Hollywood legends and Bollywood icons have long basked in the glow of fame and fortune. But for many of these stars, acting was just the beginning. With sharp business instincts and strategic investments, they’ve built empires that extend well beyond film sets. While movie ticket sales may not dominate like they once did, the film and television industries still funnel billions into productions—allowing top-tier actors to command staggering paycheques and, more importantly, multiply their wealth in innovative ways.
The actors featured in this list didn’t rely solely on performance fees to reach the top. In most cases, their immense net worth comes from a combination of smart real estate deals, booming business ventures, and lucrative brand endorsements.
Esquire recently revealed its highly anticipated list of the Top 10 Richest Actors in the World, showcasing some familiar faces who’ve turned stardom into staggering wealth. Notably, Shah Rukh Khan—Bollywood’s “King Khan”—ranks fourth, ahead of many Hollywood powerhouses, thanks to his unmatched popularity, business acumen, and global appeal.
Here’s the complete lineup
10. Jackie Chan
Net worth: $557.09 million
A cinematic icon in both the East and the West, Jackie Chan achieved global fame through action-comedy hits before successfully transitioning to Hollywood franchises like Rush Hour and Kung Fu Panda. Beyond acting, he’s built a diversified business empire—from product endorsements to his own chain of cinemas. Notably, Chan has pledged to donate his entire fortune to charity.
9. Tom Hanks
Net worth: $571.94 million
Renowned for classics like Forrest Gump and Philadelphia, Hanks has amassed considerable wealth, not just through acting but through shrewd real estate investments worth roughly $225 million. His longevity and broad appeal continue to cement his financial standing.
8. Jack Nicholson
Net worth: $590 million
Though he hasn’t acted in years, Nicholson’s financial foresight has kept his wealth growing. He’s invested heavily in art and real estate—assets that reportedly make up more than half his fortune. His deal for Batman in 1989, which included a share of the film’s profits, remains one of Hollywood’s most lucrative contracts.
7. Brad Pitt
Net worth: $594.23 million
Still one of the most bankable stars in the business, Pitt recently earned $45 million for a Formula 1 movie. More impressively, his production company Plan B Entertainment—behind Oscar winners like 12 Years a Slave and Moonlight—has made him a force behind the camera as well.
6. Robert De Niro
Net worth: $735.35 million
De Niro’s acting legacy is undeniable, but much of his wealth stems from co-founding the Nobu restaurant chain, now with 40+ locations worldwide. His investments in New York real estate and hospitality ventures have significantly boosted his net worth.
5. George Clooney
Net worth: $742.8 million
Clooney’s wealth soared with the sale of Casamigos, a premium tequila brand he co-founded, which fetched close to $1 billion. He continues to earn through acting and producing, proving that Hollywood charm and sharp business instincts can go hand-in-hand.
4. Shah Rukh Khan
Net worth: $876.5 million
India’s biggest movie star continues to dominate global rich lists. In 2023, SRK delivered two massive hits—Pathaan and Jawan—collectively grossing over ₹2,000 crores worldwide. But his empire stretches further: he owns the Red Chillies Entertainment studio, a cricket team, and has several high-value endorsements and investments.
3. Tom Cruise
Net worth: $891 million
Still one of the highest-paid actors globally, Cruise has earned the bulk of his fortune from his films—particularly the Mission: Impossible and Top Gun franchises. His real estate holdings also span multiple luxury properties across the US He remains one of the few in this list to amass wealth primarily through acting.
2. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Net worth: $1.19 billion
From WWE superstar to Hollywood heavyweight, Johnson’s brand is as strong as his physique. With box office dominance and ownership of nearly 30% of the $2 billion-valued Teremana Tequila, he parlayed fame into a billion-dollar fortune.
1. Arnold Schwarzenegger
Net worth: $1.49 billion
The ultimate multi-hyphenate—bodybuilder, movie star, governor, and entrepreneur—Schwarzenegger is now officially a billionaire, thanks largely to decades of smart real estate investments. He also holds a stake in one of the world’s largest investment firms, further sealing his financial legacy.