6 Celebrity Inventors You Should Know More About

It pays to be brilliant!

Purple Keytar - In 1992 Prince got a patent for a portable keyboard/guitar instrument. Guess what? It's purple too!  (Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)
The Smoothest of Criminals - Real or an illusion? In Jackson's 1987 video for "Smooth Criminal," we saw him defy gravity as he leaned forward almost 180 degrees. In 1993, Jackson co-patented specially made shoes that hitch into a device on the stage, thus presenting the illusion of anti-gravity and some cool moves.  (Photo: Epic Records)
Bill Nye the Ballet Guy - We all know that he's been on point for years, but we didn't know this! The scientist reformatted the original ballet shoes to include a toe box which encases and protects the toes from any discomfort a dancer may experience while dancing on pointe.  (Photos from left: Michael Buckner/Getty Images, Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia)
Let the Force Be With You - Talk about taking ownership! Star Wars director George Lucas holds a patent for co-inventing the Boba Fett action figure. This is one of 11 patents that the director holds.   (Photo: Sascha Steinbach/Getty Images)Man of Many Faces - After Andy Warhol's death, the American Watch Company granted him a patent for a watch he created with not one, but five faces. This is full acknowledgment that art does make the world go 'round.  (Photo: Susan Greenwood / Liaison Agency)

Next Gallery

12 Powerful Quotes from Black Women Athletes to Inspire Greatness

12 Photos

4 / 7

The Smoothest of Criminals - Real or an illusion? In Jackson's 1987 video for "Smooth Criminal," we saw him defy gravity as he leaned forward almost 180 degrees. In 1993, Jackson co-patented specially made shoes that hitch into a device on the stage, thus presenting the illusion of anti-gravity and some cool moves.  (Photo: Epic Records)

ADVERTISEMENT