Hollywood's Biggest Earners: The Top 20 Richest Actors of All Time was written by Marjolein Dilven and originally appeared on Hello Sensible. Marjolein is the founder of Radical FIRE. She has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. Radical FIRE is a personal finance blog that helps you live your dream life by making more money and investing. It has been republished with permission. Please note that contributing opinions are that of the author. They are not always in strict alignment with my own opinions. –Joe.
Have you ever wondered about the wealthiest actors and whether your favorite is on the list? We have compiled this list to answer such questions. Read on to find out about the world's richest actors.
It's no secret that movie actors and actresses earn a fortune through their movies, TV shows, and public appearances. Some increase their net worth through various ventures, such as appearing in ads or engaging in businesses that may or may not be related to show business. Over time, they accumulate more wealth, with a blessed few landing on lists like this.
Here are the top 20 richest actors in the world and their impressive net worth.
20 Richest Actors Of All Time
1. Jami Gertz – $3 Billion
Landing in the top spot, Jami Gertz is setting a gold standard for the entertainment industry with an astonishing $3 billion net worth. With over four decades in the biz, she has become one of the world's wealthiest women, accumulating riches worthy of Hollywood royalty.
Jami Gertz partly earned this through her roles in movies like The Lost Boys and Twister and starring on successful TV shows such as Still Standing and Friends from College. While Gertz had increased her wealth through various businesses and investments through the years, most of her current net worth comes from her marriage to U.S. billionaire Tony Ressler.
2. Brock Pierce – $2 Billion
Brock Pierce is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former child actor who starred in films like Mighty Ducks and First Kid. He has since become one of the most successful venture capitalists in Silicon Valley and boasts around $2 billion net worth.
In addition to his success in investing, Pierce is also an advocate for various causes related to blockchain technology, digital currency, and online gaming.
3. Jerry Seinfeld – $950 Million
Jerry Seinfeld is proof that talent pays off, amassing a staggering net worth of $950 million. He earned his millions performing standup comedy, writing screenplays, and appearing in television and movies.
His performance in the popular show Seinfeld was such a hit that it propelled him to international fame, making him one of Hollywood's biggest earners and one of showbiz's wealthiest actors.
4. Dwayne Johnson – $800 Million
Dwayne Johnson—known as ‘The Rock'—has made a name for himself over the past few decades by taking on some demanding roles, including Fast and Furious franchise films like The Fate Of The Furious, Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle and Baywatch among others.
His impressive acting career has earned him an estimated total net worth of $800 million, making him one of Hollywood's most successful actors today.
5. Shah Rukh Khan – $715 Million
Shah Rukh Khan, often hailed as the King of Bollywood, is one of the wealthiest actors in the world, with a current net worth of an astounding $715 million. This Indian actor has been featured in blockbuster hits such as Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Jab Tak Hai Jaan.
Not only is he the most successful Bollywood actor in the movie industry, but he has also been a major disruptor in cricket, owning a team named Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite facing challenges along his path to stardom, Shah Rukh's determination and hard work have enabled him to achieve such tremendous wealth and fame.
6. Tom Cruise – $600 Million
Tom Cruise is no stranger to success. Throughout his decades-long career, he has acted in some of the most iconic films of all time, like Top Gun, Mission Impossible, and Jerry Maguire. Because of his star power, this remarkable male actor earns as much as $20 million for his roles, contributing to his impressive net worth.
In addition to acting, Tom has also ventured into new roles as a film producer and director, allowing him to expand his influence and riches further and making him one of the wealthiest people in the film industry.
7. George Clooney – $500 Million
George Clooney is renowned for his acting chops and financial success. Having been deemed one of the richest actors of all time with an impressive net worth of a whopping $500 million, Clooney has earned his place as one of Hollywood's elite A-listers.
After making a name for himself with roles in hit films such as Ocean's 11 and Three Kings, he has more recently become known for his savvy investments in media, technology, and tequila, which have skyrocketed him to the top of the list when it comes to raking in the dough.
8. Robert De Niro – $500 Million
Robert De Niro's career began in 1973 when he landed a role in the Broadway production of The Last Tycoon. Since then, he has garnered numerous Academy Awards by starring in countless critically acclaimed movies such as The Godfather Part II and Goodfellas.
He owns several restaurants and hotels, including one located inside the famed Tribeca Film Center he founded in 1988. His business ventures and film salary make up a sizable chunk of his net worth.
9. Kevin Hart – $450 Million
Kevin Hart is among the highest-grossing comedians today thanks to his box office hits like Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle and Night School. He is also an accomplished producer who has executive produced several comedy tours and TV shows like Real Husbands Of Hollywood.
In addition to these endeavors, Kevin's endorsement deals with major companies like Hyundai contribute heavily to his bottom line and inclusion in this rich list.
10. Arnold Schwarzenegger – $450 Million
Arnold Schwarzenegger made a name for himself as one of Hollywood's biggest action stars when he first appeared onscreen in 1982's Conan The Barbarian. Today, he continues to appear on the screen.
He also focuses more on philanthropic efforts, such as creating awareness about climate change and advocating for children's health initiatives through the After-School All-Stars program, which provides free after-school programs for low-income students across America.
11. Ryan Seacrest – $450 Million
Ryan Seacrest comes in at number 11 on our list with an estimated net worth of $450 million. He began his career as a radio DJ before becoming an American Idol host and launching his own production company, Ryan Seacrest Productions.
His success over the years has been built upon a diverse portfolio of investments which have helped him reach his current status as one of the wealthiest actors in America.
12. Mel Gibson – $425 Million
Mel Gibson is coming in at number 12 with an estimated net worth of $425 million. Gibson began his career as an actor in 1979 and has become one of Hollywood's highest-grossing stars.
He has starred in some of the biggest films, such as Braveheart, The Patriot, and the Lethal Weapon series. He also owns Icon Productions, a film production company he started in 1989.
13. Adam Sandler – $420 Million
Adam Sandler ranks 13th on our list with an estimated net worth of $420 million. Sandler began his career performing standup comedy before making it big when he starred on Saturday Night Live from 1991 to 1995.
Since then, he has starred in several blockbuster films, including Big Daddy, The Longest Yard, Just Go With It, and Grown Ups, which helped him significantly build his net worth.
14. Larry David – $400 Million
Larry David has an impressive net worth of $400 million and is among the richest actors. His initial fame arrived thanks to his sitcom Seinfeld, which was highly successful and is still remembered fondly today by many.
Even after it ended, the comedian continued making money off the classic show by selling the syndication and streaming rights.
Since then, Larry has kept working hard, starring in numerous shows, with Curb Your Enthusiasm being the most well-known.
15. Bill Cosby – $400 Million
Next up is Bill Cosby. He may have fallen from grace in recent years, but he's still worth an impressive $400 million. Cosby has been performing standup comedy since 1961 and is one of the most recognizable in the show business.
He's also had roles in TV shows such as The Bill Cosby Show and Fat Albert & The Cosby Kids. His wealth is invested in several places, including real estate and entertainment companies.
16. Jack Nicholson – $400 Million
The Hollywood veteran, Jack Nicholson, has been making movies since 1955. With over 80 acting credits and 3 Oscars for his iconic roles, such as The Joker, Jack Torrance in The Shining, and McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, it's no wonder he's taken home an impressive fortune.
He currently ranks at number 16 on our list of richest actors, with an estimated net worth of $400 million.
17. Jackie Chan – $400 Million
This martial artist turned actor is one of Asia's biggest stars, with over 150 acting credits worldwide. His roles in Rush Hour, Shanghai Noon, and the Karate Kid remake have made him a household name.
In 2023 Jackie Chan is estimated to be worth around $400 million.
18. Jennifer Lopez – $400 Million
With a net worth of $400 million, Jennifer Lopez undoubtedly takes the cake as one of the highest-paid actresses of all time.
While this superstar rose to fame as an entertainer with her award-winning albums, singing and dancing skills, and iconic roles on TV and in the movies, her clever investments have contributed to her success. Her breakout role was in Selena, followed by hits like Maid in Manhattan and Monster-in-Law.
From smart fashion lines to her own television production company Nuyorican Productions, Lopez has worked hard to ensure she will always stay ahead of the curve–and keep her bank account healthy.
19. Mark Wahlberg – $400 Million
Mark Wahlberg has come a long way since his days as rapper Marky Mark.
He went on to act in films such as Boogie Nights and Ted before becoming one of Hollywood's go-to leading men for action films like Transformers: Age Of Extinction and Mile 22.
His current estimated net worth is around $400 million, which puts him in 19th place on our list of wealthiest actors.
20. Sylvester Stallone – $400 Millon
Sylvester Stallone had become a cult hero post-Rocky Balboa but became a bonafide A-lister after starring in Rambo alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis.
His iconic roles have earned him an impressive fortune, estimated at around $400 million by 2023, making him one of America's wealthiest actors!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Richest Actors
Who Is the Richest Male Movie Actor?
Brock Pierce is believed to be the wealthiest male movie actor, with an estimated net worth of $2 billion. He is one of the Hollywood actors who branched out and made a huge payday beyond his movie career. He may not be an active movie star now, but he has become wealthy through blockchain technology, digital currency, and online gaming.
Who Is the Richest Female Movie Actor?
Jami Gertz is the richest female actor, with an estimated net worth of $3 billion. She may well be considered one of the richest women because of her net worth. And the same as Brock Pierce, she made a huge payday beyond the confines of her film and TV career.
While the people in this world's wealthiest actors roster will undoubtedly change over the next few years, these celebrities are currently the richest in the global film industry. Earning money as a paid actor opens up many other opportunities beyond the big and small screens. And most actors in the list proved that in more ways the one.
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