Fri, August 26, 2011
If the combination is right, two of anything can act together to produce a sum that's larger than two. However, according to Forbes, one plus one equals "millions" when it comes to celebrity couples - $283 million, to be exact. That's the estimated sum earned by the world's highest-paid celebrity couples between May 2010 and May 2011, according to data from Forbes' latest Celebrity 100 list.
1. Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady: $76 million
Supermodel Gisele Bundchen had a busy year, thanks to her fashion and endorsement deals and a few business ventures. With a $45 million paycheck in her pocket, Bundchen could become the world's first billionaire supermodel. NFL superstar Tom Brady, who married Bundchen in 2009, has just signed a four-year, $72 million contract extension with the New England Patriots. He has earned a whopping $31 million within the 12-month period, putting the duo's gross annual earning at $76 million.
2. Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z: $72 million
Undoubtedly the most powerful couple in the music scene right now, Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z pocketed more than $72 million over the past year, earning them a steady position as number two on Forbes' list. The R&B diva hauled in $35 million from deals and endorsements while the rap mogul earned his portion from the 10-year $150 million Live Nation deal and as a shareholder in New Jersey Nets, 40/40 Club chain and ad firm Translation.
3. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt: $50 million
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt came in third on list with an annual income of $50 million. Jolie currently holds the title as the highest-paid actress in the world and made $30 million for starring in only two movies in the 12-month period. Pitt, on the other hand, cashed in about $20 million, and has been keeping himself busy both as a producer and an actor.
4. David Beckham and Victoria Beckham: $45 million
With a total earning of $45 million, David Beckham is in fourth place with his wife, Victoria. The football superstar's falling position in the athletic world did not seem to affect the number of zeros in his paycheck. Beckham has earned a total of $40 million from endorsements like Adidas and Samsung, while wife "Posh" Spice cashed in the other $5 million from the earnings from her fashion line.
5. Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart: $40 million
"Twilight" stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart have both hauled in $20 million last year. The "Twilight" series have earned the couple their fame and pay, but with the franchise coming to an end, these young starlets must both prepare for post-vampire careers. Will they become one-hit wonders? Hopefully not, and I wish them both the best.
