George Lucas

Despite tepid reviews, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull grossed $782 million in worldwide box office. Along with pal Steven Spielberg and actor Harrison Ford, executive producer Lucas took no cash up front, didn't see any profits until the film made $400 million. Star Wars and its 5 sequels earned a combined $4.3 billion in worldwide box office (not adjusting for inflation). Toys, other merchandise have grossed another $13.5 billion. CG-animation film Star Wars: The Clone Wars released this summer. Founded Industrial Light & Magic in 1975 to create effects for original Star Wars; now Hollywood's most bankable special-effects shop. Foundation donated $175 million to USC film school 2006.