70s and 80s Stars Who Are Still Millionaires Today

The biggest names of the 70s and 80s did more than headline blockbusters and pack stadiums. Many built careers that keep paying through smart deals, ownership stakes, and projects that never fall out of rotation. Even as the industry keeps changing, these veterans continue to earn from libraries that stream everywhere and brands that still sell.

This list looks at how these stars structured their work to keep cash flowing. You will see profit participation on hit franchises, catalogs that generate steady royalties, savvy investments, and ventures that turn fame into durable businesses. These are the practical reasons they remain millionaires today.

Harrison Ford

Blockbuster franchises keep Harrison Ford at the center of reliable revenue. Roles in ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Indiana Jones’ were tied to high upfront pay and profit participation on films that continue to sell across home entertainment and global platforms, which means residuals arrive long after opening weekends. Licensing related to those worlds also helps his library keep working for him.

New projects add fresh income on top of legacy hits. Ford returned to ‘Star Wars’ in ‘The Force Awakens’ and led another ‘Indiana Jones’ entry, and he moved into prestige television with ‘1923’. These jobs come with major salaries, and they keep his name active with audiences, which supports ongoing demand for his catalog.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone created the ‘Rocky’ character and wrote the original story, and that authorship has meant decades of payments from sequels, spinoffs, and ongoing distribution. The ‘Rambo’ films add another durable series that keeps running on television and streaming, which translates into regular residuals.

He also built fresh revenue through producing and brand extensions. ‘Creed’ revived the boxing world for new generations while producer credits expanded his earnings, and ‘The Expendables’ tapped his action pedigree with global results. Reality and documentary projects like ‘The Family Stallone’ and international endorsements keep the income diversified.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger turned action films into an enduring business. Franchises like ‘Terminator’ continue to pay through residuals and new formats, while classics such as ‘Predator’ and ‘Total Recall’ stay in circulation across platforms. Early deals that included profit participation on hits extended earnings well beyond initial release.

He reinforced film money with ownership and entrepreneurship. Long running investments in real estate and fitness events build steady returns, and new work like the spy series ‘Fubar’ adds streamer scale pay. Licensing for fitness and wellness products leverages his global name recognition into ongoing royalties.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise pairs leading roles with producer power, which turns blockbusters into long tail income. The ‘Mission Impossible’ series reflects this structure, with participation in grosses and strong aftermarkets. The return of ‘Top Gun’ delivered another surge of global revenue that continues through premium video and television windows.

Cruise also manages his release strategies and marketing with unusual control, which improves terms and back end for each title. Because his films travel well, international markets and airline and hotel licensing support library value. That steady demand helps maintain millionaire status between releases.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy’s film and voice work generate checks in multiple lanes. The ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ franchise remains a draw, and the newest entry brought a modern streaming payout. Voice roles in the ‘Shrek’ series keep paying through sequels, spinoffs, and constant family rewatching across services.

He has also reactivated stand up and film development that come with sizable deals. ‘Coming 2 America’ introduced a fresh round of rights and residuals, and new specials build subscription value for platforms that pay premium rates. Together with a deep catalog on television, those streams sustain high earnings.

Bill Murray

Bill Murray benefits from films that never leave rotation. ‘Ghostbusters’ pays through constant reruns and new installments, and ‘Groundhog Day’ remains a perennial library title that performs every year. Appearances in later ‘Ghostbusters’ films add new checks to existing residuals.

He augments that with business ventures and selective commercial work. The William Murray Golf apparel brand and the Caddyshack themed restaurants create non film revenue, and narration and advertising projects are priced for his celebrity reach. That mix keeps cash flowing even between movie sets.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington pairs top tier acting fees with producing and directing, which widens income on each project. The ‘Equalizer’ films deliver franchise scale pay with residuals in global markets, and dramatic leads like ‘Training Day’ continue to license well on television and streaming.

Behind the camera he directs and produces adaptations of major stage works, which creates producing fees and a share of profits. Partnerships with studios and streamers for these projects include development funds and back end. Theater work and mentorship roles add paid engagements that fit alongside film schedules.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg draws a significant salary from daytime television. ‘The View’ provides steady annual income and visibility that supports book releases, speaking engagements, and other media projects. The show’s syndication and digital clips also help her brand reach new audiences daily.

Her film and stage catalog continues to generate residuals. ‘Sister Act’ titles are steady earners, and with a new sequel in development the value of that property remains active. Producer credits, audiobook narration, and licensing for stage adaptations extend her earnings beyond on screen roles.

Cher

Cher built a touring engine that continues to generate strong returns. Global tours and Las Vegas residencies command premium ticket prices and merchandise sales, with VIP experiences and broadcast specials adding more layers of revenue. Those runs also boost catalog streaming during and after each tour.

Film work and brand lines keep the business diverse. Roles like ‘Moonstruck’ remain in demand across platforms, and modern appearances in films such as ‘Mamma Mia Here We Go Again’ introduce her to younger viewers. Fragrance, fashion collaborations, and wellness products create royalties unrelated to touring schedules.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton owns key publishing rights, which means royalties flow every time classics like I Will Always Love You or Jolene are played, covered, or used in films and series. Sync placements and cover versions keep those songs active in new media, which translates into reliable checks.

She also operates a theme park and hospitality portfolio under the Dollywood brand, which produces year round revenue from ticketing, lodging, and licensing. Books, television specials, and product lines add family friendly business lines that fit her brand and provide durable earnings.

Elton John

Elton John’s farewell tour drew massive attendance worldwide, which created significant revenue from tickets and merchandise over multiple years. Live albums and concert films connected to the tour keep the momentum going across streaming and broadcast windows.

Publishing and licensing continue to deliver. The biopic ‘Rocketman’ boosted discovery and streaming for his catalog, and sync placements put classic songs in new series and films. Ongoing management and production under his company maintain activity that supports long term cash flow.

Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen continues to sell out arenas, which turns touring into a powerful income source every year he hits the road. Dynamic ticketing, official live recordings, and strong merchandise programs extend revenue beyond the shows themselves.

He also monetized his catalog through a sale to a major label group, which provided immediate capital while keeping his music widely available. ‘Springsteen on Broadway’ added a premium run that generated theater revenue and a filmed special, and archival releases keep core fans purchasing new editions.

Madonna

Madonna’s global tours remain top earners, with the Celebration Tour pulling strong grosses across continents. Sales of commemorative merchandise and special edition releases push additional revenue during each cycle.

Her extensive catalog keeps streaming at high levels, and licensing deals for films and series use her hits in new contexts. Brand collaborations in fashion and beauty align with her image and bring long running royalty streams, while film producing and directing projects add development fees and future back end.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey built a production empire that continues to pay. Harpo Productions controls a valuable library from ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’ and related specials, which supports licensing and new compilations. The OWN network adds carriage fees, advertising, and co production arrangements.

Equity has been a major driver of wealth. Stakes in media and consumer companies have produced gains over time, and partnerships around books and streaming content bring both fees and ownership. Speaking, live events, and curated product lines provide additional income channels that do not depend on daily broadcasting.

Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan’s films continue to earn in multiple markets. The ‘Rush Hour’ series remains a global favorite, while Asian hits like ‘Police Story’ keep strong catalog performance through remasters and streaming. Voice work in franchises such as ‘Kung Fu Panda’ adds family audience reach and reliable residuals.

He turned his name into a business platform. Production companies, brand endorsements across Asia, and licensed products generate broad income, and ventures like cinema ownership and restaurants diversify revenue. With a career that spans continents and formats, his library and businesses continue to support millionaire status.

Share the 70s and 80s stars you think still belong on this list in the comments.