NET WORTH: $2.85 billion +2%

LAST YEAR: $2.8 billion

AGE: 81

RESIDENCE: Bel Air

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Broadcasting, entertainment

THE MONEY: Weak capital markets and Perenchio’s philanthropy limited former media mogul’s gains. Manages money through Century City family firm Chartwell Partners.

BUZZ: Octogenarian also one of largest donors to Republican Party. Early fundraiser for presidential hopeful Jon Huntsman before switching to frontrunner Mitt Romney. Donated $500,000 to Restore Our Future, a pro-Romney super PAC and $2 million to American Crossroads, super PAC controlled by Karl Rove. In February, Malibu City Council approved his Malibu Bay Co.’s plan to build four luxury beachfront homes. Got start as talent agent to stars such as Jane Fonda and Marlon Brando before partnering with sitcom king Norman Lear to buy Embassy Pictures in 1981. After selling out to Coca-Cola Co. and producing feature films, bought Univision in 1992. Turned Spanish-language TV network into powerhouse before selling out to Haim Saban for $13.7 billion in 2007. Sits on the board of Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation in Simi Valley. Fresno native attended UCLA, where he has donated millions. Received honorary doctorate last year from Cal State Fresno, where “anonymous” donation of $1 million will fund the John and Madeline Perenchio Arts Exhibition Endowment, named after parents.