3. Lady Gaga: $300M, The Fame
Lady Gaga has built her career on theatrical transformation and artistic reinvention. Born Stefani Germanotta, she burst onto the scene with The Fame in 2008, introducing the world to her avant-garde aesthetic. Her elaborate costumes, from the infamous meat dress to crystallized bodysuits, have made her red carpet appearances legendary. The 2019 Met Gala showcased her chameleon-like abilities through four distinct outfit changes, each more dramatic than the last.
However, her 2018 role in A Star Is Born revealed a vulnerability rarely seen before, earning her an Academy Award for Best Original Song. During filming, director Bradley Cooper reportedly encouraged minimal makeup to capture raw emotion. When fans finally saw Gaga’s natural face prominently featured, many were surprised by how different she appeared—softer features, gentle eyes, and a girl-next-door quality. She’s since opened up about struggling with fibromyalgia and chronic pain, crediting bare-faced days as part of her self-care routine. Her transformation from avant-garde performer to stripped-down actress proved her versatility extends beyond costumes and makeup into genuine artistic range.