Simon Cowell is undeniably one of the most influential figures in the modern music industry. With his sharp eye for talent and undeniable business acumen, he has built an empire worth hundreds of millions while reshaping the landscape of global entertainment.

Building an Empire in Music and Television

Cowell began his career in the 1980s as a music producer, consultant, and talent scout. However, it wasn’t until 2001, when he appeared as a judge on Pop Idol, that he became a household name. The show’s success propelled him to create two of television’s most powerful talent franchises: The X Factor and Got Talent. Both became worldwide sensations, launching careers for stars such as One Direction, Leona Lewis, and Kelly Clarkson.

His influence has not gone unnoticed. Cowell was twice named among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world, in 2004 and again in 2010.

Life-Changing Accidents

In recent years, Cowell has faced serious personal challenges. He suffered two accidents: a fall down the stairs and a severe back injury caused by an electric scooter crash. The latter incident required back surgery and left him temporarily unable to walk.

Cowell has since spoken publicly about the dangers of high-powered e-bikes. “The one I had was basically a motorcycle with an electric engine. You have to wear a proper crash helmet, leathers. This thing was nuts,” he explained. “I didn’t know how powerful it was before I got on it. And I flew 6–8 feet in the air and landed on my spine.”

Family Life and Personal Joys

Beyond his television persona, Cowell is known as a committed philanthropist and animal lover. Since 2013, he has been in a relationship with Lauren Silverman, with whom he shares a son, Eric, born in 2014.

While their romance initially stirred controversy—reports suggested their relationship began while Lauren was still married to Cowell’s then-close friend Andrew Silverman—today, the couple remain together, raising their son.

For Cowell, becoming a father later in life has been transformative. “Meeting Lauren and becoming a dad was the most fantastic thing to happen in my life,” he told Hello! Magazine. “When you work as hard as I do, you think, ‘What’s it all going to be for at the end?’ Then somebody like him comes along and it’s all worthwhile.”

Eric, named after Cowell’s late father, has brought new meaning to the media mogul’s life. Cowell often shares how much he enjoys watching cartoons like Scooby Doo and Disney films with his son, describing him as “the most amazing thing that ever happened to me.”

A Fortune Not Passed On

With an estimated net worth of $600 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, Cowell could easily set Eric up for life. Yet, in a surprising move, he has revealed that his son will not inherit his fortune.

“I’m going to leave my money to somebody. A charity, probably—kids and dogs,” he told The Mirror. “I don’t believe in passing on from one generation to another. Your legacy has to be that hopefully you gave enough people an opportunity so that they could do well, and you gave them your time, taught them what you know.”

A Legacy of Opportunity

Simon Cowell’s career has been built on recognizing potential and turning unknown talents into global stars. While his fortune may not be passed down to his son, his true legacy lies in the opportunities he has created for countless aspiring artists worldwide.

And as for his personal legacy? It seems clear that for Cowell, his son Eric—his greatest source of joy—is already the most meaningful part of his life.