In 2016, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson emerged as the wealthiest actor globally, raking in an impressive $64.5 million in earnings, surpassing Jackie Chan, Matt Damon, Tom Cruise, and Johnny Depp. He climbed to the 19th spot on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list, showcasing remarkable financial success and multifaceted influence in Hollywood.
Key Takeaways
- Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson earned $64.5 million in 2016, outperforming top actors like Jackie Chan and Tom Cruise.
- Scarlett Johansson earned $46 million in 2016, becoming the best-paid actor with global box office success.
- Chris Evans amassed $1.15 billion in global box office earnings, primarily from Marvel Cinematic Universe roles.
- Robert Downey Jr earned $33 million in 2016, mainly from his portrayal of Iron Man in the MCU.
- Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Scarlett Johansson were among the top earners in 2016, showcasing their financial success.
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's meteoric rise to the top of the Hollywood earnings ladder in 2016 showcased his unparalleled success and influence in the entertainment industry. Earning $64.5 million that year, he outshone renowned actors like Jackie Chan, Matt Damon, Tom Cruise, and Johnny Depp in regards to income. The Rock's ability to take on diverse roles and his involvement in various upcoming projects were key factors contributing to his top ranking in the industry. Particularly impressive was his leap from No. 81 to No. 19 on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list, underscoring his substantial financial growth and widespread appeal.
Additionally, WWE, the platform where The Rock initially launched his career, publicly commended him on his accomplishment and acknowledged his profound impact on the entertainment landscape. The recognition from WWE further solidified The Rock's status as a dominant force in both the wrestling and film industries, cementing his position as a multifaceted and highly influential figure in Hollywood.
Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson's exceptional earnings and box office success in 2016 positioned her as the best-paid actor of the year. Earning a staggering $46 million, Johansson's global box office success of $1.2 billion highlighted her significant impact on the film industry. Her roles in 'Captain America: Civil War' and 'Hail, Caesar!' were pivotal in contributing to her impressive earnings, solidifying her status as one of the top earners in the industry for that year. Additionally, her presence in high-grossing films like 'Avengers' and 'Lucy' showcased her widespread box office appeal to audiences worldwide.
Movies | Earnings | Box Office Success |
---|---|---|
Captain America: Civil War | $46 million | $1.2 billion |
Hail, Caesar! | ||
Avengers | ||
Lucy |
Chris Evans

Chris Evans amassed a staggering $1.15 billion in global box office earnings, primarily driven by his leading role in 'Captain America: Civil War.'
His portrayal as Captain America in various comic book franchises greatly contributed to his financial success, solidifying his position as one of the wealthiest actors in 2016.
Chris Evans Net Worth
Earning a substantial portion of his $80 million net worth from portraying Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Chris Evans has established himself as one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors. His role as Captain America catapulted him to fame and financial success, as he portrayed the iconic superhero in several Marvel movies, including 'Captain America: The First Avenger,' 'The Avengers,' and 'Avengers: Endgame.'
Evans' portrayal of the patriotic and noble character resonated with audiences worldwide, contributing to the immense success of the Marvel films and boosting his net worth significantly. In addition to his role as Captain America, Evans has taken on various acting projects and endorsements, further diversifying his income streams. His talent, charm, and popularity haven't only made him a sought-after actor in the industry but have also solidified his status as one of the wealthiest actors in Hollywood.
Chris Evans' financial prosperity is a reflection of his hard work, dedication, and undeniable talent in the entertainment industry.
Acting Career Highlights
With a global box office gross of $1.15 billion in 2016, Chris Evans showcased his acting prowess in the successful comic book franchise film, Captain America: Civil War. His role in this movie was pivotal to his career highlights.
Here are some key points highlighting Chris Evans' acting career, particularly his role in Captain America: Civil War:
- Evans led the cast in Captain America: Civil War, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the superhero genre.
- His portrayal of Captain America in this film was critically acclaimed and resonated well with audiences worldwide.
- The success of Captain America: Civil War further established Evans as a bankable actor in the industry.
- The financial success of the film, coupled with Evans' compelling performance, contributed considerably to his overall success in 2016.
Business Ventures and Investments
Amid his successful acting career, Chris Evans has ventured into diverse business opportunities and strategic investments. With global box office earnings reaching $1.15 billion, largely attributed to his lead role in Captain America: Civil War, Evans has capitalized on his box office draw to explore various entrepreneurial avenues.
The success of comic book franchises played a pivotal role in boosting Evans' financial portfolio in 2016. His prominence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe not only garnered him lucrative payoffs from his superhero roles but also showcased his marketability in the entertainment industry. Portraying the iconic character of Captain America in blockbuster hits like Civil War solidified Evans' position as a top earner in Hollywood.
His high box office earnings not only reflect his popularity but also underline his astute business acumen in leveraging his on-screen success into profitable business ventures and investments.
Robert Downey Jr

Robert Downey Jr's earnings in 2016 totaled $33 million, primarily sourced from his iconic portrayal of Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Despite a notable decrease from the previous year, Downey Jr's financial success and diverse investments showcase his enduring influence in the entertainment industry.
His endorsement deals, like the one with an Asian smartphone company, further contribute to his status as one of the top-earning actors globally.
Earnings and Investments
Despite a 58% drop in earnings from the previous year, Robert Downey Jr still managed to earn $33 million during the Forbes survey period. This was primarily through his iconic portrayal of Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and endorsements with a smartphone company in Asia.
To explore further into Robert Downey Jr's earnings and investments:
- $33 million Earnings: Even with a significant decrease from the prior year, Robert Downey Jr's earnings remain substantial.
- Iron Man Role: His portrayal of Iron Man continues to be a major source of income, showcasing the enduring popularity of the character.
- Endorsements: Securing deals with a smartphone company in Asia demonstrates Robert Downey Jr's global appeal and business acumen.
- Diverse Investments: Known for making savvy investment choices, Robert Downey Jr's financial portfolio extends beyond acting, contributing to his overall wealth.
Robert Downey Jr's ability to adapt to changing circumstances and leverage his past successes underscores his financial acumen and enduring influence in the entertainment industry.
Acting Career Highlights
With a career spanning decades, Robert Downey Jr has captivated audiences worldwide with his versatile acting skills. One of his most iconic roles is that of Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Downey Jr's portrayal of this character has been instrumental in his financial success, with a significant portion of his income in 2016 derived from this role.
Additionally, the actor has expanded his earnings through lucrative endorsement deals, especially with a smartphone company in Asia. Despite experiencing a 58% drop in income from the previous year, Downey Jr remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
His ability to seamlessly shift between dramatic roles and comedic performances showcases his range as an actor, making him a sought-after talent in Hollywood. Downey Jr's dedication to his craft and his continued success in the film industry solidify his status as one of the most respected actors of his generation.
Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie's 2016 global box office earnings reached an impressive $1.1 billion, primarily driven by her standout performance in the movie 'Suicide Squad'. The financial success of 'Suicide Squad' significantly boosted Margot Robbie's prominence in the entertainment world.
Here are some key points about Margot Robbie in 2016:
- Margot Robbie's global box office earnings in 2016 amounted to $1.1 billion.
- Her role in 'Suicide Squad' played a significant part in her earnings.
- Margot Robbie ranked among the top earners in Hollywood during 2016.
- Her success in the industry highlighted her rising star power and solidified her position as a sought-after actress.
Margot Robbie's talent and hard work in 'Suicide Squad' and other projects propelled her to the upper echelons of Hollywood, showcasing her as a versatile and accomplished actor.
Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams, known for her compelling performances in blockbuster hits, earned an impressive $1.04 billion from global box office successes in 2016. Her financial success was fueled by movies like 'Batman v Superman' and 'Arrival.' McAdams' box office earnings in 2016 ranked among the highest in the industry, showcasing her ability to draw audiences and deliver successful films. Her roles in popular and successful movies have solidified her position as a top earner in the film industry.
McAdams' portrayal in 'Batman v Superman' contributed notably to her impressive earnings. The film, which featured iconic DC Comics characters, garnered substantial attention worldwide, benefiting from McAdams' star power and acting prowess. Her involvement in such a high-profile project not only showcased her talent but also underscored her ability to be part of major box office successes. As a result, McAdams continues to be a sought-after actress in the industry, with her financial achievements reflecting her status as a top-tier performer.
Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck's impressive $43 million earnings in 2016 were largely attributed to the success of the blockbuster hit *Batman v Superman*, which grossed over $870 million globally.
Here are some key points about Ben Affleck's financial success in 2016:
- Affleck earned $43 million that year, making him one of the top earners in Hollywood during the Forbes survey period.
- His roles in blockbuster movies played a significant role in boosting his earnings.
- The portrayal of Batman in *Batman v Superman* was a major contributing factor to his high income in 2016.
- Affleck's substantial income in 2016 not only highlighted his prominence in the entertainment industry but also underscored his ability to secure lucrative roles.
Ben Affleck's success with *Batman v Superman* showcased his financial prowess and demonstrated his capacity to excel in high-grossing films.
Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill, renowned for his portrayal of Superman, emerged as one of the top earners in the acting industry in 2016 with global box office earnings totaling $870 million. Cavill's breakthrough role as Superman in the film industry greatly contributed to his financial success, propelling him into the ranks of the highest-earning actors that year.
His portrayal of the iconic superhero character garnered widespread acclaim and played a pivotal role in his ascent to financial prominence. Importantly, Henry Cavill's performance as Superman resonated with audiences worldwide, leading to his impressive box office earnings.
His success in 2016 solidified his position as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, showcasing his talent and ability to captivate audiences on a global scale. Henry Cavill's achievements as an actor, particularly in his portrayal of Superman, underscored his financial success and established him as a top earner among his peers in the competitive world of acting.
Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds' financial success in 2016 was propelled by his role in the movie 'Deadpool,' which earned $820 million in global box office revenue.
His performance in 'Deadpool' greatly contributed to his earnings that year, solidifying his position as one of the top-earning actors in 2016.
Ryan Reynolds' Net Worth
With an estimated net worth of around $75 million in 2016, the success of Ryan Reynolds' movie career has been a significant contributing factor. Reynolds' financial achievements are closely tied to his involvement in the movie 'Deadpool,' a role that propelled him to greater recognition and wealth.
Here are some key points to keep in mind regarding Ryan Reynolds' net worth:
- Reynolds' net worth is estimated to be approximately $75 million in 2016.
- His portrayal of the character Deadpool played a pivotal role in his financial success.
- Earnings from acting, producing, and endorsements contribute to Reynolds' overall net worth.
- In 2016, Ryan Reynolds stands out as one of the wealthiest actors in the world, with his success in the film industry driving his financial prosperity.
Ryan Reynolds' impressive net worth reflects his talent and hard work in the entertainment industry, particularly highlighted by his role in the box office hit 'Deadpool.'
Career Highlights and Awards
Reynolds' career highlights and accolades underscore his consistent success in the entertainment industry. His performance in the movie Deadpool not only earned him global recognition but also played a vital role in his status as a top-earning actor. Known for his charismatic and versatile acting style, Ryan Reynolds has solidified his position as a prominent figure in Hollywood.
Awards and Achievements | Year |
---|---|
People's Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actor | 2017 |
Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Actor in a Comedy | 2016 |
MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance | 2016 |
Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor: Action | 2016 |
These accolades reflect Reynolds' talent and appeal to a wide audience. His ability to effortlessly shift between comedic and action roles has garnered him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base, further establishing him as a leading actor in the industry.
Business Ventures and Investments
Diversifying his income streams beyond acting roles, Ryan Reynolds has ventured into various business investments, showcasing his acumen in the domain of entrepreneurship. Here are some key points highlighting his business ventures:
- Reynolds founded his production company, Maximum Effort, allowing him to take creative control and explore diverse projects.
- Co-owning Aviation American Gin hasn't only proven profitable but also demonstrated Reynolds' ability to leverage his personal brand effectively.
- His interest in tech investments led him to acquire a stake in Mint Mobile, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to financial opportunities.
- The success of 'Deadpool,' a film where Reynolds played a pivotal role in production, hasn't only boosted his reputation but also opened new doors for lucrative investments.
Through these strategic moves and investments, Ryan Reynolds has solidified his position not just as a talented actor but also as a savvy businessman in the competitive world of entertainment and entrepreneurship.
Felicity Jones

Possessing a notable global box office success of $805 million in 2016, Felicity Jones emerged as a prominent figure in Hollywood, particularly recognized for her leading role in a Star Wars film. Her portrayal in the Star Wars franchise not only showcased her acting prowess but also substantially contributed to her financial achievements.
Jones' performance in the Star Wars film added to her already growing prominence in the entertainment industry, solidifying her position as a rising star. The success she experienced in 2016 was largely driven by her involvement in high-grossing films, with the Star Wars movie being a standout example of her box office appeal.
Through her earnings and critical acclaim, Felicity Jones demonstrated her increasing star power in Hollywood, attracting both audiences and industry recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is the No. 1 Richest Actor in the World?
In 2016, Dwayne Johnson emerged as the highest-earning actor globally, with a staggering income of $64.5 million. His earnings doubled from the previous year, securing his top spot among actors. Johnson's versatile roles and action hero status propelled him above his peers.
His ascent from No. 81 to No. 1 on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list underscored his remarkable financial success. His achievement was acknowledged by WWE, highlighting his impact and triumph in the entertainment industry.
Who Is the Number 1 Paid Actor?
In 2016, Dwayne Johnson emerged as the highest-paid actor, earning $64.5 million. His income doubled from the previous year, fueled by a diverse range of roles and upcoming projects. Johnson outshone top actors like Jackie Chan, Matt Damon, and Tom Cruise, cementing his position as the number one paid actor for that year.
His impressive rise marked a significant milestone in the entertainment industry, showcasing his commercial success and broad appeal.
Has an Actor Ever Been a Billionaire?
An actor has never been officially recognized as a billionaire. While actors can earn substantial amounts, billionaire status is rare in the entertainment industry.
The top earning actors in 2016, like Dwayne Johnson and Jackie Chan, earned tens of millions, not billions.
Earnings from acting, endorsements, and other sources contribute to actors' wealth, but it's uncommon for them to become billionaires solely from their acting careers.
Who Is the Highest Paid Black Actor?
Dwayne Johnson emerged as the highest-paid black actor in 2016, earning $64.5 million. His diverse roles and box office success propelled him past other top actors like Jackie Chan, Matt Damon, and Tom Cruise.
Johnson's income stemmed from movie salaries, endorsements, and his robust social media influence. His achievements underscore his significant impact and success in the entertainment industry, solidifying his position at the top of the earnings chart.
Is the Actor Who Played Frankenstein in the Apple Commercial also the Richest Actor in the World 2016?
Yes, the actor who played Frankenstein in the Apple commercial, named Neel Sethi, is not the richest actor in the world 2016. The richest actor in the world that year was Shah Rukh Khan, with a net worth of $750 million.
Conclusion
Contrary to popular belief, the most richest actor in the world in 2016 wasn't Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Scarlett Johansson, or any of the other mentioned actors.
In fact, the true title of the wealthiest actor in 2016 belonged to a lesser-known individual.
This information may come as a surprise to many, but it's important to correct this common misconception and acknowledge the true holder of this prestigious title.