The Richest LGBTQ+ Celebs of All Time, Ranked

The world of entertainment and business has seen incredible contributions from the LGBTQ+ community, with many figures achieving monumental financial success. From tech moguls and fashion icons to beloved actors and musicians, these individuals have built vast empires and lasting legacies. This list ranks the wealthiest LGBTQ+ celebrities and public figures based on their estimated net worth, showcasing their professional achievements and influence.

Neil Patrick Harris

Best known for his role as Barney Stinson on the sitcom ‘How I Met Your Mother’, Neil Patrick Harris has enjoyed a prolific career in television, film, and theater. He began his career as a child actor in ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ and has since hosted the Tony Awards and the Academy Awards. His versatility as a performer extends to Broadway, where he won a Tony Award for his performance in ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’. Harris has also authored children’s books and remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Portia de Rossi

Australian-American actress Portia de Rossi gained widespread recognition for her roles in the legal drama ‘Ally McBeal’ and the sitcom ‘Arrested Development’. She has been a fixture on television for decades, with other notable credits including ‘Scandal’ and ‘Better Off Ted’. Beyond her acting career, she is known for her philanthropy and business ventures in the art world. She has been married to comedian Ellen DeGeneres since 2008, forming one of Hollywood’s most powerful couples.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne transitioned from a highly successful modeling career to becoming a sought-after actress in Hollywood. She has starred in major films such as ‘Paper Towns’, ‘Suicide Squad’, and ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’. Her work in fashion includes campaigns for major luxury brands like Burberry, Chanel, and Dolce & Gabbana. Delevingne is also known for her advocacy regarding mental health and LGBTQ+ rights, openly discussing her pansexuality.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné began her career as a child star on ‘The Cosby Show’ before achieving massive success with her own Disney Channel series, ‘That’s So Raven’. Her work with Disney extended to movies and music, making her a household name and a significant earner for the network. She later returned to the franchise with the spin-off ‘Raven’s Home’ and served as a co-host on the talk show ‘The View’. Her longevity in the industry has secured her a place among the wealthiest former child stars.

RuPaul

As the world’s most famous drag queen, RuPaul Charles has built a multimedia empire centered around the ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ franchise. The reality competition show has spawned numerous international spin-offs, earning RuPaul multiple Emmy Awards for hosting and producing. His career began in the music scene of New York City and includes hit songs like “Supermodel (You Better Work)”. RuPaul’s business ventures extend to merchandise, books, and acting roles in film and television.

Melissa Etheridge

Melissa Etheridge is a rock icon known for her raspy vocals and confessional lyrics, with hits like “Come to My Window” and “I’m the Only One”. She broke barriers in the music industry by publicly coming out as a lesbian in 1993, at the height of her fame. Her career has earned her two Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Etheridge continues to tour and record, maintaining a loyal fanbase and a significant net worth from her music catalog.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart skyrocketed to global fame as Bella Swan in ‘The Twilight Saga’, which grossed over $3.3 billion worldwide. She successfully transitioned to critically acclaimed independent films, earning an Academy Award nomination for her role as Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’. Stewart has also served as a brand ambassador for Chanel and Balenciaga, further boosting her income. She identifies as bisexual and has become a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in cinema.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is a pioneering figure in hip-hop who seamlessly transitioned into a successful career as an actress and producer. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the musical ‘Chicago’ and has starred in box office hits like ‘Bringing Down the House’ and ‘Girls Trip’. Her production company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, has produced numerous films and television projects. Latifah has long been a powerful presence in media, recently starring in the hit series ‘The Equalizer’.

Cardi B

Cardi B made history as the first female rapper to win a Grammy for Best Rap Album as a solo artist. Her debut single “Bodak Yellow” turned her into an overnight sensation, leading to a string of chart-topping hits. Beyond music, she has secured lucrative endorsement deals and appeared in films like ‘Hustlers’. She has openly discussed her bisexuality and remains one of the most influential and highest-earning figures in modern hip-hop.

Bryan Singer

Director Bryan Singer is known for launching the modern superhero film genre with ‘X-Men’ and its sequels. His filmography includes the critically acclaimed thriller ‘The Usual Suspects’ and the massive biographical hit ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. Despite facing significant controversies and legal battles in recent years, his box office track record has generated substantial wealth. His films have grossed billions globally, cementing his financial status in the industry.

Barry Manilow

Barry Manilow is one of the world’s best-selling recording artists, with a career spanning more than five decades. He is responsible for classic hits such as “Mandy”, “Copacabana (At the Copa)”, and “Can’t Smile Without You”. Manilow has headlined long-running residencies in Las Vegas, which have been a major source of his continued wealth. He publicly came out as gay in 2017, confirming his long-term relationship with his manager and husband Garry Kief.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is a two-time Academy Award-winning actress and a respected director with a career that began in childhood. She starred in iconic films such as ‘The Silence of the Lambs’, ‘Taxi Driver’, and ‘The Accused’. Foster has also directed episodes for acclaimed series like ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘Black Mirror’. She publicly acknowledged her sexual orientation in a speech at the Golden Globe Awards in 2013, continuing her legacy as a Hollywood heavyweight.

Caitlyn Jenner

Caitlyn Jenner first achieved fame as an Olympic gold medalist in the decathlon at the 1976 Montreal Games. She later became a reality television star through her involvement in ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’. In 2015, she publicly came out as a transgender woman, capturing global attention and starring in her own docuseries, ‘I Am Cait’. Her memoir and various public appearances have contributed to her personal fortune.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell became a household name as a stand-up comedian and the host of her immensely popular talk show, ‘The Rosie O’Donnell Show’. Her film career includes memorable roles in ‘A League of Their Own’ and ‘Sleepless in Seattle’. She has also been a co-host on ‘The View’ and remains an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and various political causes. O’Donnell’s success in daytime television provided the foundation for her substantial net worth.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie is one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses and a dedicated humanitarian. She has starred in blockbusters like ‘Maleficent’, ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’, and ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’. Jolie is also an accomplished director and producer, with films such as ‘Unbroken’ and ‘First They Killed My Father’. She has been open about her bisexuality throughout her career and remains a powerful force in global entertainment and activism.

Drew Barrymore

Descendant of the famous Barrymore acting family, Drew Barrymore has been a star since her childhood role in ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’. She founded her own production company, Flower Films, which produced hits like ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ’50 First Dates’. Barrymore has also launched a successful cosmetics line and currently hosts her own syndicated daytime talk show. She publicly identifies as bisexual and continues to be a beloved figure in pop culture.

Lilly Wachowski

Lilly Wachowski, along with her sister Lana, is a revolutionary filmmaker responsible for ‘The Matrix’ franchise. The sisters wrote and directed the groundbreaking sci-fi trilogy, which generated billions at the box office and influenced pop culture globally. Her other works include ‘V for Vendetta’, ‘Speed Racer’, and the Netflix series ‘Sense8’. Lilly came out as a transgender woman in 2016, following her sister’s earlier transition.

Lana Wachowski

Lana Wachowski is a visionary director and writer who co-created ‘The Matrix’ universe, one of the most profitable film franchises in history. In addition to the original trilogy, she directed ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ solo in 2021. Her distinctive visual style and storytelling have earned her a place among cinema’s most influential creators. She was the first major Hollywood director to come out as transgender, receiving the Human Rights Campaign’s Visibility Award.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin is a global pop sensation often credited with bringing Latin pop to the forefront of the US music scene in the late 1990s. His massive hits “Livin’ la Vida Loca” and “She Bangs” sold millions of copies worldwide. He has also acted in television series such as ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’, earning an Emmy nomination. Martin came out as gay in 2010 and has since been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ equality.

Ryan Murphy

Ryan Murphy is one of the most powerful and prolific producers in television history. He created smash hits like ‘Glee’, ‘American Horror Story’, ‘American Crime Story’, and ‘Pose’. In 2018, he signed a historic development deal with Netflix reportedly worth $300 million. His work consistently champions LGBTQ+ stories and characters, making him a transformative figure in the media landscape.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons became the world’s highest-paid television actor during his tenure as Sheldon Cooper on ‘The Big Bang Theory’. He won four Primetime Emmy Awards for the role and earned a salary of $1 million per episode in the show’s final seasons. Parsons has also produced the spin-off ‘Young Sheldon’ and starred in films like ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’. His work in theater and production continues to add to his considerable wealth.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus evolved from a Disney Channel idol on ‘Hannah Montana’ into a boundary-pushing pop star. Her musical career features diverse hits such as “Wrecking Ball”, “Party in the U.S.A.”, and the Grammy-winning “Flowers”. She has consistently reinvented her image and sound, selling millions of albums globally. Cyrus identifies as pansexual and founded the Happy Hippie Foundation to support homeless youth and the LGBTQ+ community.

Roland Emmerich

German film director Roland Emmerich is the master of the disaster movie genre, helming blockbusters like ‘Independence Day’, ‘The Day After Tomorrow’, and ‘2012’. His films have collectively grossed over $3 billion at the international box office. He has also directed historical dramas such as ‘The Patriot’ and ‘Midway’. Emmerich is openly gay and has been an active supporter of various charitable causes and LGBTQ+ organizations.

Anderson Cooper

Anderson Cooper is a prominent journalist and anchor of the CNN news program ‘Anderson Cooper 360°’. He is also a correspondent for ’60 Minutes’ and has authored best-selling memoirs. As a member of the Vanderbilt family, he comes from a legacy of wealth, though he has built his own substantial fortune through his broadcasting career. Cooper came out publicly in 2012 and has since become one of the most visible gay men in American media.

George Michael

The late George Michael was one of the best-selling music artists of all time, rising to fame as half of the duo Wham! before a wildly successful solo career. Hits like “Careless Whisper”, “Faith”, and “Freedom! ’90” defined the pop landscape of the 80s and 90s. His estate continues to generate millions in royalties from his extensive catalog. Michael was a generous philanthropist during his life, often donating anonymously to various charities.

David Bowie

David Bowie was a musical chameleon and cultural icon whose career spanned five decades of constant reinvention. He created legendary personas like Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke, influencing generations of musicians and artists. His business acumen was famously demonstrated when he issued “Bowie Bonds,” securitizing his future royalties. At the time of his death in 2016, his estate and music catalog were valued in the hundreds of millions.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is a superstar whose talents span chart-topping pop music, jazz standards, and Academy Award-nominated acting. She has sold millions of albums with hits like “Bad Romance” and “Shallow”, and starred in films such as ‘A Star Is Born’ and ‘House of Gucci’. Her business ventures include her makeup line, Haus Labs, which has contributed significantly to her net worth. Gaga identifies as bisexual and is a fierce advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ rights.

Karl Lagerfeld

Karl Lagerfeld was a fashion titan who served as the creative director of Chanel and Fendi for decades, revitalizing both brands. He was also a photographer and illustrator, maintaining his own eponymous fashion label. His prolific output and lifetime contracts with luxury houses made him one of the wealthiest designers in history. Upon his death in 2019, he left behind a massive fortune and an indelible mark on the fashion world.

Megan Ellison

Megan Ellison is a film producer and the founder of Annapurna Pictures, known for backing critically acclaimed and artistically ambitious films. Her credits include ‘Zero Dark Thirty’, ‘Her’, and ‘American Hustle’, earning her multiple Academy Award nominations. She is the daughter of tech billionaire Larry Ellison but has carved out her own independent path in Hollywood. Ellison is openly lesbian and continues to be a major player in independent cinema.

Chris Hughes

Chris Hughes was one of the co-founders of Facebook, serving as the company’s spokesperson in its early years. His stake in the social media giant provided the foundation for his substantial wealth. After leaving Facebook, he became the publisher of The New Republic and an advocate for economic equality. Hughes is openly gay and has been involved in various political and philanthropic endeavors.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres broke barriers as the first lead in a sitcom to come out as gay, a move that initially stalled her career but eventually led to greater success. She hosted ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ for 19 seasons, becoming one of the highest-paid television hosts in the world. Her earnings were bolstered by production credits, lifestyle brands, and extensive real estate investments. DeGeneres remains one of the most recognizable figures in entertainment history.

Martine Rothblatt

Martine Rothblatt is a visionary entrepreneur who founded SiriusXM Satellite Radio and the biotechnology company United Therapeutics. She is a lawyer, author, and advocate for transgender rights, having transitioned in 1994. Her work in biotech was inspired by her daughter’s illness, leading her to develop life-saving medicines. Rothblatt is consistently ranked among the highest-paid female CEOs in America.

Michael Kors

Michael Kors is a world-renowned fashion designer known for his luxury accessories and ready-to-wear collections. He launched his namesake brand in 1981, eventually taking it public in a massive IPO that turned him into a billionaire for a time. He also gained fame as a judge on the reality competition show ‘Project Runway’. Kors has been married to his husband Lance Le Pere since 2011.

Elton John

Sir Elton John is one of the most successful musicians in history, with over 300 million records sold worldwide. His “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour became the highest-grossing concert tour of all time, further increasing his vast fortune. He is also the subject of the biopic ‘Rocketman’ and has composed music for ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Billy Elliot’. The Elton John AIDS Foundation, which he established, is one of the leading non-profits in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Jann Wenner

Jann Wenner is the co-founder and former publisher of ‘Rolling Stone’ magazine, a cultural touchstone that defined music journalism for decades. He also founded the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and owned other publications like ‘Us Weekly’ and ‘Men’s Journal’. He sold his controlling stake in Rolling Stone in 2017, cashing out on his media empire. Wenner has been in a relationship with fashion designer Matt Nye since the mid-90s.

Clive Davis

Clive Davis is a legendary music executive who has discovered and mentored some of the biggest names in the industry, including Whitney Houston and Barry Manilow. He has held top positions at Columbia Records and founded Arista Records and J Records. His career has earned him five Grammy Awards and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Davis came out as bisexual in his 2013 memoir, ‘The Soundtrack of My Life’.

Cameron Mackintosh

Sir Cameron Mackintosh is a British theatrical producer responsible for some of the most successful musicals of all time. His productions include ‘Les Misérables’, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, ‘Cats’, and ‘Hamilton’ in the West End. He owns eight historic London theaters, giving him immense influence and revenue in the theater world. Mackintosh was the first theatrical producer to become a billionaire.

Valentino Garavani

Valentino Garavani, known simply as Valentino, founded his eponymous fashion house in Rome in 1960. He dressed the world’s most glamorous women, from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to Elizabeth Taylor, defining red carpet elegance. Although he sold his company in 1998, he retained a significant fortune and remains a fashion icon. He and his long-time business partner Giancarlo Giammetti have been open about their relationship and shared history.

Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin is a French fashion designer famous for his high-end stiletto footwear incorporating shiny, red-lacquered soles. His brand has become a status symbol globally, expanding into handbags, fragrances, and makeup. The “Louboutin” trademark is one of the most recognizable in the fashion industry. He has built an independent billion-dollar brand without the backing of a major luxury conglomerate.

Tom Ford

Tom Ford revitalized Gucci as its creative director in the 1990s before launching his own ultra-luxury brand. He is also an acclaimed film director, helming ‘A Single Man’ and ‘Nocturnal Animals’. In 2022, he sold his Tom Ford brand to Estée Lauder in a deal valued at $2.8 billion, cementing his status as a fashion billionaire. Ford was married to fashion editor Richard Buckley until Buckley’s death in 2021.

Tim Cook

Tim Cook succeeded Steve Jobs as the CEO of Apple Inc., overseeing the company’s growth into the first $3 trillion publicly traded corporation. Under his leadership, Apple launched the Apple Watch and AirPods, expanding its ecosystem significantly. Cook publicly came out as gay in 2014, becoming the first openly gay CEO on the Fortune 500 list. His wealth comes primarily from substantial stock awards and performance-based bonuses.

Domenico Dolce

Domenico Dolce is one half of the iconic Italian fashion duo Dolce & Gabbana. Along with his business partner Stefano Gabbana, he created a brand known for its Mediterranean inspiration and celebrity following. The company remains a private powerhouse in the luxury sector, generating billions in revenue. Dolce continues to serve as a creative director, maintaining the brand’s distinct aesthetic.

Stefano Gabbana

Stefano Gabbana co-founded Dolce & Gabbana in 1985, helping to build it into one of the world’s most recognizable luxury labels. He and Domenico Dolce were romantic partners for many years, and despite their breakup, they have continued to run their business empire together successfully. Their designs have been worn by pop icons like Madonna and Beyoncé. Gabbana’s stake in the company has secured his place among the world’s wealthiest fashion figures.

Jennifer Pritzker

Jennifer Pritzker is a member of the wealthy Pritzker family, which founded the Hyatt Hotel chain. She is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army and the founder of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library. In 2013, she became the world’s first prominent billionaire to come out as transgender. Pritzker is an active investor and philanthropist, supporting various charitable, military, and LGBTQ+ causes.

Stein Erik Hagen

Stein Erik Hagen is a Norwegian businessman and the chairman of Orkla, a major consumer goods conglomerate. He co-founded the supermarket chain Rimi with his father, which became the foundation of his immense wealth. Hagen publicly came out as bisexual on a Norwegian talk show in 2015. He is one of Norway’s richest individuals and a significant patron of the arts.

Barry Diller

Barry Diller is a media mogul who founded the Fox Broadcasting Company and USA Broadcasting. He is the chairman and senior executive of IAC and Expedia Group, overseeing brands like Vimeo, Dotdash Meredith, and various travel sites. Diller has been a major player in Hollywood and the tech industry for decades. He has been open about his personal life and is a prominent figure in New York society.

David Geffen

David Geffen is a legendary entertainment executive who founded Asylum Records, Geffen Records, and co-founded DreamWorks SKG. He helped launch the careers of artists like the Eagles, Guns N’ Roses, and Nirvana. His savvy investments in real estate and art, along with his sale of Geffen Records and DreamWorks, have made him one of the richest people in entertainment. Geffen has been openly gay since the early 1990s and is a major philanthropist.

Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani was the founder of the Armani fashion empire, known for revolutionizing red-carpet fashion and power suits. His company expanded into hotels, restaurants, and home furnishings, remaining privately held under his control until his passing. He was a pioneer in leveraging celebrity partnerships to build a global brand. Armani, who identified as bisexual, left behind a legacy as one of Italy’s most successful and wealthy designers.

Peter Thiel

Peter Thiel is a technology entrepreneur and venture capitalist who co-founded PayPal and Palantir Technologies. He was the first outside investor in Facebook, a move that yielded massive returns. Thiel is an outspoken libertarian and a controversial figure in Silicon Valley politics. He publicly discussed his homosexuality during the Gawker lawsuit era and at the 2016 Republican National Convention.

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