Forbes recently released its annual list of America’s richest people, The Forbes 400, which has been published for 43 years. The list features a total of 1,739 individuals who have made the cut over the years, but staying on the list is no easy feat. Only 11 individuals have managed to make the list every single year since its inception in 1982. These 11 moguls, heirs, and celebrities have a combined estimated net worth of $342.3 billion, up from $3.8 billion in 1982.
Among the 11 individuals who have consistently made Forbes’ list of richest Americans are Warren Buffett, the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, who has seen his net worth grow substantially over the years. Only 4 of the 11 billionaires are self-made, including Buffett, and two retail and fashion tycoons Phil Knight and Les Wexner. The remaining individuals on the list have received substantial help from their families but have still managed to turn millions into billions, such as Charles Koch, Leonard and Ron Lauder, and Donald Newhouse.
Some members of the original 1982 Forbes 400 list have since passed away, including comedian Bob Hope, mobster Meyer Lansky, Steve Jobs, and shipping tycoon Daniel Ludwig. Others have either transferred their fortunes to heirs or were overtaken in wealth by new tech moguls, social media stars, and crypto enthusiasts. However, many individuals who made the cut in 1982 continue to hold a spot on the list, showcasing their impressive business acumen and wealth accumulation over the years.
The billionaires who have made the Forbes 400 list every year since 1982 come from various industries, including real estate, energy, media, retail, and more. Their net worths have grown significantly from their initial entries in 1982, demonstrating their continued success and ability to navigate economic fluctuations and market challenges. These individuals have consistently proven their wealth creation abilities and have become icons in the business world.
With an average age of 88, the 11 billionaires on the Forbes 400 list have shown remarkable resilience and longevity in maintaining their wealth and status as some of the richest people in America. Through strategic investments, successful business ventures, and in some cases, philanthropy, they have solidified their positions among the elite in the business world. As the landscape of wealth in America continues to evolve, these individuals serve as enduring symbols of success and prosperity in the country’s economy.
