Whether you love or hate them, some of the world’s best actors and actresses have been cashing in millions of movie-making money every year. Last year alone, Dwayne Johnson was ranked by Forbes Magazine as the highest-paid actor in the world earning him almost $90 million before taxes. Amazingly, the same editorial by Forbes and Wealthygorilla claimed that collectively, female actors ranked in over $300 million and their male counterparts made roughly half a billion dollars in 2019, cashing in over $600 million.
We’re not surprised how much money these stars are making, as it comes to show that only a select few of our favorite actors and actresses will eventually make it big. One thing is for sure, that once they have achieved peak stardom, the millions will start rolling in. We’ve ranked some of the highest-paid actors and actresses of 2020, and although this list again will change in the coming year, we’re excited to see young and ambitious actors making an appearance on here soon.
23. Victoria Principal
Victoria’s success stretches back to the ’80s and 90’s when she was best known as Pamela Barnes Ewing on the popular American television soap opera Dallas.
Victoria Principal and Patrick Duffy in Dallas (1978). Photo by CBS Photo Archive – © 2004 CBS WORLDWIDE INC. – Image courtesy gettyimages.com
During her time at Dallas, Victoria found Principal Secrets, a skincare company that was worth $1.5 billion in 2013. Currently, Victoria is worth $250 million and has seen funds coming in from both her acting career and successful skincare empire.
22. Jennifer Aniston
For decades Aniston has been impressing us with her outstanding acting, and it has paid off. Currently, Aniston is worth between $249-$252 million.
Jennifer Aniston, Adam Sandler, and Dany Boon in Murder Mystery (2019) – Photo by Scott Yamano/Scott Yamano/NETFLIX – © NETFLIX
The actress went from staring in off-Broadway productions to low-budget television series to cashing in nearly $1 million per episode by the end of Friends. Her role as Rachel Green on the popular television series Friends had millions of viewers captivated and has filtered through generations of on-going watchers. Today Aniston has a long list of endorsement deals, including beauty products, Smartwater, and many more.
21. Leonardo DiCaprio
The American actor, producer, and philanthropist has been fascinated with acting and television since his early days on the set of Romper Room at the age of five. Although his acting career would only really see the take-off when he was 14-years old, he’s been in major films including Titanic, Catch Me If You Can, Inception, Wolf of Wall Street, The Great Gatsby, and Blood Diamond.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael Cudlitz, and Jeremy Miller in Growing Pains (1985) – Image courtesy gettyimages.com
By 2020, DiCaprio is worth $260 million, including his extensive property portfolio worth $100 million, endorsements such as Tag Heuer, and over $40 million in earnings from his 1.8% cut in backend points from the film Titanic.
20. Brad Pitt
For years, millions of fans and moviegoers were impressed by the outstanding acting and diverse career path Pitt has endured.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in By the Sea (2015) – © Universal Pictures
Although he only really started seeing major success after his role as a cowboy in the 1991 classic Thelma & Louise, Pitt has since gone on to much greener (and we mean money) pastures acting in films such as Interview With A Vampire, 12 Monkeys, all Ocean’s films, Fight Club, 12 Years A Slave, World War Z and Troy to name a few. Mister Pitt is currently worth $300 million combined with a strong urge to support humanitarian and political causes.
19. Robert Di Nero
To date, Di Nero has a worth of roughly $300 million, but this doesn’t come without a lot of hard work. The American-Italian actor has performed in critically acclaimed films including The Godfather Part II, Raging Bull, the musical drama New York, and the extremely controversial 1970’s film Taxi Driver.
Robert De Niro and Joaquin Phoenix in Joker (2019) – Photo by Niko Tavernise – © 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
With more than 100 hundred credits on his behalf, receiving the prestigious Medal of Freedom from former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2009, and also being the recipient of a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, Di Nero has established a firm name in the film and acting industry.
18. Robert Downey Jr.
We weren’t quite expecting Robert who played Iron Man throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies to leave us with such a tearjerker in the final Avengers film.
Robert Downey Jr. and Lili Taylor in Short Cuts (1993) – Photo by New Line – © 1993 New Line Cinema.
Since 2003, Robert Downey Jr. (RDJ) has started on the popular television evening show, Saturday Night Live, and thanks to MCU that grossed in nearly $6 billion, RDJ is now worth $300-$305 million. RDJ has also become one of the most bankable actors in Hollywood and has been awarded multiple film and television awards for his outstanding acting.
17. Will Smith
We’re not quite sure what his actual bank account may say, but Will Smith has been pulling in millions since his career started taking off after appearing in the hit television series
Salma Hayek and Will Smith in Wild Wild West (1999) – Photo by Murray Close – © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. – Image courtesy gettyimages.com
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Today, Smith sits on top of nearly $310 million, coming from his roles in famous movies such as I Am Legend, Men In Black, The Pursuit of Happiness, Bad Boys, and Suicide Squad. Like many of us, Will had a tough year, battling with personal and relationship problems, while trying to balance work and family life.
16. Michael Douglas
Since the 1990’s Michael Douglas has been making bank for his critically diverse roles in The Game Changer and A Perfect Murder with earning starting at $20 million.
Michael Douglas and Corey Stoll in Ant-Man (2015) – © 2015 – Marvel/Disney
His estimated net worth isn’t known, but we estimate it to be anything between $310-$320 million. A few years back, Michael Douglas purchased a 7,300-square foot home in Bermuda that was listed for more than $10 million in 2019. He is also the owner of Ariel Sands Resort, situated in Bermuda.
15. Jessica Alba
Although Jessica Alba hasn’t made an on-screen appearance in quite some time, she’s found other avenues of income in recent years.
Jessica Alba in Into the Blue (2005) – Photo by John P. Johnson – © 2005 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, Inc. All rights reserved.
Back in 2012, the actress founded The Honest Company, a beauty, and body care company that creates and sells non-toxic and environmentally friendly products. In 2014, the company was valued at $1 billion, and in 2015 Alba also launched Honest Beauty that focuses on beauty and skincare products. To date, Alba is worth $340 million.
14. Keanu Reeves
One of the internets’ most loved actors and personalities, Reeves, is not only an actor but also a musician, producer, and loved for his roles in The Matrix and John Wick.
Keanu Reeves and Anjelica Huston in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019) – Photo by Niko Tavernise – © Netflix
Currently, Reeves is worth $360 million, and this comes from years of good acting deals. The Matrix franchise has paid Reeves more than $200 million, and adjusting for inflation and, he’s grossed more than $4.6 billion at the worldwide box office. What’s not to love about Keanu, he’s talented, a good actor, and has loads of money.
13. Clint Eastwood
One of the most iconic American actors, Clint Eastwood has been achieving tv success with acting, producing, and directing since the 1960s.
Clint Eastwood and Paul Walter Hauser in Richard Jewell (2019) – Photo by Claire Folger – © 2019 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
In the 1990s Eastwood made a pretty penny being pone of the investors for the purchasing of the Pebble Beach Golf Links from Long Cypress Co. a Japanese-based firm. In 1999, the investment was worth $810 million, and to date, this has tripled. In 2020, Clint Eastwood had a net worth of $375 million, with an estimated net worth to surpass $400 million in the coming year.
12. Tom Hanks
Crowned as America’s sweetheart, Tom Hanks has been cashing in some pretty big bucks since the early 1990s for his roles in major films such as Forrest Gump, You’ve Got Mail, and Saving Private Ryan. We can’t deny that Tom Hanks is an incredible actor, so it comes as no surprise that his films have grossed almost $10 billion.
Tom Hanks in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) – Photo by Lacey Terrell – © Sony Pictures Entertainment
Currently, Hanks has a net worth of $400 million, and although he’s got enough money to buy luxurious and expensive properties, Hanks collects typewriters, serves on the board on The National Space Society, and even published a book called The Uncommon Type.
11. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
So they aren’t quite actresses anymore, but the Olsen twins have been around for quite some time. Although they aren’t making millions from acting anymore, the twins have been earning more than $50 million annually from their fashion label – The Row since 2015.
Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen in New York Minute (2004) – Photo by Rafy – © 2004 Warner Bros. Pictures. All rights reserved.
Their acting career did make them quite a bit of money, and we loved watching them in the popular tv series Full House. Unfortunately, the twins had to look for other income sources and turned to fashion. Currently, the Olsen twins are worth just over $400 million.
10. Jack Nicholson
Although he hasn’t starred or made a movie since 2010, Jack Nicholson has been around for quite some time, and this has made him an extraordinarily rich man.
Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, and Danny Lloyd in The Shining (1980) – Photo by Archive Photos – © 2012 Getty Images – Image courtesy gettyimages.com
The actor who has received three Oscars wins, a rare occurrence, has a net worth of just over $400 million since 2020. The Chinatown star received a hefty salary for his work, and as he aged, it only got more. After his role in Anger Management, Nicholson received a $20 million paycheck. Although he’s been off the screen for quite some time, he’s been caught at Lakers games, and if he’s not watching sports, he’s collecting 20th century and contemporary art.
9. Jennifer Lopez
Jenny from the Block has come a long way, having both a successful movie and singing career. The 51-year old has seen many achievements, with lucrative business deals and big brand endorsements.
Jennifer Lopez in Maid in Manhattan (2002) – © 2002 – Columbia/TriStar
Her acting career has grossed over $3.1 billion in revenue, while she has a net worth of $410 million. J. Lo has managed to rank in quite the popularity during the early 2000s, which landed her multiple acting jobs. In 2019, after her performance in Hustlers, she made a strong come back, showing everyone that age is just a number, and working hard does pay off.
8. Mel Gibson
You simply can’t hate the man who played in epic dramas and action films such as Passion of The Christ and Braveheart. These films landed him multiple awards, with Passion of The Christ bringing in more than $600 million.
Mel Gibson, Mark Wahlberg, John Lithgow, and Will Ferrell in Daddy’s Home 2 (2017) – Photo by Photo credit: Claire Folger – © 2017 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Although he’s great in front of the camera, he’s always a great director. Gibson has been around since the 80s and 90s which over time saw his net worth grow to a staggering $425 million, with luxurious properties on the West Coast, Australia, Fiji, and Costa Rica.
7. George Clooney
As one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, with a string of successful movie titles below the belt, George Clooney is one of the most noticeable actors in Hollywood. Currently, his net worth peaks at the half a billion mark, standing at $500 million.
George Clooney in ER (1994) – Photo by NBC – © 2012 NBCUniversal, Inc. – Image courtesy gettyimages.com
His endorsement with Nespresso saw him bringing in millions, while he is also the co-founder of Casamigos Tequila which he later sold off for $1 billion. The actor has been all over the show, from movies, advertisements, billboards to talk shows, we simply can’t get enough of him. Currently, he has a property portfolio reaching $100 million, with houses across the US and some smaller investments in other countries.
6. Tom Cruise
His films have always been filled with action, exotic destinations, and beautiful women, Tom Cruise is no new name to the scene and the world has quickly learned to love him.
Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick (2021) – Photo by Scott Garfield/Scott Garfield – © 2019 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All rights reserved.
Tom has been the producer of several films, including some Mission Impossible movies which in return landed him with a net worth of $572 million. Internationally, everyone loves him, and the actor has given quite the attention of his long list of previous girlfriends, and more recently his exquisite taste inexpensive properties.
5. Tyler Perry
Whether you enjoy his films or not, Tyler Perry is a story of humble beginnings and a testament that hard work truly pays off. Back in 2005, Perry had to find additional funding to make his first movie, Diary of a Mad Black Woman.
Eddie Cibrian, Jamie Kennedy, Rebecca Romijn, Gabrielle Union, and Tyler Perry in Good Deeds (2012) – Photo by Quantrell Colbert – © 2011 Very Perry Films. All Rights Reserved.
Today, those films have brought in more than $500 million and pushed his net worth to $600 million. His custom-built eco-friendly mansion in Atlanta is only a mere showpiece compared to his amazing property listings in LA, Wyoming, and the Bahamas. In 2015, Tyler established Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, which saw films such as The Walking Dead and even Black Panther being filmed there.
4. Shah Rukh Khan
He is known as the King of Bollywood, and it shows. He is India’s biggest movie star, ranking in a net worth of $760 million.
Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma in Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017) – Photo by Aman Dhillon – © Dhillon Aman
In 2008 Khan purchased a cricket team, the Kolkata Knight Riders for $75 million. The team is part of the Indian Premier League, and he later moved to purchase two more teams in various leagues. Shah Rukh Khan is an extremely popular name in India, with American roots. He’s starred in films such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge which saw a running period of more than 1000 weeks consecutively.
3. Sean Combs
Combs has always been committed to his acting career, and have done quite the amount of film work. His work in Monster’s Ball and Get Him To The Greek cashed in quite the money.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Alex O’Loughlin in Hawaii Five-0 (2010) – Photo by MARIO PEREZ – © ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved
Currently, his net worth is more than $825 million, and it has seen him work on films, having a platinum record album, and a Grammy winner. He currently also has his clothing line called Sean John.
2. Jami Gertz
Who needs to keep acting with a net worth of $2 billion. You might’ve been too young or not even born yet when Jamie started acting.
Jami Gertz and Kiefer Sutherland in The Lost Boys (1987) – © 1987 – Warner Home Video
The actress who starred in The Lost Boys and Less Than Zero cashed in a fair amount of money. She has been a notable humanitarian and is known for her charitable causes. She serves on the board of the Melanoma Research Alliance. After marrying tycoon billionaire Tony Ressler, the co-founder of Ares Management, Jamie managed to give herself an extremely comfortable life.
1. Oprah Winfrey
There simply can’t be any other than the Queen of the day time talk show, and one of the most notable women in film and tv history. Many have crowned her one of the most powerful women in the world, and for good reason.
Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, and Kimberly Elise in Beloved (1998) – Photo by Hulton Archive – © 2013 Getty Images – Image courtesy gettyimages.com
Oprah is worth $2.6 billion, and with her long career on tv, she later moved on to owning her magazine, a radio channel, film and tv studios, and much more. She has acted in some recent films such as The Color Purple, but we will always remember her as the queen of daytime television.
Rank Richest Actors In The World Net worth (USD)
1 Jerry Seinfeld $1 Billion
2 Tyler Perry $950 Million
3 Shah Rukh khan $690 Million
4 Tom Cruise $600 Million
5 George Clooney $500 Million
6 Mel Gibson $425 Million
7 Adam Sandler $420 Million
8 Amitabh Bachchan $400 Million
9 Jack Nicholson $400 Million
10 Bill Cosby $400 Million
Let’s read a little about them:
1. Tyler Perry Net worth: 1 billion USD
Tyler Perry Net Worth
This Afro-American actor, writer, producer and director in 2011, was listed as the highest-paid man in entertainment by Forbes. He is best known for playing the character ‘Madea’ an elderly woman. Some of his greatest creations include ‘Daddy’s Little Girl’ (2007), ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ (2007) and ‘Diary of a Black Woman’(2002). He has also amazed the world as a screenwriter and is amongst the highest-paid actors in America.
Read: Top Richest Actress in the World? Top 10 List | 2021
2. Jerry Seinfeld: Net worth 950 million USD
Jerry Seinfeld Net Worth
American comedian, actor, writer and producer Jerome Allen Seinfeld is known has been newly added to the list of richest actors in the world. Best known for co-creating the American sitcom ‘Seinfield’ (in 1988) along with Larry David, where playing a semi-fictionalized version of himself. He started earning $1 million per episode towards the end of the show. He has also been a part of the TV series ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (2004-2009) and ‘Louie’ (2012-2014).
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3. Shah Rukh Khan: Net worth 690 million USD
Shahrukh khan net worth
Popularly known as the ‘King Khan’ of the Hindi film industry, he debuted in Television through Raj Kumar Kapoor directed series ‘Fauji’ in 1989. Best known for films like ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, ‘Dil Se’, ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’ ‘Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham’ and ‘My Name Is Khan’. He is known for his charismatic and romantic style. He also has one of the biggest production house ‘Red Chillies’ and is the co-owner of the IPL team ‘Kolkata Knight Riders’.
Read: 12 Bollywood Actors Who Didn’t Take A Penny For Their Roles In These Movies
4. Tom Cruise: Net worth 600 million USD
Tom Cruise Net Worth
Included in the list of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, this American actor and stuntman has delivered multiple award-winning performances. Best known for films like ‘Mission Impossible series’, ‘Knight and Day’, ‘Minority Report’, ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Vanilla Sky’. The actor with a charming look and acting skills that amaze the audience. He has also taken his first steps as a producer.
Read: Tom Cruise Net Worth | Real Estate | Salary Per Movie | House And Lifestyle
5. George Clooney: Net worth 500 million USD
George Clooney Net Worth
Picture credit: fortune.com
This American actor, director, producer and screenwriter has delivered multiple award-winning performances. He is also a recipient of two Academy Awards. He is best known for movies like ‘Ocean’s Eleven’, ‘The Descendants’, ‘Three Kings’, and ‘Syriana’. He has also been a part of movies which were on the list of the highest-grossing films of the year.
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6. Mel Gibson: Net worth 425 million USD
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Mel Gibson Net Worth
Mel Gibson the American actor, director, producer and screenwriter is best known for his action hero roles. His breakout roles include Max Rockatansky in the series ‘Mad Max’ and as Martin Riggs in the series ‘Lethal Weapon’. He has been awarded the Academy Award for Best Director and for Best Picture. He has also directed and produced the highly controversial ‘The Passion of the Christ’. .
Read: Top Richest Actress in the World? Top 10 List 2020
7. Adam Sandler: Net worth 420 million USD
Adam Sandler Net Worth
This American actor, comedian and filmmaker was a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ before he branched into Hollywood and became a star. He is best known for his comic roles. His best works include big Daddy’, ‘50 First Dates’, ‘Grown Ups’, ‘Just Go With It’ and ‘Hotel Transylvania franchise’. He has been a part of movies that have together combined to earn $2 billion at the box office.
Read: Adam Sandler Net Worth | Real Estate | Salary Per Movie | Netflix Deals | House And Lifestyle
8. Amitabh Bachchan: Net worth: 400 million USD
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Amitabh Bachchan Net Worth
The superstar of the 90s is also known as the ‘Shahanshah of Bollywood’. Starring in over a hundred movies now, he is also a producer, television host, occasional playback singer and a former politician. He is regarded as one of the most influential actors in the history of Indian Cinema who is best known for his films like ‘Sholay’, ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’, ‘Deewar’, ‘Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham’, ‘Baghban’, ‘Don’, ‘Wazir’ and ‘Pink’.
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9. Jack Nicholson: Net worth: 400 million USD
Jack Nicholson Net Worth
This American actor and filmmaker has a career that spanned more than 60 years. He has portrayed a wide range of characters including supporting roles, comedy, romance, dark comic and even villainous roles. He is the most nominated male actor in the Academy’s history with his 12 nominations. He is best known for his roles in ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’, ‘Chinatown’, ‘The Shinning’, ‘Batman’ and ‘A Few Good Men’..
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10. Bill Cosby: Net worth: 400 million USD
Bill Cosby Net Worth
Picture credit: nytimes.com
He is an American standup comedian, actor and author. His active career spanned six decades before he was convicted of a number of sex offences in 2018. He is best known for his performance as Dr Huxrable in his own sitcom ‘The Cosby Show’. The show highlighting the experiences and growth of an affluent African-American family was rated as the number one show in America from 1985 to 1989.
Alec Data 