Lawrence O’Donnell | $16 Million

Broadcaster and TV writer Lawrence O’Donnell is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the industry. O’Donnel started taking writing seriously at Harvard and began working as a writer after he received his degree. His first novel, “Deadly Force,” was published back in 1983. The book eventually received a film adaptation entitled, A Case of Deadly Force. O’Donnell may have started his career writing fiction but switched to politics during the 80s. One of his first jobs was serving as a senior advisor to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

His experience working for the government helped inspire his writing for the West Wing’s hit TV show. O’Donnell wrote 16 episodes of the series and did the story editing for 12 others. With the investment money he has earned over the years, he became the producer for the series from 1999 to 2006.