In the glamorous world of Hollywood, fame and fortune often go hand in hand. The highest-earning actors not only command massive paychecks for their roles but also leverage their star power to secure lucrative backend deals, endorsements, and production credits. In 2023, the list of the top-earning actors is a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, each of whom has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Here, we delve into the careers of the 10 highest-earning actors in the world, exploring their most notable paydays and the films that contributed to their staggering earnings.
1. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
- Earnings: $125 million
- Key Film: Red Notice (2021)
Dwayne Johnson, also known as “The Rock,” is undoubtedly one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. With his chiseled physique, charismatic personality, and unparalleled work ethic, Johnson has made a significant impact both on the silver screen and in his business ventures. In 2021, he earned a massive $125 million, which was primarily due to his work on Red Notice. The film, a Netflix action-comedy in which he starred alongside Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot, reportedly saw Johnson earning $20 million upfront, in addition to a sizable cut of the film’s profits. Johnson also made a fortune through his various brand endorsements and his production company, Seven Bucks Productions.
His consistent box-office hits such as Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017), Fast & Furious franchise, and Hobbs & Shaw (2019), have all contributed to his dominance in Hollywood earnings.
2. Ryan Reynolds
- Earnings: $71.5 million
- Key Film: Red Notice (2021)
Ryan Reynolds has become one of the most marketable and well-paid actors in Hollywood in recent years, and Red Notice was a big part of that. While Johnson received the higher paycheck from the Netflix action-thriller, Reynolds’ earnings were no slouch, with a reported $20 million for his role in the film. Reynolds’ net worth grew substantially after Deadpool (2016) and its sequel Deadpool 2 (2018), in which he starred as the wise-cracking, anti-heroic title character. Reynolds also made a significant income by selling his stake in Aviation American Gin to Diageo in 2020 for an estimated $610 million.
3. Will Smith
Estimated Earnings in 2023: $68 million
Will Smith, a Hollywood icon with a career spanning decades, continues to dominate the box office. Despite the controversy surrounding the 2022 Oscars incident, Smith’s star power remains undiminished.
Key Paycheck: For King Richard (2021), Smith earned $40 million, including his salary and backend profits. The film also earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Other Notable Films: Smith reportedly earned $35 million for Bad Boys for Life (2020), the third installment in the popular action-comedy franchise.
Smith’s earnings are further supplemented by his production company, Westbrook Inc., and his social media ventures.
4. Mark Wahlberg
- Earnings: $58 million
- Key Film: Uncharted (2022)
Mark Wahlberg has built a reputation as a versatile actor, producer, and businessman. From his breakthrough role in Boogie Nights (1997) to his starring roles in The Fighter (2010), Ted (2012), and Transformers: The Last Knight (2017), Wahlberg’s consistency in the box office has solidified him as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid stars.
In 2022, Wahlberg starred in the highly anticipated Uncharted, based on the popular video game franchise. Wahlberg’s paycheck from Uncharted was around $30 million, which was supplemented by his investments in various businesses, including his partnership with the Wahlburgers restaurant chain. His varied portfolio of roles and ventures keeps him high on the list of top earners in Hollywood.
5. Leonardo DiCaprio
Estimated Earnings in 2023: $65 million
Leonardo DiCaprio, one of the most respected actors of his generation, consistently delivers critically acclaimed performances while commanding top dollar for his roles.
Key Paycheck: For Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), DiCaprio earned 374 million worldwide.
Other Notable Films: DiCaprio reportedly earned $25 million for The Revenant (2015), a role that earned him his first Oscar.
DiCaprio’s earnings are bolstered by his environmental activism and investments in sustainable ventures.
6. Ben Affleck
- Earnings: $55 million
- Key Film: The Flash (2023)
Ben Affleck has long been known for his incredible talent and work ethic, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success throughout his career. Affleck’s 2023 earnings were boosted significantly by his reprisal of the iconic Batman role in The Flash (2023). Though he appeared briefly in the film, his paycheck was sizable, estimated to be around $15 million. Affleck’s ability to move between blockbuster roles and high-profile directing and producing projects has made him one of the top earners in Hollywood. His work as a producer and director for films such as Argo (2012) and The Tender Bar (2021) has helped bolster his financial portfolio.
7. Tom Cruise
Estimated Earnings in 2023: $62 million
Tom Cruise, the ageless action star, continues to defy expectations with his death-defying stunts and box office dominance.
Key Paycheck: For Top Gun: Maverick (2022), Cruise earned 100 million due to the film’s massive success ($1.5 billion worldwide).
Other Notable Films: Cruise earned $50 million for Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018), thanks to his backend participation.
8. Brad Pitt
Estimated Earnings in 2023: $58 million
Brad Pitt, a Hollywood heavyweight, has seamlessly transitioned from leading man to producer, earning accolades and hefty paychecks along the way.Key Paycheck: For Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), Pitt earned 30 million.
Other Notable Films: Pitt earned 239 million worldwide.
Pitt’s production company, Plan B Entertainment, has also produced award-winning films like 12 Years a Slave and Moonlight, further boosting his income.
9. Chris Hemsworth
Estimated Earnings in 2023: $55 million
Chris Hemsworth, best known for his role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has become one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.Key Paycheck: For Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), Hemsworth earned $20 million, with backend deals adding millions more.
Other Notable Films: Hemsworth earned $15 million for Extraction (2020), a Netflix action thriller that became one of the platform’s most-watched films.
Hemsworth’s earnings are further enhanced by his fitness app, Centr, and his endorsement deals with brands like Hugo Boss.
10. Robert Downey Jr.
Estimated Earnings in 2023: $52 million
Robert Downey Jr., the man who brought Iron Man to life, remains one of Hollywood’s highest earners, even after stepping away from the MCU.Key Paycheck: For Avengers: Endgame (2019), Downey earned 2.8 billion worldwide.
Other Notable Films: Downey earned $15 million for Dolittle (2020), a box office disappointment that still contributed to his earnings.
Downey’s production company, Team Downey, and his environmental initiatives also add to his income.
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