Paris Hilton's hunger for fame, despite her lack of talent, is truly phenomenal. "I do everything — I act, I sing, I design and I write books," the heiress recently said.

Well, let's just say that's up for discussion….

However, some people really are that gifted. Yes, we're talking about those who have made the equivalent of a small African country's GDP with their many talents.

We take a closer look at some of transitional kings and queens of our time.

Beyoncé Knowles

Well, this diva's got it all and she knows it. With that bootylicious body and magical voice, Beyoncé knows how to cash in on her many talents.

She started out as a lead singer for the girl group Destiny's Child, before going on to pursue a stellar solo career, winning four Grammy Awards for her debut album.

As if that weren't enough, she took it to the big screen. Her first movie was the musical 'Carmen: A Hip Hopera'. In 2002, she landed a role in the Austin Powers film 'Goldmember', which she followed up with 'Dream Girls' (bagging two Golden Globes in the process).

Everything this transitional queen touches turns into gold!

Will Smith

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air has been around the block and he has definitely earned his stripes. He started out as a rapper, made his way to a sitcom, before becoming one of the best paid actors in Hollywood.

He is the only actor to have eight consecutive films gross over $100-million at the US box office. He has been nominated for four Golden Globes, two Academy Awards and he has won numerous Grammys.

The alien-slaying funny-man is also a television producer and successful musician (with four solo albums).

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson mesmerised audiences when she was a contestant in the 'American Idols' in 2004. She didn't win the competition but no one could argue the fact that she could sing.

Jennifer got her big break when she landed a role in 'Dream Girls' and blew critics away, nabbing an Academy Award, a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild award at the same time.

Last year she released her self-titled debut album which earned her a Grammy. She also had a small role in 'Sex and the City' in 2007. In 2008 she appeared in her fourth film 'The Secret Life of Bees', which won two People Choice Awards.

J-Lo

Jenny from the block started out as a dancer and soon after that was making music. She has released seven albums including two number one albums on the Billboard 200.

Having conquered the music world, J-Lo took to the big screen. She won awards for her outstanding work in 'Selena', 'Out of Sight' and 'Angel Eyes'. She proved once and for all that she was a force to be reckoned with.

According to Forbes, J-Lo is the richest person of Latin descent in Hollywood and one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood.

And if that weren't enough she also has her own clothing line and various perfumes under her belt. Eat your heart out Paris.

The Rock

Who would ever have thought that a wrestler could act? And, no, that stuff on WWE doesn't count as acting. Well, the Rock proved that they can do more than just choke-slam each other. Tired of taking (and dishing out) a beating, the Rock (aka Dwayne Johnson) took up acting.

His first big role was in 2001, 'The Scorpion King' — he received the highest salary for an actor in his first starring role. Since then he's been in numerous films. Admittedly, his oeuvre doesn't stretch much past action and comedy, but if he keeps it up, this former wrestler is well on his way to becoming a transitional king. Or at least a prince…

Ice Cube

Undeniably one of the best rappers to come out of the '80s, Ice Cube has released eight successful albums. To those born after the era of gangsta rap, however, he is far better known for his acting chops.

He counts 'Anaconda', 'Three Kings' and 'Barbershop' among his better-known movies. He wrote the screenplay for 'Friday' and also starred in the movie. This original gangsta is also a big-time transitional king.

PROUDLY SA

In South Africa we have our very own transitional kings and queens. They have done it all and they continue to shine.

Basetsana Khumalo

Well, we were made to believe that beauty queens lack brains — a pretty face and nothing more. Bassie proved everyone wrong. She started out as Miss Soweto and shortly after that was crowned Miss South Africa in 1994.

She was determined to showcase her versatility when she joined the cast of 'Top Billing' as a presenter. Having earned her 'acting' stripes, she turned to business. Her business Tswelopele Productions merged with Union Alliance Media and is listed on the JSE.

That's not all, this transitional woman has her own clothing and cosmetic line. Basetsana has proved that anything is possible if you just put your mind to it.

Chris Chameleon

This guy really is a chameleon — he can sing and act. Chris started out with the band Boo! and they performed in the US and Europe. Later, he decided to go solo. He has his own unique style and he was nominated for a fourth time this year at the SA Music Awards.

He won a Huisgenooit Tempo Award for most popular contemporary Afrikaans artist and two Vonk Oskar Awards in 2006. He has released four albums and a DVD.

Chris landed a role in '7 de Laan' but it wasn't his first foray into the world of television — he has acted more that 20 television roles. He has also worked as an assistant television director for various South African and international productions.

Zola

Born Bonginkosi Dlamini, this is a guy who gave a new meaning to the term 'from rags to riches'. He started out with nothing. He had no money to attend the auditions of what was to become South Africa's most controversial television series. Zola landed a role in 'Yizo Yizo' and in no time he was on everyone's lips as the boy with a bright future.

Soon after he released his first Kwaito album and has gone on to win four SAMA Awards. On the side, he landed a critically acclaimed role in the Oscar-winning movie 'Tsotsi'.

Zola went on to host his own reality show which has been very successful. He owns a music company called Guluva Entertainment and a Zola 7 clothing range which was launched in 2005 — he is a transitional king.

These celebs make it look so easy — no wonder Paris thinks that she can do it all. She has the cash, the looks and the fame. Now, all she needs is the talent…