Yes, deciding to be famous AFTER becoming rich is a choice, and arguably not optimally intelligent.

Many in these positions get there by being really good/smart/lucky at something once and then having a war chest of capital to deploy for life.

It doesn't mean they are a polymath genius with unique worthwhile insights into all facets of the human experience. In fact, it may almost be the opposite. The hyper focus and hustle required to attain what they do often requires withdrawing from the wider world, not being particularly well read, and living in a socioeconomic/political/work bubble.