Highest Paid Actors | PINKVILLA

Have you ever wondered who the top earning actors in the entertainment industry are for the year 2023? Well, these actors have earned their positions through their remarkable success in film, television, theatre, and other forms of media. You may have heard of some of them, such as Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, but their rankings are never set in stone. 
Hollywood has a reputation for creating stars and making them extremely wealthy. As a matter of fact, actors are among the highest-paid professionals in the world, generating billions of dollars every year. In this article, we will delve into the 15 highest-paid actors in the world for 2023 and discover what distinguishes them from the rest. These actors have discovered ways to monetize their fame, from appearing in blockbuster movies to securing lucrative brand deals, allowing them to amass vast fortunes.

1. Tom Cruise

• Fame: 96% 
• Popularity: 59% 
• Birthdate: 3 July 1962
• Birthplace: Syracuse, New York, United States
• Oscars: None
• Oscar Nominations: Nominated three times
• BAFTA Awards: None
• BAFTA Nominations: 1 nominations
• Golden Globes: 3 wins
• Golden Globe Nominations: 4 nominations

Tom Cruise has been identified as the highest-paid actor in the world in 2023. His earnings have reportedly reached approximately $100 million. Cruise is renowned for his roles in action-packed movies, particularly the “Mission: Impossible” series, and has established his presence in the entertainment industry for over three decades. He is also recognized for his daring performances as he often takes on his own stunts. His fearlessness has earned him a reputation as a remarkable actor. Aside from the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, Cruise has also made memorable appearances in other films like “Top Gun,” “Jerry Maguire,” and “A Few Good Men.”

5 Facts about the Tom Cruise

• Tom Cruise was born Thomas Cruise Mapother IV on July 3, 1962, in Syracuse, New York.
• He began his acting career in the early 1980s and gained widespread recognition for his role in the 1986 film “Top Gun.”
• Cruise has been nominated for three Academy Awards and has won three Golden Globe Awards.
• In addition to his acting career, Cruise is also known for his involvement in the Church of Scientology.
• Cruise has been married three times, to Mimi Rogers, Nicole Kidman, and Katie Holmes.

Top 5 Tom Cruise’s Movies are:

• Top Gun (1986)
• Rain Man (1988)
• Jerry Maguire (1996)
• Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)
• Minority Report (2002)

2. Will Smith

• Fame: 98% 
• Popularity: 56% 
• Birthdate: September 25, 1968
• Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
• Oscars: 1 
• Oscar Nominations: 3
• BAFTA Awards: 1
• BAFTA Nominations: None
• Golden Globes: 1
• Golden Globe Nominations: 4

Will Smith‘s journey from his early days as a television star on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” to becoming a prominent figure in the film industry is a topic worth exploring. One can examine Smith’s career trajectory, his ability to transition between comedic and dramatic roles, and his success as a producer. Currently, Smith is the second highest-paid actor, earning a salary of $35 million. He is well-known for his versatile acting skills, with his ability to perform both comedic and dramatic roles. Smith has also achieved success as a musician and producer, having won several Grammy Awards for his work.

5 Facts about the Will Smith

• Will Smith was born on September 25, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. His birth name is Willard Carroll Smith Jr.
• Before he became an actor, Will Smith was a rapper. He started his music career in the late 1980s as a member of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, alongside his friend Jeffrey “DJ Jazzy Jeff” Townes.
• Will Smith is known for his roles in popular movies such as “Men in Black,” “Independence Day,” “Hitch,” “I Am Legend,” and “The Pursuit of Happyness,” among others. He has been nominated for several awards and has won several accolades, including four Grammy Awards.
• Will Smith is married to Jada Pinkett Smith, who is also an actress. They got married in 1997 and have two children together, Jaden and Willow. Will Smith also has a son from a previous marriage, Trey.
• Will Smith is not only an actor but also a producer, rapper, and entrepreneur. He has produced several films and TV shows, including “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “The Karate Kid,” and “Hancock.” He is also the co-owner of the production company Overbrook Entertainment.

Top 5 Will smith’s Movies are:

• The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
• Men in Black (1997)
• Independence Day (1996)
• Ali (2001)
• Bad Boys (1995)

3. Leonardo DiCaprio

• Fame: 98% 
• Popularity: 66% 
• Birthdate: 11 November 1974
• Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
• Oscars: 1
• Oscar Nominations: Nominated six times
• BAFTA Awards: 1
• BAFTA Nominations: 5 nominations
• Golden Globes: 3 wins
• Golden Globe Nominations: 10 nominations

Leonardo DiCaprio is a highly respected actor in Hollywood, renowned for his exceptional performances and numerous accolades. He has won prestigious awards such as the Academy Award, BAFTA Award, and Golden Globe, among others. Some of his notable films include “Titanic,” “The Revenant,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.” DiCaprio is also an avid environmental activist and a vocal proponent of climate change awareness. He has collaborated with renowned director Martin Scorsese on several successful projects. DiCaprio’s immense popularity and talent have also translated into significant box office success, making him the third-highest-paid actor with a difference of $30 million.

5 Facts about the Leonardo DiCaprio

• Leonardo DiCaprio is an American actor, film producer, and environmental activist.
• He was born in Los Angeles, California on November 11, 1974.
• DiCaprio has won numerous awards for his acting, including an Academy Award for Best Actor in 2016 for his role in “The Revenant”.
• He is also well-known for his environmental activism and philanthropy, supporting causes such as wildlife conservation and climate change awareness.
• DiCaprio has starred in many critically acclaimed films, including “Titanic”, “The Departed”, and “Inception”.

Top 5 Leonardo DiCaprio’s Movies are:

• Inception (2010)
• Titanic (1997)
• The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
• The Revenant (2015)
• Catch Me If You Can(2002)

4. Brad Pitt

• Fame: 98% 
• Popularity: 69% 
• Birthdate: 18 December 1963
• Birthplace: Shawnee, Oklahoma, United States
• Oscars: 2
• Oscar Nominations: Nominated five times
• BAFTA Awards: 2
• BAFTA Nominations: 5 nominations
• Golden Globes: 2 wins
• Golden Globe Nominations: 5 nominations

William Bradley Pitt is a renowned Hollywood actor, widely considered as one of the most dominant and impactful figures in the American entertainment landscape. He has recently been offered an exceptional remuneration of $30 million for his role in an upcoming film based on Formula 1, which has positioned him among the most handsomely compensated actors in the industry for the year.

5 Facts about the Brad Pitt

• Brad Pitt has been consistently recognized as the most attractive man by several magazines over the years.
• He is a renowned actor with numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, two Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award.
• Pitt co-owns Plan B Entertainment, a production company that has produced several award-winning movies such as The Departed, 12 Years a Slave, and Moonlight.
• Both of his ex-wives, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston, are among the highest-paid actresses in the industry.
• Pitt took secret Greek lessons to surprise Jennifer Aniston, who has Greek ancestry.

Top 5 Brad Pitt’s Movies are:

• Fight Club (1999)
• Inglourious Basterds (2009)
• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
• Seven (1995)
• Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

5. Dwayne Johnson

• Fame: 97% 
• Popularity: 72% 
• Birthdate: 2 May 1972
• Birthplace: Hayward, California, United States
• Oscars: None
• Oscar Nominations: none
• BAFTA Awards: 
• BAFTA Nominations: 
• Golden Globes:
• Golden Globe Nominations: 

Dwayne Douglas Johnson, famously known by his ring name “The Rock,” is a prominent actor and wrestler. His movies have achieved significant commercial success, making him one of the highest-paid actors in the world with an annual salary of $22.5 million. In recognition of his exceptional talent, Johnson was featured in the Guinness Book of World Records for receiving the highest-ever salary of $5.5 million for his portrayal of the lead character in the film “The Scorpion King” in 2002.

5 Facts about the Dwayne Johnson

• Johnson comes from a family of wrestlers, with his father, grandfather, and grandmother all involved in the sport.
• Johnson initially studied criminology and physiology with hopes of working for the FBI.
• He made his debut in the WWE in 1996 under the name Rocky Maivia, which combined his father and grandfather’s names. 
• After a knee injury, he returned to the WWE in 1997 with his now-famous moniker, The Rock.
• The rights to the name “The Rock” originally belonged to WWE owner Vince McMahon, who received executive producer credits for Johnson’s films. Eventually, Johnson gained ownership of the name.

Top 5 Dwayne Johnson’s Movies are:

• The Fast and the Furious
• Pain and Gain (2013)
• Moana (2016)
• Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
• The Rundown (2003)

6. Ryan Reynolds

• Fame: 86% 
• Popularity: 68% 
• Birthdate: 23 October 1976
• Birthplace: Vancouver, Canada
• Oscars: None
• Oscar Nominations: None
• BAFTA Awards: None
• BAFTA Nominations: None
• Golden Globes: None
• Golden Globe Nominations: None

Ryan Reynolds is a prominent comedic actor who has established himself as a top earner in the entertainment industry. His collaborations with director Michael Bay, work as a producer, and recent triumphs in the superhero genre with the “Deadpool” films are noteworthy topics to explore. Reynolds is well-known for his impeccable comedic timing, and has delivered impressive performances in successful comedies such as “Deadpool” and “The Proposal.” Additionally, he has showcased his acting prowess in more serious roles, with notable performances in films such as “Buried” and “The Amityville Horror.”

5 Facts about the Ryan Reynolds

• Ryan Reynolds was expelled from school after playing an April Fool’s joke by stealing a car.
• At the age of 19, Reynolds was struck by a vehicle.
• Reynolds has three older brothers, making him the youngest of four siblings.
• Reynolds played football for a duration of nine years.
• When Reynolds was a child, he would remove all of the marshmallows from a Lucky Charms cereal box and transfer them to a new box, effectively doubling the number of marshmallows in the new box.

Top 5 Ryan Reynolds’s Movies are:

• Deadpool
• The Proposal
• Free Guy
• Detective Pikachu
• Buried

7. Chris Hemsworth

• Fame: 85% 
• Popularity: 59% 
• Birthdate: 11 August 1983
• Birthplace: Melbourne, Australia
• Oscars: None
• Oscar Nominations: None
• BAFTA Awards: None
• BAFTA Nominations: 1 nominations
• Golden Globes: None
• Golden Globe Nominations: None

Chris Hemsworth, widely recognized for his portrayal of the character Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has achieved immense success in the film industry. Hemsworth’s impressive physique and physicality as an actor have contributed to his popularity. Apart from his Marvel films, he has also starred in other genres such as action, as seen in his roles in “Snow White and the Huntsman” and “Extraction”. Additionally, his box office success has extended to different regions of the world, earning him an annual salary of $20 million.

5 facts about Chris Hemsworth

• Chris Hemsworth made his debut in Star Trek.
• Hemsworth had to put on 20 pounds of weight to portray Thor.
• He participated in a competitive dance reality show.
• Hemsworth has received various accolades for his acting, such as a People’s Choice Award and a Kids’ Choice Award.
• Hemsworth is renowned for his impressive physique and frequently shares about his demanding workout regimen. In 2019, he introduced Centr, a fitness application that supports users in improving their training, nutrition, and lifestyle.

Top 5 Chris Hemsworth’s Movies are:

• Thor: Ragnarok
• The Avengers
• Snow White and the Huntsman
• Rush
• Thor: The Dark World

8. Vin Diesel

• Fame: 95% 
• Popularity: 62% 
• Birthdate: 18 July 1967
• Birthplace: Alameda County, California, United States
• Oscars: None
• Oscar Nominations: 
• BAFTA Awards: None
• BAFTA Nominations: None
• Golden Globes: 
• Golden Globe Nominations:

Vin Diesel has achieved remarkable success as a prominent actor in blockbuster film franchises such as “Fast and Furious” and “Guardians of the Galaxy.” His accomplishments extend beyond acting, as he has also made notable contributions as a writer and director. In addition, Diesel has garnered a significant global following and has secured lucrative brand endorsements. His outstanding achievements have resulted in him becoming one of the highest-paid actors in the industry, with an impressive annual salary of $20 million.

5 facts about Vin Diesel

• Vin Diesel was born Mark Sinclair on July 18, 1967 in Alameda County, California.
• He is best known for his role as Dominic Toretto in the Fast and Furious film franchise.
• Diesel is also a writer, director, and producer, having created and starred in the film Pitch Black.
• He is a noted Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast and has been playing the game for over 20 years.
• Diesel has a fraternal twin brother named Paul, who is a film editor.

Top 5 Vin Diesel’s Movies are:

• The Fast and the Furious
• The Iron Giant
• Guardians of the Galaxy
• Pitch Black
• The Chronicles of Riddick

9. Tom Hardy

• Fame: 74% 
• Popularity: 46% 
• Birthdate: 15 September 1977
• Birthplace: Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom
• Oscars: None
• Oscar Nominations: 1
• BAFTA Awards: 1
• BAFTA Nominations: 2 nominations
• Golden Globes: None
• Golden Globe Nominations: None

Tom Hardy is a well-known actor who has been consistently working in both theatre and film since the beginning of his career. He first appeared in the miniseries “Band of Brothers” and gained recognition for his role as Twombly in the popular film “Black Hawk Down,” which proved to be his breakthrough performance. He has recently been offered a substantial sum of 20 million dollars for his role in the upcoming movie “Venom 3,” which has made him one of the highest-paid actors in the industry.

5 Facts about the Tom Hardy

• Tom Hardy is an English actor born on September 15, 1977, in London, England.
• He began his career in the early 2000s and gained recognition for his role in the 2008 film “Bronson.”
• He is known for his versatile acting abilities, having portrayed a wide range of characters in films such as “Inception,” “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” and “Dunkirk.”
• Hardy has been nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 2015 film “The Revenant.”
• Apart from his successful acting career, Hardy is also an advocate for various charitable causes, including animal rights and supporting military veterans.

Top 5 Tom Hardy’s Movies are:

• Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
• Dunkirk (2017)
• Locke (2013)
• The Drop (2014)
• The Dark Knight Rises(2012)

10. Joaquin Phoenix

• Fame: 86% 
• Popularity: 59% 
• Birthdate: 28 October 1974
• Birthplace: Río Piedras
• Oscars: 1
• Oscar Nominations: Nominated four times
• BAFTA Awards: 1
• BAFTA Nominations: 3 nominations
• Golden Globes: 2 wins
• Golden Globe Nominations: 4 nominations

Joaquin Phoenix has gained recognition for his portrayal of unconventional and intense characters in independent films. As an actor, he has not only become renowned for his skills but also ranks among the highest-paid actors in the world. The New York Times has acknowledged him as one of the most exceptional actors of the 21st century. Phoenix has been awarded several accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and two Golden Globe Awards. Additionally, he recorded the soundtrack for his film Walk the Line, which earned him a Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media.

5 Facts about the Joaquin Phoenix

• Joaquin Phoenix is an American actor and producer.
• He was born on October 28, 1974, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• Phoenix has received numerous awards for his performances, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA Award.
• He is known for his roles in films such as “Gladiator,” “Walk the Line,” and “Joker.”
• Phoenix is also an animal rights activist and a supporter of various humanitarian causes.

Top 5 Joaquin Phoenix’s Movies are:

• Joker (2019)
• Her (2013)
• Walk the Line (2005)
• The Master (2012)
• Gladiator (2000)

11. Eddie Murphy

• Fame: 96% 
• Popularity: 74% 
• Birthdate: 3 April 1961
• Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
• Oscars: None
• Oscar Nominations: 1
• BAFTA Awards: None
• BAFTA Nominations: 1  nominations
• Golden Globes: 2 wins
• Golden Globe Nominations: 6 nominations

Eddie Murphy is a prominent American actor, comedian, producer, and director with an estimated net worth of $200 million. He has a remarkable record of being one of the highest-grossing actors in the history of film. Eddie Murphy was among the top-paid actors in the world in the late 80s, 90s, and 2000s, earning $20 million per movie regularly. Throughout his career, Eddie has amassed a considerable fortune of over $300 million from salaries and backend royalties. As of 2023, Eddie Murphy continues to hold his position on the list of highest-paid actors with a salary of $15 million.

5 Facts about the Eddie Murphy

• Eddie Murphy is a comedian, actor, writer, and producer.
• He rose to fame on Saturday Night Live in the 1980s.
• Murphy has starred in numerous hit movies, including Beverly Hills Cop and The Nutty Professor.
• He has won several awards for his work, including a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award.
• Murphy has been named one of the greatest stand-up comedians of all time by Comedy Central.

Top 5 Eddie Murphy’s Movies are:

• Trading Places (1983)
• Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
• Bowfinger (1999)
• The Nutty Professor (1996)
• Dreamgirls (2006)

12. Jason Momoa

• Fame: 70% 
• Popularity: 49% 
• Birthdate: 1 August 1979
• Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
• Oscars: None
• Oscar Nominations: 
• BAFTA Awards: None
• BAFTA Nominations: 
• Golden Globes: 
• Golden Globe Nominations: 

Jason Momoa, an American actor, was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on August 1, 1979. He was raised as an only child by his parents, who were a painter and a photographer. Momoa began his career as a model and quickly gained recognition, working with renowned designers at the young age of 19. He later ventured into acting and landed his first role in the TV series “Baywatch Hawaii”. However, his breakthrough role that propelled him to global fame was as Khal Drogo in the highly acclaimed HBO series “Game of Thrones”. As of March 2023, Jason Momoa’s net worth is estimated to be $25 million.

5 Facts about the Jason Momoa

• Jason Momoa was born in Honolulu, Hawaii.
• He is of Native Hawaiian, Irish, and German descent.
• Momoa played the character Khal Drogo in the hit TV series Date-plot-cast-and-more-1216657″ style=”text-decoration:none”>Game of Thrones.
• He portrayed Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe films.
• Momoa is an accomplished rock climber and has scaled several difficult routes.

Top 5 Jason Mamoa’s Movies are:

• Conan the Barbarian (2011)
• Stargate: Atlantis (2005)
• The Red Road (2014)
• Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
• The Bad Batch (2016)

13. Steve Carell

• Fame: 87% 
• Popularity: 60% 
• Birthdate: 16 August 1962
• Birthplace: Emerson Hospital, Concord, Massachusetts, United States
• Oscars: None
• Oscar Nominations: None
• BAFTA Awards: None
• BAFTA Nominations: 1 nominations
• Golden Globes: 1 wins
• Golden Globe Nominations: 8 nominations

Steven John Carell is an accomplished American actor, comedian, producer, writer, and director hailing from Concord, Massachusetts. He gained immense popularity for his role as Michael Scott, the bumbling and humorous boss on the American adaptation of the TV show ‘The Office’ from 2005 to 2013. Carell also served as a producer, writer, and director for the show. As of April 2023, his estimated net worth is around $12.5 million.

5 Facts about the Steven Carell

• Before his acting career, Steven John Carell worked as a mailman.
• On their 17th anniversary, the Couple broke up on camera.
• He played one of the two characters in “The Ambiguously Gay Duo.”
• Carell owns a general store located in Massachusetts.
• Initially, he was not the top pick to portray Michael Scott in “The Office.”

Top 5 Steven Carell’s Movies are:

• The Office
• Crazy Stupid Love
• Foxcatcher
• Beautiful Boy.
• Little Miss Sunshine

14. Will Ferrell

• Fame: 96% 
• Popularity: 59% 
• Birthdate: 16 July 1967
• Birthplace: Irvine, California, United States
• Oscars: None
• Oscar Nominations: None
• BAFTA Awards: None
• BAFTA Nominations: 
• Golden Globes: 
• Golden Globe Nominations:

Will Ferrell, an American actor, comedian, and producer, was born in Irvine. He has appeared in several successful movies that have both received critical acclaim and achieved financial success, such as “Zoolander,” “Elf,” “Anchorman,” “Blades of Glory,” “Step Brothers,” and “Get Hard.” Ferrell is widely recognized for his leading roles in these films. His comedic performances in sketches on Saturday Night Live are also well-known. He is among the world’s highest-paid actors, with earnings exceeding $20 million for a single movie.

5 Facts about the Will Ferrell

• Will Ferrell was born on July 16, 1967, in Irvine, California.
• He was a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 1995 to 2002.
• Ferrell has appeared in numerous films, including “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby,” and “Elf.”
• He graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in sports information.
• Ferrell has been nominated for two Golden Globe Awards for his performances in “The Producers” and “Stranger Than Fiction.”

Top 5 Will Ferrell’s Movies are:

• A Night at the Roxbury (1998)
• Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
• Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
• The Other Guys (2010)
• Step Brothers (2008)

15. Chris Pine

• Fame: 76% 
• Popularity: 51% 
• Birthdate: 26 August 1980
• Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
• Oscars: None
• Oscar Nominations: None
• BAFTA Awards: None
• BAFTA Nominations: None
• Golden Globes: None
• Golden Globe Nominations: None

Chris Pine has an estimated net worth of $30 million, and he kick started his acting career by starring in movies like “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement” (2004) and “Just My Luck” (2006). However, he became a household name when he landed the role of Captain James T. Kirk in the 2009 remake of “Star Trek,” which catapulted him to Hollywood stardom. Pine’s other notable film credits include “Horrible Bosses 2” (2014), “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” (2014), and “Wonder Woman” (2017). In 2008, Pine was featured on “Entertainment Weekly’s” “30 Under 30” list, ranking at #27.

5 Facts about the Chris Pine

• Chris Pine is an American actor known for his roles in films such as Star Trek and Wonder Woman.
• He was born on August 26, 1980, in Los Angeles, California.
• Pine is the son of actors Robert Pine and Gwynne Gilford.
• He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied English literature.
• Pine has won several awards for his acting, including a Satellite Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture for his role in Hell or High Water.

Top 5 Chris Pine’s Movies are:

• Hell or High Water (2016)
• Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
• Star Trek (2009)
• Wonder Woman (2017)
• Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
•  

Also read: 25 most popular actresses of all time