Million Dollar Bodyguards: The Sky-High Cost of Protecting the World’s Elite

Star’s Net Worth: $300 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $240,000*

Jennifer Aniston shot to fame as part of the cast of Friends in the ‘90s, going on to be true Hollywood royalty. As one of the most prominent A-listers on the planet, it’s no surprise that Aniston has to travel with a pretty hefty security entourage. 

The former star of Comcast’s NBC series is constantly photographed and approached by fans, which can get a little out of control at times. With that being said, it’s no surprise that she spends upwards of $240,000 a year on “well-being.” Jennifer’s bodyguards are prone to change, but back in 2013, she was spotted with infamous celebrity protector Sheldon. 

Sheldon has worked with many big names in the past, so Jen could rest assured that he knew what he was doing. It takes a lot to fend off a swarming mob of paparazzi, but Sheldon has both the confidence and the body power to get the actress from A to B safely.

Star’s Net Worth: $330 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $350,000*

Katy Perry has made a name for herself as a bonafide entertainment queen, staying on top of her game ever since she first released her hit single “I Kissed a Girl” back in 2008. Katy’s profile was further raised when she took her place on the judging panel on American Idol, making her even more famous than she was before. 

Wherever the ABC star goes, so does her bodyguard. It’s thought that Perry upped her security after giving birth to her first child in 2020, but it’s likely she’ll keep her long-term guard around. He’s a hit with fans too, as some say he looks like a young Hugh Jackman. 

In some cases, bodyguards get just as much attention from the media as the stars they’ve sworn to protect. That’s especially true when they happen to be handsome and well-built, for obvious reasons! Perry is rarely seen without her own personal security detail in tow.

Star’s Net Worth: $1 billion (combined)*
Annual Protection Cost: $1 million+*

Victoria Beckham may have been at the peak of her fame when she was part of the Spice Girls in the ‘90s, but the pop star turned fashion designer is still tabloid fodder. Both Victoria and her soccer ace husband David are worth a combined $1 billion, which is hardly surprising given their various business pursuits. 

The Beckhams never travel without a security entourage, but their need to feel safe doesn’t end there. Back in 2014, they spent $1 million on ramping up security for just one of their properties, before installing guardhouses at another England residence in 2020. 

David and Victoria have a very impressive property portfolio that’s thought to be worth over $80 million. With homes across the globe from Miami to Britain, it’s natural that they want to invest in protecting their assets as well as themselves.

Star’s Net Worth: $90 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $300,000*

Oscar-winning beauty Halle Berry isn’t a stranger to the public eye. She’s been ruling the entertainment business since the early ‘90s, so she’s used to dealing with the paparazzi, crazed fans, and everything in between. Of course, Halle does have a helping hand. 

Over the course of her decades-long career, Berry has employed numerous bodyguards and is often spotted out and about with them. The star of Lionsgate’s Monster’s Ball loves to keep fit and takes her bodyguards out on hikes frequently. Whether they actually need the workout is a different story.

As you might expect, Berry’s bodyguards are in tip-top physical condition, just like the star herself. They need to be able to sprint at a moment’s notice and face danger head-on, so while the occasional hike won’t hurt, they’ve likely got their own personal training plan to keep up with!

Star’s Net Worth: $190 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $75,000*

When it comes to singing sensations, Adele is the best of the best. Fans are usually charmed by her incredibly down-to-earth nature, but make no mistake – she’s filthy rich. With an estimated fortune of around $190 million, Adele can afford to splash the cash on the finer things in life, including round-the-clock security. 

In 2017, it was reported that the Sony Music artist hired Lady Gaga’s former bodyguard Pete Van Der Veen.  At that time, Van Der Veen came with a reported $70,000 per year price tag. It’s likely he may have been treated to a pay rise since then!

By all accounts, Van Der Veen comes highly recommended and has a sterling reputation. When fans first spotted Van Der Veen with Adele they were quite keen to know more about the Dutchman. It turns out that Peter was once crowned Mr. Europe, so he’s had his own taste of the limelight, too.

Star’s Net Worth: $400 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $125,000*

Barbra Streisand has so many acting, stage, and song credits that her resume is longer than the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With such an established career and a net worth of over $400 million, Streisand has earned the title of entertainment royalty. Babs is always gracious when it comes to meeting her fans, but like other A-listers, she never underestimates the need for security.

Streisand is often pictured out and about at public events, but she always has her bodyguards close to hand. While Babs is a huge force in the biz, she’s not quite as photographed as other stars which is why her security bill is probably on the lower side. Still, that doesn’t mean Barbra is taking a trip to Walmart unattended.

If Streisand has learned anything over the years, it’s that security is one element of fame never to be taken lightly. Even the best-meaning fans can get a little overzealous at times, so it’s best to keep a guard next to you just in case uncomfortable situations arise.

Star’s Net Worth: $18 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $250,000*

Bella Hadid has been taking the fashion industry by storm over the last few years, alongside her sister Gigi. As one of the bright young things that designers love to work with, Bella is often in the spotlight, with photographers tripping over themselves to get a money shot. 

One of Bella’s bodyguards has gained a lot of attention in the past for looking remarkably like a well-dressed Jason Statham, but Bella isn’t above scolding her protectors when they take their job a little too far. In 2017 she was quick to reprimand one of her guards when he pushed a female paparazzi. Hadid has been in the spotlight most of her life as her mother was a cast member on Comcast’s Bravo show, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. 

Bella, Gigi, and their brother Anwar are all models on the rise in the fashion industry, so it’s likely security is always around in some form or another. When you factor in high-profile relationships, bodyguards become an essential part of everyday life.

Star’s Net Worth: $59 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $600,000*

Britney Spears has had a turbulent relationship with fame that often didn’t work in her favor. In the late ‘00s, harassment of Spears by the paparazzi contributed to a lot of her personal struggles. Their relentless pursuit often meant Britney couldn’t travel without a security team. In 2009, she was paying around $400,000 a year for security. 

Security at Britney’s home is also constantly reviewed and tight to make sure that the star and her children are always protected. Spears has remained one of the most pursued stars over the years, so it’s natural to think her bill will be significantly higher than some of her contemporaries.

Star’s Net Worth: $900 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $4.8 million*

In this Instagram age, Kylie Jenner has established herself as the jewel in the Kardashian-Jenner crown. The reality TV star launched Kylie Cosmetics several years ago and it was a runaway success. It’s thought that Jenner is worth an estimated $900 million, even though she’s just 23. 

The hype around Kylie remains at an all-time high, so she takes her security very seriously. Back in 2019, Kyle’s dad Caitlin Jenner estimated that her daughter spends between $300,000-$400,000 a month on bodyguards and other security measures. Not bad for a kid that started out as Kim K’s little sister on Comcast’s E!. 

A few years ago, the idea of Kylie being even more famous than her sister Kim would’ve been laughable. However, thanks to the extreme change in her appearance and the launch of her business empire, Kylie is firmly at the helm of the Kardashian-Jenner media machine.

Star’s Net Worth: $400 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $500,000*

Rihanna’s fans are among some of the most dedicated in the world. It’s not hard to see why. The starlet has proven time and time again that she’s in it for the long haul, selling millions of records and creating her very own clothing and beauty line, Fenty. 

That being said, RiRi is a superstar that heavily relies on security to get her from A to B, whether she’s out to dinner with friends or touring the world. Rihanna’s annual protection costs will likely come in at around $500,000, if not more. Even if she slips out to Target, she won’t be alone.

Everyone knows who Rihanna is, even if they don’t listen to her music. With that being said, it’s not easy for RiRi to travel incognito, even if she wants to shop the clearance section like the rest of us mere mortals. For someone this famous, bodyguards are just part of the package.

Star’s Net Worth: $290 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $500,000*

When it comes to fame, J-Lo has managed to attain the kind of notoriety that is reserved for a select few. Not only is she an accomplished actress, but she’s a chart-topping singer, too. There’s nothing that Lopez can’t do. She even sang at the 2021 presidential inauguration. 

J-Lo may be used to playing characters in movies like Sony’s Maid in Manhattan, but in reality, she’s just filthy rich. With an estimated fortune of $290 million, Jen has enough room in the budget for an entire entourage of security. Given how popular she is, she needs it. 

Any resemblance of a normal life went out the window for J-Lo many years ago, but her success is something she has worked hard to achieve. With a net worth of over $290 million and a relationship with legendary sportsman Alex Rodriguez, J-Lo has to keep security just as tight as her dance moves.

Star’s Net Worth: $43 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $75,000*

Amy Adams has starred in her fair share of Hollywood blockbusters, from Enchanted to Arrival. However, Adams maintains a relatively low profile when she’s not working. We haven’t seen her in any high-stakes drama that doesn’t play out on screen, which might be why her security costs are a little more modest than some others. 

The actress does make sure she’s escorted on red carpets by her own team, even if she doesn’t need round-the-clock security. Adams has managed to toe the line and largely keep her private life private, which certainly helps stave off paparazzi attention. 

Adams quite often employs security guards on the recommendation of other A-list celebrities, which is why some of her team may look familiar to trawlers of gossip sites. It’s not unusual to see the actress step out with well-known celebrity protectors.

Star’s Net Worth: $3 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $75,000*

Kesha isn’t exactly known for being a wall-flower, so when she goes out she can attract a lot of attention. Luckily for the songstress, she’s able to employ bodyguards as and when she needs them. With an estimated net worth of $3 million, Kesha can’t afford to pay insane security fees like Kylie Jenner. 

Instead, she just hires security and bodyguards at times that it feels appropriate. Kesha has been pictured arm-in-arm with a couple of guards in the past, so she isn’t afraid to be seen with them. Some stars request that their detail walk a few steps behind them, but not Kesha. 

Kesha treats her team like they’re her friends, which is probably why they always seem to be having such a good time. The singer has a reputation for being down-to-earth, so perhaps working for this celebrity is a job worth having.

Star’s Net Worth: $79 million*
Annual Protection Cost: $50,000*

Wizarding whiz Daniel Radcliffe might be best known for his star turn in the Harry Potter franchise, but these days his life is a lot quieter. Unlike his co-star Emma Watson, Radcliffe never really found widespread success in Hollywood post-Hogwarts. However, he’s still got a fortune of $79 million thanks to his Harry Potter days and wise investments. 

Radcliffe doesn’t employ round-the-clock security, but when he is spotted with a security guard they’re as big and burly as the rest of them. They often tower over him, making him look like he’s still in his first year.

That’s not to say that Daniel doesn’t still have legions of die-hard fans that are keen to get his autograph, though. He’s just a little bit better at going incognito than some of his peers, which ultimately saves him money in the long run.