From fame and fortune to lasting impact: eight stars who have used their wealth and influence to give back.
Celebrity fortunes tend to be measured in mansions, private jets, supercars and eye-watering business deals. But some of the world’s wealthiest entertainers and sports stars have used a sizeable chunk of their money – and, just as importantly, their ability to persuade others to part with theirs – to tackle problems ranging from disease and illiteracy to access to healthcare and clean water.
The amounts are not always directly comparable. Some celebrities have donated substantial sums of their own money, while others have established organisations that have raised billions from governments, businesses and the public.
But what unites them is sustained involvement and, in many cases, an impact stretching far beyond the size of their own fortunes.
Dolly Parton built an estimated $450 million (R7.3 billion) fortune, but one of her most enduring legacies began with something her father never had: the ability to read and write.
