In 2024, the entertainment industry continued to showcase the immense talent and earning power of Black actors, with several dominating Forbes’ annual list of the highest-paid actors. Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Will Smith, and Denzel Washington stood out not only for their exceptional performances but also for their ability to command top dollar in Hollywood and beyond.
Many of these stars continue to receive sizable checks each year from old projects including TV shows and movies, Forbes said.
Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson once again proved why he’s one of the most bankable stars in the world. With a combination of blockbuster films, lucrative production deals, and his ever-expanding business empire, Johnson secured his place as the highest-paid actor of 2024.
According to Forbes, he made $88 million under the year in review. Also, his return to the top spot comes after landing what is believed to be the largest fee-plus-buyout in streaming movie history, an estimated $50 million to star in Amazon’s Red One last year.
He also negotiated for a percentage of Moana 2’s profits as an executive producer when the movie pivoted from a TV series to a theatrical release. This was an unprecedented deal for voice actors in Disney animation, Forbes said. “After the movie grossed over $1 billion at the box office, Johnson, 52, made what one agent calls ‘an ungodly amount of money’,” Forbes wrote.
Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart continued to reign as one of the most influential figures in comedy and entertainment. In 2024, Hart’s earnings were driven by his stand-up tours, film roles, and his growing presence as a producer and entrepreneur. He made $81 million, according to Forbes.
Also contributing to Hart’s earnings include commercial campaigns with DraftKings and Chase. What is more, his production company, HartBeat Productions, has also been a significant contributor to his income, as it continues to develop content for streaming platforms and traditional media.
Will Smith
There are mixed opinions in Hollywood about whether the 56-year-old Oscar winner has fully made a comeback following the infamous 2022 slap incident.
However, everyone agrees that revisiting the role that originally catapulted him to stardom was a smart move. His 2024 film, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, proved to be a major success, becoming one of the fewer than 20 movies last year to surpass $400 million in global box office earnings. He made $26 million in 2024.
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington is one of the most celebrated icons in Hollywood known for his commanding performances, visionary direction and persistent impact on the film industry. He has inspired generations and earned countless accolades with a career which has spanned decades.
He recently played a villainous role in Gladiator II that brought him another substantial paycheck. Also, he continues to reap significant earnings from the enduring success of his extensive 40-year filmography, which includes dozens of hits.
Washington is known to have played roles in films like Mo’ Better Blues in 1990, Mississippi Masala in 1991, Philadelphia in 1993, Courage Under Fire in 1996, Remember the Titans in 2000, Man on Fire in 2004, Inside Man in 2006, American Gangster in 2007, The Equalizer trilogy from 2014 to 2023 and The Magnificent Seven in 2016.
The 70-year-old made $23 million in 2024.
