Jolie tops celebrity power list
HOLLYWOOD actress Angelina Jolie has been named the most
powerful celebrity in the world by Forbes magazine.
The 33-year-old knocked talk show host Oprah Winfrey off the top
spot on the annual Celebrity 100 list, which is based on earnings
and media exposure.
Madonna came third, followed by singer Beyonce and golfer Tiger
Woods - the only man in the top five. Coldplay lead the British
charge at 15, but chef Gordon Ramsay and Harry Potter author JK
Rowling dropped off the list.
Jolie, who earned $27m last year, moved from third place in 2008 due
to high-profile turns in films such as Wanted and Kung Fu Panda,
according to Forbes business magazine. But Winfrey remained the top
earner, taking home $275m. Jolie’s partner Brad Pitt came in ninth
place, just behind his ex-wife, former Friends star Jennifer
Aniston, who took eighth position.
Singer Bruce Springsteen, director Steven Spielberg and basketball
star Kobe Bryant completed the top 10. – BBC
Other Britons to feature on the list included X Factor and Britain’s
Got Talent judge Simon Cowell, who took 25th place with earnings of
$75m, and House star Hugh Laurie, who made his debut on the list at
94.
However there was no room for Kate Winslet, despite winning the best
actress Oscar earlier this year. Author Rowling disappeared from the
list, having no new Harry Potter books to promote and with the
latest film postponed from November last year.
Similarly Justin Timberlake did not feature in the list following
the end of his lucrative LoveShow tour, despite taking 12th place
last year. Singer Jennifer Lopez, actor Johnny Depp and model Tyra
Banks also dropped off the list. BBC
The Nation:June 05,2009 |
