Actually, there were about 16 billionaires in 1957, although this was only about half the number that had existed in 1925. The number has risen and fallen over the decades, depending on things like the economic climate and the advent of new, lucrative industries that certain individuals are able to capitalize on, such as railroads, oil, steel, aluminum, software, etc.
So the first billionaires appeared long before this TV show ever aired. Some of them were around in the 19th century (e.g., the robber barons). By the way, there were only about a dozen by 1968, and about twice that many by the early 1980s. As of 1996 there were approximately 130. I think there are a few more than that today, but not a lot more.
So the first billionaires appeared long before this TV show ever aired. Some of them were around in the 19th century (e.g., the robber barons). By the way, there were only about a dozen by 1968, and about twice that many by the early 1980s. As of 1996 there were approximately 130. I think there are a few more than that today, but not a lot more.