Actors Who Were Not Paid Enough For Their Famous Movie Roles

Harrison Ford in 'Star Wars' (1977):
Harrison Ford's portrayal of “Han Solo” in the original ‘Star Wars’ trilogy catapulted him to superstardom. However, Ford's financial gains did not mirror the cultural phenomenon the franchise became. Ford's salary for the first film was modest, with no profit participation. As ‘Star Wars’ became a global sensation, Ford's compensation didn't see a proportional increase, highlighting the industry's evolving understanding of backend deals and profit sharing.

Jim Carrey in 'The Truman Show' (1998):
Jim Carrey showcased his dramatic prowess in 'The Truman Show,' a departure from his typical comedic roles. Despite the film's critical acclaim and Carrey's transformative performance, his paycheck was notably less than what he could command for his comedic outings. Carrey's dedication to the role and the film's enduring popularity emphasize the discrepancy between pay and performance.

Jennifer Lawrence in 'American Hustle' (2013):
Jennifer Lawrence, an Oscar-winning actress, found herself at the center of the gender pay gap debate in Hollywood after the Sony hack revealed she was paid significantly less than her male co-stars in 'American Hustle.' The revelation prompted Lawrence to advocate for equal pay in the industry, shedding light on the systemic issues faced by even the most successful actresses.

Robert Downey Jr. in 'Iron Man' (2008):
Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of “Tony Stark/Iron Man” revitalized his career and played a pivotal role in launching the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, when Downey signed on for the first ‘Iron Man’ film, his paycheck didn't reflect the immense success the franchise would achieve. Subsequent renegotiations saw Downey receive more lucrative deals, but his initial compensation for setting the foundation of the MCU was notably modest.

Keanu Reeves in 'The Matrix' Trilogy (1999-2003):
Keanu Reeves became an action icon with his role as “Neo” in ‘The Matrix’ trilogy. However, his compensation for the first film was relatively modest, especially considering the franchise's subsequent success. Reeves' dedication to the physically demanding role and his later decision to share his earnings with the film's special effects and costume design teams exemplify his commitment to the art over financial gain.

Daniel Craig in 'Casino Royale' (2006):
When Daniel Craig first stepped into the role of “James Bond” in ‘Casino Royale,’ his initial compensation was notably lower than what the franchise's previous actors received. Craig's tenure as Bond revitalized the character and brought a new level of depth to the role. Subsequent Bond films saw Craig negotiating more lucrative deals, but his groundbreaking debut marked a departure from the traditional financial structures of the franchise.

Tom Hanks in 'Forrest Gump' (1994):
Tom Hanks delivered an Oscar-winning performance as 'Forrest Gump', a character that became a cultural touchstone. Surprisingly, Hanks agreed to a lower upfront salary in exchange for a share of the film's profits. While the film went on to become a massive box office success, Hanks' initial decision to forego a higher upfront payment highlights the unpredictable nature of Hollywood's financial landscape.

Leonardo DiCaprio in 'Titanic' (1997):
Leonardo DiCaprio's heartthrob status soared after his role as “Jack Dawson” in ‘Titanic.’ Despite the film's colossal success, DiCaprio reportedly received a relatively modest salary. The film's unexpected triumph and DiCaprio's subsequent ascent to Hollywood royalty underscore the unpredictable nature of compensation in the film industry, especially for roles that go on to become iconic.

Julia Roberts in 'Pretty Woman' (1990):
'Pretty Woman' catapulted Julia Roberts to international stardom, and her portrayal of “Vivian Ward” became iconic. Despite the film's enormous success, Roberts was reportedly paid less than her male co-star, Richard Gere. The film's popularity and Roberts' rising star power shed light on the gender-based pay disparities prevalent in the industry during that era.

Natalie Portman in 'Black Swan' (2010):
Natalie Portman's mesmerizing performance in 'Black Swan' earned her an Academy Award. However, reports revealed that Portman was paid significantly less than her co-star Ashton Kutcher in a different film, highlighting the persistent gender pay gap in Hollywood. Portman's portrayal of the mentally unraveling ballerina underscored the discrepancy between accolades and compensation.