The World's Richest Director: Unveiling George Lucas' Staggering Fortune

George Lucas, the well-known director best known for his contributions to the 'Star Wars' film series, has become the richest celebrity in the world. The 79-year-old director is the wealthiest person on Forbes' annual list of celebrity billionaires, having amassed an incredible $5.5 billion.

Lucas was instrumental in producing the Indiana Jones movies in addition to serving as the 'Star Wars' series' executive producer, writer and director until ‘Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith’ was released in 2005. After Disney paid $4 billion to acquire his production company, Lucasfilm, in 2012, the 'Star Wars' saga and other projects were carried out.

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Lucas commenced his career with the highly acclaimed 1973 film ‘American Graffiti’, for which he received Oscar nominations for 'Best Picture' and 'Best Director.' Following this, his career took off with the 1977 release of ‘Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.' This ground-breaking movie received numerous nominations and six Oscars in addition to becoming the highest-grossing movie of its era.

Two upcoming 'Star Wars' spin-off series, ‘The Acolyte’ and ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’, are among Lucasfilm's ongoing projects and are scheduled for release this year. Renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg, whose $4.8 billion net worth is attributed to hits like ‘Jaws’, ‘E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial’ and ‘Jurassic Park,' comes in after Lucas on the list.

The creator of ‘The Lord of the Rings,' Peter Jackson, pop sensation Taylor Swift, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, basketball legend Michael Jordan, and others are included in the top 20. According to a Bloomberg report from October, Swift became the 14th person on the list to make her debut and become a billionaire.

The 34-year-old singer's financial milestone, which included over $260 million in box office revenue from her record-breaking global tour and the success of her concert film, 'Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,' were major factors.

– Farheen Ali