Articles Written by Paula Wilson

Paula Wilson is a writer, director, production manager, and former professional dancer, originally from North America, who has worked as a performer or director in ten countries and sixteen states. When not writing for CNW, she serves as the Artistic Director of The International Partner Dance Intensive (www.tipdi.com). Follow her on Google+.

In the 1980s, Frank Sinatra Wasn't as Rich as You Might Think… But When He Died In 1998, He Was Sitting On A $200-$600 Million Empire

Frank Sinatra was one of the most recognizable entertainers in history, but his fortune lagged far behind his fame for much of his life. That changed in his final years, thanks to careful planning, strategic branding, and a family-run empire that ...
David Geffen Parlayed a White Lie on His Résumé Into a Mailroom Job… and a $9 Billion Entertainment Empire

David Geffen didn't finish college, inherit a fortune, or follow a plan. He started in a mailroom, forged a letter, and went on to build a $9 billion empire spanning music, film, real estate, and art.
How Ty Warner Turned Beanie Babies Into A Multi-Billion Dollar Toy And Luxury Hotel Empire

Ty Warner built a billion-dollar fortune from Beanie Babies, then quietly transformed it into a luxury hotel empire spanning North America. His journey from failed actor to plush toy king to real estate mogul is one of the most improbable business...
What Happens To Money Confiscated From Drug Busts?

Ever wonder what happens to the piles of cash hauled in during massive drug busts? It turns out, the fate of that money—and the drugs—is murkier than you might think.
You'll Get Goosebumps When You Find Out How Much Money Money R.L. Stine Has Earned From His Children's Book Empire

Before there was Twilight or Harry Potter, R.L. Stine terrified an entire generation with his Goosebumps books — and built a massive fortune in the process. Here's how the original master of children's horror turned spooky stories into an empire.
Despite Generating Over a Billion Dollars, Elvis Wasn't Nearly as Rich as You Might Think When He Died

Elvis Presley made over a billion dollars during his lifetime, but when he died, he had a relatively small net worth. This is the jaw-dropping story of how one man quietly siphoned away the King's fortune.
Actresses Rooney And Kate Mara Are Heirs To Not One But TWO Multi-Billion Dollar NFL Dynasties

Rooney and Kate Mara aren't just Hollywood stars—they're also heirs to two of the most powerful families in NFL history.
How The Vanderbilts Went From The Richest Family In The World To Mostly Broke In Just A Few Generations

The Vanderbilts built one of the greatest fortunes in American history—then managed to blow it all in just six generations. This is the jaw-dropping story of how a family went from owning Fifth Avenue to not a single millionaire among them.
In 2001, The President Of Sega Did Something Completely Unimaginable To Save The Company From Bankruptcy (And Then He Dropped Dead)

The Sega Corporation is considered one of the most successful software developers around, but that wasn't always the case. The story of their rise from the ashes comes with a footnote of tragedy.
30 Years Ago, Hulk Hogan Endorsed A Meatball Maker Instead Of An Innovative New Grill. That Was A $200 Million Mistake

Hulk Hogan may be king of the wrestling ring, but when it comes to product endorsements he can't catch a break. This is the story of how one stupid decision cost the Hulkster lost $200 million.