Some actors have all the luck, especially if they have established a name for themselves. Production houses and filmmakers are willing to pay them a hefty amount to star in their films. It is not just the numerous awards or overall experience the actor has; but also credibility.
Some actors even earn more by opting for the backend job like direction and production. They also have various endorsements, music labels and are even founders of production companies. There are a few names that have made significant contributions to the film industry.
We have compiled a list of the Top 30 Highest-Paid Actors in the World – 2020. Here you go:
1. Robert Downey Jr. – $40 million
In comparison to any other lead actor, Robert Downey has made a significant amount through his role as Iron Man AKA Tony Shark. The Avengers: Age of Ultron is not only a big blockbuster film; however, it also redefined his reputation. Today he is not only known as a talented actor but even a successful one.
He started his film career at a very early age and was even part of the Brat Pack list. Since the 1980s, he has worked in many films and has also won a couple of awards. Thanks to The Avengers, his paycheck was even higher than he usually earns.
2. Tom Hanks – $40 million
Tom Hanks is the next name on the list of Top 30 Highest Paid Actors In The World. His journey from a theater actor to one of the biggest names in Hollywood has been quite long. Hanks first landed a role in Bosom Buddies – A 1980’s Television Series. He then ventured into the silver screen, and ever since then, there has been no stopping him.
This Academy Award Winner has acted in big blockbuster films like Forest Gump, You’ve Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, The Green Mile, Philadelphia, Saving Private Ryan, etc. He has also been a voice artist for the hit animated series – Toy Story.
3. Mel Gibson – $30 million
This list will be incomplete without Mel Gibson. For Lethal Weapon 4, he earned around $30 million. This action-packed actor has worked in some of the best action movies that Hollywood has to offer. Apart from acting, he also produces and directs films, which adds to his paycheck.
Some of the popular films that he has acted in would include Apocalyptic, The Passion of the Christ, Braveheart, Hamlet, etc. He started his acting career through his first role in The Sullivans – an Australian Television Series that aired in 1976. He has acted in 43 films; he has also written two movies and has produced around 11 movies so far.
4. Keanu Reeves – $30 million
An actor, director, film producer, and musician; Keanu Reeves is Hollywood’s most loved and introvert actors. Reeves’s acting debut was the television series – Hangin’in. He has also made numerous appearances on the stage in plays like Romeo and Juliet.
Youngblood was his debut movie wherein he made an appearance. He has acted in many films like Speed, The Devil’s Advocate, Constantine, etc. The Matrix Series was the turning point of his career and got him the much-needed recognition. Reeves is one of the most versatile Hollywood actors who has acted in various genres and has won many notable awards.
5. Tom Cruise – $25 million
Tom Cruise is best known for his works like Top Gun, Cocktail, Jerry Maguire, Minority Report, Vanilla Sky, etc. He is also one of the highest-paid Hollywood actors whose films need no introduction. As of 2020, his net worth is close to $570 million. This Golden Globe Award winner has some of the highest-grossing box office films on his list.
Although many films marked turning points for this actor; however, the Mission Impossible series gave him more recognition as a producer. Cruise also received the MTV Movie Award for the Best Male Performance for Mission Impossible
6. Harrison Ford – $25 million
Harrison Ford is an environmental activist, aviator, and actor who is part of the list of Hollywood’s Highest-Paid Actors. He is known for his work in the trilogy sequel of Star Ars. Ford is also one of the most influential and acclaimed filmmakers with movies like Mike Nichols, Peter Weir, George Lucas, etc.
He has also portrayed heroic charterers in movies like 42, Air Force One, Whiteness, etc. Ford has also given his voice for the animated film – The Secret Life of Pets 2 as Rooster, the dog. He started acting in more diverse roles, including supporting roles since 2013.
7. Matt Damon – $25 million
Matt Damon is a philanthropist, screenwriter, film producer, and actor who made his mark in Hollywood. He is not only the highest-paid actor, but is also on the list of highest-grossing actors of all time. Damon has also been ranked as the most bankable star by Forbes magazine.
With movies like Saving Private Ryan, The Departed, The Martian, etc. to his list; he has proved his acting skills through various genres. Apart from acting, he has also done voice-over works for documentary and animated films. On the charitable front, he is involved in works like Water.org, Feeding America H2O Africa Foundation, and One Campaign.
8. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – $25 million
Before stepping into Hollywood, He was a well-known legacy as a professional wrestler for eight years apart from being a college football player. Today, Johnson is not only the highest-paid actor in Hollywood; but also the highest-grossing box office stars of all time.
He started his Hollywood journey by first appearing in Television shows like The Wrestling Show, That ‘70s show, etc. He then went on to theatrical acting in movies like The Scorpion King, The Mummy Returns. Also, in his bucket, he has been part of the mega-blockbuster movie series like Fast & Furious, G.I. Joe etc.
9. Leonardo DiCaprio – $25 million
Known as an environmentalist, producer, and actor, Leonardo DiCaprio started appearing on-screen during the late 1980s. He first appeared in a television commercial; after which, he was part of Parenthood – a Television series. In 1993, he started his film journey in the movie The Boy’s
Life. The most significant turning point of his career was when he played Jack’s role in the film Titanic. This movie was not only the highest-grossing film; however, it also gave him international recognition. Leonard has also founded a production company by the name of Appian Way Productions. Apart from that, he also has a non-profit organization for environmental awareness called the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation.
10. Adam Sandler – $25 million
Known to be a songwriter, singer, film producer, screenwriter, comedian, and actor, Adam Sandler is the next name on the list. He is known for his comic roles in movies like Big Daddy, 50 First Dates, The Waterboy, Billi Madison, etc. Before placing his foot in Hollywood, he even appeared in various television series, including The Cosby Show, where he played the role of Smitty.
In 1999, he founded Happy Madison Productions – a film production company. His public image has expanded through various forms of media, including shows like Family Guy, The Simpsons, and even the HBO series Animals. Some are to figure out who is a better comedian between Jim Carry or Sandler.
