall’ and ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ – where he infamously met his current mate, Angelina Jolie. The couple has three adopted children and three biological children.
7. David Beckham, $200 million
Who wouldn’t want to kick it with Beckham? At 34, David Beckham is indisputably the most recognizable face of soccer internationally. He is the proud papa of three adorable sons: Brooklyn, 10, Romeo, 7 and Cruz, 4. Life’s truly a ball.
8. Earvin “Magic” Johnson, $500 million
Former NBA star Earvin “Magic” Johnson has proven that he is the ideal franchise player. After spending 13 years with the Los Angeles Lakers, Magic, now 50, executed a full court press on the world of business. His company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, owns an array of businesses — including movies theaters and Starbucks stores. The businessman has three children: Andre, 29, Earvin III, a teen, and Elisa, a pre-teen.
9. Michael Jordan, $525 million
Michael Jordan is one of the most revered figures in the history of sports. The former NBA star, now 46, is the name behind one of Nike’s most successful sneaker lines, Air Jordans. During Jordan’s tenure with the Chicago Bull’s in the 90’s the brand developed a cult-like following, which resulted in billions in earnings. Jordan has three teenage children: Jeffrey, Marcus and Jasmine.
10. Tiger Woods, $600 million
Golf only has one champion – and that man is Eldrick “Tiger” Woods. The athlete has been the sport’s top earner for 10 of the 14 years he’s competed professionally. His phenomenal record has resulted in a plethora of endorsements from brands such as Nike, Tag Hauer and AT&T – he’s estimated to earn $2 million a week! Woods may be facing a messy, expensive divorce, but throughout the ordeal he has continually expressed his love for his kids. Woods, 33, has a daughter, Sam Alexis Woods, 2, and a son, Charlie Axel Woods, 1.
