The hardest-working man in entertainment hosts American Idol, a top 40 radio countdown, E! News and other red-carpet events, plus ABC’s New Year’s Eve special. In addition to lucrative deals with both ClearChannel Radio and the Comcast Entertainment Group, Ryan Seacrest develops and produces...

Jay Leno – After 17 years at The Tonight Show, the late-night leader has passed the baton to former Late Night host Conan O’Brien. Though rival ABC, among others, was said to be courting him, the traveling stand-up comic opted to stay at NBC. This fall, Leno will move to prime-time, where...

Rascal Flatts – Country’s largest crossover act grossed $56 million on tour in 2008. Opening acts Jessica Simpson and Taylor Swift. Released sixth album this spring sold 351,000 copies in the first week to earn a No. 1 Billboard chart debut. Group also signed a lucrative endorsement deal...

Despite the flop of last year’s Meet Dave (total box office: $51 million), Eddie Murphy is still considered a hot commodity for family films. He earned big pay checks for the upcoming films Imagine That and A Thousand Words.

Ellen DeGeneres – Though her primary gig remains host of the popular talk-show hit The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she also lends her face and highly marketable name to American Express and CoverGirl. Given her much-discussed love of animals, her estimated 15% stake in Halo Purely for Pets pet food...

Tom Hanks billionaires – One of the few stars who can still command up to $20 million per film, Tom Hanks reprised his role as Robert Langdon in this year’s Angels & Demons. He’s also developed a lucrative career as a producer with hit films like Mamma Mia. Up next Toy Story...

Dave Matthews Band – One of the most prolific touring acts of the last decade earned $47 million on the road last year. Now drumming up buzz for Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King, its first album in four years. Band’s saxophonist, LeRoi Moore, died last August from complications related...

Jerry Seinfeld – Comedian continues to cash in on the syndication rights for Seinfeld more than a decade after the show ended its run on NBC. Brings in millions more doing stand-up on the road. Was reportedly paid $10 million to star in a Microsoft commercial alongside Bill Gates marketing...

Phil Mickelson stunned his fans last month when he announced that his wife, Amy, had breast cancer and that he would suspend his PGA Tour schedule indefinitely. The lefty is currently ranked second in the world and has won 36 tournaments and $54 million in prize money during his career. His most...

The artist formerly known as Puff Daddy just can’t stop making money. Why? He’s got a highly diversified revenue stream. Sean (Diddy) Combs brings in cash from his clothing line, Sean John record label, Bad Boy vodka, Ciroc and four television shows, including MTV’s Making the Band....