Top 30 Highest Paid Black Actors in Hollywood


 

Originally published by Nellian on September 2023 and Updated by Beatrice J on May 2024

The entertainment industry has seen a myriad of changes in recent decades. Black actors have risen to the echelons of high pay in Hollywood. This is an honor to their skill and talent.

Thus in this article, we will cover some of the highest-paid black actors in Hollywood. The likes of Tyler Perry, The Rock (Dwayne Johnson), Kevin Hart and check the others below.

Here are the Top 30 Highest-Paid Black Actors in Hollywood.

1. Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry

, , via Wikimedia Commons

As one of the highest-paid black actors in Hollywood, his net worth is estimated at $1 billion as per 2023 reports. From writing, producing, and starring in his stage plays, he has successfully built an entertainment empire from the ground up.

Moreover, the Madea character was his rise to the big screen. This role of a sassy, no-nonsense grandmother is his creativity that was first seen in his 1999 play, I Can Do Bad All by Myself. Later the role gained more acclaim with Tyler Perry’s House of Payne TV series that aired on TBS from 2006 to 2012.

Better still, the 2016 movie Boo! A Madea Halloween was a triumph for the actor grossing at least $103 million worldwide. Also, his Atlanta-based studio which he opened in 2008, the Tyler Perry Studios, is one of the major film studios in the country.

According to Perry, his other important title is being a dad. He revealed this while on a 2022 interview with AARP The Magazine in 2022 and People magazine in 2014. He is a father to a son, Aman Tyler Perry, with ex Gelila Bekele. Below are Perry鈥檚 comments on being a father:

“All of this other stuff is really great. But the thing that gives me motivation every day is being Aman’s father,” he told AARP The Magazine in 2022.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been two weeks today. It鈥檚 been surreal, incredible, moving,鈥 Perry told People magazine in 2014.

Get more insights into the life and career of this black actor, Tyler Perry.

2. The Rock (Dwayne Johnson)

His versatility appeals to a wide audience. First built a career as one of the best WWE wrestlers until 2004 when he transitioned to acting where he aimed to become a star which he has achieved. He is one of the highest-paid Hollywood black actors with a net worth of about $800 million in 2023. See his confession of why he left WWE below.

Muscle & Fitness magazine interview with the Rock in April 2023, answering why he left WWE:

鈥淚t was a career that was beyond my wildest, wildest dreams, I wanted to complete my word that I would deliver everything I could for them.鈥

鈥淚f I could leave and become successful outside the world of professional wrestling 鈥 and then I could come back, this time as a global entity. This time I could bring a greater value to the company of the WWE.鈥 鈥淚 wanted global influence in a very real and powerful way.鈥

鈥淢y wrestling career ended the only way I was willing 鈥 flat on my back, getting beat 1, 2, 3, looking up at the stars and being grateful for my blessings, I went out the right way.鈥

As an actor his charisma and likeability on-screen appearances make him draw high box office revenue. His work ethic and dedication have made him appreciated by fans as well as potential employers. Thus earning him many endorsements with brands adding to his income. Johnson鈥檚 film roles include:

  • The Mummy Returns (2001)-first film appearance
  • The Game Plan (2007)
  • Fast Five (2011)
  • Moana (2016)-voiced the character Maui
  • Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)
  • Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
  • Skyscraper (2018)
  • Jungle Cruise (2021)
  • Black Adam (2022)

3. Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart

, , via Wikimedia Commons

This comedian cum actor enjoys a whopping $450 million net worth as per 2023 reports. Thus making him one of the highest-paid black actors in Hollywood. He began as a standup comedian and ventured into screen roles in 2001 in the TV series Undeclared.

Subsequently, he has received other film features such as Paper Soldiers (2002), In the Mix (2005), About Last Night (2014), The Secret Life of Pets (2016鈥2019), Jumanji and more.

4. Bill Cosby

The actor鈥檚 net worth is estimated to be $400 million in 2023. The Cosby Show is his highest source of success especially during its climax years. This show brought him recognition which propelled him to rank among the highest-paid black actors in Hollywood.

Besides, his professional ethics were tainted by his conviction for drugging and sexual assault in 2018. He served prison term until 2021 when the convictions were overturned.

Thus following these events, Bounce TV pulled his show from the air in April 2018. Cosby also lost potential work with NBC and Netflix, which was put on hold. Yet The Cosby Show still broadcasts on TV One, it can be purchased on Amazon or streamed through Philo.

5. Will Smith

Will Smith

, , via Wikimedia Commons

His charismatic and likable persona on screen makes him a favorite of many audiences around the world. His net worth in 2023 is about $350 million. Smith picks up between $40-$80 million checks per movie.

The award-winning actor prides himself in several accolades like an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and several Grammy Awards. He is also ranked among the most bankable stars in Hollywood with his films grossing more than $9.3 billion globally.

Some of Smith鈥檚 lead man film roles include:

  • Bad Boys (1995)        
  • Men in Black (1997)
  • Bad Boys II (2003)
  • I Am Legend (2007)
  • Suicide Squad (2016)
  • Aladdin (2019)
  • Bad Boys for Life (2020)

If you wish to understand Smith鈥檚 Screen Return, we got you.

6. Denzel Washington

The two-time Academy Award-winner is one of Hollywood鈥檚 highest black actor earners and bags about $60 to $80 million every year. His net worth in 2023 is estimated to be $280 million.

Furthermore, Denzel has established himself with engaging and powerful performances in different genres. From dramas to action thrillers, he has proven to be a lead man in everything. With high box office records, he has shattered the perception that black actors can鈥檛 draw mainstream white audiences.

Some of Washington鈥檚 best films include:

  • Glory (1989)
  • Malcolm X (1992)
  • Devil In A Blue Dress (1995)
  • He Got Game (1998)
  • Man On Fire (2004)
  • Inside Man (2006)

7. Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson

, , via Wikimedia Commons

His net worth in 2023 is estimated at $250 million. He rose to stardom during the 1990s in films such as Patriot Games in 1992, True Romance in 1993, Pulp Fiction in 1994, and Jackie Brown (1997).

Jackson鈥檚 widespread attention came with lead roles in films such as the Star Wars prequel trilogy from 1999 to 2005. He also took part in Unbreakable in 2000, Iron Man in 2008, Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014), Kong: Skull Island (2017) and Shaft reboot in 2019.

His talent is seen in his powerful voice, iconic lines, and versatility. He has taken part in action movies as well as comedies and dramas. He is a star that pulls audiences generating high box office revenues making him a bankable actor.

8. Morgan Freeman

Synonymous with his deep voice and roles cutting across different film genres, his net worth is pegged at $250 million. His career spans over five decades decorated with some of the best awards in the industry. He is also a director and the cofounder of Revelations Entertainment which is a production company.

Moreover, some of his most celebrated roles include films like Million Dollar Baby in 2004. This sports drama film earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor category. Driving Miss Daisy (1989) saw him earn a Golden Globe for Best Actor. Street Smart released in 1987 saw him nominated for Academy Awards in 1994.

Freeman鈥檚 other notable films include:

  • Glory (1989)
  • Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
  • The Dark Knight Trilogy

His voice has been used in projects like:

  • The Long Way Home (1997)
  • Through the Wormhole (2010鈥2017)
  • The Story of God with Morgan Freeman (2016鈥2019)
  • Our Universe (2022)

9. Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy

, , via Wikimedia Commons

This actor, comedian cum singer is respected for his role on the Saturday Night Live comedy show. Murphy鈥檚 net worth is estimated at $200 million in 2023. With his films grossing more than $6.7 billion worldwide in 2023, it cements his place among the highest-paid black actors in Hollywood.

His renowned film features include:

  • 48 Hrs (1982)
  • Coming to America (1988)
  • Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)
  • Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
  • Coming 2 America (2021)
  • You People (2023)

Additionally, in the music arena, Murphy has a few albums How Could It Be (1985) which spawned the hit single, Party All the Time. The other albums are So Happy (1989), and Love’s Alright (1993).

10. Jamie Foxx

This actor, comedian cum singer is one of the top-paid black actors in the Hollywood space, boasting a net worth of about 170 million dollars. His official reference is Eric Marlon Bishop but his professional name is Jamie Foxx.

To add on, his rise to the limelight in film came with the role, of Ray Charles in the film Ray (2004). In comedy, The Jamie Foxx Show sitcom boosted the appreciation of his craft. He has also been cast in films like:

  • Booty Call (1997)
  • Miami Vice (2006)
  • Django Unchained (2012)
  • The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
  • Just Mercy (2019)
  • Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Foxx鈥檚 career as a singer has seen him feature on the Slow Jamz song, a collaboration of Twista, Kanye West, and Gold Digger. His single, Blame It scooped him a Grammy Award. His other albums like Intuition (2008), Best Night of My Life (2010), and Hollywood: A Story of a Dozen Roses (2015) among others have topped international music charts.

A sneak peek into his personal life is that he has never married and believes that the traditional lifestyle that comes with matrimony is not for him. He also fell ill in April 2023 and below is his message to fans when he spoke to AP News in July 2023.

Foxx鈥檚 message to fans on AP News, 鈥淚 went through something that I thought I would never, ever go through.鈥 鈥淓very once in a while I just burst into tears … because it鈥檚 been tough, man, I was sick … but now I鈥檝e got my legs under me so you鈥檙e going to see me,鈥 Foxx said.

Foxx is one of the black actors that have changed Hollywood, discover more here.

11. Chris Rock

Chris Rock

, , via Wikimedia Commons

This stand-up comedian cum actor who doubles as a filmmaker is one of the top-grossing black Hollywood actors with a net worth of about $60 million. He is popular for his edgy humor and quick wit on issues of race, sexuality, and observational humor. He gained high reception while on the NBC comedy series, Saturday Night Live (1990 to 1993).

His notable film appearances include New Jack City (1991), Boomerang (1992), I Think I Love My Wife (2007), Amsterdam (2022), and Selective Outrage (2023) among others.

Controversial Fact, Chris Rock was attacked by Will Smith on stage with an open palm strike at the 2022 Academy Awards for making a bad joke about Smith. Besides, Rock has hosted the Oscars twice in 2005 and 2016.

12. Idris Elba

He is famed for playing Stringer Bell the drug trafficker on the HBO series The Wire from 2002 to 2004. His other prominent role was in the BBC One series Luther which ran from 2010 to 2019. He portrayed DCI John Luther in the series. Another source of his acclaim is Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) where he played the role of Nelson Mandela.

Additionally, his net worth as per 2023 data is estimated at $40 million. He is one of the top-grossing black actors in Hollywood, with some of his films having global box office revenue of at least $9.8 billion in 2019. He doubles as a DJ and an R&B singer.

13. Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle

, , via Wikimedia Commons

His first screen appearance was on Hamburger Hill (1987). His breakout performance came in the 1990s. The movie, Devil in a Blue Dress released in 1995 was his ladder to Hollywood stardom. He co-starred in the film alongside Denzel Washington (earlier). His role as James “Rhodey” Rhodes on Iron Man 2 (2010) also increased his global acclaim. Cheadle鈥檚 net worth is valued at $40 million in 2023.

His famous film appearances consist of:

  • Boogie Nights (1997)
  • Out of Sight (1998)
  • The Ocean’s Trilogy (2001鈥2007)
  • No Sudden Move (2021)
  • Black Monday (2019-2021)
  • House of Lies (2012鈥2016)

14. Danny Glover

He became prominent for casting in the Lethal Weapon series as Roger Murtaugh. This made him a household name in Hollywood receiving respect as one of the industry鈥檚 highest-paid black actors. His valuation in 2023 stands at a net worth of $40 million.

His other film roles include The Color Purple, To Sleep with Anger, Predator 2, and Operation Dumbo Drop. He received an admission to the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame in 2023.

15. Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne

, , via Wikimedia Commons

One of the highest-paid black actors in Hollywood. His net worth estimate is $30 million in 2023. The forceful, militant, and authoritative persona in his films is what makes him a unique character. Some of his headlined film appearances include:

  • What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993)
  • The Matrix series (1999鈥2003)
  • CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2008鈥2011)
  • Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
  • John Wick film series from 2017 to date
  • Hannibal (2013鈥2015)
  • Black-ish (2014鈥2022)

Who are the black actor Oscar winners? Meet them here

16. Ving Rhames

His net worth stands at $25 million in 2023 making him content a place among the highest-paid black actors in Hollywood. He is renowned for being the voice behind most of Arby’s commercials since 2015. He is also acknowledged for his role as IMF Agent Luther Stickell in all Mission: Impossible films from 1996.

Over and above that, Rhames received praise for his role as gang kingpin Marsellus Wallace in the 1994 film, Pulp Fiction. His other famed films include Striptease (1996), Dawn of the Dead (2004) and, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007).

17. Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker

, , via Wikimedia Commons

His portrayal of the Idi Amin character in The Last King of Scotland (2006) saw him receive worldwide praise. Hence earning his position in the echelons of the top black earners in Hollywood. His net worth is valued at $25 million.

What鈥檚 more, Whitaker has taken part in other films like Godfather of Harlem, Black Panther (2018), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) and Respect (2021).

18. Michael B. Jordan

He has played major titles which have pushed him to rank as one of the highest-paid black actors in Hollywood. As per 2023 data, his net worth is estimated at $25 million. His prominence began in 2013 when he played the role of a shooting victim Oscar Grant in the drama film, Fruitvale Station (2013).

Furthermore, his other big titles include portraying boxer Adonis Creed in Creed (2015). He reprised his role in the sequels Creed II (2018) and Creed III in 2023. In 2018 he played Erik Killmonger in Black Panther.

19. Daniel Kaluuya

Daniel Kaluuya

, , via Wikimedia Commons

The Hollywood star began his acting career on British screens and later joined  Hollywood. With a net worth of about $15 million in 2023, he has risen to be counted among the highest-paid black actors in Hollywood.

Some of Kaluuya’s Hollywood big title films include:

  • Get Out (2017)
  • Black Panther (2018)
  • Widows (2018)
  • Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)
  • Nope (2022)

20. Cuba Gooding Jr.

His acting skills have gained him acclaim as well as amassed him wealth estimated at $12 million in 2023. The role of Tre Styles in Boyz n the Hood (1991), was his rise to the spotlight in the film industry.

Cuba鈥檚 other successful films are Jerry Maguire (1996), Men of Honor (2000), American Gangster (2007), The Butler (2013), Selma (2014), and The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story.

Controversial Fact, he settled a civil sex abuse case in June 2023 just before the trial began. He was facing accusations of raping a lady in a New York City hotel about 10 years ago.

NPR (National Public Radio) reported on June 6 2023 about Cuba鈥檚 rape accusations,

鈥淢inutes after jurors were to begin assembling in a courtroom, a calendar entry in the official court record said: “TRIAL OFF.” It added: “Reason for cancellation (on consent): the parties have resolved the matter.”

See our list of the legendary black actors with over five decades of experience.

21. LL Cool J

LL Cool J

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

James Todd Smith is his official name but he is dubbed the Ladies Love Cool James (LL Cool J). He is noted as one of the earliest rappers to gain commercial success. Yet he has also proven his acting skills in films like Halloween H20 in 1998, Any Given Sunday (1999), Last Holiday, and the CBS series, NCIS: Los Angeles.

The Hollywood star received a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2021 and his net worth stands at $120 million in 2023.

22. John David Washington

He follows after his father Denzel Washington (earlier). His net worth is estimated at 8 million dollars in 2023. He was featured in the HBO comedy series Ballers from 2015 to 2019.

Moreover, his rise to Hollywood stardom came in 2018 with the crime film BlacKkKlansman. The action-thriller Tenet in 2020 also increased his recognition in the film scene.

23. Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie

, , via Wikimedia Commons

The Hurt Locker film in 2008 made Mackie a big name in Hollywood. His net worth stands at $8 million in 2023. He later joined MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) with hopes to cast as Black Panther only to find out it was for Falcon. He revealed this while in an interview with Inverse.

Mackie鈥檚 take in an Inverse interview, 鈥淚 had been contacting Marvel a lot about Black Panther,鈥 Mackie said. 鈥淚 had written them letters. I was trying to find a way to make them make Black Panther. And I wanted to be Black Panther because growing up I fucking loved Black Panther. 鈥淪o when they hit me up and they were like,鈥榊o, so it鈥檚 Sam Wilson,鈥 I鈥檓 like, Really?鈥

24. Lakeith Stanfield

He has become a household name in Hollywood with appearances in films such as Short Term 12 (2013), Selma (2014), Dope (2015) and Atlanta (2016鈥2022). He is one of the highest-paid black actors in Hollywood and boasts a net worth of $6 million in 2023.

Money aside, the looks are part of the craft, check out Hollywood’s most handsome black actors

25. Chris Tucker

Chris Tucker

, , via Wikimedia Commons

His acknowledgment as a Hollywood star came in the 2000s when he portrayed Detective James Carter in the Rush Hour series. Before then he had been cast in films like Friday, The Fifth Element, and Money Talks.

Besides, his entry into show business began with stand-up comedy. With a net worth of $5 million in 2023 makes him one of the highest-paid black actors in Hollywood.

26.Sterling K. Brown

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Sterling K. Brown鈥檚 rise to the top of Hollywood鈥檚 highest earners is a testament to his exceptional acting skills and the diverse. His $10 million net worth is a reflection of his success in the industry. His portrayal of Christopher Darden in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story marked a significant milestone, earning him an Emmy.

His role as Randall Pearson in This Is Us further cemented his status, bringing him both an Emmy and a Golden Globe. Brown鈥檚 television triumphs opened doors to the silver screen, where he shone in films like Marshall, Black Panther, and Waves.

His role in American Fiction garnered him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

27.Djimon Hounsou

Djimon Hounsou鈥s net worth of $4 million is testament to his relentless determination and skill. His initial entry into the entertainment industry was through music videos and later led up  to his appearance on Without You I鈥檓 Nothing.

Hounsou鈥檚 standout performance as Cinqu茅 in Amistad brought him into the limelight with a Golden Globe nomination. His dynamic range has been showcased across the Marvel and DC universes, taking on roles such as Korath the Pursuer and the wizard Shazam.

With In Search of Voodoo: Roots to Heaven, Hounsou expanded his horizons into directing. This move further solidifying his status as one of the most financially successful black actors in Hollywood.

28.Terry Crews

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Terry Crews, recognized for his acting career and former NFL stint, possesses a net worth estimated at $25 million. Terry Crews鈥 remarkable journey from the football field to the entertainment spotlight is a story of exceptional transition.

Post his NFL career, Crews ventured into acting and quickly rose to fame with performances in The 6th Day, White Chicks, and the Expendables. His natural comedic talent was highlighted in the iconic Old Spice commercials and his portrayal of Terry Jeffords in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Crews also made his mark as a host on popular shows like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and America鈥檚 Got Talent.

29.Dave Chappelle

Dave Chappelle, the renowned American comedian and actor, has a net worth of $70 million. Dave Chappelle has become one of the best-paid actors in Hollywood thanks to his amazing talent for making people laugh and smart career choices. He started out in stand-up comedy, which led to his very popular TV show, Chappelle鈥檚 Show.

When he left the show while it was still doing great, people were even more interested in him. He took a break and then came back to comedy, selling out shows everywhere. His humor, which makes people think and laugh, made him a comedy star.

Back in 2016, he made a big deal with Netflix, making about $20 million for each comedy special he released. Chappelle has won several Emmy Awards, including for his appearances on Saturday Night Live, and Grammy Awards for his comedy albums on Netflix.

30.Mahershala Ali

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Mahershala Ali, the esteemed actor from the United States, boasts a net worth estimated at $12 million. He has become one of the best-paid actors in Hollywood because he鈥檚 really good at what he does. He started out with roles on TV shows like Crossing Jordan and The 4400.

But it was his part in the Netflix show House of Cards that really got people鈥檚 attention. He then played Juan in the movie Moonlight, which won him an Oscar, making him the first Muslim to win that award.

He didn鈥檛 stop there and won another Oscar for his role in Green Book, becoming the first black actor to win two Oscars for supporting roles.

These highest-paid black actors in Hollywood are a testament that the tide is finally turning. Thus more black actors are being cast in main roles in big title films and television shows. Better yet, their talent and skill are also receiving international appreciation.

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