HR Strange But True

That’s Hollywood! That’s Compensation! Forbes Top 10 Highest-Paid Actresses

By Elaine V. Quayle, BLR Editor

Even in this poor economy, somebody has to be the highest paid. But the number one earner on this year’s Forbes list of the “Top 10 Highest-Paid Actresses” may be a real surprise—and so are her earnings!

While many favorites remain on the list of highest-earnings actresses, this year’s top spot goes to Kristin Stewart, the 22-year old, Gen Y star of the “Twilight” movies, who made $34.5 million playing Bella Swan. 

Forbes’ Hollywood and “Celebrity 100” reporter Dorothy Pomerantz explains that Stewart’s success in the megapopular film series made her “indispensible—and the studio had to pay up.”  However, Pomerantz reports that Stewart only ranked 43 on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list, which measures money and fame.  Does that make you feel better if you don’t know who Kristin Stewart is?

Well, you will certainly recognize the rest of the names on the list (well, maybe not #9 if you don’t stay up late on Saturday nights)
#2—Cameron Diaz ($34 million)
#3—Sandra Bullock ($25 million)
#4—Angelina Jolie ($20 million)
#5—Charlize Theron ($18 million)
#6—Julia Roberts ($16 million)
#7—Sarah Jessica Parker ($15 million)
#8—Meryl Streep ($12 million)
#9—Kristin Wiig* ($12 million)
#10—Jennifer Aniston ($11 million)

Meryl Streep is reported to be reprising her Devilish role as the meanest boss ever to wear Prada, which may kick her up a few positions on next year’s list. 

*Saturday Night Live and Bridesmaids performer/writer

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