Source: bbc
January 19, 2007 Author: bbc
American talk show host Oprah Winfrey is the richest woman in entertainment, according to business magazine Forbes.
Its latest poll estimates her net worth at $1.5bn (£760m), based on the $225m (£114m) she is said to earn from TV, radio, magazines and other ventures.
Harry Potter author JK Rowling comes second in the list with a net worth estimated at $1bn (£506m).
Lifestyle guru Martha Stewart, pop star Madonna and singer Celine Dion take the next three places.
To assemble its inaugural list of the 21 richest women in entertainment, Forbes is said to have "scoured the music, television, film and publishing industries".
However, the magazine omitted "non-working celebs" like Barbra Streisand "who essentially live off royalties" and "old Hollywood types" like Elizabeth Taylor.
Among the other "active megastars" considered worthy of inclusion are Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson.
Julia Roberts is the highest-ranking actress in the list, her estimated net worth of $140m (£71m) earning her eight place in the rundown.
Just below her at nine and ten lie Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Aniston, both estimated to be worth $110m (£55.7m).
Twin sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen - former child stars now at the helm of a highly successful retail empire - share 11th place.
According to Forbes, its net worth estimates were based on total earnings over the course of a career, plus other assets where relevant.
