Oprah Winfrey proudly holds 1.5 billion dollar fortune, Forbes says

Oprah Winfrey is the world's richest female entertainer, according to finance bible Forbes.

Photo: Oprah Winfrey proudly holds 1.5 billion dollar fortune, Forbes says

The American talk show queen is worth a staggering $1.9 billion, according to the prestigious magazine. Oprah, 52, pockets $286 million a year from her Chicago-based media empire.

Winfrey beat British Harry Potter author J.K Rowling, who is worth an estimated $1.27 billion into second place.

Rowling's boy wizard novels are the world's best-selling series, and the movie versions have pulled in $4.4 billion.

Domestic doyen Martha Stewart ranks in third place, with an estimated fortune of $813 million.

Her company's merchandising arm, Martha Stewart Everyday, enjoyed sales of $1.27 billion in 2006.

In fourth place is pop queen Madonna, who is worth an estimated $254 million.

The 48-year-old Material Girl is the highest ranked singer, and according to Forbes her "portfolio is also crammed with expensive items like contemporary art, real estate and a wardrobe of no small historical significance".

Madonna beat Canadian singer Celine Dion, who is worth an estimated $318 million, into fifth place, informs Ninemsn.

A one-hour special, The 20 Richest Women in Entertainment, airs Saturday on E!.

Forbes' Top 20 Richest Women in Entertainment full list:

1) Oprah Winfrey $1.5 billion

2) J.K. Rowling $1 billion

3) Martha Stewart $638 million

4) Madonna $325 million

5) Celine Dion $250 million

6) Mariah Carey $225 million

7) Janet Jackson $150 million

8) Julia Roberts $140 million

9) Jennifer Lopez $110 million

10) Jennifer Aniston $110 million

11) Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen $100 million

12) Britney Spears $100 million

13) Judge Judy (Sheindlin) $95 million

14) Sandra Bullock $85 million

15) Cameron Diaz $75 million

16) Gisele Bundchen $70 million

17) Ellen DeGeneres $65 million

18) Nicole Kidman $60 million

19) Christina Aguilera $60 million

20) Renee Zellweger $45 million