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Journalism of Courage
Movie stars, both Hollywood legends and Bollywood icons, have long enjoyed enviable fame and fortune. Many of these stars have transformed their careers into full-fledged empires. It’s widely known that top-tier actors earn handsome remunerations, and while movie ticket sales may not be what they once were, film and television still pour billions into productions. Naturally, leading actors command hefty salaries, and they know how to multiply that wealth.
The celebrities featured on this list didn’t amass their fortunes from acting alone. In fact, for most, their staggering net worth is the result of strategic investments, business ventures, and high-value brand endorsements.
Esquire recently published its much-talked-about list of the Top 10 Richest Actors in the World, spotlighting some familiar names. And one star, in particular, continues to break barriers: Shah Rukh Khan. Often hailed as the “King of Bollywood,” Khan has secured the fourth spot on this global ranking, solidifying his place among the wealthiest entertainers in the world. His financial success surpasses that of many Hollywood heavyweights, thanks to a mix of blockbuster films, entrepreneurial ventures, and international appeal.
With an estimated net worth of $557.09 million, Jackie Chan stands among the wealthiest entertainers in the world. Chan rose to stardom through a string of successful action-comedy films in Hong Kong, eventually transitioning into Hollywood with major roles in blockbuster franchises like Rush Hour, Kung Fu Panda, and The Karate Kid. For years, he ranked among the highest-paid actors globally due to his ability to appeal to audiences in the East and the West. Beyond acting, Chan has built a business empire that includes product endorsements and also has his chain of movie theatres. Notably, he has publicly stated his intention to donate his entire fortune to charitable causes.
Tom Hanks, widely regarded as one of the most talented actors of his generation, has also secured a place among the wealthiest in the industry with an estimated net worth of $571.94 million. Known for his Oscar-winning performances in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump, Hanks has enjoyed both critical acclaim and box office success throughout his career. However, much of his fortune doesn’t stem from acting alone. A significant portion–approximately $225 million–is tied up in his extensive real estate portfolio, which has played a major role in boosting his overall wealth.
Jack Nicholson, with an estimated net worth of $590 million, has built his fortune through more than just his extensive acting career, which spans over 60 films. While he is celebrated for his iconic roles, much of his wealth comes from sound financial decisions. Nicholson made significant investments in real estate and high-end art, with those assets reportedly valued at around $375 million. He also struck a highly profitable deal for his role in Tim Burton’s Batman, securing a substantial share of the film’s box office and merchandising revenue–an arrangement that has earned him approximately $160 million when adjusted for inflation.
Brad Pitt, with an estimated net worth of $594.23 million, has firmly established himself as a leading force in the film industry. Known for his consistent box office success, Pitt continues to earn massive paycheques, including a reported $45 million upfront for his role in an upcoming Formula 1 movie. However, acting isn’t his only revenue stream. He co-founded the acclaimed production company Plan B Entertainment alongside his former wife, Jennifer Aniston. The company has since produced several Academy Award-winning films, such as The Departed, Moonlight, and 12 Years a Slave, significantly contributing to the impressive fortune.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in cinematic history, Robert De Niro has built a fortune that extends far beyond his acclaimed film career. While his acting credentials are legendary, De Niro has significantly boosted his net worth through ventures outside of Hollywood. He co-founded the upscale global restaurant chain Nobu, which now boasts over 40 locations worldwide and generates substantial annual revenue. In addition to Nobu, De Niro has invested in numerous other restaurants and real estate holdings, particularly in New York City, one of the most competitive and expensive markets in the world. These savvy business moves have played a major role in elevating his wealth to an estimated $735.35 million.
George Clooney, with an estimated net worth of $742.8 million, has proven that star power combined with business savvy can go a long way. While his acting career has consistently brought in impressive paycheques for high-profile roles, it’s his ventures off-screen that have truly elevated his wealth. A major turning point came with Casamigos, the premium tequila brand he co-founded and later sold for nearly $1 billion. These days, Clooney has shifted more into producing, further expanding his fortune and solidifying his place among the industry’s top earners.
Shah Rukh Khan, with an estimated net worth of $876.5 million, may not be as well-known in Western cinema, but in India, he is as big as it can get. Often referred to as SRK, he is considered the face of Bollywood and has held the title of one of the highest-paid actors in India for nearly 30 years. In 2023, he made waves with two record-breaking films, Jawan and Pathaan, both of which earned over Rs 2,000 crores globally. Khan’s fortune extends far beyond his acting career; he owns a cricket team in multiple leagues, runs his own production company, Red Chillies Entertainment, and has invested in various other business ventures.
With a staggering net worth of $891 million, Tom Cruise remains one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. Much of his fortune stems directly from his acting career, particularly his iconic roles in blockbuster franchises like Mission: Impossible and Top Gun, both of which raked in billions at the global box office. Unlike many of his peers who diversified into business ventures, Cruise is among the rare few who amassed most of his wealth through acting alone. He’s consistently ranked among the highest-paid actors in the industry, and a 2020 analysis even estimated that he earned around $7,000 for every word of dialogue spoken on screen. Beyond the screen, Cruise also owns an impressive portfolio of real estate, with properties spread across both coasts of the United States and throughout North America.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, with an estimated net worth of $1.19 billion, has become one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. While he initially gained fame in the WWE, by 2024, most people recognise him for his acting rather than his wrestling career. His physique and charisma have made him a sought-after star in blockbuster films, and his presence nearly guarantees box office success. Beyond acting, Johnson has made savvy business moves, including owning approximately 30 per cent of Teremana Tequila, a brand now valued at $2 billion. His diverse ventures and widespread appeal have solidified his place among the richest actors in the world.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, with a net worth of $1.49 billion, stands as one of the most successful and versatile figures in the entertainment world. While many might associate him primarily with his iconic acting roles, Schwarzenegger’s career spans far beyond Hollywood. Born in Austria, he has excelled as a bodybuilder, actor, politician, and entrepreneur. Earlier this year, Forbes revealed that Schwarzenegger had officially joined the billionaire ranks, largely due to his strategic investments in real estate, which he began early in his career. Over the years, he has built a vast real estate portfolio and holds a five per cent stake in one of the world’s largest investment firms.
| Rank. | Actor | Net Worth |
| 1. | Arnold Schwarzenegger | $1.49 billion |
| 2. | Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson | $1.19 billion |
| 3. | Tom Cruise | $891 million |
| 4. | Shah Rukh Khan | $876.5 million |
| 5. | George Clooney | $742.8 million |
| 6. | Robert De Niro | $735.35 million |
| 7. | Brad Pitt | $594.23 million |
| 8. | Jack Nicholson | $590 million |
| 9. | Tom Hanks | $571.94 million |
| 10. | Jackie Chan | $557.09 million |
Note: All figures are shown in AUD and are accurate as of February, 2025.
