George Michael Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What is George Michael’s net worth?

At the time of his death, George Michael, an English singer, songwriter, record producer, and philanthropist, had amassed a net worth of $200 million. He gained prominence in the 1980s as part of the music duo Wham! and later pursued a solo career. With over 100 million records sold globally, Michael is recognized as one of the best-selling music artists in history. Tragically, he passed away at the age of 53 on December 25, 2016, at his residence near London, reportedly due to heart failure.

Early Life

Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on June 25, 1963, in East Finchley, London, George Michael was raised in a diverse family. His father, Kyriacos “Jack” Panayiotou, emigrated from Greece in the 1950s to become a restaurateur, while his mother, Lesley Angold, was an English dancer. Most of his childhood took place in London, where he attended Roe Green Junior School and Kingsbury High School. Michael had two sisters, Yioda (born 1962) and Melanie (1964–2019). During his time at Bushey Meads School, he met Andrew Ridgeley, who shared his passion for music, leading to a lifelong friendship.

Career

In 1981, Michael and Andrew Ridgeley formed Wham!, marking the beginning of his success. Their debut album, “Fantastic,” released in 1983, featured a string of top 10 hits such as “Young Guns,” “Wham Rap!” and “Club Tropicana.” Following this, their second album, “Make It Big,” produced monumental hits including “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Freedom,” “Everything She Wants,” and “Careless Whisper,” which topped charts in over twenty countries, including the U.S. and U.K. Wham! officially disbanded in 1986, after which Michael successfully ventured into a solo career.

Michael’s debut solo album, “Faith,” released in late 1987, received critical acclaim and commercial success almost immediately. The album’s first single, “I Want Your Sex,” faced bans from numerous radio stations due to its provocative lyrics. Shortly thereafter, the title track “Faith” was released in October 1987 and became one of his most beloved songs, topping the U.S. charts in 1988. The album yielded four singles: “Faith,” “Father Figure,” “One More Try,” and “Monkey.”

In September 1990, Michael released “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1.” The opening single, “Praying for Time,” addressed significant social issues, followed by “Waiting for That Day” in October 1990. The album produced five singles released within eight months: “Praying for Time,” “Waiting for That Day,” “Freedom! ’90,” “Heal the Pain,” and “Cowboys and Angels.”

The music video for “Freedom ’90,” one of the album’s notable singles, was directed by David Fincher, known for “Se7en.” In a bold move, the video featured supermodels such as Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Tatjana Patitz, and Cindy Crawford lip-syncing the lyrics instead of Michael himself.

Subsequent albums included “Older” in 1996, “Songs from the Last Century” in 1999, and “Patience,” his final release, in 2004.

By the time of his passing, George Michael had sold over 115 million records worldwide. His solo endeavors accounted for over 80 million sales, solidifying his status as one of the best-selling artists in the music industry. In addition, he sold 30 million records with Wham!, and his debut solo album, “Faith,” alone sold over 25 million copies.

Legal/Drug Issues

Throughout his life, Michael faced multiple arrests linked to drug offenses and public indecency due to sexual acts. He battled substance abuse challenges. On April 7, 1998, he was apprehended for performing a lewd act in a Beverly Hills public restroom, caught by an undercover officer during a sting operation. Following a “no contest” plea, he was fined US$810 and mandated to complete 80 hours of community service.

In an incident in February 2006, he was arrested for drug possession, an event he candidly referred to as “my own stupid fault, as usual.” A year later, he pled guilty to charges of drug-impaired driving after obstructing traffic in northwest London, resulting in a two-year driving ban.

On July 23, 2006, accusations surfaced against Michael for participating in anonymous public sexual acts in London.

On September 19, 2008, he was arrested again in a London restroom on drug possession charges.

On Sunday, July 4, 2010, after departing from a Gay Pride parade, Michael crashed his car into a shopfront in North London, leading to his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence. Subsequently, on August 12, he faced charges for possessing marijuana and for operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Later, on September 14, 2010, Michael received an eight-week prison sentence, a fine, and a five-year driving ban. He completed four weeks of his sentence before being released on October 11, 2010.

Michael openly acknowledged his heavy drug use, admitting to smoking up to 25 joints daily and misusing sleeping pills.

Personal Life

In the late 1980s, Michael was in a relationship with makeup artist Kathy Jeung, who appeared in the “I Want Your Sex” music video. He later referred to her as his “only bona fide” girlfriend.

Michael began dating Anselmo Feleppa in 1992, whom he met at the Rock in Rio concert in 1991. Six months later, Feleppa learned of his HIV-positive status. In 1993, he tragically passed away from an AIDS-related brain hemorrhage. Michael’s song “Jesus to a Child” and the album “Older” were dedicated to him.

From 1996 until 2009, Michael was involved with Kenny Goss, an heir to a sporting goods fortune. In late November 2005, reports emerged that Michael and Goss intended to formalize their relationship as a civil partnership. However, they postponed these plans due to negative media coverage and Michael’s upcoming tour. They ultimately parted ways in 2009.

In 2012, Michael entered into a relationship with Fadi Fawaz, an Australian celebrity hairstylist residing in London. It was Fawaz who discovered Michael’s lifeless body on Christmas morning in 2016.

Real Estate

At the time of his passing, Michael had acquired a $12 million mansion known as Highgate House located in north London, which he bequeathed to his sister Melanie.

Additionally, he owned a 16th-century cottage situated in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. Michael bought and renovated the property in 2007, maintaining its original low ceilings and wooden beams as part of his effort to preserve its historical essence.