Born: July 9, 1962
Age: 53
Place of Birth: The Bronx, New York City, New York
Height: 5’ 7”
Industry: Business
Net Worth: -$100 million
There are many things in this life that bring in the dollars. One of those is encouraging other people to be the best they can possibly be, while maximizing their earning potential. Jordan Belfort helps put a face to the motivational speaker circuit. A former stock broker by trade, Belfort made millions on Wall Street. In his younger days, Belfort originally had grand plans to become a dentist. However, life eventually took him to Wall Street, where he managed to find immense financial success. Much of these gains were, however, completely ill-gotten. The New York native was found guilty in 1999 of manipulating the stock market and in a penny-stock scam. After striking a deal to name the names of his subordinates, Belfort only spent 22 months in prison. Belfort had to repay 50% of what he earned, which amounted to $110 million. Scamming Wall Street had more perks, however. Upon exiting prison, Belfort released a memoir called Wolf of Wall Street. In it, he detailed his excesses, including his drug addiction and penchant for women. The memoir was picked up and rewritten as a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Belfort, and also featuring Jonah Hill. The film went on to gross $116 million. Belfort, however, has failed to pay the required restitution, having retreated to Australia after his release. He still owes his victims $100 million.