Source: za.investing.com/By Kate Prince
Being famous comes with many luxuries that the general public can’t afford. Fast cars, sprawling mansions, bank balances that are never in the red – the list is endless.
But, as every A-list celebrity will tell you, fame is a double-edged sword.
Disney stars, pop singers, and actors, and actresses don’t have the freedom that we take for granted, but they do have the money to hire help to make their lives easier. In Hollywood, a good bodyguard is like finding a needle in a haystack, which is why these stars pay through the nose to keep them. Luckily, they can afford it.
After all, if you’ve got to shell out hundreds of thousands a year on personal security, you need to have more than just a couple of bucks in your bank account. Stars like Madonna may have a net worth of $610 million, but the more money you earn, the more you’ve got to pay up – especially when it comes to staying safe.
81. Vanessa Hudgens
Star’s Net Worth: $16 million*Annual Protection Cost: Unknown
Actress Vanesa Hudgens became famous in the 2000s for her role in High School Musical, a part that helped launch her career. The actress revealed that she often needed protection after the movies were released, recalling an incident in London in 2008 after the HSM: Senior Year (the third in the franchise) release.
She and then-boyfriend, co-star Zac Efron, were walking out of a theater when a drunk man attacked Vanessa, giving her a “huge scratch.” Luckily, her bodyguards stopped the crazed fan, and she was unhurt otherwise. Though she hasn’t acted in as huge a blockbuster since, Hudgens still keeps security around for safety.
82. Reese Witherspoon
Star’s Net Worth: $200 million*Annual Protection Cost: $1 million*
Reese Witherspoon always has a bodyguard with her, even when she’s shopping or heading to a Beverly Hills meeting (like in this photo). The Walk the Line actress’s bodyguards keep her safe, and she even beefed up security back in 2017. The actress has a little background knowledge about personal security, as her movie, Hot Pursuit starred her as a police officer protecting Sofia Vergara’s character.
In 2015, her bodyguards even made the list of some of the hottest in Hollywood. Vogue asked whether a “hot bodyguard” was the new Hollywood “status symbol,” pointing out that Reese Witherspoon, Beyonce, and other female celebrities always have them nearby.
83. Lindsay Lohan
Star’s Net Worth: $800,000*Annual Protection Cost: Unknown
Lindsay Lohan was escorted by a private security team as she headed back from the Airport Branch Courthouse at the LA Superior Court in 2013. The actress got the result she wanted from her court appearance, and she had her attorney, Mark Jay Heller, with her the whole time.
Lohan has been in Hollywood since she was a child actress in the 1990s. She starred in classic movies like The Parent Trap, Freaky Friday, and Mean Girls, all of which made her a cultural icon. She was signed to a modeling agency at just three years old, so having a bodyguard around is something she’s very used to.
84. Margot Robbie
Star’s Net Worth: $26 million*Annual Protection Cost: $200,000*
Margot Robbie, when she’s not playing daredevil villainess Harley Quinn, always has a bodyguard with her. The actress has been protected by bodyguards from the celebrity-favorite Bodyguard Group in Los Angeles. Robbie even pointed out in an In Style interview that one of her bodyguards looks like WWE star John Cena.
She told a funny story about showing up with the Cena look-alike. She said the two pulled up I a car to a party and fans thought he was the famous wrestler. “Everyone thought” that Cena was “coming to the party,” but they were disappointed when they took a second glance.
85. Kerry Washington
Star’s Net Worth: $50 million*Annual Protection Cost: $100,000*
Scandal star Kerry Washington has been spotted with bodyguards at ceremonies and fashion shoots. She had one close by during the Cannes Film Festival in France, but the famous actress doesn’t always keep a whole team near her. Washington and her family took a trip to Disneyland.
She and her husband, Nnamdi Asomugha, took their kids with them. As paparazzi noted, they didn’t have extra bodyguards with them, taking the day off. The family rode the California Screamin’ coaster, Tower of Terror, and even caught the Radiator Springs Racing team before they headed back to the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa to crash for the night.
86. Sarah Michelle Gellar
Star’s Net Worth: $30 million*Annual Protection Cost: $100,000*
Buffy the Vampire Slayer needs a bodyguard, too. Sarah Michelle Gellar doesn’t take any chances with the paparazzi. She brought her bodyguard with her to her daughter’s Los Angeles ballet class, and Zimbio reported that he had a camera out and ready to film the paparazzi in case of “incidents.”
It’s not a bad idea, as paparazzi and security staff are often like oil and water. Celebrities like Drake tend to have large groups of bodyguards with them, and their security team isn’t afraid to get into a tussle with the paparazzi. Gellar’s bodyguards keep cameras on TMZ just to be safe.
87. Chris Hemsworth
Star’s Net Worth: $130 million*Annual Protection Cost: $200,000*
Even Thor needs a bodyguard. Chris Hemsworth, star of the Thor franchise, is a fan favorite among devotees of the M.C.U. Hemsworth often takes security with him when he’s appearing at awards’ shows and walking with his family. In fact, the star actor actually has a plan in mind for a remake of the film The Bodyguard.
He and his Thor: Ragnarok co-star, Tessa Thompson, want to remake the classic film, which starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner. However, the pair have planned a twist. Thompson would be the bodyguard, while Hemsworth would be the celebrity she is hired to protect.
88. Hailey Baldwin
Star’s Net Worth: $20 million*Annual Protection Cost: $1 million*
Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin, a supermodel, are one of Hollywood’s most famous couples, and, as you can imagine, fans often get a little crazy. Back in 2019, Hailey Bieber’s bodyguard was caught on tape protecting her from a fan who got way too close.
This came on the heels of another incident involving a homeless person in Pastaio, who tried to attack both Bieber and Baldwin. Between crazy TMZ paparazzi, intense fans, and random strangers on the street, it’s no wonder Baldwin is often spotted taking her bodyguards with her to run errands and go to the gym.
89. Kelly Clarkson
Star’s Net Worth: $45 million*Annual Protection Cost: $300,000*
Singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson has been famous since the 2000s, when she skyrocketed to the top of the charts after winning American Idol. The songstress, who has two kids with her former manager, Brandon Blackstock, usually takes security with her and her family to fend off paparazzi and crazy fans.
However, Clarkson found herself on the opposite end of that when Rob Gronkowski, an NFL tight end and notorious prankster, played a prank on her at an awards ceremony. Gronk pretended to be a bodyguard, “bouncing” Clarkson out of her seat to make way for Florida Georgia Line at the BBMAs.
90. Dwayne “The Rock” Johson
Star’s Net Worth: $320 million*Annual Protection Cost: $1 million*
One social media post joked that, “If you ever feel useless, just remember that The Rock has bodyguards.” It seems unlikely that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, with his muscles on muscles, would ever need a bodyguard, but he still keeps suited-up security personnel with him whenever he’s out in public.
According to News18, The Rock also has a security gate guarding his home, which became an inconvenience after a power failure shut the gate’s opening mechanism down when he was about to go to a photo shoot. Not to be deterred, the actor and former wrestler tore down the gate with his bare hands, reminding us all that he probably doesn’t need security guards.
91. Sarah Paulson
Star’s Net Worth: $12 million*Annual Protection Cost: $100,000*
Sarah Paulson, star of American Horror Story, has become one of the most famous actresses in the world in a relatively short span of time. From playing a two-headed woman on AHS to her role as lawyer Marcia Clark in The People vs. O.J. Simpson, Paulson never fails to tackle and master tough roles.
The actress is often spotted with security when she’s heading to special events and awards ceremonies. She might not have the million-dollar protection that celebrities like Kylie Jenner or Elon Musk have, but Paulson doesn’t take any chances when she’s around paparazzi or fans.
92. Elon Musk
Star’s Net Worth: $183 billion*Annual Protection Cost: $1-$5 million*
Elon Musk has a net worth of nearly $200 billion. For a time, he even overtook Jeff Bezos when it came to being the richest man in America. The Tesla founder isn’t only wealthy; he’s also very outspoken on social media. His wealth and opinionated nature make him an easy target for people wishing him harm.
As you might expect, the billionaire has an entire team of bodyguards, numbering anywhere from 6-10 at any given time. As Business Insider said, he’s one of Silicon Valley’s most “bombastic and divisive” personalities. It’s unclear whether Musk pays out of pocket for security, or if Tesla foots the bill.
93. Mark Zuckerberg
Star’s Net Worth: $100 billion*Annual Protection Cost: $23 million*
Another controversial billionaire is Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. According to estimates, the tech mogul spent $23 million in security in just one year. Though this is mere pocket change for the billionaire, Facebook footed the bill for the security costs, which have only increased as time has gone on.
In 2017, Facebook spent $9.1 million, and in 2018, the company spent $20 million on security. The $23 million in 2019 represents another increase in a trend that is likely to continue. The Silicon Valley magnate reportedly pays for around-the-clock protection for him and his family, and, reportedly, his office has an escape room installed.
94. Sarah Hyland
Star’s Net Worth: $14 million*Annual Protection Cost: $50,000*
Sarah Hyland made TMZ headlines when she hired a veritable strongman as her bodyguard. Hyland’s bodyguard kept her safe on the set of Modern Family. She hired the bodyguard just a few days after she was reportedly going through relationship troubles with her ex-boyfriend. Filming for the sitcom began in Venice Beach, and her bodyguard kept a close watch on her at all times.
Hyland is a newer celebrity, having rose to fame when Modern Family became a huge hit. In 2014, she reached one million Twitter followers. Since Modern Family ended, Hyland has been branching out into movie acting.
95. Cynthia Nixon
Star’s Net Worth: $25 million*Annual Protection Cost: $200,000*
Cynthia Nixon, star of Sex and the City, has become used to security personnel from working in Hollywood. However, when she announced her gubernatorial candidacy in 2018, she kicked it up a notch, hiring even more bodyguards to keep her safe as she campaigned for the position of New York governor.
Paparazzi caught Nixon checking her iPad as she walked into work with her assistant and bodyguard close by. The Nurse Ratched star ignored paparazzi as they snapped pictures. Though she didn’t win governor, she still has exciting new projects coming up, including a Sex and the City remake with SJP and Kristin Davis.
96. Ashley Tisdale
Star’s Net Worth: $14 million*Annual Protection Cost: $10,000*
Ashley Tisdale has been famous since the 2000s, when she skyrocketed into the public eye after starring as Maddie in The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, followed by a role as Sharpay in High School Musical.
Tisdale has often posted pictures of her and her bodyguard, including one that read, “Kevin Costner ain’t got nothing on my bodyguard,” with her and her security staring down the camera. The actress has slowed down in recent years, but she has new projects in the works, including a role on The Masked Dancer, a reality show on which she is a panelist with Brian Austin Green, Ken Jeong, and Paula Abdul.
97. Warren Buffett
Star’s Net Worth: $84.6 billion*Annual Protection Cost: $300,000-$400,000*
Another super-wealthy billionaire who relies on security personnel is Warren Buffett. The Berkshire Hathaway founder has a net worth in the tens of billions, thanks to his uncanny investment ability, which has garnered him the nickname of “The Oracle of Omaha.” Buffett’s wealth and opinions make him a potential target, so it makes sense that he has security.
Reportedly, the billionaire’s security costs were $370,244 in 2016 and $364,011 in 2015. As the years have gone on, security costs have put a dent in the Berkshire Hathaway budget, continuing to reach between $300,000 and $400,000 most years for home and travel security.
98. Zayn Malik
Star’s Net Worth: $75 million*Annual Protection Cost: $1 million*
Like his fellow former One Direction bandmates, Zayn Malik is never far from his security personnel. When Malik was with One Direction, his personal security guard was Preston Mahon. After the singer quit the band, he and Mahon parted ways, tweeting about how he was out of a job.
Malik ended up hiring his own private security, just to be safe. Though the singer is paying for it out of his pocket (and not the band’s), he can afford it. Malik reportedly quit One Direction because he wanted to have “private time” away from the spotlight. He said his fellow band members were still his “friends for life.”
99. Isla Fisher
Star’s Net Worth: $160 million*Annual Protection Cost: $1 million*
Isla Fisher, an actress and activist, is married to Sacha Baron Cohen. Though Fisher herself isn’t very controversial, her husband, the star of movies like Borat and other satirical films and TV shows, certainly is. After the second Borat film was released, Isla Fisher was spotted out with her bodyguard in Los Angeles.
Cohen understood the dangers of filming as well, and he revealed in an interview that he went so far as to wear a bulletproof vest while working on the set of Borat. When you consider that, it makes sense that his wife would want extra security personnel around.
100. Anne Hathaway
Star’s Net Worth: $60 million*Annual Protection Cost: $1 million*
Anne Hathaway has come a long way since she was Princess Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries. It turns out that having bodyguards was just one thing she kept from her time as Princess Mia. Hathaway is always spotted with bodyguards when she’s traveling around the city or heading to awards ceremonies and meet-and-greets.
Her bodyguards change frequently, as The Daily Mail pointed out, and she sometimes has what the media calls a “silver fox” as her personal security. When she’s performing at the theater, she even has her own bodyguard walk her to and from the venue.
101. Nicole Richie
Star’s Net Worth: $25 million*Annual Protection Cost: $100,000*
Nicole Richie’s bodyguard isn’t just her personal security; he’s also her personal assistant. The socialite and actress sends her bodyguards to run errands for her, including picking up her medication. Richie and her bodyguards are also often spotted just doing regular things, like walking the dog or running errands.
Richie’s father is singer Lionel Richie, so she’s no stranger to the pressures of fame and the need to have bodyguards around to protect from fans. Nicole became famous in the early 2000s as Paris Hilton’s best friend on The Simple Life. Since then, she’s become a fashion designer and TV actress, appearing on shows like Chuck.
102. Hugh Jackman
Star’s Net Worth: $180 million*Annual Protection Cost: $500,000*
Wolverine needs bodyguards, too. Hugh Jackman, star of the M.C.U. series and movies like The Greatest Showman, might be one of the toughest action stars in the world, but he still keeps security around. Jackman has been spotted with security on the set of movies like Bad Education. Bodyguards flanked him as he walked around the set.
In fact, Jackman was actually rumored to be making a remake of the movie Bodyguard. However, the X-Men actor immediately shut down those rumors, which had him paired with actress Miley Cyrus. Jackman said the rumors were “totally false,” dashing fans’ hopes of a remake.