10 Celebrities Who Were Born Filthy Rich

For some celebrities, fame and fortune came after putting in years of hard work and time. But there are others who grew up privileged, and then made their way into show business. From pop stars to actors, here are 10 celebrities who were born filthy rich.  

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande is a singer, songwriter and actress who is known for her chart-topping music. She started her career on Nickelodeon’s Victorious and went on to become one of the biggest pop stars in the world. 

But before she rose to fame, Grande was still living well. Her father, Edward Butera, owns a Boca Raton graphic design firm. And her mom, Joane Grande, is the CEO of a manufacturing company called Hose-McCann Communications. Before she made it big, Grande attended some of the finest private prep schools in Florida. 

Anderson Cooper

Anderson Cooper is known as a CNN journalist who’s covered some of the most newsworthy events in the last 20 years. But the 52-year-old was born into one of America’s most prominent families. 

Cooper is the son of famed fashion designer and heiress Gloria Vanderbilt. His maternal great-great-great-grandfather, Cornelius Vanderbilt, was a railroad and shipping magnate who became one of the richest people in American history. 

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz is a celebrated actress who’s known for her performances in hit series and movies like Big Little Lies, The Divergent Series, Mad Max: Fury Road, and the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them series.

But before she became an actress, Kravitz was already living a life in the spotlight. She is the daughter of The Cosby Show star, Lisa Bonet, and Grammy-winning singer, Lenny Kravitz. 

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek is an A-list Hollywood celeb who’s appeared in some of the most popular movies of the last two decades. For her work in the 2002 film, Frida, the actress was nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, and BAFTA Award.

But before her Hollywood success, Hayek was living a luxurious life and attending prestigious private schools. Her father, Sami Hayek Domínguez, is an oil company executive. And her mom,  Diana Jiménez Medina is a talent scout and opera singer. 

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Seinfeld star Julia Louis-Dreyfus is a multiple Emmy Award-winning actress who recently wrapped up her popular HBO series, Veep. But before hitting it big in Hollywood, Louis-Dreyfus was living a pretty affluent life. 

Her great-great-grandfather, Léopold Louis-Dreyfus, was a French shipping magnate who founded the Louis Dreyfus Group. At the time, he had one of the richest families in France. The actress’s father Gérard Louis-Dreyfus, is the billionaire chair of the family company. 

Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones is an American actress who’s known for her role on the NBC sitcom, Parks and Recreation. She also appeared in films like I Love You Man, The Social Network, and The Muppets. 

But Jones was already living a cushy life before becoming a successful actress. Her father, Quincy Jones, is a legendary music producer who has 28 Grammy Awards and 80 nominations. Jones grew up in the famed Bel-Air neighborhood of LA and attended some of the most prestigious schools in the country.

Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal

Siblings Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal are Hollywood favorites. Jake appeared in popular films like Brokeback Mountain, Nightcrawler, and Spider-Man: Far From Home. Maggie is an award-winning actress who’s known for her work in projects like Crazy Heart, The Dark Knight, and The Honourable Woman. 

But the Gyllenhaal’s didn’t just fall into their careers. Their parents, Stephen Gyllenhaal and Naomi Foner are Hollywood filmmakers who’ve written and directed Emmy, Golden Globe, and Academy Award-nominated films. Their mother, Naomi, won a Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for her 1988 film, Running on Empty.

Emma Stone 

Emma Stone is an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award-winning actress who’s been celebrated for her performances in films like La La Land, Birdman, Easy A, and The Help. But before she made it big in Hollywood, the actress was living quite well. 

Her multi-millionaire father, Jeffrey Charles Stone, is the CEO and founder of a general-contracting construction company.  Growing up, Stone went to prestigious prep schools and was lucky enough to get private acting lessons from notable Hollywood coaches.

Armie Hammer

Armie Hammer is an American actor who’s been in a number of popular films, including The Social Network, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., and Nocturnal Animals. For his role in the 2017 film, Call Me by Your Name, the actor received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. 

But before becoming a famous actor, Hammer was living a pretty cushy life. His paternal great-grandfather, Armand Hammer, was a famous American oil-tycoon and billionaire business magnate. Armie’s dad,  Michael Armand Hammer,  is chairman and CEO of the Armand Hammer Foundation and also runs several other successful businesses.