The Richest Actors In Hollywood

January 14, 2025 | Samantha Henman

The Richest Actors In Hollywood


Hollywood Actors Who Make Bank

Some of those Hollywood paychecks for TV and movies can seem insanely high—but box office bluster doesn’t always translate to the bank account. As this list shows, there are some surprising names on here—including #1, which might just leave you asking “How did HE get so rich”? Believe it or not, Hollywood’s richest actor is a former child star—who actually quit acting when he was 16.

Richest Actors Msn Single

Morgan Freeman

Net worth: $250 million

When you’ve been in Hollywood as long as Morgan Freeman—let alone been an A-lister as long as he has—you’re bound to accumulate some serious cash.

Morgan Freeman in coatJCS, CC-BY-SA-3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Kevin Costner

Net worth: $250 million

Though previous reports on Costner’s net worth set it at $250 million, his wife reported during their divorce proceedings that it was closer to $400 million. However, now that that divorce is finalized, he’ll be shelling out a huge chunk of change to his ex monthly—and he did spend $38 million of his own money to make Horizon: An American Saga, so he might be back down to the originally reported figure.

Kevin Costner is talking and smiling - 2011s_bukley, Shutterstock

John Travolta

Net worth: $250 million

It’s a simple formula: lead actor + blockbusters = huge payday. According to reports, Travolta is also a savvy investor, though he has his fair share of expensive habits, like membership to a private airport and a Boeing 707, which he can fly himself.

John Travolta flying a planeSteve Granitz, Getty Images

Jet Li

Net worth: $250 million

Speaking of blockbuster stars, Jet Li has made a splash on both sides of the Pacific—and that success has translated into a huge net worth that reflects his popularity.

image of Jet LiWorld Economic Forum, Flickr

Gerard Depardieu

Net worth: $250 million

Though his tenure as a 90s leading man in the US is long over, and the French actor has faced his fair share of personal and legal troubles, he’s managed to hold on to the money he raked in appearing in over 250 films since his debut in 1967.

Gerard Depardieu in suit9EkieraM1, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Bruce Willis

Net worth: $250 million

Bruce Willis is a well-deserved millionaire, having appears in some of the best blockbusters out there that made tons of money. Movies featuring Willis have earned between $2.64 and $3.05 billion at the box office. In fact, there was a 400% jump between his paychecks for the first and last Die Hard films.

Die Hard (1988)Twentieth Century, Die Hard (1988)

Salman Khan

Net worth: $260 million

This Indian actor is consistently cited as one of the highest-paid actors in the world, and a long stint as host of the reality show Bigg Boss, since 2010, certainly has worked to pad his wallet.

Salman Khan (L) greets fansSUJIT JAISWAL, Getty Images

Robert Downey Jr

Net worth: $300 million

Though Downey Jr once faced a long string of personal problems and scandals, he picked himself back up and kept going, eventually landing himself in the movie that really launched the whole Marvel Cinematic Universe, Iron Man. Considering how many MCU films he’d been in since, it’s no wonder he’s so rich.

Robert Downey Jr.Paramount, Iron Man (2008)

Leonardo DiCaprio

Net worth: $300 million

Leonardo DiCaprio found success as a child star, gathering acclaim for his work in films like This Boy’s Life and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. Then Titanic came along, and there was no going back. His more recent work in hit films with directors Martin Scorsese and Christopher Nolan has bumped up his net worth even more—and it would likely be higher, if he didn’t donate so much to environment causes.

Titanic - Jack sees Rose for the First TimeParamount , Titanic (1997)

Harrison Ford

Net worth: $300 million

Between Indiana Jones and Star Wars, Ford has anchored some of the most popular series in Hollywood history—and he has the net worth to prove it.

Harrison Ford speaking wearing blue shirtGage Skidmore, Flickr

Edward Norton

Net worth: $300 million

Unlike many names on this list, Edward Norton is far more choosy when it comes to film roles. Though he’s appeared in many a blockbuster, he’s also been a savvy investor into tech. He was not only one of the first investors in Uber—he was reportedly the first non-staff to take an Uber ride!

Actor Edward Norton Leaves an eventChris Harte, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Denzel Washington

Net worth: $300 million

Denzel Washington is not only one of the most beloved actors of his generation, he’s also a successful producer. He typically makes some $60 to $80 million a year.

Denzel Washington in suit leaving a setMETROPOLIS, Getty Images

Will Smith

Net worth: $350 million

Will Smith has been a mainstay in Hollywood since the 90s—and he’s got the net worth to prove it. Though the paychecks have gone down since his peak in the early 2000s, when he made $20 to $30 million per movie, he still earns some $40 million per year.

Will Smith in gray t-shirtGage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Sean Connery

Net worth: $350 million

Sadly, Sean Connery passed on in 2020 at the age of 90, but at the time of his passing, he was worth $350 million. He managed to rake all that in despite turning down the part of Gandalf in the original Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

Sean Connery as James Bond in suitRob Mieremet, Wikimedia Commons

Ryan Reynolds

Net worth: $350 million

Though Ryan Reynolds has as many blockbusters under his belt as anyone else on this list, he’s also made a pretty penny through business ventures like Aviation Gin and Mint Mobile. He’s also bought into Welsh soccer club Wrexham AFC, but is already working to turn that investment profitable, and has been the team promoted to League Two, where they won the National League championship in 2023.

Ryan ReynoldsMatthew Ashton, Getty Images

Michael Douglas

Net worth: $350 million

He may not have as much money as his Wall Street character, but he’s also never suffered the same downfall. He’s owned multi-million dollar salaries for his films, and is also a successful producer.

Michael DouglasGage Skidmore, Flickr

Clint Eastwood

Net worth: $375 million

Though his heyday as an actor may have passed, Clint Eastwood is a still a prolific director and producer of films. Additionally, much of his net worth comes from his vast real estate portfolio. He bought a massive parcel of land in the early 1980s and has since turned it into a sustainable private community/country club.

Clint Eastwood in suitRandy Miramontez, Shutterstock

Keanu Reeves

Net worth: $380 million

It’s fitting that Keanu Reeves sits slightly higher than Will Smith on the list, since Smith turned down the part of Neo in The Matrix. That was just one of the massive blockbusters Reeves has starred in—hello, Speed and John Wick.

Keanu Reeves in blue suitNathan Congleton, Flickr

Tom Hanks

Net worth: $400 million

Hanks’ total world box office gross is approximately $9.96 billion, of which he’s carved out $400 million for himself. He’s consistently paid over $25 million for his movies, and for good reason—Tom Hanks in the lead is basically a guarantee for success. He also owns $150 million of real estate with his wife, Rita Wilson.

Tom Hanks as  Forrest GumpParamount, Forrest Gump (1994)

Sylvester Stallone

Net worth: $400 million

Sylvester Stallone was one of the highest-paid action stars in the 80s and 90s, and that trend continued when he joined the Creed series in the 2010s, as well as The Expendables series.

Sylvester StalloneLionsgate, The Expendables (2010)

Penn And Teller

Net worth: $400 million

They may not be blockbuster stars like many of the actors on this list, but they’ve appeared on their fair share of TV shows and movies—but of course, most of their net worth comes from their wildly popular magic shows.

Penn And Teller (1988)Alan Light, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Mark Wahlberg

Net worth: $400 million

It’s not just the movies. Don’t forget the smash hit song “Good Vibrations”. And of course, those Calvin Klein underwear ads. Then, there’s also the Wahlburgers fast food chain. But that’s not all. One of Wahlberg’s most significant investments was an early venture capital investment in the F45 fitness chain. He reportedly owns some 8 million shares of the company.

portrait image of Mark WahlbergTinseltown, Shutterstock

Jackie Chan

Net worth: $400 million

Between his work in Hong Kong and Hollywood, Jackie Chan has earned an incredible $400 million. Even more impressively, when he passes on, he plans to donate 100% of it to charity.

Jackie Chan speakingGage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Jack Nicholson

Net worth: $400 million

Jack Nicholson has been a Hollywood mainstay for decades. Over that time, he’s amassed $100 million in real estate and $150 million in artworks, each of which contributes to his large net worth.

Screenshot of Jack Nicholson looking thru door - from The Shining (1980)Warner Bros., The Shining (1980)

Brad Pitt

Net worth: $400 million

Brad Pitt makes a pretty penny himself, but he’s also the owner of wildly successful production company Plan B entertainment, which he started with ex-wife Jennifer Aniston (he bought her out during the divorce). Few lessons were learned there, because he also co-owns the successful winery Chateau Miraval with his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie.

Brad Pitt at event in gray sweaterRudy Carezzevoli, Getty Images

Bill Cosby

Net worth: $400 million

Before he was a national pariah, Bill Cosby took a unique approach to his starring role in his namesake sitcom, earning not just from the acting, but also producing, creating, and syndicating the show. Though he’s unlikely to be drawing much money now, he’s rested on these laurels—though it’s likely that he’s spent tens of millions on legal fees already.

Comedian Bill CosbyMatt Archer, Getty Images

Amitabh Bachchan

Net worth: $400 million

If you know Bollywood, you know the name Amitabh Bachchan. The wildly successful actor has been a mainstay for decades, earning him the title “the Shah of Bollywood”. Though he’s had many offers, his most notable role in American film was in The Great Gatsby.

amitabh bachchanWarner Bros., The Great Gatsby (2013)

Mel Gibson

Net worth: $425 million

Mel Gibson hasn’t just had personal problems—he’s faced money problems too. His divorce settlement from Robin Gibson cost him $400 million—at that time, the most expensive celebrity divorce settlement ever. Then, there was The Passion of the Christ. When he couldn’t get the film made, he spent $45 million of his own money on it—but luckily, made back some $400 million of it.

Screenshot from the movie Braveheart (1995)Twentieth Century, Braveheart (1995)

Ryan Seacrest

Net worth: $450 million

People make a big deal about how blockbusters earn their leads tens of millions of dollars—but that overlooks the cash cow that was network TV, especially in the 2000s, just before the advent of streaming. Ryan Seacrest, as host of American Idol, was at the right place at the right time.

Ryan Seacrest At 2008 Primetime EmmysSalpi Bezdjian, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Dr Phil

Net worth: $460 million

Dr Phil was yet another TV personality who had great timing, and great negotiating skills—he owns 100% of his show content. Over the years, he’s amassed $460 million as a result.

Yolanda Foster, Dr Phil McGraw, Natalie Cole at the David Foster Hollywood Walk of Fame Star CeremonyKathy Hutchins, Shutterstock

Robert DeNiro

Net worth: $500 million

There’s obviously his illustrious film career, but did you know that Robert DeNiro was one of the founders of ultra-popular (and ritzy) sushi chain and hotel chain Nobu? His profits from this were laid bare in his 2018 divorce papers, where his ex claimed he had a net worth of $500 million.

Robert De Niro Lawrence Lucier, Getty Images

George Clooney

Net worth: $500 million

Sure, George Clooney is paid very handsomely for his film work—but his net worth likely wouldn’t touch $500 million were it not for his investment in the tequila brand Casamigos. He owned it with two partners, and they sold it to conglomerate Diageo for $1 billion in 2017.

George ClooneyJames Devaney, Getty Images

Tom Cruise

Net worth: $600 million

Despite his films having earned a combined $11.5 billion at the box office, Tom Cruise seemed cursed for years. None of his films ever hit the $1 billion mark—a curse which he finally broke in the summer of 2022 with Top Gun: Maverick. Though he has had to pay some $400K in child support to Suri Cruise every year since his divorce from Katie Holmes, it hasn’t really made a dent in his massive net worth.

Tom CruiseParamount, Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Simon Cowell

Net worth: $600 million

American Idol. America’s Got Talent. The X-Factor. Simon Cowell has built an empire out of music competition reality shows, and he has the net worth to reflect that.

Simon Cowell at the press conferenceFeatureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock

Shahrukh Khan

Net worth: $600 million

Even if you don’t keep up with Bollywood, you might recognize Shahrukh Khan’s face—he’s just that famous. As the reigning King of Bollywood, Khan regularly lands on lists of the richest celebrities in Indian…and on the planet. He also owns a cricket team and is a philanthropist.

Shah Rukh Khan (Berlin Film Festival 2008)Siebbi, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Net worth: $750 million

It’s almost mind-blowing how much Schwarzenegger has accomplished since his early days as “Mister Universe”. Even before he conquered Hollywood, he was building a real estate empire, and was a millionaire before the age of 25. He also has a stake in an investment firm that’s valued between $300 and $500 million.

Arnold Schwarzenegger 1971John E. Biever, Wikimedia Commons

Jerry Seinfeld

Net worth: $900 million

Thanks to his tenure on Seinfeld—and its syndication royalties, Jerry is a multi-millionaire. In its first 15 years of syndication, it generated $3 billion in royalties. In fact, Bloomberg recently claimed that he was a billionaire, though it didn’t cite any evidence, and Seinfeld’s reps denied it.

Jessica Seinfeld Jerry Seinfeld Shankbone 2010David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Brock Pierce

Net worth: $2 billion

At the number one spot on our list of richest actors, you wouldn’t be remiss to look at this entry and ask: “Who”? Brock Pierce is a former child actor best known for his portrayal of Gordon in The Mighty Ducks franchise. He quit acting when he has 16—he had bigger fish to fry.

Way back in 1996, while still a teen, Pierce saw the many possibilities of the internet, and invested in an early dot-com startup that aimed to offer streaming internet video. He then moved on to internet gaming, and ultimately made his fortune from early investments in Bitcoin and crypocurrency, landing him at the top spot on this list.

Brock Pierce In Midway, Utah, In 2018DavidCLeePhotography, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons


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