Simon Cowell Turns 50

BY Fast Company Calendar | 10-07-2009 | 3:15 PM

simon cowell What does TV's Mr. Nasty want for his birthday? More money. Cowell, whose net worth is estimated at $200 million -- plus, earns millions each year savaging wannabes on American Idol and Britain's Got Talent, which he also created. But the pop mogul is reportedly miffed that he doesn't get a cut of the programs' profits, which go to the shows' owners, including Sony BMG and Fox. A new project with retail billionaire and Topshop boss Sir Philip Green, though, could make Cowell's big day. The pair are developing a media company that will handle the creation and licensing of new TV formats, talent management, and merchandising -- and give Cowell a huge hunk of revenue from new shows. With the extra income, he might just be able to afford some new shirts and a decent haircut. -- Theunis Bates