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MoreThe list for 2019 doesn't look as different from the 2018 list. Though George Clooney was last year's top earner, he fell behind some of the actors from the very popular MCU. The list includes the timeline from June 2018 to June 2019, during which the Marvel film Avengers: Endgame became the highest-grossing movie of all time with $2.796 billion at the box-office. With a starting salary of $35 million, these leading men are building a serious stash of cash from their hard work on both the big screen and small screen. And in some cases, even off-screen.
Will Smith
Earnings: $35 million. The actor and rapper reportedly recently starred in the Disney live adaptation of Aladdin and Spies in Disguise, both ofwhich are making handsome contributions to his cash flow. Other famous roles: Starred in Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and the film Men In Black.Before Fame: He was a member of a hip-hop duo in the 1980s, going by the name “The Fresh Prince.” His possessions were raided by the IRS, leaving him nearly broke. Fun fact: His 1997 solo album debut, Big Willie Style, sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
Paul Rudd
Earnings: $41 million. Paul Rudd reprised his role as Ant-Man in Ant-Man and the Wasp and Avengers: Endgame. The latter was one of the biggest movies of the year and is now the highest-grossing film of all time. Rudd got a profit percentage from the Marvel movies and was also credited as a writer on Ant-Man and the Wasp.Other famous roles: Rudd is also known for his roles in Clueless and The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Before fame: He got his first acting role at the age of 23 in the 1988 film Biwi Ho To Aisi. Fun fact: Along friend and fellow actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Rudd co-owns Samuel's Sweet Shop, a candy store in Rhinebeck, New York.
Chris Evans
Earnings: $43.5 million. Evans raked in millions from his role as Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, including 2018 blockbuster Avengers: Infinity War and highest-grossing film Avengers: Endgame in 2019. Other famous roles: Fantastic Four, Cellular, Snowpiercer, and Not Another Teen Movie. Before fame: He was raised Catholic and attended Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School in Massachusetts. Fun fact: He is a devoted dog lover and animal rights activist.
Adam Sandler
Earnings: $57 million. Adam has lined his pockets with proceeds from his ongoing deal with Netflix, which he signed in 2014. He also earns six figures for every live comedy act he performs these days. Other famous roles: Starred in many 1990s comedies, including Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison.Before fame: He developed his comedic style while he was attending New York University, before eventually being welcomed as a regular cast member on Saturday Night Live. Fun fact: He grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire, after moving there at the age of five.
Bradley Cooper
Earnings: $57 million. Cooper raked his millions from movies such as Avengers: Endgame and A Star Is Born. Last year saw Cooper directing, producing, co-writing, and starring in Star is Born, which was particularly profitable for Cooper. Other famous roles: The Hangover, Silver Linings Playbook, and American Sniper.Before fame: He was raised Catholic and attended Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School in Massachusetts. Fun fact: Throughout his career, Cooper has been nominated for seven Academy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, and one Tony Award.
Jackie Chan
Earnings: $58 million. The actor/stuntman made his multi-millions from six films recently, including 2017’s Kung Fu Yoga and The Foreigner. He also rakes in revenue from product endorsements as well as his own line of theaters. Other famous roles: Starred in The Karate Kid, Shanghai Noon, and Enter the Dragon. Before Fame: He studied dance, music, and martial arts at the China Drama Academy. Fun fact: He gained popularity with his unique mix of stunts and comedy.
Akshay Kumar
Earnings: $65 million. The wildly popular Indian actor is flush with cash thanks to Bollywood films such as Toilet and Padman. He has also endorsed about 20 brands, including Eveready batteries and the Indian finance conglomerate, Tata. Other famous roles: Starred in Jaanwar. Before fame: While he was studying Muay Thai in Thailand, he worked as a chef. Fun fact: His nickname is “The Indian Jackie Chan” because of his eagerness to perform dangerous stunts.
Robert Downey, Jr.
Earnings: $66 million. Robert nearly doubled his salary from last year thanks to upping the ante on his negotiations for appearances in the Marvel films, including a $15 million upfront payment for making a brief appearance in Spider-Man: Homecoming, and of course for his final appearance as Iron Man in Avengers: EndgameOther famous roles: Starred in the TV series Ally McBealBefore Fame: His acting career began at age five when he was cast as a puppy in the film Pound, directed by his father, Robert Downey, Sr. Fun fact: He is a martial artist who practices Wing Chun in his spare time.
Chris Hemsworth
Earnings: $76.4 million. The Australian actor doubled his earnings and then some from last year after starring in blockbuster Marvel films, from Avengers: Infinity War, Thor: Ragnarok, to Avengers: Endgame.Other famous roles: He starred in The Cabin in the Woods, Red Dawn, Rush, Vacation and In the Heart of the Sea. Before Fame: He appeared on the popular Australian daytime soap, Home and Away in the 2000s. Fun fact: He performed the Samba on Australia’s version of Dancing with the Stars.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
Earnings: $89.4 million. The vast majority of The Rock’s megabucks come from acting roles, including the Fast & Furious spin-off Hobbs and Shaw, action thriller Skyscraper and his HBO comedy Ballers. Other famous roles: Performed in the WWF and WWE as “The Rock,” from 1996 to 2004. Before Fame: He was a college football player for both the University of Miami and the Calgary Stampeders, but was cut after two months. Fun fact: He is a third-generation wrestler. His grandfather was an NWA Hawaii heavyweight champion who was badass enough to go up against James Bond in You Only Live Twice.
