Hollywood’s Top 10 Highest-Paid Stars: Who Are They and How Much Do They Make?

Throughout Hollywood‘s history, the public as well as the industry have been mutually shocked upon finding out how much actors have been paid for certain projects.

While the numbers are astronomical — as will be revealed in the following list — people were stunned back when, for instance, Elizabeth Taylor was paid $1 million for 1963’s Cleopatra, Sean Connery was lured back to the role of James Bond with a $1.25 million payday for 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever or Marlon Brando was paid $3.7 million for two weeks work on 1978’s Superman: The Movie. Then there came the time Jim Carrey was paid $20 million for 1996’s The Cable Guy — a move that triggered a wave of $20 million+ paychecks.

These days, actors — particularly those associated with big budget blockbusters — are more likely to make their multi-millions from an upfront salary applied against a percentage of a film’s box office take. A perfect example of this comes from a recent report that Robert Downey, Jr. — based on a percentage — took home $75 million for 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War. Oh, and what turned out to be $15 million for three day’s work on 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming.

For a breakdown of Hollywood’s current Top 10 earners, please scroll down. 

Be sure to check out and subscribe to our Classic TV & Film Podcast for interviews with your favorite stars!