Hollywood’s Highest Paid Black Actors and Actresses

Since the start of Hollywood, Black people have made a tremendous contribution to the television networks and Film industries, with major stars like Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Hart, Halle Berry, among many other Black actors and actresses who grace the industry.

Like every other sector of the U.S economy, many Blacks in the TV and Film industry do not get the proper attention and pay for their work compared to their white counterparts or co-stars. Only a few Blacks in the industry actually make it to the peak of their careers and earn the kind of pay they deserve.

The highest-paid Black Hollywood actors and actresses include:

Tyler Perry - Black Actor

Tyler Perry ($600 million)

Tyler Perry is not just an actor in the TV and movie industry, he has grown to be a force in the entertainment industry. He is also a writer, a producer, and a movie director. He owns his own production company, Tyler Perry Studios where he has produced various hit movies and TV series. Perry has played a major role is creating strong Black presence and representation in the industry. Through his influence, he has launched many Black actors and actresses into their acting careers. One of his greatest accomplishments is being the first Black man to own a wholly Black-owned film studio resting on 330 acres of land. He is not only the highest paid Black actors but one of the highest paid actors in Hollywood.

Will Smith. 

Will Smith ($300 million)

Will Smith is one of Hollywood’s best actors since his teenage days. The actor started off his early career days as a musician. Over the last three decades, Smith has grown to be one of the most sought after actors in Hollywood, featuring in movies alongside other top rated actors. His most recent movies include Aladdin, Bad Boys for Life II, Gemini Man, and the 2019 animation Spies in Disguise.

Actor Samuel L. Jackson 

Samuel L. Jackson is said to be the industry’s most bankable star and has been active in Hollywood for over four decades. His longstanding career has been an expression of his passion for the industry. He is also considered as one of Hollywood’s icons and quite popular for his catch phrases both on the screen and off the screen.

Actor Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington ($250 million)

Denzel Washington is one of Hollywood’s finest and highest-paid actors. He is an award-winning actor who has built a strong career in the industry over the last three decades. Through his influence in the industry, Denzel has opened the doors for other Black actors to pursue a career in Hollywood. He has since made a name for himself both on and off-screen, his legacy also hangs high in Hollywood.

Martin Lawrence - Actor 

Martin Lawrence ($110 million)

Actor and comedian Martins Lawrence is another leading Black actor in Hollywood, known for his roles in hit movies like Big Momma’s House, Bad Boys, Love and Hate. Through his TV series Martin, Lawrence has redefined the era of Black sitcoms, making them more acceptable and well represented in the society. All through his years in Hollywood, he has earned good recognition and has also opened the doors to other Black actors. Lawrence has featured in movies alongside other Black icons like Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, Bernie Mac, and others.

Halle Berry ($90 million)

Halle Berry is the highest-paid Black actress. She is also the first Black actress to win an Academy Award for Best Actress. She has starred blockbuster movies such as Boomerang, X-Men, Monster’s Ball and more. Through her influence in the industry, Berry has opened doors of opportunities to Black actresses and has motivated them to aim higher in their careers.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah ($70 million)

Queen Latifah is one of Hollywood’s finest Black actresses. She has had a rewarding acting career although she began her entertainment career in the music industry. Her stunning performance in the TV and Film industry has earned her a star on the Holllywood Walk of Fame. Latifah has featured in hit sitcoms and movies such as Living Single, Hairspray, Last Holiday, Set It Off, Chicago, and many more.

Gabrielle Union 

Gabrielle Union-Wade ($40 million)

Gabrielle Union has had a long and substantial career in the movie industry. She is also regarded as one of the finest Black actresses in Hollywood, featuring in movies like Being Mary Jane, Bring it On, and Saved by the Bell, in her early career. Two decades later, Union has become one of the most sought after actresses in the industry. She has also earned other titles such as author and philanthropist. She is also an advocate for women.

Kerry Washinton 

Kerry Washington ($25 million)

Kerry Washington has worked for years as a successful actress in both Hollywood and Broadway. She is best known for her lead role in ABC’S Scandal. Her long success in the industry resulted to her starting her own production company, Simpson Street. She has also helped other major production companies to produce movies, for example HBO’s Insecure. She currently starts in a co-produced series Little Fires Everywhere, together with Reese Witherspoon.

Regina King

Regina King ($12 million)

Regina King has long been in the movie industry, taking Hollywood by storm since her teenage days. She has featured in TV sitcoms, animations, and films. She has also been nominated for Oscar awards many times and has continued to thrive in her acting career. King has featured in blockbuster movies such as If Beale Street Could Talk, and HBO’S series Watchman. She also recently won Best Supporting Actress.