Becoming the world’s highest-paid actor or actress is usually straightforward star in a blockbuster or be Hollywood’s most in-demand celebrity. Over the years, names like Johnny Depp, Dwayne Johnson, Robert Downey Jr., Angelina Jolie, Margot Robbie, and Nicole Kidman have ruled the charts. However, in 2020, one actress made history by topping the list without releasing a single film that year.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the film industry, with theatres shutting down and major releases getting postponed. While Dwayne Johnson led Forbes’ highest-paid actors list with $87 million, the title of the highest-paid actress slipped from Scarlett Johansson, who had held it for two consecutive years. Surprisingly, the new name at the top wasn’t a film star but a television icon.
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The Power Of Television & Smart Deals
With cinemas struggling, television and streaming gained momentum. The actress who claimed the top spot had a remarkable year with multiple TV projects. She starred in the final season of her hit sitcom, appeared in a special farewell episode, and secured a judging role on a popular reality show. These ventures collectively earned her an impressive $43 million- more than any female film star that year.
Beating Hollywood’s Biggest Names
Forbes’ list in 2020 saw a shift, with television personalities making a stronger impact. Despite this, Hollywood heavyweights like Angelina Jolie ($35 million), Gal Gadot ($31 million), Meryl Streep ($24 million), and Nicole Kidman ($22 million) still made it to the rankings. However, former top earners like Jennifer Lopez and Scarlett Johansson didn’t even make the top 10.
The actress who claimed the title was none other than Sofia Vergara, the beloved star of Modern Family. Since then, she has continued her success in television and streaming, appearing as a judge on America’s Got Talent and leading Netflix’s Griselda. While she may no longer hold the top spot, her journey proves that strategic career moves can sometimes be more lucrative than big-screen stardom.
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