“The United States just has always had this incredible ability to create stuff that the rest of the world consumes. You go around the world, in most countries, conservatively, 30 to 50 percent of the music you’ll hear is made here in the United States. And the same thing is true with a lot of motion pictures.”

There was a three-way tie for third place. Media personalities Simon Cowell and Howard Stern each earned $95 million. So did British writer E.L. James. Her bestselling book “Fifty Shades of Grey” also earned her a movie deal.

Writer James Patterson took the number four spot with $91 million in earnings, followed by television and radio personality Glen Beck with $90 million. Movie man Michael Bay made $82 million. He checks in at number six.

Further down at number 9 on Forbes’ list is Opray Winfrey, who was the top earner last year. Her earnings fell from $88 million in 2012 to $77 million for the recent 12-month period.

Pop star Lady Gaga moved up to seventh place on the list. She shares that position with “Pirates of the Caribbean” producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Both earned $80 million in the past year.

Coming in at number eight, golf champion Tiger Woods was the only sports star on Forbes’ latest list of the highest paid celebrities. He shares that position with movie producer Tyler Perry.

And filling out the top 10 is Actor Robert Downey Jr. He sparked a cool $75 million during the recent rating period.