Halle Berry
Star’s Net Worth: $90 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $300,000*
Oscar-winning beauty Halle Berry isn’t a stranger to the public eye. She’s been ruling the entertainment business since the early ‘90s, so she’s used to dealing with the paparazzi, crazed fans, and everything in between. Of course, Halle does have a helping hand.
Over the course of her decades-long career, Berry has employed numerous bodyguards and is often spotted out and about with them. The star of Lionsgate’s Monster’s Ball loves to keep fit and takes her bodyguards out on hikes frequently. Whether they actually need the workout is a different story.
As you might expect, Berry’s bodyguards are in tip-top physical condition, just like the star herself. They need to be able to sprint at a moment’s notice and face danger head-on, so while the occasional hike won’t hurt, they’ve likely got their own personal training plan to keep up with!
Katy Perry
Star’s Net Worth: $330 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $350,000*
Katy Perry has made a name for herself as a bonafide entertainment queen, staying on top of her game ever since she first released her hit single “I Kissed a Girl” back in 2008. Katy’s profile was further raised when she took her place on the judging panel on American Idol, making her even more famous than she was before.
Wherever the ABC star goes, so does her bodyguard. It’s thought that Perry upped her security after giving birth to her first child in 2020, but it’s likely she’ll keep her long-term guard around. He’s a hit with fans too, as some say he looks like a young Hugh Jackman.
In some cases, bodyguards get just as much attention from the media as the stars they’ve sworn to protect. That’s especially true when they happen to be handsome and well-built, for obvious reasons! Perry is rarely seen without her own personal security detail in tow.
Barbra Streisand
Star’s Net Worth: $400 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $125,000*
Barbra Streisand has so many acting, stage, and song credits that her resume is longer than the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With such an established career and a net worth of over $400 million, Streisand has earned the title of entertainment royalty. Babs is always gracious when it comes to meeting her fans, but like other A-listers, she never underestimates the need for security.
Streisand is often pictured out and about at public events, but she always has her bodyguards close to hand. While Babs is a huge force in the biz, she’s not quite as photographed as other stars which is why her security bill is probably on the lower side. Still, that doesn’t mean Barbra is taking a trip to Walmart unattended.
If Streisand has learned anything over the years, it’s that security is one element of fame never to be taken lightly. Even the best-meaning fans can get a little overzealous at times, so it’s best to keep a guard next to you just in case uncomfortable situations arise.
Amy Adams
Star’s Net Worth: $43 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $75,000*
Amy Adams has starred in her fair share of Hollywood blockbusters, from Enchanted to Arrival. However, Adams maintains a relatively low profile when she’s not working. We haven’t seen her in any high-stakes drama that doesn’t play out on screen, which might be why her security costs are a little more modest than some others.
The actress does make sure she’s escorted on red carpets by her own team, even if she doesn’t need round-the-clock security. Adams has managed to toe the line and largely keep her private life private, which certainly helps stave off paparazzi attention.
Adams quite often employs security guards on the recommendation of other A-list celebrities, which is why some of her team may look familiar to trawlers of gossip sites. It’s not unusual to see the actress step out with well-known celebrity protectors.
Taylor Swift
Star’s Net Worth: $290 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $400,000*
Ever since she first exploded onto the music scene in the late ‘00s, Taylor Swift’s profile has kept going up and up. With more best-selling albums and tours under her belt than you can shake a stick at, the talented songstress also has an army of loyal fans.
Thanks to her numerous feuds with other stars, Swift has remained a popular name in the gossip columns and on social media sites like Facebook, so the paparazzi are always keen to snap a picture. Luckily, Taylor usually has not one, but two bodyguards that follow her wherever she goes to make sure nothing untoward happens.
This often includes doing things that perhaps the guards may not be all that keen on, like sitting in the back seat on a rollercoaster ride or going shopping for hours on end. Thankfully, the salary more than makes up for that!
Rihanna
Star’s Net Worth: $400 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $500,000*
Rihanna’s fans are among some of the most dedicated in the world. It’s not hard to see why. The starlet has proven time and time again that she’s in it for the long haul, selling millions of records and creating her very own clothing and beauty line, Fenty.
That being said, RiRi is a superstar that heavily relies on security to get her from A to B, whether she’s out to dinner with friends or touring the world. Rihanna’s annual protection costs will likely come in at around $500,000, if not more. Even if she slips out to Target, she won’t be alone.
Everyone knows who Rihanna is, even if they don’t listen to her music. With that being said, it’s not easy for RiRi to travel incognito, even if she wants to shop the clearance section like the rest of us mere mortals. For someone, this famous, bodyguards are just part of the package.
Jennifer Lopez
J-Lo may be used to playing characters in movies like Sony’s Maid in Manhattan, but in reality, she’s just filthy rich. With an estimated fortune of $290 million, Jen has enough room in the budget for an entire entourage of security. Given how popular she is, she needs it.
Any resemblance of a normal life went out the window for J-Lo many years ago, but her success is something she has worked hard to achieve. With a net worth of over $290 million and a relationship with legendary sportsman Alex Rodriguez, J-Lo has to keep security just as tight as her dance moves.
Kesha
Star’s Net Worth: $3 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $75,000*
Kesha isn’t exactly known for being a wallflower, so when she goes out she can attract a lot of attention. Luckily for the songstress, she’s able to employ bodyguards as and when she needs them. With an estimated net worth of $3 million, Kesha can’t afford to pay insane security fees like Kylie Jenner.
Instead, she just hires security and bodyguards at times that it feels appropriate. Kesha has been pictured arm-in-arm with a couple of guards in the past, so she isn’t afraid to be seen with them. Some stars request that their detail walk a few steps behind them, but not Kesha.
Kesha treats her team like they’re her friends, which is probably why they always seem to be having such a good time. The singer has a reputation for being down-to-earth, so perhaps working for this celebrity is a job worth having.
Meghan Markle
Star’s Net Worth: $5 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $20 million*
When Meghan Markle left her life as an actress in LA and married Britain’s Prince Harry, the world was divided. Regardless of opinion, one thing is clear – life as a royal look a lot different these days. Meg and Harry may have stepped down from their official duties, but they still require a lot of security.
According to Heart, experts estimate Meghan Markle’s annual security bill at an astronomic $20 million per year. Even though Harry is very unlikely to sit on the throne, they are two of the most famous royals in the world. As such, they can’t be put at risk.
Meghan and Harry won’t be the only members of the royal household with extremely high-security fees, although they are often at the center of most media and press speculation. This is only likely to increase now baby number 2 is on the way.
Daniel Radcliffe
Star’s Net Worth: $79 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $50,000*
Wizarding whiz Daniel Radcliffe might be best known for his star turn in the Harry Potter franchise, but these days his life is a lot quieter. Unlike his co-star Emma Watson, Radcliffe never really found widespread success in Hollywood post-Hogwarts. However, he’s still got a fortune of $79 million thanks to his Harry Potter days and wise investments.
Radcliffe doesn’t employ round-the-clock security, but when he is spotted with a security guard they’re as big and burly as the rest of them. They often tower over him, making him look like he’s still in his first year.
That’s not to say that Daniel doesn’t still have legions of die-hard fans that are keen to get his autograph, though. He’s just a little bit better at going incognito than some of his peers, which ultimately saves him money in the long run.
Britney Spears
Star’s Net Worth: $59 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $600,000*
Britney Spears has had a turbulent relationship with fame that often didn’t work in her favor. In the late ‘00s, harassment of Spears by the paparazzi contributed to a lot of her personal struggles. Their relentless pursuit often meant Britney couldn’t travel without a security team. In 2009, she was paying around $400,000 a year for security.
While Britney has largely taken a step back from the limelight, a documentary released on Disney’s Hulu in February 2021 has her name plastered all over the headlines again. It’s safe to say that Britney hasn’t scaled down her security in recent years and probably pays in excess of $600,000 per year for the various measures, including guards.
Security at Britney’s home is also constantly reviewed and tight to make sure that the star and her children are always protected. Spears has remained one of the most pursued stars over the years, so it’s natural to think her bill will be significantly higher than some of her contemporaries.
Jason Momoa
Star’s Net Worth: $10 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $125,000*
There’s no denying that Jason Mamoa is a huge Adonis of a man. The actor is a towering 6-foot-four-inches, so even though he employs a security detail, he often looks like the bodyguard himself. He could probably bench press them all in one fell swoop.
Momoa has often been spotted out and about surrounded by a couple of suit-wearing bodyguards, but he’s more than capable of taking care of himself. Still, given his A-list status, it’s not surprising that he doesn’t want to take any chances.
Jason only became more popular after starring in the lead role in DC’s Aquaman. With a sequel in the works, his star is set to rise even further, which makes security even more of a pressing issue. Everyone wants a photo with this actor, regardless of if they’re paparazzi or fans.
Queen Elizabeth
Star’s Net Worth: $480 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $138.42 million*
Queen Elizabeth is the British head of state, so it makes sense that she would have her own team of bodyguards. Called the Queen’s Guard, Her Royal Highness literally has a team of infantry soldiers hired to protect her. These soldiers guard the residences in the U.K. Some of the rules and policies governing these guards have been in place since 1660.
When Queen Elizabeth is in residence, she has three officers and forty ranks protecting her. There are sentries posted at Buckingham and St. James Palace. The estimated cost of the Queen’s Guard and other security personnel hired to protect the Royal Family is over $138 million per year.
It’s quite startling given that information that an intruder managed to break into Her Majesty’s bedroom back in 1982. The assailant managed to bypass all of the extraordinary measures that were put in place at that time and woke the Queen up from her slumber!
Cher
Star’s Net Worth: $350 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $600,000*
Cher and her bodyguard almost matched in this photo of the singer walking into Letterman in NYC. Her bodyguards keep a close watch on her, protecting the superstar from any danger. Cher’s favorite bodyguard was Michael Francis, and fans pointed out that she should have kept him on when she returned to the public eye.
Cher fan accounts often had “appreciation” posts for Francis and the singer’s other personal protection. Cher praised one of her team in 2015 on Twitter (we all know how Cher loves Twitter), saying that her bodyguard, a former firefighter, “is great” and has worked with tons of celebrities, including “MJ Fox, Tina, Janet, & Countless Others.”
When you’re someone as iconic as Cher, it’s important to always make sure security is tight. The diva has been the victim of the odd stalker or two, so you can’t blame her for shelling out hundreds of thousands a year to keep herself and her family safe.
Michael Jackson
Star’s Net Worth: $362 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $1 million*
At the peak of his success, Michael Jackson was adored by millions of fans the world over. He was the undisputed King of Pop, but his notoriety didn’t end there. His later life was marred with scandal, so his need for constant security never really piped down.
With a career as long as MJ had, it’s not surprising that he went through his fair share of bodyguards. Security on his residences was also tight, especially at the infamous Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara, California, after certain claims came to light.
It’s likely that MJ spent at least $1 million dollars a year on security, if not more. That includes personal protection officers, 24-hour security at his properties, and additional measures when he was set to perform or attend other events.
Beyonce
Star’s Net Worth: $362 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $2-4 million*
There aren’t many people that are as famous as the one and only Queen Bey herself. Beyonce has been rocking the music industry since the ‘90s, first as the lead singer in Destiny’s Child and then as a record-breaking solo artist. Beyonce doesn’t do things by halves – including her entourage.
Given just how famous she is and how famous her husband Jay-Z is, it’s only natural that these two icons would want to protect themselves and their family. It’s likely that Beyonce has a Kylie Jenner level of protection, shelling out a few million a year for her bodyguards.
After all, Beyonce travels frequently and often brings her kids along for the ride. When you get to this level of fame, it’s important to cover all your bases and make sure that your entire entourage is as protected as possible.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
Star’s Net Worth: $110 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $125,000*
Aside from being one of America’s best-looking couples, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are also supremely talented – and incredibly rich. Although Ryan is worth $100 million of that alone, Blake has starred in numerous movies and shows no signs of slowing down. They now share three kids, too, so traveling needs to be extra safe.
Blake and Ryan have been spotted with different bodyguards over the years, but wherever they go they always make sure security follows close behind. This is especially true when they’re out with the children. In this case, it’s better safe than sorry.
Even photographers that are trying to get a photo without being too intrusive can get swept up in the craziness of the moment, which can lead to disastrous situations. Paying hundreds of thousands to bodyguards may seem like overkill to some, but what’s the alternative?
Kate Middleton
Star’s Net Worth: $7 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $20 million+*
The Duchess of Cambridge isn’t just a wife to the future King of England, she’s the mother to the Future King of England, too. With that being said, Kate’s safety is a top priority for the royal family, which is why millions are spent on her protection across the year.
Kate is never seen without a bevy of bodyguards ushering her from A to B and making sure she’s taken care of. Considering Meghan Markle’s security expenses are estimated at around $20 million a year, it’s likely Kate’s is even higher.
However, these costs are picked up by the Crown and not actually paid for by Middleton herself. As her net worth is around $7 million, there’s no way the Duchess could afford to pay the expected annual sum. That’s an added bonus of being royalty.
Floyd Mayweather
Star’s Net Worth: $450 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $750,000*
Floyd Mayweather is one of the richest boxers in the world and is well known for always carrying at least $250,000 of cash at all times. This is one of the reasons he takes his security extremely seriously and has a strict list of requirements for anyone joining his team of bodyguards. Mayweather has famously named his entourage of bodyguards ‘The Money Team.
Members of ‘The Money Team’ are paid extremely well, with a yearly salary of $150,000 including additional perks such as Mercedes Benz cars and Rolex watches. Not too bad for a job that includes traveling around the world and hanging out with celebrities.
Selena Gomez
Star’s Net Worth: $75 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $500,000*
Selena Gomez’s bodyguard isn’t just her personal protector—the two are also friends, to the point that Gomez was invited to his wedding and even asked to make a toast. Gomez attended the Redlands, California wedding of her longtime bodyguard, and she gave a heartwarming toast, saying she could tell how much her bodyguard loved his wife.
“It’s so special,” Gomez said about the wedding, saying she was “honored” to be there to “celebrate” the happy couple. Gomez often employs a team of bodyguards, particularly when she’s at the airport, but that was the bodyguard she’d been with the longest.
Considering how much time bodyguards often spend with stars, it’s hardly surprising that some of them develop deeper personal bonds. After all, there’s an insanely high level of trust at work here that can’t be ignored, even if it is a paid-for service!
Madonna
Star’s Net Worth: $616 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $500,000*
Madonna has managed to find the type of success that most musicians only dream of. Since the ‘80s, she’s stayed on top of her game and reinvented herself with the times. As a result, she’s just as loved today as she was back then.
Madge takes no risks with her security and has bodyguards follow her wherever she goes. When you’re someone as recognizable as she is, it’s not worth taking the chance. When all that is taken into account, Madonna likely shells out an impressive sum each year on personal protection.
However, she’s worth over $600 million so when it comes to budgeting, Madonna has a little more wiggle room than some others. It’s thought that the star still earns a salary of around $54 million per year, which more than covers the cost of her security detail.
Angelina Jolie
Star’s Net Worth: $120 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $2 million*
Angelina Jolie and her former husband, Brad Pitt, have six kids, so, understandably, they need the extra security. The couple’s former bodyguard, Billy Billingham, praised the couple for being dedicated to their kids’ safety. He also said that Jolie was constantly concerned that the kids could be taken for ransom.
The stars have a combined net worth that approaches $1 billion, so that’s not an outlandish fear. Billingham noted that he was impressed with Jolie’s time management skills, and she seemed to have time to “do everything.” Though Billingham has since moved on, Jolie still employs a team of security to protect herself and her children.
It’s not difficult to see why Ang would prefer to keep a solid team around her at all times. Her marriage to Pitt was highly-publicized and so was their split, so the actress often has to fend off paparazzi and adoring fans so she can get on with her life.
Bella Hadid
Star’s Net Worth: $18 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $250,000*
Bella Hadid has been taking the fashion industry by storm over the last few years, alongside her sister Gigi. As one of the bright young things that designers love to work with, Bella is often in the spotlight, with photographers tripping over themselves to get a money shot.
One of Bella’s bodyguards has gained a lot of attention in the past for looking remarkably like a well-dressed Jason Statham, but Bella isn’t above scolding her protectors when they take their job a little too far. In 2017 she was quick to reprimand one of her guards when he pushed a female paparazzi. Hadid has been in the spotlight most of her life as her mother was a cast member on Comcast’s Bravo show, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Bella, Gigi, and their brother Anwar are all models on the rise in the fashion industry, so its likely security is always around in some form or another. When you factor in high-profile relationships, bodyguards become an essential part of everyday life.
Nicole Kidman
Star’s Net Worth: $250 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $1 million*
Together, actress Nicole Kidman and her husband, country star Keith Urban, have megawatt star power, so they always keep security close. And Kidman especially seems to treat her security personnel well, as she was spotted giving her bodyguard a hug at the Sydney Airport when she was returning from the Cannes Film Festival.
In February 2021, the actress’s bodyguards actually rescued her and her husband from a strange situation at the Sydney Opera House. Urban and Kidman were giving a standing ovation at the House when an audience member swatted the Academy-Award winning actress with his program. After the smack, bodyguards were called over to remove the troublemaker from his seat.
It won’t be the first time that a strange occurrence like this has happened to an A-lister, but it is a prime example of just why stars need to make sure they keep trusted bodyguards with them at all times. You never know what situation might pop up.
