Simon Cowell rose from a record company assistant to one of the biggest names in show business. His blunt, honest judging style on talent shows like *American Idol*, *X Factor*, and *America’s Got Talent* made him famous—and incredibly wealthy.

After dropping out of school, he worked at EMI, later launching his own labels. Though early attempts failed, he found success with *Pop Idol*, which led to *American Idol* and a media empire. His sharp critiques became his trademark, and he quickly became a multi-millionaire, earning tens of millions per year.

Despite his success, Cowell has faced health issues, including a serious bike accident. He’s undergone cosmetic procedures but has since cut back after his son, Eric, commented on his appearance. Now a family man, he focuses on his son and philanthropy, donating millions to charities. With a $600 million fortune, he plans to leave his wealth to charity rather than passing it down.