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Hollywood's Top Earners

June 15, 2009 16:02 IST
Harrison Ford in a scene from the Crystal Skull

Harrison Ford has emerged on top of Forbes magazine's 'Hollywood's Top Earners' list, beating off competition from much younger actors like Will Smith and Tom Cruise.

The 66-year-old star emerged on top of the industry's earning tree thanks to the USD 65 million pay check he received for reprising the role of adventurer Indiana Jones in the fourth installment of the franchise.

"In order to lure Ford out of his semi-retirement, Paramount agreed to a lucrative deal that split almost all of the film's earnings between the star, Steven Speilberg and George Lucas," said the report.

The Crystal Skull took more than USD 600 million in worldwide box office receipts and became the 23rd most successful film of all time despite receiving luke-warm reviews from the critics.

Hollywood's Top Earners

June 15, 2009 16:02 IST
Adam Sandler in a scene from You Don't Mess With The Zohan

Coming in behind Ford with USD 55 million was Adam Sandler. The comic took home 36.6m thanks to the success of You Don't Mess With The Zohan, and Bedtime Stories.

Hollywood's Top Earners

June 15, 2009 16:02 IST
Will Smith in a scene from Seven Pounds

Will Smith, who earlier in the year was voted the most bankable Hollywood star, took the third place with USD 30 million.

Two of his films Hancock and Seven Pounds were slammed by critics yet took over USD 800 million at the box office, proving the public's love for the actor.

Hollywood's Top Earners

June 15, 2009 16:02 IST
Eddie Murphy in a scene from Meet Dave
Despite a string of flops such as Meet Dave, Eddie Murphy was still able to pull in at the fourth place.

Hollywood's Top Earners

June 15, 2009 16:02 IST
Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage who has six movies scheduled to hit theatres in the next two years rounded off the top five.