#55: Howard Hughes
Known as: Film producer
Net Worth: $6.6. billion
Children::1
Howard Hughes, the enigmatic business tycoon, left behind a colossal fortune valued at $1.5 billion upon his passing in 1976, a staggering equivalent of $6.6 billion in today’s currency. Born in 1905, Hughes achieved a level of wealth that, at its zenith, accounted for a jaw-dropping 1/1109th of the entire U.S. Gross National Product. His multi-faceted career encompassed fame as a renowned movie producer, a fearless pilot, and a visionary real estate developer.
Yet, in a twist befitting his eccentricity, Hughes chose to disinherit several of his relatives, a decision that sent shockwaves through his family tree. After his demise, a simple will, kept by the Church of Mormon, came to light. Despite its minimalist content, this document had a profound impact, effectively cutting off a substantial portion of Hughes’ family from his vast fortune, leaving them surprised.