The film industry brings in massive revenue each year. It’s expected that by 2020, the annual earnings will be near $50 billion. And Hollywood isn’t the only locale priding itself on prolific productions on the silver screen. India’s Bollywood has been producing motion pictures since as far back as 1913 and is firmly established as a staple in the industry.
So how do all these numbers slice up? Along with being downright talented, these 5 actors have successfully branded themselves to become the wealthiest men of all time in the film industry, according to The Richest. The No. 1 name on the list might surprise you.
Mel Gibson
Born a New Yorker, Mel Gibson spent the majority of his upbringing in Australia. Trying his luck as a budding actor in the films Mad Max and Tim, Gibson was on the map for becoming an extremely successful film actor. Upon returning to America, Gibson landed his first U.S. role in the film The River, which won four Academy Awards. But Gibson has managed to ruffle lots of feathers throughout his career with a handful of controversial remarks based on race and homosexuality.
4. George Clooney
The ever-so-handsome George Clooney has been making hearts skip beats for decades. The 56-year-old Kentucky native has humble roots. After dropping out of college and working as a tobacco harvester, Clooney’s cousin encouraged him to pursue acting. So he did. And it’s fair to say that was a good decision. With numerous Golden Globes and Oscars under his belt, Clooney is a Hollywood staple.
3. Tom Cruise
From Risky Business to Top Gun, Jerry McGuire, and the Mission Impossible films, the New York native certainly found stardom early in his career. Tom Cruise‘s box office hits produce millions dollars. And there aren’t any signs of that stopping.
2. Shah Rukh Khan
Nicknamed the king of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan is easily the most successful actors in all of Bollywood. Born in New Delhi, India, Khan got his acting start with his role in the TV series Fauji back in 1988. Khan made his film debut in Deewana in 1992 and has continued to find stardom in leading roles ever since.
1. Merv Griffin
It’s fair to say that Merv Griffin (who died in 2007) was a genius when it came to figuring out the entertainment industry. Griffin got his start singing with the San Francisco Sketchbook and eventually releasing his own album I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts. This was just the beginning. Griffin hosted his own daytime talk show called The Merv Griffin Show, and as an actor he made appearances on TV shows such as Newhart and Sanford and Son. He went on to create the brilliant game shows we all know and love: Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Griffin’s wise creations and investments led him to become the wealthiest man in the entertainment business.