George Michael was estimated to be $200 million at his time of his passing. The English singer, songwriter, record producer, and philanthropist was one of the most successful pop artists in music history, rising to fame in the 1980s as a member of the duo Wham! before launching a massively successful solo career that spanned more than three decades.
George Michael sold over 120 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His wealth came from album sales, touring, songwriting royalties, and long-term ownership of his music catalog.
| George Michael Net Worth | $200 Million |
| Date of Birth | June 25, 1963 |
| Place of Birth | East Finchley, London |
| Nationality | English |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, and Philanthropist |
| Died | December 25, 2016 |
Early Life
George Michael was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on June 25, 1963, in East Finchley, London. His father was a Greek Cypriot immigrant and restaurateur, while his mother was an English dancer. He grew up in London alongside his two sisters.
While attending Bushey Meads School, Michael met Andrew Ridgeley, and the two bonded over their shared passion for music. Their friendship would eventually lead to the formation of one of the most successful pop duos of the 1980s.
Wham!
In 1981, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley formed Wham!, quickly achieving commercial success. Their debut album, Fantastic (1983), produced several UK hits, including “Wham Rap!” and “Club Tropicana.”
Their second album, Make It Big (1984), turned Wham! into global superstars. The album featured chart-topping hits such as:
- Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go
- Careless Whisper
- Freedom
- Everything She Wants
Careless Whisper reached No. 1 in more than 20 countries and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time. Wham! officially disbanded in 1986, allowing Michael to focus on his solo career.
Solo Career and “Faith”
George Michael’s solo debut album, Faith (1987), was a global phenomenon. The album sold over 25 million copies worldwide and produced six hit singles, including:
- I Want Your Sex
- Faith
- Father Figure
- One More Try
- Monkey
The title track Faith became the best-selling single of 1988 in the United States, and the album earned Michael two Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
Artistic Evolution
In 1990, Michael released Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1, signaling a shift toward more mature and introspective songwriting. Hits like Freedom! ’90 and Praying for Time showcased his artistic growth and rejection of pop-star image culture.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he released successful albums including:
- Older (1996)
- Songs from the Last Century (1999)
- Patience (2004)
Songs such as Jesus to a Child, Fastlove, Outside, and the enduring holiday classic Last Christmas solidified his legacy.
As a solo artist, George Michael sold more than 80 million records, in addition to the 30 million sold with Wham!
Legal and Drug Issues
George Michael struggled publicly with substance abuse and was arrested several times for drug-related offenses and public indecency. His most high-profile arrest occurred in 1998 in Beverly Hills, leading to a fine and community service.
In 2010, he was sentenced to eight weeks in prison for driving under the influence and drug possession, serving four weeks. Michael later admitted to heavy marijuana use and prescription drug abuse during this period.
Personal Life
George Michael came out publicly as gay in 1998. He had several long-term relationships, most notably with Anselmo Feleppa, who died in 1993 from an AIDS-related illness. Michael dedicated the song Jesus to a Child and the album Older to Feleppa.
He later dated art dealer Kenny Goss from 1996 to 2009 and hairstylist Fadi Fawaz, who discovered Michael’s body on Christmas morning in 2016.
Philanthropy
Though often private about his generosity, George Michael donated millions to charities, supporting causes related to HIV/AIDS, children’s welfare, homelessness, and disaster relief. Many of his donations were revealed only after his death.
Real Estate
At the time of his death, George Michael owned several valuable properties, including:
- Highgate House, a $12 million mansion in north London
- A 16th-century cottage in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, which he restored while preserving its historic features
George Michael Death
George Michael passed away on December 25, 2016, at the age of 53.
George Michael Net Worth
George Michael net worth was $200 when he died in 2016.
